The ORMCP is composed of five parts:

Part I
The first part of the Plan defines the areas that the Plan applies to and lays out the rules for existing uses, previously authorized uses, and exceptions. This is also the section where you will find definitions for the planning and technical terms used in the Plan.

Part II
In Part II, you’ll find a description of the purpose, objectives, and permitted uses for the 4 Moraine land use designations. It also describes lot-creation policies for Countryside Areas.

The plan divides the Moraine into four land use designations with permitted uses:
 

1. Natural Core Areas - 38% of the moraine: Areas that protect the greatest concentrations of key natural heritage features, which are critical to maintaining the integrity of the Moraine as a whole. Natural Core Areas contain a significant portion of the Moraine’s ANSIs. Only existing uses and very restricted new resource management, agricultural, low intensity recreational, home businesses, transportation, and utility uses are allowed in these areas.

2. Natural Linkage Areas - 24% of the moraine: protect critical natural and open-space linkages between Natural Core Areas and along rivers and streams. The only uses allowed are those in the Natural Core Areas plus new aggregate resource operations.

3. Countryside Areas - 30% of the moraine: provide agricultural and rural-transition buffers between Natural Core Areas or Natural Linkage Areas and urbanized Settlement Areas. Prime agricultural areas and natural features are protected. Most uses typically allowed in agricultural and other rural areas are allowed here. Within Countryside Areas, the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Use Designation Map also identifies and defines Rural Settlements. These are existing hamlets or similar small, generally long-established communities identified in official plans (OPs).

4. Settlement Areas - 8% of the moraine: reflect a range of existing communities planned by municipalities to reflect a community’s needs and values. Urban uses and development that have been set out in municipal official plans are permitted in settlement areas.

 

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You can use our interactive mapping tool to determine your location within the moraine boundaries.

 

Part III

Part III identifies the Moraine’s key natural, hydrological, and landform features, and specifies requirements to protect the ecological and hydrological integrity of the Plan Area. The Plan identifies key natural heritage features (KNHFs) such as wetlands and woodlands, and hydrologically sensitive features (HSFs) such as kettle lakes and springs. They are protected from development and site alteration in all 4 designations with the exception of some uses such as forest, fish and wildlife management, and trails and transportation.

Part IV

Specifies any additional requirements or restrictions for particular uses and activities. For example, new aggregate resource (sand and gravel) extraction is not permitted in Natural Core Areas, and licensed (existing) operations must meet stringent review-and-approval standards. New major recreation developments such as golf courses are permitted only in Countryside Areas and must meet stringent review and approval standards. New transportation and utility corridors or facilities are not permitted in Natural Core and Linkage Areas without demonstrable need and lack of reasonable alternatives. They also must meet stringent review-and-approval standards. Part IV also prescribes the establishment of a trail system through the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Part V

Identifies the sections of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 that apply to Natural Core Areas, Natural Linkage Areas, and Countryside Areas for applications that were commenced, but not approved prior to November 17, 2001 (transition applications).

To find out how this Plan affects a specific area or land use or development proposal on the Oak Ridges Moraine, the Plan regulation must be read in its entirety as follows:
 

1. Consult the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Land Use Designation Map to determine what designation applies to the area

2. Consult Part II to see the policies for that designation and consult Part III to determine any restrictions or requirements that shall be considered to protect ecological and hydrological integrity

3. Consult Part IV to determine any additional restrictions or requirements that may apply for the specific use or activity being considered

4. Consult Part V to determine the prescribed provisions that apply pursuant to subsection 15(2) of the Act

5. Remember that Part I (General) applies to all development proposals and land uses, including site alteration

6. Users of this Plan also need to consult with the appropriate municipality for information on official plan policies and any other municipal requirements. The Plan is not intended to replace the community planning principles reflected in municipal official plans. However, in the event that there is a conflict, the Act and the Plan take precedence.

Ten-Year Review of the ORMCP

The 10-year review of the ORMCP, intended for 2012, was established before the Greenbelt and Growth Plans were even conceived. So in 2015, then-Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ted McMeekin kicked off a coordinated review of the four provincial plans covering the Greater Golden Horseshoe - the Niagara Escarpment, Oak Ridges Moraine, Greenbelt and Growth plans. In recognition of the significance of a review of this scope, David Crombie was appointed to lead an expert panel which would undertake extensive consultation with all affected sectors - agriculture, development, aggregate, municipal, conservation authorities, and environmental NGOs to get a lay of the land and to report back to the government their recommendations.

The ORMCP is slated for its next review in 2025, but there is some concern that this could occur sooner given the accelerated review of the Greenbelt Plan announced by Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in 2023.