Pelee Island

Pelee is one of Canada’s best kept secrets!

Link to Pheasant Hunts webpage

Township of Pelee Official Plan

Township of Pelee Official Plan and Schedules (2011)

Schedule A Land Use Plan

 What is an official plan?

An official plan is a land use document which describes Council’s policies on how land will be used. It is prepared with input from the public, stakeholders and others and helps to ensure that future planning and development will meet the specific needs of a community.  The purpose of the Official Plan for the Township of Pelee is to set out objectives and policies to guide future development and change within the Township.   The Plan addresses future land use and its regulation, municipal services and related economic, social and environmental issues. 

The Township of Pelee Official Plan was adopted by Council on January 7, 2009 by By-law 2009-6 and was approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing with modifications on September 1, 2011. 

How does Council and the public use an official plan?

Policies within an Official Plan:

  • let the public know what the municipality’s general land use planning policies are
  • makes sure that growth is coordinated and meets the community’s needs
  • helps all members of the community understand how land may be used now and, in the future
  • helps decide where roads, watermains, sewers, landfills, parks and other services will be built
  • provides a framework for establishing municipal zoning by-laws to set local regulations and standards, like the size of lots and height of buildings
  • provides a way to evaluate and settle conflicting land uses while meeting local, regional and provincial interests
  • shows Council’s commitment to the growth of Pelee Island.

Official Plan Amendments

If a property owner wants to use property in a way which does not conform to the policies or land use designations established in the Official Plan, an amendment can be requested upon application.   Prior to submitting an application for consideration of an amendment to the Official Plan, all applicants are required to pre-consult with the Township.  For more information on the timelines, approval process, fees and submission requirements involved in applying for an Official Plan Amendment or to schedule a pre-consultation contact:

Community Services Manager, Township of Pelee

519-724-2931

Communityservices@pelee.ca 

2026 Official Plan Review

The Township of Pelee has initiated a review and update of the Township Official Plan (OP) as required under the provisions of the Planning Act. The review is essential to ensure that the OP:

  • Is current and up to date on changes made by the Province through their implementing legislation such as the Planning Act and Provincial Planning Statement, as well as other provincial legislation;
  • Is reflective of the actual state of growth and development on the island;
  • Is based on current statistical data; and
  • Includes best practices and tools to properly consider land use matters.

The firm of JL Richards & Associates has been selected to undertake the review of the Official Plan together with input from Council, staff, stakeholders and members of the public.  The review is a public process and the public is encouraged to participate and provide input on matters that impact the development of Pelee Island through the Official Plan Review process. 

Draft Official Plan – A Starting Point for Community Discussion

The Draft Official Plan is a starting point for discussion around the policies that will help guide development, growth and quality of life on Pelee Island for years to come.  The Draft Official Plan is not the final plan.  Community input is an important part of shaping the document as the Official Plan Review moves forward.

We encourage residents, property owners, businesses and other interested members of the community to review the Draft Official Plan, ask questions and provide comments on the proposed policies.   Your feed will help identify what works, what may need to be reconsidered and what is important to the community as we plan for the future. 

This is your opportunity to help shape the policies that will guide future land use decisions on Pelee Island.

 DRAFT Official Plan (v1)

DRAFT Schedules & Appendix (v1)

DRAFT Schedule A Land Use (v2)

Please note the DRAFT Official Plan and Schedules will be updated for Council consideration during the Official Plan Review Process.  Watch for updates to this page with respect to the most current version available for public input and review.  

Have Your Say

Your input is an important part of the Official Plan Review.

The Township encourages residents, property owners, businesses and other interested members of the community to review the Draft Official Plan and share their comments, questions and feedback as the review moves forward.

You can participate by:

  • Emailing your comments to Officialplanreview@pelee.ca
  • Submitting written comments to the Township Office at 1045 West Shore Road, Pelee Island
  • Completing the Public Comment Sheet available below and submitting it to the Township

Whether you have comments about a specific property, a proposed policy or land use designation, or the overall direction of the Official Plan, we encourage you to share your feedback.  Comments can be submitted to Officialplanreview@pelee.ca until Friday November 20th, 2026.   Public participation helps Council and the project team understand community priorities and consider local perspectives as the Official Plan is refined.

visual of public comment form

Official Plan Public Comment Form 

Official Plan Council Workshop – Monday September 28, 2026

As the Township of Pelee’s Official Plan Review continues, Council recently hosted a workshop to share what has changed in the Draft Official Plan text and schedules, highlight new land use planning approaches being considered for matters unique to Pelee Island, and provide an opportunity for informal discussion with Council and the community about the work completed so far.

The workshop was intended to help explain the proposed changes, provide context for the approaches being considered, and support continued community participation as the Official Plan Review moves forward.

A copy of the presentation shared with Council is available HERE.

visual of cover page of council workshop presentation

Official Plan Review Public Open House – Saturday August 8th, 2026

The Township of Pelee invites residents, property owners, businesses and community members to learn about and provide feedback on the proposed updates to the Township’s Official Plan.   A Public Open House will be held on August 8th, 2026 between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion #403 1169 West Shore Road.  Drop in anytime, this is an informal open-house for discussion with no formal presentation. 

How can I participate in the 5 Year Review of the OP?

In order to effectively engage the entire community, the OP review will include statutory open houses and public meetings, as well as in-person on island and virtual public consultation sessions.  

If you wish to watch a scheduled meeting, the Zoom link will be available under Council Agenda & Dates or contact the Township Office at officialplanreview@pelee.ca to be provided with the Zoom link to that evenings meeting.

If you wish to speak to Council on the matter of the Official Plan Review at a public meeting, you must submit the Delegation Request Form no later than 10:00 a.m. on the scheduled meeting date. Once you are registered with the Township, you will be provided with information on how to join the meeting electronically, including an electronic invitation.

If you wish to submit written comments, comments can be mailed or delivered to the Township Office at 1045 West Shore Road, Pelee Island ON N0R 1M0 or via email to Officialplanreview@pelee.ca.

Available Supporting Documents to the Official Plan Review: