The Official Plan for the City of Greater Sudbury was adopted by City Council on June 14th, 2006.  The Plan was subsequently approved with modifications by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on March 7th, 2007.  As a result of four appeals, the Official Plan was submitted by the Minister to the Ontario Municipal Board which issued Orders on October 15th, 2007, December 17th, 2007, January 22nd, 2008 and April 10, 2008 approving the majority of the Plan.  One outstanding site specific appeal currently remains before the Ontario Municipal Board.

The new Official Plan represents the rationalization of thirteen (13) previous planning documents covering the former Regional Municipality of Sudbury. In developing one Plan for the new City, the goal was to reduce the number of land use designations while also accommodating the broad range of uses and activities found throughout Greater Sudbury, with an end product that is easier to interpret and more efficient in application.

A number of historical land use issues are addressed by this Plan, including the impacts of unserviced development in rural areas, the sometimes conflicting nature of resource uses, the desire to protect the City's natural beauty and ecology, and the strategic importance of revitalizing the Downtown and maintaining vibrant neighbourhoods. Policies to facilitate objectives set out in the City's long-term economic development strategic plan are also essential to this process.

Despite these challenges, this Plan represents an opportunity for renewal. A simplified Official Plan covering the entire City sets out consistent guidelines for development and an appropriate framework for the improved delivery of municipal services. Land use designations derived for this Plan are intended to replace a multitude of land use categories established in thirteen historical planning documents. Policies have been developed with an emphasis on effectively managing resource uses, protecting natural features and developing quality of place.

Following the release of the first draft of the Official Plan, a total of twelve (12) public open house sessions and a number of consultation meetings with various stakeholders groups were held.  In addition, a total of seventy-five (75) written submissions were received.  A second draft was prepared incorporating many changes resulting from these public consultations.  Six (6) more public open house sessions were held, more written submissions received and a final draft of the Official Plan prepared.

Prior to the adoption of the Plan, the Planning Committee also conducted a formal Public Hearing to receive oral and written submissions from the public. The Plan was adopted by City Council by By-law 2006-200P.