Area Studies

Area studies are a planning tool used to indicate the manner in which the objectives, policies, and land use designations of the County's Official Plan are to be implemented within specific areas of the County of Brant. Before growth and development can occur on large tracts of vacant land within the County's settlement, the preparation of an area study is required.

An area study is intended to include figures, graphics, and technical reports related to detailed land use and densities, integrated transportation networks, servicing infrastructure, natural heritage protection, and financial assessment. The study provides guiding principles for the development to be implemented consistently by the County, agencies, and developers.

Specific Area Studies Criteria (PDF) is required for submission of area studies within the County of Brant to ensure development is consistent, coordinated, and comprehensively planned. Section 2.4 of the County of Brant Official Plan (2012) also outlines the purpose and requirements for area studies completed within the County.

County of Brant Area Studies

Nith Peninsula Area Study

This area study was prepared by Losani Homes for the purposes of guiding the development of the Nith Peninsula area of Paris. The Nith Peninsula Area Study began in 2006 and was finalized in 2017. The development of this area was subject to an appeal to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT, now the Ontario Land Tribunal) which was settled in 2020. The development began construction in 2022.

North-West Paris Area Study

This area study was prepared for a collection of vacant properties in North-West Paris, including lands west of Pinehurst Road, south of Watt's Pond Road, north of Scott Avenue and extending west of Oak Avenue. The North-West Paris Area Study began in 2008 and was approved by the County of Brant in March 2014. For the development of the lands east of Pinehurst Road and north of Scott Avenue, an amendment to the approved area study is required.

Paris Grand Area Study

The Paris Grand Area Study was prepared by Paris Grand Estates Inc. for the lands formerly occupied by the Paris Grand Golf Club, bisected by Paris Links Road in the North-East portion of Paris. The Paris Grand Area Study was completed in 2013. The development of this area was subject to an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB, now the Ontario Land Tribunal) which was settled in February 2021.

St. George Area Study

This area study began in 2008 to provide a technical basis and analysis of future development in St. George. The St. George Area Study was approved by the County of Brant in 2014, with an amendment to the study approved in 2018. The recommendations of the 2018 approval were incorporated into the County's Official Plan as Official Plan Amendment #8 and these amendments were appealed to the OMB (now the Ontario Land Tribunal), being settled by the Tribunal in November 2020. At this time, before development in St. George can begin, further upgrades to servicing infrastructure is needed to support future growth.

South-West Paris Area Study

The South-West Paris Area Study was completed in 2004 to provide direction and technical recommendations for the development of the King Edward Street, Rest Acres Road, Powerline and Bethel Road areas.

Tutela Heights Area Study

The Tutela Heights Area Study began in 2011 to provide a technical analysis of development in this area. These lands were transferred to the City of Brantford as part of the transfer of 2,720 hectares from the County of Brant in 2017. For more information on development in this area, please contact the City of Brantford.

For more information on the technical studies completed, contact the County of Brant.