The Committee of the Whole will be considering a staff recommendation report regarding the new Shape Lincoln 2051 - Official Plan.
- Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 6 p.m.
- Council Chambers | Town Hall
- 4800 South Service Road, Beamsville
What is an Official Plan
The Official Plan is an overarching land use planning document for the entire Town. It implements the community’s overall vision for growth and development. The Official Plan addresses such issues as housing, the natural environment, heritage preservation, employment needs, agriculture, commercial services, tourism, parkland/recreation, servicing and transportation.
About the Official Plan Review Project
The Town’s current Official Plan was approved in November 2016 and since then, the Province has made significant updates to the Planning Act, amendments to the Clean Water Act, and released a new Growth Plan, Provincial Planning Statement, Greenbelt Plan, and Niagara Escarpment Plan. In addition, earlier this year Bill 23 removed Niagara Regional planning responsibilities and so the Regional Official Plan is now required to be incorporated into local municipal Official Plans.
The Town of Lincoln has undertaken a review our Official Plan to bring it in conformity with the latest provincial policies, as required by Sections 26 and 27 of the Planning Act. The Official Plan Review has also been undertaken to ensure that the new Official Plan addresses significant locally-identified issues, reflective of community goals and objectives.
SECTION 26 OF THE PLANNING ACT LEGAL NOTICE REQUIREMENTS: If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Town before the proposed Official Plan is adopted, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of the Town to the Ontario Land Tribunal, and may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal, unless in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party. If you wish to be notified of the adoption of the proposed Official, you must make a written request to the Town Clerk and such request must include the name and address to which such notice should be sent.
Have Your Say!
Public engagement opportunities for the Official Plan have been provided at multiple stages throughout the process. All public comments received to date will be addressed within in the recommendation report and at the meeting on January 21, 2026. It is important to note that this meeting is not a Statutory Public Meeting, as the required Public Meeting has already been held, along with additional public open houses and information sessions. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting. However, those wishing to appear as a delegation must follow the steps outlined below. Individuals who do not register as a delegation will not be permitted to make an oral submission at the meeting.
1. Review materials online
A full copy of the proposed Official Plan, mapping and additional information about the project is available on our website for review: SpeakUpLincoln.ca/ShapeLincoln and search the project page.
2. Register to Speak
If you wish to appear as a delegation (in-person or electronically) in regard to the above noted report, you must submit a delegation request online or by contacting the Clerk’s department by emailing: clerks@lincoln.ca or by telephone: 905-563-2799 Ext. 513. Delegation requests are accepted until 9 a.m. on the Thursday prior to the meeting. Delegations may speak for a maximum of five (5) minutes.
3. Attend the Meeting or Watch Live
Attend the meeting on January 21, 2026. Town staff will provide a presentation on the proposed Official Plan and feedback received to date. Alternatively, you may watch the meeting live on the Town of Lincoln's YouTube Channel.
For further information, contact:
Matt Bruder | Director of Planning & Development
mbruder@lincoln.ca | 905-563-2799 ext. 231