Updated September 2026
If you live in Dufferin County, or you’re considering moving here, you’ve probably noticed something: the area is growing.
New homes are being proposed, subdivisions are expanding, commercial spaces are changing, and communities like Orangeville, Shelburne and Grand Valley are planning for what the next several decades could look like. And this isn’t expected to be a short-term trend. Dufferin County is planning for its population to reach approximately 100,700 people by 2051, along with approximately 41,900 jobs. That means thousands of additional residents, new housing, businesses and infrastructure will need to be accommodated across the County in the years ahead.
So, what’s actually being built?
Below, we’re taking a look at some of the notable new developments, proposed communities and growth areas across Orangeville, Shelburne, Grand Valley, East Garafraxa, Melancthon and the rest of Dufferin County. One important note before we get started: planning applications can change significantly before construction begins. Some projects below are proposed, some have received various stages of approval, and others are moving closer to development. We’ve identified their status wherever possible.
Why Is Dufferin County Growing?
Dufferin County includes eight municipalities: Orangeville, Shelburne, Grand Valley, Mono, Amaranth, East Garafraxa, Mulmur and Melancthon. While these communities are very different from one another, they’re collectively being asked to accommodate considerable growth over the coming decades.
Dufferin County’s Official Plan is now based around accommodating approximately 100,700 residents and 41,900 jobs by 2051. That growth won’t necessarily be spread evenly throughout the County. The majority of new residential development will continue to be directed toward established settlement areas where municipal services and infrastructure can support additional homes. At the same time, we’re also seeing some interesting development proposals emerge in Dufferin’s more rural municipalities.
Here’s what we’re watching.
New Developments in Orangeville
As Dufferin County’s largest community and primary commercial centre, Orangeville will continue to play an important role in accommodating future growth. Unlike some surrounding communities, however, Orangeville has relatively limited undeveloped land within its existing boundaries. That means future growth isn’t only about building traditional subdivisions. Intensification, townhomes, apartments, mixed-use buildings and redevelopment of existing properties are becoming increasingly important parts of Orangeville’s housing picture.
Orangeville Highlands
One of the largest developments worth watching is the proposed Orangeville Highlands development on the north side of Hansen Boulevard, west of the Orangeville Mall. The most recent development concept published by the Town includes approximately 541 residential units, consisting of:
✓93 conventional townhouses
✓26 back-to-back townhouses
✓88 stacked condominium townhouses
✓334 apartment units
The plan also includes parkland, a stormwater management facility, an open-space walkway and more than six hectares of protected natural heritage lands. Orangeville Highlands isn’t a brand-new proposal, planning for the site has been underway for years, but its scale makes it one of the more significant future residential development areas to watch in Orangeville.
Status: Long-standing development application / planning process.
Hansen Boulevard & Parkinson Crescent Mixed-Use Development
Another newer proposal is located near the southeast corner of Hansen Boulevard and the eastern entrance to Parkinson Crescent. The 2026 application proposes two mixed-use buildings containing approximately 755 square metres of ground-floor commercial space with 23 residential units above, along with a separate six-unit townhouse building. That would create a total of 29 residential units while introducing additional neighbourhood commercial space. While much smaller than Orangeville Highlands, developments like this may offer a good indication of what future growth in Orangeville increasingly looks like: a mixture of residential and commercial uses rather than large subdivisions made up exclusively of detached homes.
Status: Zoning By-law Amendment and Site Plan applications submitted in 2026.
Broadway Could Look Very Different Over Time
Some of the most interesting changes in Orangeville may not come from traditional subdivisions at all. The Town has been studying the east and west Broadway corridors to establish a long-term vision for development outside the historic downtown. With additional growth expected over the next 30 years, the Town anticipates increased development activity along portions of Broadway. The planning work looks at future land use, transportation, infrastructure, public spaces and how new development can complement the character of Orangeville’s existing downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods.
That doesn’t mean Broadway is suddenly going to be filled with construction. Instead, it creates a framework that can guide redevelopment as properties change hands and development proposals come forward over the coming years. For homeowners and buyers, this is an important trend to watch because Orangeville’s future housing supply may increasingly come from redevelopment and intensification of existing areas rather than entirely new neighbourhoods.
