1.7 – Interpretation and Implementation
of the Official Plan
The policies contained in this Plan are designed to help guide day-to-day decision-making on land-use issues in the city. One key to translating Official Plan policies into consistent decisions “on the ground” is the zoning by-law. This comprehensive municipal regulatory document, based on wide public consultation, sets out the permitted uses, densities, and other important rules for development.
Another key tool for implementing this Plan is the provision for creating community design plans. These plans, to be developed in close collaboration with the affected communities, will provide detailed direction to development in specific areas of the city. Community design plans focus on providing solutions that are innovative and attractive while respecting the policies expressed in the Official Plan. They help interpret the general policies found in the Official Plan and ensure their relevance to each of Ottawa’s diverse communities. In all cases, it is the intent of the City to build on work that has already been completed, such as existing secondary plans, and to enhance it, where required, to achieve the objectives of this Plan.
It is important to recognize that the assumptions that lie behind the policies expressed in the Official Plan may change over the timeframe of the Plan (from 2003 to 2021). For instance:
- Population growth may differ from current projections;
- The demand for housing or other types of land uses may change due to emerging economic trends;
- The supply of serviced land may be consumed more quickly or slowly than foreseen in the current Plan;
- The City’s ability to invest in infrastructure may be restricted by financial constraints.
While the Plan is conceived in a way so as to remain relevant despite minor changes in these and other variables, major changes may require the Plan to be updated from time to time. Towards this end, the City will monitor relevant conditions and make adjustments to the Plan or the implementing actions as necessary, as part of the five-year review.
The impetus to amend the Plan may also come from the planning applications, such as when a property owner requests a change in land use that is not consistent with the provisions of the Plan. Under these circumstances, City Council may consider the proposed amendment while taking into account the impact the proposed change might have on the City’s ability to achieve the policies set out in the Plan. City Council will consider the compatibility with existing communities; whether the change in land use is really needed given the supply of already-designated land in the same category; and the effect of the proposed change on the need for water, wastewater, transportation, and other City services.
Finally, implementing this Plan will require the cooperation of a wide variety of actors outside the municipal administration, not only because they must respect the Plan but also because they have the mandate, experience and expertise to implement much of it. The City must partner with the provincial and federal governments, including the National Capital Commission, as well as the City of Gatineau and the Province of Québec, on issues related to transportation infrastructure, management of natural resources, economic development, and more. The private sector, including builders and developers, has an increasing role to play through partnerships with the City. Examples include building and managing facilities and services, economic development, provision of mixed-use projects, and more. A host of agencies such as the Conservation Authorities, school boards, and non-profit and cooperative housing associations have responsibilities that contribute to the quality of life in Ottawa. Finally, individuals and community groups do much already to define public issues and solutions and their on-going participation is essential to implementing this Plan.
Each of these diverse entities, groups and interests has resources to bring to the table, whether they are financial, knowledge-based, motivational, or physical. The City will make the best use of this web of resources by seeking out new partnerships and innovative approaches to achieving the vision laid out in this Plan.