Natural Heritage System (Completed)
As the first amendment planned for the Northumberland Next Official Plan update, Northumberland County has developed a Natural Heritage System Plan to manage community growth in a way that preserves and enhances our natural environment for future generations. The NHS report was finalized based on multiple rounds of public consultations that took place between 2018-2020, and was endorsed by County Council on July 22, 2020.
Staff have now initiated an Official Plan amendment and are waiting for the Province to approve the amendment before the mapping and policies will be incorporated into the County Official Plan.
What is a Natural Heritage System?
Required by the province, the natural heritage system includes areas such as wetlands, woodlands and watercourses that have been identified as significant natural features that we must protect and enhance.
The Natural Heritage System Plan will result in updates to the Northumberland County Official Plan policies, including:
- Establishing a new Natural Heritage Area designation that will apply to properties with natural heritage features
- Identification of natural heritage features and areas, as well as supporting features and areas that would be subject to development prohibitions and/or restrictions
- Introduction of new policies affecting development and site alteration in and adjacent to the Natural Heritage System
- Updates to the requirements for environmental studies
Public consultation process
In November 2018, Northumberland County conducted the first round of public consultation sessions to gather input on natural features to be included in Northumberland County's Natural Heritage System Plan.
This input was used to develop three Natural Heritage System options, which were presented to the public for feedback during our second round of public consultation sessions in November and December 2019.
In response to feedback received during these public consultation sessions, the County developed an online interactive map to demonstrate how each of the three options for a Natural Heritage System would be implemented in our community. Public feedback was gathered on the proposed mapping until February 21, 2020.
Project timelines
Completed
November 2018 - first round of public consultations
- Northumberland County Headquarters, Cobourg - November 26, 2018
- Cramahe Township Municipal Office, Colborne - November 28, 2018
- Clock Tower Cultural Centre, Campbellford - November 29, 2018
November/December 2019 - second round of public consultations
- Cramahe Township Municipal Office, Colborne - November 21, 2019
- Northumberland County Headquarters, Cobourg - December 2, 2019
- Clock Tower Cultural Centre, Campbellford - December 3, 2019
January/February 2020
- Interactive map and online form for gathering public input
July 2020
- Completed final report
Spring/Summer 2020
- Present the preferred Natural Heritage System option to Northumberland County Council on July 22, 2020
March 2021
- Initiate update and arrange for a public meeting to incorporate the preferred Natural heritage System mapping and policies into the County Official Plan update
December 2021
- County Council adopted the Natural Heritage System amendment and the amendment was sent to the Province for approval
Next steps
- Implement the Natural Heritage System mapping and policies upon approval from the Province
News updates
2021
- Notice of Adoption: Amendment No. 1 to the Northumberland County Official Plan - December 20, 2021
- Council adopts Natural Heritage System amendment to County Official Plan - December 15, 2021
- Official Plan update moves forward with Natural Heritage System and Growth Management amendments - November 26, 2021
- Upcoming virtual consultations regarding Natural Heritage System amendments to County Official Plan - March 4, 2021
2020
- County to launch Official Plan review and update at upcoming virtual public meeting - September 17, 2020
- Council to consider preferred option for Natural Heritage System Plan at July 22 meeting - July 17, 2020
- County introduces interactive map to demonstrate three options for a Natural Heritage System - January 28, 2020
2019
- Second round of public information sessions planned about Natural Heritage System - November 5, 2019
2018
Supporting documents
- Natural Heritage System Final Recommendations
- Amendment No. 1 to the Official Plan for Northumberland County
- Schedule A-1: Settlement Structure and Natural Heritage System
- Schedule A-2: Land Use Designations
- Schedule B-1: Natural Heritage Area Components
- Schedule B-2: Natural Heritage Features and Areas
- To receive a digital copy of the final report, background report, or draft rationale/criteria/options report, please submit a request using our Document Request Form.
