Niagara Escarpment Plan

Overview

The Niagara Escarpment includes a variety of topographic features and land uses extending 725 kilometres from Queenston on the Niagara River to the islands off Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula.

The particular combination of geological and ecological features along the Niagara Escarpment results in a landscape unequalled in Canada. It is also a source of some of southern Ontario's prime rivers and streams and one of the province's principal outdoor recreation areas.

The Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act established a planning process to ensure that the area would be protected. From this emerged the Niagara Escarpment Plan which serves as a framework of objectives and policies to strike a balance between development, preservation and the enjoyment of this important resource.

How to Read This Plan

The Niagara Escarpment Plan is composed of a purpose statement and objectives, three parts and two appendices and Maps 1-10.

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NEW Niagara Escarpment Plan with latest amendments, June 10, 2008 (text only consolidation) The Niagara Escarpment Plan (June, 2005) Summary of changes in the 2005 Niagara Escarpment Plan The Niagara Escarpment Plan (June, 2005) is also available in smaller sections for quick downloading: Introduction Index; Purpose & Objectives Part One: Land Use Policies Part Two: Development Criteria Part Three: Niagara Escarpment Parks and Open Space System Appendices Two, Three and Four Definitions Residential Heritage Properties Listing Nature Preserve Properties Listing Notes & Photo Credits French Version: Plan d'amenagement de l'escarpement du Niagara (2005)

The Niagara Escarpment Plan (1994) Applications filed prior to June 1, 2005 may be eligible for consideration under the 1994 Niagara Escarpment Plan.