Sarnia council has directed staff to appeal the approval of the city's new Official Plan, after it was modified by the county.
When it was returned in December, there were a number of changes, including the removal of the settlement boundary expansion for the lands south of Lakeshore Road, east of Brigden Road and west of Waterworks Road.
Council held a special meeting Monday to discuss the document because the deadline to appeal is December 29, 2022.
Community Services General Manager Stacey Forfar said appealing the modified plan will ensure there's time to review the changes in detail, and come back to council with recommended next steps and legal advice.
"To file the placeholder appeal at this time, with the Ontario Land Tribunal, is about $1,100," said Forfar. "Future costs of a hearing, or further engagement in the process, will certainly be provided as estimates to council at the recommended February meeting."
Mayor Mike Bradley said he wants the county to open its official plan to look at other settlement areas too.
"I'm aware of issues in St. Clair, I'm aware of issues in Lambton Shores, and our own area... so, the changes can happen at the county level."
Forfar said Mayor Bradley's suggestion could be included in a list of options to be considered in the new year.
