Planning is the act of managing land uses in the present and into the future to help shape sustainable, equitable, and innovative communities. In a municipality, land use is guided by planning strategies and by-laws.   

Municipal Planning Strategy

A municipal planning strategy guides the development and management of a Municipality. The municipal planning strategy has the long-term vision of the community, sets the guiding principles for a variety of sectors, and is written in general terms. To further this purpose, the municipal planning strategy establishes: 

1. policies which address problems and opportunities concerning land development and the effects of the development;
2. policies to provide a framework for the environmental, social, and economic development within the Municipality;
3. policies that are consistent with the provincial interest on drinking water protection, agricultural land conservation, flood risk mitigation, infrastructure management, and housing promotion; and
4. Specify actions necessary for implementing the municipal planning strategy.

Secondary Planning Strategy

Secondary planning strategies are supplementary to a municipal planning strategy and pertain to a specific community or topic within a municipality. 

Land Use By-law

A land use by-law expands on the policy statements in a planning strategy. It is written in more detail and definitive terms, so there is a clear understanding of what you can and cannot do with your lands. Land use by-laws typically identify zones that encourage certain land uses (e.g., residential, commercial, etc.). By-laws state one or more of the following for each zone:

• Lot area and frontage requirements;
• The location, size, and height of structures;
• Permitted signage, outdoor storage, parking;
• Erosion control standards, such as setback from watercourses.