Ontario Land Tribunal approves The London Plan

On May 25, 2022, the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) issued a decision for the City of London, approving all of the remaining policies of The London Plan. This final approval now brings The London Plan into full force and effect.

With this decision, the London Plan becomes the only official plan for the City of London, repealing and replacing the 1989 Official Plan. The London Plan sets the policy framework that directs all future planning decisions, including the review of planning applications.  Planning applications that are already in progress will continue uninterrupted.

“Development of our new official plan began back in 2011 with extensive community conversations,” says Gregg Barrett, Director of Planning and Development. “Londoners were asked what kind of city they wanted to see by the year 2035. The plan that emerged brings a new vision, values, key directions, and policies that will shape the growth of London for years to come.”

Eight key directions define the planning approach of The London Plan and serve as its foundation:

1. Plan strategically for a prosperous city
2. Connect London to the surrounding region
3. Celebrate and support London as a culturally rich, creative, and diverse city
4. Become one of the greenest cities in Canada
5. Build a mixed-use compact city
6. Place a new emphasis on creating attractive mobility choices
7. Build strong, healthy and attractive neighbourhoods for everyone
8. Make wise planning decisions

The London Plan was adopted by City Council and approved by the Province in 2016. The decision of the Ontario Land Tribunal comes as the result of appeals filed following its approval.  A staff report on the OLT decision will be provided to the Planning and Environment Committee on June 20.