Ongoing Studies and Projects
What’s on this page?
Overview
Long-range policy projects, studies and plans ensure that the County of Lennox & Addington is growing in a responsible manner that reflects best practices and complies with legislative requirements and changes.
Ongoing Studies
- LEAR Study
Completed Studies
Natural Heritage System Study
A requirement of the County Official Plan is to establish a Natural Heritage System for the portion of the County that is included within Ecoregions 6E and 7E, which are located to the south of the Canadian Shield, as per the Provincial Policy Statement.
The Natural Heritage System Study is a comprehensive evaluation of natural heritage features such as wetlands, forest cover, and wildlife habitat at a regional scale across the County, and includes the mapping of a connected system of these features. The mapping is accompanied with policy recommendations that can be used by planners to protect significant natural features from development. This comprehensive regional review of natural heritage mapping and policies set a foundation for the natural heritage policies in the County Official Plan.
The County retained Meridian Planning Consultants and North South Environmental Inc. who prepared a Natural Heritage System Strategy that was implemented in the County’s Official Plan.
As of February 2024, the project is now complete!
Final Report: Natural Heritage System Study for the County of Lennox and Addington
Growth Study
To ensure that the County of Lennox and Addington plans for efficient growth over the long term, the County undertook a Growth Analysis that will establish long term growth management projections.
This study informs growth projections that are contained in the updated County Official Plan.
The Guide will be used by local municipalities and the County to proactively address infrastructure, studies and financial considerations related to growth (e.g. expansions to infrastructure, road and intersection improvements, pedestrian infrastructure, stormwater, etc.). From a development perspective, the Guide will help to ensure that requirements are clearly set out in advance so that developers are aware of the requirements of municipalities and approval agencies early in the process.
Watson & Associates were retained to: Prepare population, household and employment forecasts to the year 2051 and also carry out an Urban Land Needs Assessment in accordance with Provincial policy and guidance.
This project was completed in September 2023.
Ongoing Studies
Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) Study
What is a LEAR Study?
A LEAR or a Land Evaluation and Area Review study is a tool used to inform the designation and evaluation of prime agricultural areas. It also identifies what is not considered to be prime agricultural land. The tool was developed by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
There are two (2) components to a LEAR study:
- Land Evaluation (LE) – a land evaluation assesses the inherent soil and climatic conditions for agriculture. Mapping is used to identify and compare agricultural soils and capabilities for common field crops
- Area Review (AR) – this review considers other factors important to agricultural potential such as fragmentation of land and how the land is used
What are Prime Agricultural Areas/Lands?
In Ontario, prime Agricultural lands are the Province’s most fertile areas where most of our crops are produced. They are defined as specialty crop areas and/or areas with Canada Land Inventory (CLI) Classes 1 – 3 lands as amended from time to time, in this order of priority for protection. Other areas associated with prime agricultural land include CLI Classes 4 – 7 lands and additional areas with a local concentration arms with characteristics of ongoing agriculture; and areas with organic soil (not part of the CLI classification system). This information is derived from OMAFRA and the Provincial Planning Statement.
What is a Prime Agricultural Designation?
A property with a prime agricultural designation is land that has been identified as having a good soil and long-term potential for farming. The Province of Ontario requires municipalities to identify and protect these lands to support agriculture and food production over time.
LEAR Methodology & Process
The Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) Study is a provincially guided planning process used to evaluate and classify agricultural lands based on their long-term agricultural potential. The methodology combines soil capability information, land use data, and planning criteria to determine how lands should be identified within the County’s Official Plan.
Process and Mapping FAQ’s
- Why was my property included but not my neighbor’s?
Designation is based on soil quality, parcel size, existing land uses, and proximity to other farmland. Each property was scored using consistent criteria through the LEAR study.
- What criteria were used to designate my land?
The LEAR study combines soil data (Canada Land Inventory), parcel size/configuration, current land use, and the agricultural character of the surrounding area.
- Can I appeal this decision?
