What is the Official Plan?
The Official Plan is the city's long-term guide for growth, change, and protection. It was originally adopted in 2018 and updated through an office consolidation in 2025. The plan covers all 108 square kilometres of Wrenford, from the downtown core to the new Wildrye neighbourhood. It sets out how we will balance housing, jobs, parks, and the natural environment along the Tamsin River.
Our vision for growth
Wrenford is expected to grow steadily over the next twenty years. The plan focuses on building complete neighbourhoods where people can walk, bike, and take transit to get to work, school, and shopping. It directs new housing and commercial development to the areas with the best access to roads, transit, and services. The plan concentrates most future growth in the downtown and the four major neighbourhood centres at Benchlands, Northgate, Ambrel Lake, and Eastfield.
Protecting our natural spaces
Wrenford's environment is a core part of our identity. The plan protects the Tamsin River corridor, Corvid Creek Ravine, and Ambrel Lake from incompatible development. It sets clear rules for building near floodplains and requires developers to preserve mature trees and wildlife habitats. The plan also guides the expansion of the 64-kilometre Tamsin River Trail System so more residents can access green space safely.
Land use and neighbourhoods
The plan divides the city into districts that show what kind of buildings are allowed where. These include the downtown grid, heritage conservation areas in Ward 1, residential zones for single detached homes and duplexes, and industrial areas like Industrial Park East. Each district has policies on building height, setbacks, and parking. The plan also supports the creation of secondary suites and backyard suites to provide more affordable housing options.
Mobility and transportation
Getting around Wrenford is a top priority. The plan outlines a network of arterial roads, local streets, and multi-use trails. It supports the expansion of Wrenford Transit routes and prioritizes safe cycling infrastructure on major corridors like Benchlands Drive and Corvid Way. The plan also sets aside land for future transit corridors if demand grows in the coming decades.
Infrastructure and services
New development must pay for the infrastructure it needs. The plan outlines requirements for water and wastewater connections, stormwater management, and road upgrades. It ensures that growth is funded fairly through development cost charges, so existing residents do not bear the cost of new construction. The plan also guides the location of schools, parks, and community facilities to match population growth.
How to use this plan
Residents, developers, and city staff use the Official Plan to make decisions about land use. If you are applying for a building permit, a zoning amendment, or a subdivision, staff will check your proposal against the plan. You can read the full legal text on the Official Plan page, view the zoning maps on the Land use bylaw maps page, or contact the Planning Services team in Room 202 of Wrenford City Hall.
Looking ahead
The city will begin a major review of the Official Plan in 2030 to update policies for the next generation. In the meantime, the current plan remains the primary guide for all development decisions in Wrenford.