Planning Policy

York Region takes a strategic approach to developing plans and policies for services, growth and development. Plans and policies aim to balance community needs, economic prosperity and environmental protection for current and future residents and businesses. The Region’s primary focus through the Regional Official Plan is to manage land use change and promote efficient and effective development patterns related to growth management objectives.

York Region has recently completed the Municipal Comprehensive Review process to update the Region’s population and employment forecasts, land budget and Regional Official Plan policies. To find out more visit the Municipal Comprehensive Review page.

Provincial Planning

The Province of Ontario encourages well-designed, well-planned communities that attract residents, jobs and investment. The land use planning system gives municipalities a major role in planning decisions. York Region through its growth and development planning must ensure that its Regional Official Plan conforms to Provincial plans. There are a number of key Provincial plans that guide land use planning. They aim to promote sound infrastructure planning, environmental protection and economic development, through the development of complete communities and vibrant cities.

Provincial documents include:

Centres and Corridors

Our Centres and Corridors program helps us manage growth in our four regional city “centres” and the transit “corridors” that link them. It supports livable and complete York Region communities, and aims to slow outward growth.

Regional Centres:

Markham Centre
Newmarket Centre
Richmond Hill/Langstaff Gateway
Vaughan Metropolitan Centre

Regional Corridors:

Highway 7
Yonge Street
Davis Drive
Green Lane

The four Regional Centres are planned for a mix of uses, including residential, retail and offices. Together with the Regional Corridors, these transit oriented communities are served by vivaNext bus rapid transit and create a high quality of life for residents. Centres and Corridors also provide businesses with convenient access to the most talented people in the Greater Toronto Area.
To learn more, visit our City Building page or download the Centres and Corridors Best Practices Guide.