New Developments in Shelburne
Few communities in Dufferin County have changed as dramatically as Shelburne over the past couple of decades. Entire neighbourhoods have been constructed, commercial development has expanded, and the Town has become an increasingly popular option for buyers looking north of the GTA. And there’s room for more growth.
Long-term planning changes have expanded Shelburne’s settlement area to accommodate additional residential and employment lands as the community grows. For buyers, that means it’s worth looking beyond the subdivisions that are already under construction. Future development in Shelburne will be influenced by newly designated growth areas, infrastructure capacity and the Town’s ability to accommodate additional housing.
We’re also watching smaller commercial and community-service developments within existing neighbourhoods. For example, a 2026 planning application at 305 Colonel Phillips Drive seeks permission for a daycare centre on lands currently designated Community Commercial. Individually, projects like this aren’t major housing developments, but they’re an important part of what happens as newer residential neighbourhoods mature: services, childcare, retail and other amenities begin following the population growth. For anyone considering buying a home in Shelburne, future development is worth understanding — particularly when buying near the edge of an existing subdivision where currently vacant land could eventually change.
New Developments in Grand Valley
Grand Valley is another Dufferin County community we’re watching closely. Its small-town feel and proximity to Orangeville have attracted buyers who want more space while remaining within commuting distance of larger centres. Several developments and planning applications are currently worth watching.
Thomasfield Subdivision – Phase 3B-2
The next phase of the Thomasfield subdivision continues the expansion of residential development in Grand Valley. In 2026, the Town considered removing the Holding provision from lands designated for Thomasfield Phase 3B-2, allowing development of a 49-lot residential subdivision to proceed once applicable requirements are satisfied.
Status: Development approvals progressing in 2026.
For buyers considering Grand Valley, additional phases like this mean the community’s housing stock will continue to evolve beyond its older central neighbourhoods.
River’s Edge Subdivision
Another project worth following is the proposed River’s Edge subdivision. The development remains listed among Grand Valley’s current and approved planning applications and has gone through the subdivision and zoning application process, supported by studies covering engineering, servicing, transportation, environmental impact, hydrogeology and other planning considerations. As with any development still moving through the planning process, the final design, timing and number of homes can change before construction.
Status: Planning/subdivision application process.
A Proposed 78-Home Development in East Garafraxa
Development proposals aren’t limited to Dufferin’s larger urban communities. A particularly interesting application is underway at 063076 County Road 3 in East Garafraxa. The property already has an Ontario Land Tribunal-approved draft plan of subdivision for 58 residential units. A 2026 application seeks to change part of the property’s land-use designation to permit 20 additional residential units, which would increase the development to a total of approximately 78 homes. A statutory public meeting regarding the proposal was held in September 2026.
Status: Proposed expansion of an existing approved subdivision; planning process ongoing.
This is an important distinction: the proposed additional 20 homes should not be considered approved simply because an application has been submitted.
A Proposed 222-Unit Community in Melancthon
One of the more unusual development applications currently being considered in Dufferin County is located at 476420 3rd Line in Melancthon. The application proposes changing the property’s designation from Prime Agricultural to Community Settlement Area to allow for a 222-unit leasehold community. The concept also includes recreational areas and a defined commercial area. A public meeting regarding the Official Plan Amendment was held in April 2026, with a staff recommendation to be presented to Dufferin County Council at a future meeting. If approved and ultimately constructed, a development of this scale would be notable for a municipality that remains overwhelmingly rural. But it’s important to emphasize that this is currently a proposal, not a community that’s guaranteed to be built.
Status: Official Plan Amendment application under consideration as of September 2026.
What About Amaranth?
Amaranth is another municipality where development proposals occasionally attract significant attention. One recent example actually illustrates why it’s important to understand the difference between a development being proposed and being approved. An application was submitted for 514504 2nd Line seeking to redesignate agricultural lands to permit a 19-unit residential estate subdivision. However, in April 2026, