Isabel Mosseler
Tribune
Residents gathered at the Club d’âge d’or in Field on March 27 to talk about the future of their municipality for the next 10 years and beyond. The event was one of several public consultations on West Nipissing’s Official plan, with other meetings held in Sturgeon Falls and Verner as part of a review process. The plan sets out the big-picture vision for economic development, how communities grow, where homes and businesses can go, and how natural and cultural resources are protected. “We’re not just tweaking the old plan,” said Debbie Vandenakker, the lead planner guiding the project. “This is a brand-new Official Plan. It’s a chance to make sure the vision reflects what people in places like Field value most — their landscape, their rural character, their community identity.”
The project is being led by Melanie Ducharme and Samantha Willock from the West Nipissing Planning Department, working with a consulting team that includes land use planners, policy experts, and mapping technicians. Vandenakker, a planner with over 15 years of experience, heads up the group. Rick Hunter and Ryan Lloyd from Planscape are part of the team gathering information and local knowledge, while David Riley from SGL is supporting policy and bilingual engagement. GIS technician Jennifer Thomson is producing digital mapping for the updated plan and zoning by-law. “The goal is to make sure this new plan works at every level — from policy down to your own backyard,” Vandenakker said.
During the session, residents learned that the new Plan includes policies on land use, natural and cultural resource protection, housing, infrastructure, and public health and safety. A new Shoreline Protection Overlay, for example, will apply to areas within 150 metres of lakes, rivers, and navigable streams — including many lots in the Field area. “It’s not about saying ‘no’ to development,” Vandenakker explained, “but about guiding it in a way that keeps the shoreline healthy, the water clean, and the trees in place. People here care deeply about that.”
The new Official Plan also introduces clearer land use designations, including Rural Settlement Areas like Field, and allows for greater housing flexibility. “Everywhere that allows residential use will now be able to have one main home and two additional units,” said planner Ryan Lloyd. “That’s in line with provincial changes, but also a chance to support intergenerational living and housing choice in rural communities.”
Issues were raised. Residents came with thoughtful questions — and a few concerns. Some asked how changes in agricultural designations might affect what they can do with their land. Others were unsure how shoreline protections or future zoning changes might play out. “What if I have a small cabin near the river that’s been there for years?” one resident asked. “Does that mean I can’t touch it?” Vandenakker responded, “Not necessarily. If you’re making changes or rebuilding, then yes, new rules could apply, but we’re trying to be flexible and fair. The intent is to protect what’s here, not to punish anyone.”
Communication was another hot topic. “A lot of people in Field don’t use Facebook or check the municipal website every week,” said a resident. “We want to be involved, but we need better notice.” David Riley acknowledged the challenge. “You’re absolutely right. We’ll bring that feedback forward; communication is key if we want this process to really reflect the community.”
Some of the more contentious discussion revolved around how the provincial housing crisis affected the West Nipissing Official Plan. As Ontario continues to navigate the crisis, communities like West Nipissing are being called to adapt — but not without some friction. At one point the conversation turned sharply toward the province’s push for more housing options, including “additional residential units” (ARUs) — sometimes called secondary or backyard suites — and how those might fit into West Nipissing’s rural landscape.
“Our proposal is to allow three residential units on a property — one main home and two additional,” explained Vandenakker. “This aligns with the province’s direction to support more housing, even in rural and shoreline areas.”
But not everyone is convinced. “Three is too much,” said Mayor Kathleen Thorne Rochon about the number of additional units proposed. “We haven’t seen any justification for that number. The province has only made it mandatory in urban areas — not rural.”
