Grand Bay-Westfield is looking to make some tweaks to its municipal plan and zoning bylaws.

The change is needed as part of the local governance reform process, which took effect Jan. 1.

That saw part of the former Local Service District of Westfield West become part of the town.

“Prior to becoming part of the town, it didn’t have any rural plan or municipal plan for itself. It was just regulated by provincial regulations,” said David Taylor, the town’s development officer.

“This will bring that area into the entire town that the municipal plan and the zoning bylaw would cover.”

These documents directly impact how your community is shaped by determining what types of developments can go where, what natural resources should be protected, and where essential services are needed.

They can be used to address issues like food insecurity and the need for affordable housing, and they may impact what you are permitted to do with your property, said the town.

Taylor said there may be “subtle changes” to the overall plans but he expects most of the conversation will focus on seeing how the former Westfield West LSD ties into the existing plans.

An open house will take place at Nerepis Baptist Church on Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.

Taylor said residents will have the chance to ask questions about the municipal plan and zoning bylaws.

“It’s an opportunity to see what it might look like, what concerns they may have to put toward developing that plan,” he said.

An online survey is also available on the town’s website until Monday, March 6.

Proposed changes will be presented to the community during a public hearing before council votes on them. Taylor anticipates that any changes would be approved before the end of June.