Regional Official Plan

The Regional Official Plan (ROP) of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo served as a legal framework guiding land use decisions, establishing goals and objectives to manage and direct physical land use change and its effects on the social, economic, and natural environment. It outlined policies to ensure that new developments met the needs of current and future residents, promoting sustainable and liveable communities. The ROP was developed in consultation with community groups, area municipalities, First Nations, the general public and other key interest holders. 

For decades, the Region of Waterloo played a pivotal role in land-use planning, leading initiatives that fostered sustainable development and enhanced the quality of life for its residents. Collaborative efforts with local municipalities, stakeholders, and the public resulted in a balanced approach to growth and conservation. 

As of January 1, 2025, the ROP became an Official Plan of each of the area municipalities.  This means that until the policies in the ROP are repealed or amended, they will continue to apply and be the responsibility of each Area Municipality to enforce. 

View the Regional Official Plan (as it existed on January 1, 2025)

For questions about ROP policies or mapping, please contact the Area Municipality where your property is located. 

Transition in Planning Responsibilities 

As of January 1, 2025, changes to Ontario’s land use planning framework under Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, came in effect for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. As a result, certain land-use planning responsibilities were transferred from the Region to the area municipalities—the cities and townships within Waterloo Region. 
 
An overview of changes include: 

  • The Region of Waterloo Official Plan is now a local plan of each of the seven area municipalities. 

  • The Region is no longer the approval authority for municipal official plans or amendments. 

  • The Region is no longer the approval authority for subdivisions and condominiums. 

  • The Region has limited ability to appeal decisions made under the Planning Act to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) or ask to be made a party to an appeal before the OLT. 

  • The Region can continue to participate in existing appeals before the OLT in certain circumstances. 

Ongoing Regional Responsibility  

The Region of Waterloo remains committed to growth, development and environmental stewardship. Key areas of focus moving forward include: 

  • Commenting authority on Planning Act Matters related to Regional responsibilities. 

  • Continue to plan for and build regional infrastructure, including water, wastewater, waste management, public transit, and the Region of Waterloo International Airport, to support community needs. 

  • Collaborating with partners to develop regionally owned land to increase the local supply of housing options. 

  • Fulfilling practical responsibilities for land stewardship while coordinating the development of the Region’s inaugural Corporate Climate Action Plan for a more sustainable and resilient organization. 

  • Offering guidance and assistance to align with growth strategies and ensure efficient planning processes. 

  • Providing specialized reporting and resources to support informed decision-making, helping shape development strategies and driving economic growth. 

The planning section of the Region of Waterloo's website is currently under reconstruction to reflect the Region’s new role. Until this work is finalized, there may be references to the Region’s previous role and the Regional Official Plan that are not current. 

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