Fire Ban in Effect – August 14, 2025
West Grey Fire Service has issued a ban on all outdoor/open-air burning until further notice due to hot, dry conditions. All burn permits are suspended.
Allowed: Small campfires (max 61 cm) for cooking/warmth in approved pits/devices, BBQs, and similar appliances.
For more information, visit here.
Our Official Plan is a long-term plan that provides a policy framework for the following:
The Planning Act of Ontario requires municipalities to regularly review their Official Plans to reflect updates to legislation, Provincial plans and policies, and County of Grey Official Plan.
The purpose of the new Official Plan is to update and replace the existing 2012 West Grey Official Plan for the Settlement Areas of Durham and Neustadt.
The review of the Municipality’s Official Plan began in 2020 and was put on hold due to extenuating circumstances. The project was reinitiated in 2025 with updates to reflect Provincial legislative changes.
The new Official Plan applies only to the primary settlement areas of Durham and Neustadt. Lands outside of theses two areas will continue to be subject to the rules and regulations of the County of Grey Official Plan.
The new Official Plan contains goals, objectives and policies that guide West Grey Council, its committees, public servants and the public with regard to land use. The local basis for the official plan includes:
The proposed Official Plan includes a new ‘Employment Lands’ designation that replaces the current ‘Industrial’ designation. Revised additional residential housing polices, revised policies on infrastructure construction. Updated land use and constraint schedules have also been introduced.
The Official Plan review is focused on the following key themes:
Official Plan Open House
Pursuant to Sections 26(3) and 17(16) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13, as amended, West Grey will host two open house’s:
The purpose of the Open House is to provide members of the public with the opportunity to learn about the draft new Official Plan, ask staff questions, and provide comments.
There will be no formal presentation at the Open House.
Written comments may be sent to the Planning Department by emailing notice@westgrey.com, or by mailing the Planning Department at: 402813 Grey Road 4, Durham, ON, N0G 1R0.
Frequently Asked Questions
What lands are affected by the new Official Plan?
The new Official Plan applies only to the primary settlement areas of Durham and Neustadt as shown on Schedule A (Land Use Plan Durham) and Schedule B (Land Use Plan Neustadt):
Lands outside of the two primary settlement areas will continue to be subject to the rules and regulations of the County of Grey Official Plan.
Where is the latest draft of the new Official Plan and associated Schedules located?
Why do we need to update the Official Plan?
Section 26(1) of the Planning Act outlines the requirements for updating an existing Official Plan. An approved Official Plan can be reviewed at any time, but each local council must update its official plan at least ten years from the date the plan came into effect in the case of a new comprehensive official plan. When an Official Plan is not being replaced, it should be updated at least every five years. This ensures the plan is consistent with Provincial policies and conforms and/or does not conflict with provincial plans, as required. If the plan is inconsistent or conflicts with the statement, the plan is expected to be updated.
What guides the preparation of the new Official Plan?
There are several planning documents that guide land use planning in Ontario, including:
How can I provide feedback on the new Official Plan?
Please provide any feedback on the new Official Plan in writing to the Planning Department by emailing notice@westgrey.com, or by mailing the Planning Department at: 402813 Grey Road 4, Durham, ON, N0G 1R0.
Please subscribe to this page to get an email update on when the content on this page is updated and stay tuned for more information.
Will this impact the zoning on my property?
The new Official Plan may impact the future zoning of your property.
The Planning Act requires that West Grey update its Zoning By-law within three years after the Official Plan is approved by the County of Grey.
Will the new Official Plan impact the property taxes on my property?
Property taxes are determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).
Land use planning, such as official plans and zoning by-laws, may have an impact on the assessed value of your property, and subsequently the amount of property tax owing.
Contact Us
Municipality of West Grey
402813 Grey Road 4
Durham, ON N0G 1R0
info@westgrey.com
519-369-2200
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