Essex County Wins Two Prestigious Awards for New Official Plan

The County of Essex received significant recognition at the Ontario Professional Planners Institute’s (OPPI) PlanOn Awards Gala on September 18, 2023, in Kitchener. The county was honoured with two prestigious awards: the PlanOn Vision Award of Excellence and the Project of the Year Award for its innovative “One Land, One Climate, One Future Together” Official Plan. This document outlines a comprehensive roadmap for development over the next thirty years.

Acknowledgment of Excellence in Planning

County representatives, including Rebecca Belanger, the County Manager of Planning, and project consultant Larry Silani from the NPG Planning Solutions Team, accepted the awards. The Project of the Year Award particularly highlights a project that exemplifies innovation from conception through implementation. This accolade underscores the county’s commitment to sustainable growth and community development.

During the meeting of the County of Essex Council on October 15, 2023, Susan Wiggins, Executive Director of OPPI, presented the awards. She emphasized the importance of recognizing outstanding achievements in the planning profession. “The awards that evening were intended to recognize exceptional achievements of our members who are actively working to both transform and advance the landscape of the planning profession,” said Andria Leigh, OPPI Chairperson, in a video message.

Innovation and Community Collaboration

The jurors praised the Official Plan as a land stewardship initiative that protects agricultural and natural heritage systems within Essex County. “This plan addresses the need for significant growth and complete communities,” Leigh added. Wiggins, who served on the jury panel, expressed her admiration for the project, stating, “There was no denying that this was, in fact, the project of the year; it absolutely stood out as something innovative, creative, and led with passion.”

The award-winning Official Plan reflects the county’s collaborative efforts with its seven local municipalities and First Nations, focusing on the growth needs of the entire community. Wiggins highlighted that the awards serve to acknowledge excellence and encourage municipalities to build stronger, more innovative communities. “I am very proud of the team that submitted the award and all the people who contributed to this achievement,” she remarked.

County Warden and Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald expressed gratitude for the recognition, affirming that it was well-deserved. The accolades not only showcase the hard work and dedication of the planning team but also set a benchmark for future projects aimed at achieving sustainable development goals.

This recognition by OPPI underscores the County of Essex’s proactive approach to planning and community engagement, promoting a vision that prioritizes both environmental sustainability and social well-being.