Cainsville Premier Employment Land Use Strategy Appealed

The County of Brant is advising the community that an appeal has been filed regarding the Official Plan Amendment (By-law 106-26), which was approved by Council on September 8, 2026, to implement the Cainsville Premier Employment Hub Land Use Strategy. The appeal period closed on September 30, 2026, at 4:00pm.

As a result, the Official Plan Amendment and the Cainsville Premier Employment Hub Land Use Strategy have not come into effect on October 1, 2026.

Background

In November 2024, the County of Brant began work on a long-term plan for Cainsville that supports business growth, attracts investment, and creates jobs. The Cainsville Premier Employment Hub Land Use Strategy focused on protecting and expanding employment lands to accommodate industries and support a vibrant employment hub.

Between November 2024 and September 2026, the County provided several opportunities to engage the public with the creation of the Strategy. The feedback gathered through open houses and online engagement helped the development of the Strategy and associated Official Plan Amendment.

On September 8, 2026, County of Brant Council approved the Official Plan Amendment (Bylaw 106-26) to implement the Strategy.

What’s next

As a result of the appeal, the Official Plan Amendment has not come into effect. The existing Official Plan policies shall continue to remain in effect while the appeal proceeds through the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) process.

Staff will continue to work with applicants to discuss and evaluate how the directions of the Cainsville Premier Employment Hub Land Use Strategy may impact them as more becomes known about the appeals. That said, the Official Plan Amendment remains subject to the outcome of the appeal process, and the OLT will determine how the appeals will be addressed, including timelines, procedures, and any hearing information.

The County is currently reviewing the appeal materials to participate in the OLT proceedings.

Stay informed

Engage Brant will remain the primary source for the Cainsville Premier Land Use Strategy and appeal updates, with new information posted as it becomes available.

Subscribe for Cainsville project updates by adding your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.

Those seeking updates directly from the OLT can visit the Ontario Land Tribunal Case Status Portal.