The City of Welland is in the process of updating its Official Plan. As Welland continues to grow and evolve, the Official Plan requires a review and update of its current policies, goals, and objectives.

The Official Plan is a planning policy document that guides both short and long-term growth and development.

The City and retained planning consultants led by SGL Planning & Design Inc. have completed the work to update the City’s Official Plan. The new Official Plan will ensure that growth in the community is appropriately accommodated in the context of the City’s unique history and character.

Key highlights of the updated Official Plan include:

• Strategic directions focused on creating vibrant, healthy communities, addressing climate change, and economic vitality.
• Acknowledgment of First Nations history and treaty lands.
• Updated growth management strategies, including revised population and dwelling forecasts and increased intensification targets to accommodate Welland’s projected growth.
• Identified areas for growth within the City.
• Emphasis on the preservation of natural environmental systems, green spaces, and tree protection.
• Integration of art, culture, and design considerations to enhance the quality of life of all residents.
• Promotion of active transportation and updated infrastructure policies.
• Conforming with provincial policies.

Draft Official Plan

An updated draft Official Plan has been prepared based on policy recommendations and feedback from Phase 2 of the study, comments on earlier drafts, recent Provincial policy and legislative changes, and input from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH). To view the updated draft, along with maps and appendices, visit the Documents section on this page or the City’s Official Plan web page.

Statutory Public Open House and Statutory Public Meeting

Please see the Key Dates Section for more information on the Public Meetings.

Comments may be provided verbally and/or as a written submission. Written comments should be submitted prior to November 28, 2025 and sent by regular mail to Planning and Development Services, City of Welland, 60 East Main Street, Welland, Ontario L3B 3X4, or e-mail to officialplan@welland.ca.