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The City of Sault Ste. Marie is proposing targeted amendments to the existing Official Plan to address rural growth, agricultural protection, mineral and aggregate resources, and urban land supply. These amendments are being advanced while work continues on a new, comprehensive Official Plan.

This webpage provides an overview of the proposed changes, what they mean, and how to get involved.

What Is Being Proposed?

The City is proposing Official Plan Amendments (OPA 259 and OPA 260) that focuses on four key areas:

1. Rural Estate Residential Subdivisions

The City is proposing a structured, City-managed system for evaluating rural estate residential subdivision proposals.

• Rural estate subdivisions are not currently permitted anywhere in the city.
• If Council chooses to allow them in the future, proposals would only be considered through a Rural Subdivision Intake Window.
• During an Intake Window, all proposals are reviewed together using clear,      merit-based criteria related to:
  • growth management,
  • servicing feasibility,
  • environmental constraints,
  • agricultural protection, and
  • mineral and aggregate resource compatibility.
• Only a limited number of lots would be permitted each year.
• Not all rural areas would be eligible.

This approach is intended to ensure rural development is carefully managed, coordinated, and aligned with long-term infrastructure and servicing capacity.

2. Locally Significant Agricultural Areas (LSAA)

The City is proposing to identify Locally Significant Agricultural Areas (LSAAs) on lands that contain good-quality soils, active or potential agricultural uses, and relatively low fragmentation.

Within LSAAs:

• Rural estate residential subdivisions would not be permitted.
• New lot creation (severances) would be subject to updated consent policies     designed to:
  • limit agriculture fragmentation,
  • maintain viable farm parcel sizes, and
  • support long-term agricultural use.

The purpose of the LSAA designation is to protect agricultural potential and maintain future flexibility for related uses.

3. Secondary Mineral and Mineral Aggregate Resource Areas

The City is also proposing to identify Secondary Mineral and Mineral Aggregate Resource Areas based on provincial geological information and local assessment.

Within these areas:

• Rural estate residential subdivisions would not be permitted.
• The creation of new residential or other sensitive lots would only be      considered where a Qualified Professional demonstrates that mineral or      aggregate extraction is not feasible.
• Existing uses and zoning remain unchanged.

These policies help ensure that mineral and aggregate resources needed for roads, infrastructure, and construction remain available over the long term.

4. Urban Settlement Area (USA) Expansion

To support future housing, employment, and economic growth, the City is also proposing targeted expansions to the Urban Settlement Area boundary.

• These expansions are based on land needs analysis and growth projections, as well as servicing feasibility.
• No immediate zoning changes are proposed.
• Any future development would still require detailed planning applications, technical studies, and public review.

This component supports housing supply while maintaining a clear distinction between urban and rural growth.