Area & Secondary Plans

Area Plan In 1996, Municipal Council approved the Vision London Official Plan Amendment, or OPA 88 as it is commonly referred to, which amongst other things delineated an Urban Growth Area for the City of London covering a portion of lands annexed to the City on January 1, 1993. Vacant lands Urban Growth Area were designated as either:

Urban Reserve-Community Growth, indicating the intent for primarily residential development; or,
Urban Reserve - Industrial Growth, indicating the intent for primarily industrial development.

The vacant portion of the Urban Growth Area was divided into a number of Community Planning Areas to allow for more detailed studies leading to the preparation of an Area Plan or a study that provides a basis for designating more specific land uses to replace the Urban Reserve designation while providing direction for zoning, subdivision planning, servicing and community facility planning.

Active Area & Secondary Plans

Completed Area Plans

Active Community Improvement Plans

SOHO (South of Horton)

What does an Area and Secondary Plan do?

An Area Plan will provide a comprehensive assessment of the opportunities and constraints for the planning and development of a study area. As set out in London’s Official Plan (Sect. 2.6.8), an area study will provide the basis for an Official Plan amendment that will apply specific land use designations; identify or refine environmental features, areas and natural resources; and identify collector road alignments. Area studies are also intended to provide for the co-ordination of development among multiple land owners and provide direction for:

Community vision, placemaking and urban design;
Co-ordination and integration of new development with existing surrounding land uses;
Building upon unique heritage and landscape features;
The location and size of parks, schools and other community facilities that may be needed;
Housing mix and densities;
Municipal services;
The delineation, protection and management of natural heritage areas;
The phasing of development;
Pedestrian and bicycle routes;
Transit routing and supportive facilities;
Site and subdivision design criteria; and
Local road access to arterial and collector roads.

How Are Area and Secondary Plans Prepared?

The Official Plan indicates that Area Planning Studies may be undertaken by the City or by consultants retained by landowners in the Community Planning area. Guidelines for the Area Planning process were adopted by City Council in March of 1996. The Area Planning Process is a five-stage process that encourages public participation at all stages.

I. Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference sets out the planning study requirements and what the plan is intended to achieve. The Area Plan will identify issues and address matters such as land use, residential density, servicing, transportation needs and the environment. The Terms of Reference will be reviewed by the public at an advertised meeting.
II. Initial Background Studies
This phase involves more detailed studies with the intent of establishing the basic elements to be accounted for in the land use options. Such studies will include land needs, community facilities, parks and open space, and traffic and transportation. Again, the public will be given the opportunity to review the studies at a workshop and open house.
III. Development of Alternative Land Use Options
Phase three combines the efforts of the previous stages in the development process. Three or four land use options will be developed based on the community vision and land use opportunities and constraints identified in the background studies. A community meeting will be held to present the alternative plans.
IV. Finalization of Studies and Land Use Concept
Following the community meeting, the Planning Team will finalize background studies and recommend the best land use option. A community meeting will be held to present the preferred land use concept.
V. Recommended Area Plan/Secondary Plan
The Planning Team will finalize the land use concept and prepare the Area Plan. That Area Plan, along with any Official Plan amendments, will be presented at a public meeting before the Planning Committee.

What Happens After Approval?

The Area Plan in its entirety will be adopted by resolution of City Council. Any subsequent request to change the Area Plan would be the subject of a Public Meeting prior to its consideration by City Council.