Public Open House: New Official Plan for the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Area
The Planning Board for the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Area is inviting residents and stakeholders to attend a Public Open House to review and provide input on a draft Official Plan.
This is an important opportunity to help shape how land is used and developed in our community over the coming decades.
📅 Event Details
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Two sessions are available:
- 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Echo Bay Community Hall
257 Church Street, Echo Bay, ON - 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Johnson Township Council Chambers
1 Johnson Drive, Desbarats, ON
What is an Official Plan?
An Official Plan sets out policies that guide how land is used in a community. It is developed with public input and helps ensure that future growth and development reflect local needs and priorities.
The plan addresses key issues such as:
- Where housing, businesses, and industry will be located
- What services are needed (roads, water, parks, schools, etc.)
- How and where different parts of the community will grow over time
Purpose of the New Plan
The updated Official Plan aims to:
- Reflect changes in provincial policy and legislation
- Address emerging local trends and needs
- Provide a framework for growth and development over the next 25 years
The plan will apply to all lands within the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Area.
Share Your Ideas
All members of the public are welcome to attend.
You can:
- Ask questions
- Provide feedback
- Make verbal or written submissions
- Express support or concerns
Your input plays a key role in shaping the final plan.
How to Participate
If you wish to be notified about the adoption of the proposed Official Plan, you must submit a written request to the Planning Board.
Important:
If you do not make a submission (written or verbal) before the plan is adopted, you may lose the right to appeal the decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Additional Information
You can learn more or review the draft plan by contacting or visiting the Planning Board office:
Address:
27 Barr Road South, R.R. 1
Desbarats, ON P0R 1E0
Office Hours:
- Tuesdays: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Thursdays: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Phone: 705-782-6776
Website: https://tarbutt.ca/planning-board.html
Contact
Jared Brice
Secretary Treasurer
Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Board
📞 705-782-6776
✉️ admin@tarbutt.ca
David Welwood, RPP, MCIP, MES
Project Manager, J.L. Richards & Associates Ltd.
📞 705-806-1440
✉️ dwelwood@jlrichards.ca
Poster:
