What is a secondary plan?
A secondary plan is a detailed set of policies that guides growth in a specific area or for a specific topic. It works with the Official Plan to make sure development matches what residents and Council want.
While the Official Plan sets the city-wide rules, secondary plans zoom in on particular neighbourhoods or corridors. They answer questions like: How tall can buildings be here? Where should parks go? How do we protect heritage sites? What kind of businesses fit in this zone?
Why does Wrenford use secondary plans?
- They turn broad Official Plan goals into clear, local rules.
- They help protect unique features, like the historic grist mill area or the shoreline around Ambrel Lake.
- They give developers and homeowners predictable guidelines so projects move forward smoothly.
- They ensure new construction matches the character and infrastructure capacity of each neighbourhood.
Active secondary plans in Wrenford
The City has adopted the following secondary plans. Each one covers a specific geographic area or planning topic and sits alongside the Official Plan.
| Plan name | Covers | Key focus |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Secondary Plan | Grid around Mercer and Tamsin Streets | Mixed-use housing, street-level retail, heritage building upgrades |
| Ambrel Lake Corridor Secondary Plan | Ambrel Lake Road and surrounding commercial corridors | Mixed-use development, shoreline protection, stormwater management |
| Railside Industrial Secondary Plan | Railside Road and Concession 4 Road industrial park | Heavy and light industrial transition, freight access, environmental controls |
| Heritage Conservation District Secondary Plan | Old Mill, Centennial Gardens, and adjacent historic blocks | Preservation of 19th-century structures, facade guidelines, heritage incentives |
How secondary plans are made
Creating a secondary plan takes time and community input. The process usually follows these steps:
- Scoping and research: Staff review existing policies, infrastructure capacity, and community needs.
- Public engagement: Residents and business owners share their ideas through meetings, surveys, and the Community engagement portal.
- Draft plan: City planners prepare a draft that balances growth with neighbourhood character.
- Council approval: Council votes on the draft. If approved, it is sent to the province for review under the Planning Act.
- Adoption: Once provincial conditions are met, Council adopts the plan by by-law.
Viewing documents and giving feedback
You can read the full text, maps, and supporting studies for each plan on the Find a planning application. If you want to suggest changes or ask questions, contact the Planning and Development team.
Secondary plans are reviewed periodically to make sure they still match the city's direction. If you have ideas for a new secondary plan or want to update an existing one, start with a pre-development consultation or submit a request through the planning portal.