Growth Management Plan
Understand growth management plans in Canadian urban planning — what they are, their goals, and how they guide development.

July 27, 2025
What is a Growth Management Plan?
A growth management plan is a comprehensive municipal or regional strategy for directing and controlling land use, development, and infrastructure investment.
Why Growth Management Plans Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian urban planning, growth management plans help ensure orderly, sustainable growth by aligning development with infrastructure and environmental goals.
Key objectives:
- Balance housing, employment, and green space
- Support efficient transportation and infrastructure
- Protect natural resources and farmland
Understanding growth management plans helps developers and communities anticipate future land use priorities and policies.
Example of a Growth Management Plan in Action
The region’s growth management plan designated specific areas for high-density housing near public transit corridors.
Key Takeaways
- Directs where and how growth occurs
- Aligns land use with infrastructure capacity
- Helps protect environmental resources
- Provides long-term planning certainty
- Guides zoning and development approvals
Related Terms
- Official Plan
- Urban Planning
- Transit-Oriented Development
- Zoning
- Density Bonus

Construction cost ranges for British Columbia. (BTY Group)
Construction cost ranges for Ontario. (BTY Group)
Construction cost escalation projections by region. (BTY Group)








Chartwell’s portfolio as of December 31, 2025. (Chartwell Retirement Residences)

The Marine Terrace apartments at 605 SE Marine Drive. (MCMP Architects, Peterson)
An overview of the 605 SE Marine Drive proposal and uses. (MCMP Architects, Peterson)
A rendering of the 605 SE Marine Drive proposal from the corner of SE Marine Drive and Fraser Street. (MCMP Architects, Peterson)
Renderings of the proposal for 605 SE Marine Drive in Vancouver. (MCMP Architects, Peterson)





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