Everyone can learn more about the planning process in Ottawa

Planning and development is a complicated business. However, it is also an incredibly important part of what we manage on a daily basis. You need to understand planning issues if you are: 

• Buying or selling a property 

• Renovating a house or building 

• Living or working near a development site 

• Simply concerned or interested about your city’s future 

This is why we created the Planning Primer. It’s an opportunity for you to learn about planning in Ottawa. There is no cost to participate.   How it works  Virtual workshops are hosted on Zoom four times per year. The next sessions are in April and you have two to choose from, depending on which fits your schedule: 

• Monday, April 7, 1:30 to 3:30 pm 

• Wednesday, April 9, 6 to 8 pm 

Please register to receive the City Builders e-newsletter to be notified of future primers. Registration opens two weeks before the course date and operates on a first come, first served basis.  What to expect  The sessions are led by planning staff and each workshop includes a discussion, with time for questions and answers.  There is a core course that describes the legislative and policy basis under which land-use planning decisions are made, the way policy documents are amended and how to make a development application.  In addition to the core course, other workshops may focus on a specific planning topic. Some examples of past electives include: 

• Development Charges 

• Residential Intensification and Infill 

• Heritage Planning 

• Secondary Planning Processes 

• Natural Systems 

• Planning for Healthy Communities 

The goal of the Planning Primer sessions is to help residents become more informed and engaged in the land-use planning process.  You can learn more about Planning Primers on the City’s website, ottawa.ca.