You can submit comments during the public engagement process. Final designations are made when the Official Plan is updated, at which point appeals may not be made as the Province is the final approval authority.
- Who makes the final decision — the County, the Province, or the Township?
The Province makes the final decision through the Official Plan update, with input from local Townships and approval from the County.
- How does this affect the Township’s zoning by-laws?
Township zoning must conform to the County’s Official Plan. Once the new agricultural designations are approved, Townships may update their zoning accordingly.
Stages of the Study
Project Duration: February 2025 – July 2026
The Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) Study is being conducted over an 18-month period with broad public and stakeholder participation during each stage. Below are the key stages of the project and what the public can expect during each one.
Stage 1 – Background Work (Completed)
- Launch of the Lear Study
- Formation of the Lear Advisory Committee
- Review of relevant background documents and mapping
- Develop public consultation strategy and potential timeline
Milestone: First Advisory Committee Meeting Milestone: Launch of LEAR project page and information portal
Stage 2 – Building the LEAR Model (Completed)
- Identify and map soils, land use, and parcel characteristics
- Develop a scoring system to evaluate agricultural potential
- Begin mapping land evaluation and area review factors
- Review scoring scenarios with the Advisory Committee
Milestone: Release first draft LEAR maps and scoring model for the public to review Milestone: Second Advisory Committee Meeting
Stage 3 – Land Use Suitability Analysis and Soil Analysis (In Progress)
- If required, conduct a detailed soil study to ground-truth mapping on select parcels
- Compare LEAR results with current land use designations
- Update the model and maps based on findings
Milestone: Draft soil and land use analysis report completed
Stage 4 – Open House & Public Consultation – Round 1 (Completed)
- In-person open houses at the County
- Share draft LEAR maps and gather public feedback
- Meetings with affected landowners
- Review and respond to public input
- Prepare a summary of consultation findings
- Prepare a draft LEAR to submit to MMAH for review (90 days before statutory Open House/Public Meeting)
Stage 5 – Policy Drafting & Public Consultation Round 2 (In Progress)
- Review and respond to public input
- Prepare a summary of consultation findings
- Host a statutory public open house to present the draft LEAR recommendations and Official Plan Amendment (OPA)
Milestone: Statutory Open House (September 2026)
Stage 6 – Final Recommendation and Official Plan Amendment
- Draft the Official Plan Amendment
- Present the LEAR results, committee work, and public input
- Hold a Planning Act public meeting for formal feedback
Milestone: Public Meeting under the Planning Act
Stage 7: Final Report & Adoption
- Finalize the LEAR Report and Consultation Summary
- Submit Official Plan Amendment for Council adoption
- Submit Official Plan Amendment for Ministry of Municipal Affairs approval
Milestone: Final LEAR Report and OPA completed
LEAR Open House Details - February 2026
The purpose of the Open House is to provide the public with the opportunity to hear a presentation on the Draft Findings and discuss the proposed revised Prime Agricultural Areas with County Staff, Municipal Staff, Ministry Staff and the Consulting Firm. All interested parties are invited to participate.
The same presentation will be given on both days at 6:10 pm.
Open House Dates:
Wednesday February 4, 2026
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lennox and Addington County Court House: 97 Thomas Street East, Napanee, ON
Thursday February 5, 2026
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lennox and Addington County Court House: 97 Thomas Street East, Napanee, ON
Frequently Asked Questions and More Information on LEAR Study
LEAR Draft Mapping (Various Drafts)
For help using the LEAR Map click here.
If you would like to see the PDF version of the LEAR Map, please click here: DRAFT 1 – PDF VERSION LEAR MAP
DRAFT 2 – PDF VERSION LEAR MAP
DRAFT 2 – PDF VERSION LEAR MAP SHOWING CHANGES
Prime Agriculture Policy & Definitions
What does “property designation” mean?
Every property in the County and in the lower-tier municipality is assigned a land-use designation through a document called the Official Plan. In simple terms, this designation:
- Describes the long-term purpose of the land (rural, agricultural, residential, commercial…)
- Affects what types of new development may be permitted over time.
