The Town of Grimsby is delaying a final decision on its new long-term growth plan until mid-July, giving residents more time to weigh in while town staff sort out how fresh provincial legislation will affect local rules. Council was expected to approve the Envision Grimsby 2051 Official Plan in June, but that timeline has been extended to July 13, 2026.
A third version of the draft plan goes before council on June 1, 2026 alongside a report that spells out what has changed since the previous draft. Residents who want to speak directly to council can sign up to delegate at that meeting, and written comments will be accepted until June 15, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. through Let’s Talk Grimsby.
The hold-up traces back to Queen’s Park. Bill 100, the Better Regional Governance Act, received Royal Assent on May 7, 2026 and rewrites how Niagara Region is governed. Starting after this fall’s municipal election, the regional council will be made up of the heads of all 12 lower-tier municipalities, plus a chair appointed by the province. Grimsby staff say the ongoing provincial changes need extra review to make sure its Official Plan lines up with new requirements.
The Envision Grimsby 2051 plan replaces a rulebook that has been in place since 2012. Once adopted, it will guide where and how the town grows for the next 25 years, covering everything from housing and business areas to parks and roads. The delay means the current council, led by Mayor Jeff Jordan, will still be the one voting on the final version, but the decision will land just months before the October municipal election.
Residents can read the third draft on the town’s engagement portal and send feedback to [email protected] until the June 15 cutoff. Anyone wanting to address council on June 1 must submit a delegation request form at least 24 hours before the meeting, according to details posted on the town website.
