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British Whig Building, King Street in KingstonThe Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing strives to create strong communities that are well designed and planned, better able to provide a healthy living environment and sustain thriving local economies by attracting jobs and investment.  We work to implement a land use planning system that is simple and streamlined, where there is better and more timely land use planning decisions, and where municipalities have the major role in planning decisions.  Together with other ministries, we identify and protect provincial interests and promote sound infrastructure planning, environmental protection, economic development and safe communities.

The Municipal Services Office - Eastern Ontario (MSO-E) provides a policy-led 'One Window' planning service that protects provincial interests through provincial input, review, decision-making, appeal and tracking of land use planning applications.  In addition to the one-window service, MSO-E works with its 114 client municipalities to promote innovative approaches and practices in land use planning and to support the implementation of Provincial initiatives, such as brownfields redevelopment, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

Planning Applications and Approvals

The approval authority for Planning Act applications in your municipality varies depending on the municipality and the type of planning application. Contact your municipality to determine who the approval authority is for your particular planning application and to obtain copies of planning application forms.

Approvals Process

Application Forms

Municipalities are encouraged to consult with the Planners at MSO-E prior to submitting an application.  This early consultation will provide proponents with information on provincial interests, information needs and resolution of potential disputes.

Legislation, Policy and Regulations

Planning Reform
Legislation to reform Ontario's land-use planning system and promote sustainable development has been passed by the Ontario Legislature. Learn about the government's changes to the Planning Act, the Planning and Conservation Land Statute Law Amendment Act, 2006, which received Royal Assent on October 19, 2006.

Planning Act
One of the primary legislative tools in land-use planning is the Planning Act; follow this link to read the text of the Planning Act and associated regulations.

The Strong Communities (Planning Amendment) Act, 2004 (Bill 26)
The Act received Royal Assent on November 30, 2004. It puts the public first, by opening up the planning process by allowing more time for public scrutiny, boosting environmental protection and better protecting the public interest.

Provincial Policy Statement (PPS)
The Provincial Policy Statement is the complimentary policy document to the Planning Act. It provides policy direction to decision makers on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. The Planning Act requires that the Provincial Policy Statement be reviewed periodically to make sure its policies are still effective. The new Provincial Policy Statement (2005) took effect March 1, 2005.

Brownfields Ontario   
Brownfields redevelopment is a critical part of building strong, healthy communities. Redeveloping unused, former industrial or commercial sites will help revitalize neighbourhoods, create jobs and housing, and boost development in areas with existing transit, infrastructure and community facilities.

The Oak Ridges Moraine
The Oak Ridges Moraine is one of Ontario’s most significant landforms, which has been identified by the Province of Ontario as having a unique concentration of environmental, geological and hydrological features under the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001.

Greenbelt Act, 2005
The Greenbelt Act, 2005 enables the creation of a Greenbelt Plan to protect about 1 million acres of environmentally sensitive and agricultural land in the Golden Horseshoe from urban development and sprawl.

Places to Grow
Places to Grow: Better Choices. Brighter Future is the provincial government’s vision for managing growth in Ontario in ways that create strong economies, build strong communities and promote a healthy environment.  Learn more about this vision and the “Places to Grow: Better Choices. Brighter Future” discussion paper.

Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR)
The EBR makes it possible for the public to participate in government decision-making on matters that could affect the environment.

Ontario Building Code
Find information on how to obtain copies of the Ontario Building Code here.

One Window Planning Services

The One Window Planning Service is delivered regionally by the Ministry’s Municipal Services Offices in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM), Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and Ministry of Culture (MCL).

Municipal Plan Review and One Window Provincial Planning Service Handbook

One Window Planning Services Contact Map Attachment (44.9 KB) 
This map provides One Window Provincial Planning Services Planner Contact Information for MSO – Eastern Ontario.

The Ontario Land Use Planning System – Resources

Citizen’s Guides to Land-use Planning
Are you looking for a plain-language version of the legislation?  Read the Citizen’s Guides to Land-use Planning and information on the provincial One-Window Planning and Municipal Plan Review approaches to land use planning in Ontario.

Municipal Tools for Planning and Development Infosheets 
Learn more about municipal tools for planning and development.

Transit Supportive Land Use Planning Guide

Innovative Municipal Land Use Planning Practices Guide

Accessibility Tools for Municipalities
The Government of Ontario is committed to ensuring that people have access to the services and information they need to help them lead full and productive lives. This page contains information that can help municipalities improve accessibility for people with diverse abilities and needs.

Ontario Municipal Board
The Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) is an independent adjudicative tribunal that hears appeals and applications and resolves land use disputes under the Planning Act and other legislation.  Also note this link for recent OMB Decisions available on-line.

Conservation Ontario
Detailed information about individual Conservation Authorities in the province. Find your local CA here.

MMAH Learning Centre has presentations, quizzes, case studies, a library of publications and other government training materials related to land use planning, the Building Code and the environment.

Algonquin Land Claim
Here you'll find information on what the claim is all about, including its historical origins. You'll be able to survey a map of the territory in question, review our most frequently asked questions, order publications written about the claim and find out how you can learn even more about it.

Alternative Energy - Wolfe Island Wind Project
Look here for information on the proposed 86-turbine wind farm to be located on Wolfe Island near Kingston.

Maps

Association/Organizations

Provincial Ministries, Services and Federal Agencies

Provincial Government of Ontario

Federal Government