The Simcoe Area Growth Process wrapped up with County Council adopting the Growth Plan in June ending a process that began in the spring of 2007 when the provincial government asked the County of Simcoe to lead the process to find local solutions to the challenges of growth in this Region.

After extensive public consultations, recommendations included in the Simcoe Area Growth Plan, Transportation Master Plan and Natural Heritage Policy review were incorporated into the new Proposed County of Simcoe Official Plan. The Simcoe Area Growth Plan:

• implements provincial policy direction regarding planning for population and economic growth
• comprises the Province's vision for this region and sets the framework for economic prosperity
• designates residential growth to existing settlement areas, eliminating urban sprawl

The public is invited to review the Proposed Official Plan at a series of opn houses in July and a public meeting scheduled for August 13 in the County Council Chamber beginning at 9:00 am. Council is expected to consider the OP at a meeting in September. Once adopted, the OP will be sent to the province for approval.