The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville (The “Town”) is seeking professional services from a qualified multi-disciplinary consulting team (The “Proponent”) to prepare a Community Structure Plan (CSP) and undertake supporting technical background studies which will inform the preparation of the CSP for the Town’s New Urban Areas. The CSP will establish a comprehensive framework and an integrated and sustainable approach to land use planning, design, infrastructure, and the natural environment, which will guide the preparation of subsequent Secondary Plans and detailed studies for the Town’s New Urban Areas. 

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Official Plan, 2025 establishes the requirements for preparing Secondary Plans for New Urban Areas. The New Urban Areas are identified on Schedule A – Town Structure, which comprise approximately 270 hectares, and are intended to accommodate future employment and population growth to 2051. The New Urban Areas comprise the Town’s remaining agricultural lands along the southern municipal boundary that are located outside of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Area and Greenbelt Plan Area, and excludes the lands which are subject to Minister’s Zoning Orders.

The New Urban Areas shall be planned to be modern, compact, mixed use, vibrant, and diverse communities where people connect, learn, work, play and reside. Excellence in community design is essential to creating a physical place where people have opportunities and choices required to lead rewarding lives. The New Urban Areas will prioritize people, sustainability and liveability, and establish a natural heritage system that is connected to a network of parks and open spaces.  Each complete community will have a unique sense of place and identity, and will offer a variety of housing including affordable housing, employment and mobility choices. 

The CSP will be undertaken to support and inform a Town-initiated Official Plan Amendment to the Town’s Official Plan, 2025. The CSP work program will be undertaken in cooperation and coordination with the Region of York, City of Markham, relevant Ministries, and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), with respect to infrastructure and environmental planning, and in consultation with the public, landowners, agencies and other stakeholders. A final work plan shall be prepared by the successful Consulting Team prior to commencement of the Project.