Notice of Public Information Centre for Proposed Two-Zone Floodplain Policies and Mapping for Proposed New Official Plan

The City of Orillia invites you to attend an upcoming Virtual Public Information Centre (PIC) discussing the proposed Two-Zone Floodplain policies and mapping to be incorporated into the City’s proposed new Official Plan. 

Register to join us virtually. There will be a formal presentation followed by an opportunity for discussion and questions.

The City is updating its 35-year-old floodplain mapping and plans to incorporate the revised mapping and related policies into the proposed new Official Plan. As part of this update, the City is proposing to implement a Two-Zone Floodplain approach for the Ben’s Ditch Flood Hazard Area, rather than implementing a One-Zone approach.

A Two-Zone Floodplain approach includes the delineation of a “floodway” and a “flood fringe” within the flood hazard area. Consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2004, a One-Zone Floodplain approach prohibits new development or redevelopment from occurring in the floodplain while a Two-Zone approach allows more properties to retain development potential within the "flood fringe" in comparison to the One-Zone approach.  The depth and/or velocities of flood waters within the “flood fringe” typically do not threaten life and/or property and some new development or redevelopment may proceed subject to meeting certain conditions.

The purpose of this Virtual PIC is to share with the public the proposed Two-Zone Floodplain mapping and associated policies to be incorporated into the City’s proposed new Official Plan prior to Council’s adoption of the new Official Plan targeted for the Fall of 2026.

We want your feedback on the proposed Two-Zone Floodplain mapping and policies, as the City manages population and employment growth while protecting the public from the potential dangers of flooding. 

If you can’t attend the Virtual PIC on July 16, visit the project webpage at Planning For The Future after July 16 to review the presentation and submit your written comments to Senior Planner by no later than Friday, August 14, 2026.

Questions can also be submitted to Senior Planner or 705-418-3232.