Council was back in session on Monday for a Special Meeting to receive the third draft of the new Official Plan. Despite the early 5:30 p.m. start, there was no shortage of in-person and written delegations, or Council debate.
A wide range of topics were discussed, including heights in the Downtown, Grimsby Beach protections, the GO/PMTSA area, affordable housing strategies, and employment areas.
The common theme from delegates and Council was the proposed “Downtown District” heights. In the current draft, these range from:
- Downtown Main Street Area – up to 6 storeys.
- Downtown Neighbourhood Area – up to 8 storeys or 12 storeys if studies and criteria are met.
- Downtown Village Area – up to 3 storeys or 4 storeys if studies and criteria are met.
- Downtown Innovation & Incubation Area – up to 10 storeys.
Members of Council were not thrilled with these heights and did not hold back their comments about them. And to ensure the message was not treated as merely a suggestion, two resolutions were put on the floor. The first was:
“Resolved that Council direct that the height be no more than 6 storeys in the Downtown District, and 4 storeys on Main Street, and Staff provide details of any implications to this change in the final recommendation.”
Yeas: Mayor Jordan, Councillors Davoli, Freake, Howe, Vardy, Charrois, Korstanje, Baradziej, DiFlavio
Nays: None
The resolution to limit buildings in the plan’s Downtown Main Street Area at 4 storeys, and 6 in the rest of the Downtown District was passed unanimously.
Councillors DiFlavio and Freake raised concerns that, due to the large area covered by the “Downtown District,” this change may limit some sites where taller buildings could be more appropriate.
Councillor Korstanje raised concerns over the 10-storey heights in the employment areas, which would have allowed taller buildings alongside much shorter buildings, creating an inappropriate fit.
A second resolution was then put forward:
“Resolved that Council direct staff to review the downtown employment areas for building heights; and That Council direct staff review the PMTSA and downtown employment areas.”
Yeas: Mayor Jordan, Councillors Davoli, Freake, Howe, Vardy, Charrois, Korstanje, Baradziej, DiFlavio
Nays: None
The second resolution was also passed unanimously.
What’s Next?
The Town’s Official Plan process page is here: https://www.letstalkgrimsby.ca/officialplan
The public can still submit comments until June 15, 2026 @ 4:30 PM regarding the draft by emailing them to grimsbyop@grimsby.ca
Council is expected to review and debate the final draft and its passage at the Council meeting of July 13, 2026.