Framework for Processing & Evaluating Urban Boundary Expansion Applications

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The City of Hamilton remains committed to a firm no urban boundary expansion and responsible growth, however, the Ontario government has introduced significant changes to municipal planning rules (Bill 185)(External link), including permissions for private landowners and proponents to propose urban boundary expansions. The new rules pose a direct challenge to a firm urban boundary and our existing, provincially approved Official Plans. The final decision on whether an urban boundary expansion application is approved now lays with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) rather than municipal councils or the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, as it was previously.

In response to these Provincial changes, the City of Hamilton has developed a Draft Framework for processing and evaluating Urban Boundary Expansion applications.

Additional Resources

We want your feedback!

We are actively seeking public input to shape the final version of the Urban Boundary Expansion Framework. The establishment of a Framework for urban boundary expansion applications does not detract from the City’s no urban boundary expansion strategy.

We're collecting information as part of this project
The City of Hamilton collects information under authority of Section 227 of the Municipal Act, 2001. Any personal information collected for Processing & Evaluating of Urban Boundary Expansion Applications will be used to refine the draft framework. More details and contact information can be found in the right column of this page under "Notice of Collection".

The City of Hamilton remains committed to a firm no urban boundary expansion and responsible growth, however, the Ontario government has introduced significant changes to municipal planning rules (Bill 185)(External link), including permissions for private landowners and proponents to propose urban boundary expansions. The new rules pose a direct challenge to a firm urban boundary and our existing, provincially approved Official Plans. The final decision on whether an urban boundary expansion application is approved now lays with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) rather than municipal councils or the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, as it was previously.

In response to these Provincial changes, the City of Hamilton has developed a Draft Framework for processing and evaluating Urban Boundary Expansion applications.

Additional Resources

We want your feedback!

We are actively seeking public input to shape the final version of the Urban Boundary Expansion Framework. The establishment of a Framework for urban boundary expansion applications does not detract from the City’s no urban boundary expansion strategy.

We're collecting information as part of this project
The City of Hamilton collects information under authority of Section 227 of the Municipal Act, 2001. Any personal information collected for Processing & Evaluating of Urban Boundary Expansion Applications will be used to refine the draft framework. More details and contact information can be found in the right column of this page under "Notice of Collection".

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  • Share How can I oppose to the urban expansion OUTSIDE of the urban boundaries? There are many reasons why it should not be expanded on Facebook Share How can I oppose to the urban expansion OUTSIDE of the urban boundaries? There are many reasons why it should not be expanded on Twitter Share How can I oppose to the urban expansion OUTSIDE of the urban boundaries? There are many reasons why it should not be expanded on Linkedin Email How can I oppose to the urban expansion OUTSIDE of the urban boundaries? There are many reasons why it should not be expanded link

    How can I oppose to the urban expansion OUTSIDE of the urban boundaries? There are many reasons why it should not be expanded

    murialejo asked 5 months ago

    If you oppose the Provincial policy changes that open the door for urban boundary expansion applications, you can comment directly to the Province. For more information visit the FAQ section.

    If you oppose individual urban boundary expansion applications that are submitted, you will have an opportunity to provide comments directly to the City before City Council makes its decision on the application. It is important to keep in mind that with the adoption of Bill 185 by the Province, applicants can now appeal Council’s refusal or non-decision on an urban boundary expansion application to the Ontario Land Tribunal which would make a final decision.  

    Once an urban boundary expansion application is deemed complete, the City will hold an Open House and Statutory Public Meeting at Planning Committee providing an opportunity for the public to provide their input. The City is now seeking input from the community on how they want to be notified when an urban boundary expansion application is received.

Page last updated: 04 Mar 2025, 09:40 AM