City Initiated Proposed Official Plan Amendment (OPA 7) to Update Employment Area Policies

We are proposing amendments to the Burlington Official Plan, 2020 through an Official Plan Amendment (OPA). It will update the Employment Area policies of the Official Plan to align with recent changes to Provincial and Regional policy related to the City’s Employment Area and simplify and streamline the Employment Area policy framework.

No decisions about the proposal have been made yet. We are asking for your feedback to inform the recommended amendment to the Committee of the Whole.

The proposed Official Plan Amendment to the City of Burlington Official Plan (2020) will:

  • Update employment area policies:
    • Add a new definition for an “area of employment” as defined in the Planning Act
    • Align Employment Area land use permissions with the new definition
    • Support lawfully established uses within the Employment Area that are excluded from the definition of “area of employment”
    • Update the Employment Area land conversion criteria
  • Establish the enabling policy framework for a future Community Planning Permit System and Bylaw for the Employment Area
  • Make sure we reduce the impact on and create certainty for local businesses and property owners

Learn more: burlington.ca/opa7

You are invited to:

  • Review and provide comments on the proposed Official Plan Amendment No. 7, available late November 2025.
  • Attend the Public Open House on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, 7 to 9 p.m. Appleby Ice Centre, Community Room 1 where you can provide comments on the proposed Official Plan Amendment.
  • Meet with a Planner to talk about the OPA, Nov. 24, 2025 to Jan. 13, 2026. Email newop@burlington.ca to book a meeting to meet with a Planner.
  • Attend a Statutory Public Meeting under the Planning Act on Jan. 13, 2026 to provide comments on the proposed Official Plan Amendment. This feedback will inform the recommended amendment to the Committee of the Whole.

Tell us what you think by Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026:

Community Planning Department
PO Box 5013, 426 Brant St., Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6
newop@burlington.ca

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