A designation does not change who owns the land, it does not take away existing buildings or uses and does not affect day to day activities.
How Planning works in Lennox and Addington County
Planning decisions are guided by a set of documents that work together. Each one plays a different role. There is the County Official Plan, the Lower-Tier Official Plan and the Local Zoning By-law. The County Official Plan sets out long-term planning policies that apply across all municipalities in Lennox and Addington. It establishes broad direction for things like agriculture, rural lands, settlement areas and growth. The LEAR study will inform updates to this document, such as changing land use designations for properties from rural to agriculture or vice-versa.
Each lower-tier municipality has its own Official Plan. These plans must follow the direction by the County Official Plan but provide more detailed, more local policies that reflect each municipality. For example, if the County Official Plan identifies an area as Prime Agriculture, the local official plan would include policies explaining how that designation applies within that municipality, such as how agricultural lands are managed and what uses are permitted.
Zoning By-laws are adopted by lower-tier municipalities and provide the most detailed rules for individual properties. Zoning regulates things like permitted uses, lot sizes, and where buildings can be located. Each lower-tier will have different permitted uses and it is important to check your local zoning by-law and official plan to see what is allowed.
Prime Agriculture Land Provincial Policies & County Policies
Staff Reports & Presentations
Field Checks
Field Investigation Areas
If your property is located within a proposed field investigation area (identified in yellow on the 2nd draft of the LEAR map), our soil consultants are requesting permission to access the property to undertake potential soil sampling and field verification work. This work is anticipated to begin at the end of June.
Please note that providing permission to access your property does not necessarily mean that soil sampling or field investigation work will occur on your lands. The consulting agrologists will determine which properties require investigation based on the study methodology, field conditions, and technical criteria that must be followed as part of the LEAR process. However, obtaining permission in advance allows the consulting team flexibility to access properties within the broader investigation area where required.
If you are willing to provide permission for access, please email us at Planning Clerk with confirmation and any information we should be aware of regarding access to the property.
Contact Us
If you have questions or would like to send us comments, please email us at: planningclerk@lennox-addington.on.ca
The County of Lennox and Addington together with the Township of Stone Mills, Loyalist Township and the Town of Greater Napanee are conducting a comprehensive Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) study. The Township of Addington Highlands does not have any prime agricultural lands.
This study aims to assess and identify prime agricultural land use designations within the County. The County has retained J.L.Richards and Colville Consulting to undertake the completion of this work. J.L.Richards is a professional planning firm with experience conducting many LEAR studies throughout Ontario, and Colville Consulting provides expertise and knowledge involving agriculture and the natural environment. A Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR), a provincially supported methodology, is proposed to be used.
Project Working Group
The project working group is comprised of our consulting team (JL Richards and Colville Consulting) and municipal planning staff from Lennox and Addington, Town of Greater Napanee, Stone Mills Township and Loyalist Township. This group will oversee the project and will make recommendations to County Council.
Agricultural Lands Advisory Group
This volunteer group was appointed by Lennox and Addington County Council. Their role is to is to provide advice to the project working group (consulting team and municipal planning staff), this includes insights on local agricultural practices, land use patterns, environmental conditions and “boots-on-the-ground experience”.
The following are the members:
Max Kaiser (Greater Napanee) member of the Lennox and Addington OFA
Dave Milligan (Greater Napanee) representing Milk Producers
Brian Windover (Greater Napanee) representing Animal Production
Ivan Mackinnon (Loyalist) representing Crop Production
Shane Smith (Stone Mills) representing the Business Sector
Jim Sova (Loyalist) representing At -Large
Michelle Kennelly (Greater Napanee) representing At -Large
Allen Good (Stone Mills) representing At-Large
All enquiries regarding the LEAR project are to be directed to Anna Geladi, County Planner at planningclerk@lennox-addington.on.ca.
County Agricultural Lands Advisory Committee selected
