MANITOUWADGE — For the first time in more than 35 years, Manitouwadge has an updated official plan.
At a meeting last month, the township's council adopted the proposed new official plan for the municipality, as well as a comprehensive zoning bylaw.
The official plan, which hadn’t been updated since 1986, is a 25-year plan that consists of policies for how land should be used in the township now, and in the future. It aids in the direction where housing, industry, offices, retail stores and other structures will go, and help decide what elements of growth should be focused on.
The zoning bylaw is a legal tool which puts the plan into effect and provides for its day-to-day administration. This bylaw contains specific requirements that are legally enforceable, such as the use of land and buildings, the size of lots, and the character, location, and height of buildings and structures. When a property owner or occupant wishes to construct something on their property, and applies for a building permit, the proposal must conform to the provisions of the zoning bylaw.
With this Official Plan, the council optimistically hopes to promote efficient development while preserving the culture and heritage of the town. There is a sense of ‘village’ in Manitouwadge, and with this new plan, the hope is to maintain the attractive, healthy, safe, and accessible aspects, while staying connected with the surrounding natural area.
Businesses, institutions, and community/cultural services will be maintained throughout the municipality, and the village centre — formerly known as the downtown core area — will be rehabilitated and developed while protecting existing public access to shorelines and natural areas. Usage and guidelines of buildings, such as B&Bs, hotels, and private dwellings are addressed. Parks, community gardens, recreational and cultural facilities will be maintained and upgraded, and new locations may be established in the future.
Safe, barrier-free pedestrian walkways and an active transportation network system throughout the townsite are desirable factors; part of the long-range objectives of Council to improve the quality of life. Affordable housing, high-quality telecommunications, energy, water supply and much more are covered in the new official plan and comprehensive zoning bylaw.
The full official plan and comprehensive zoning bylaw can be found online.