Policy Planning includes both the long range planning for the City as well as any specific projects assigned, from time to time, by Council. Special projects can be on any current planning issue affecting the City.

In collaboration with the parks, development planning, engineering, building standards, cultural services and economic development disciplines the department identifies and assesses a wide range of land use, urban design and heritage requirements. Staff employs a comprehensive package of planning policies to address such matters as: community plans and area studies that address open space, streets and blocks, and pedestrian and bicycle networks, appropriate built form and public realm, built and natural heritage; the environment; transportation planning; population and demographics; and commercial and employment areas. The small, experienced policy team has a wide range of expertise to carry out assigned projects utilizing expert consultants retained on the direction of Council, and managed by staff. Smaller projects are, from time to time, carried out in-house by staff.

The department fosters a culture of active participation with its citizens, developers and consultants to produce a high quality land use and urban design policy framework as it relates to all scales of development from specific sites through to neighbourhoods and City centres. Public comment is solicited on policy changes as a vital part of the planning process in Vaughan and is essential to good policy planning.

The planning policy documents prepared through this process are implemented by the City’s Development Planning Department.

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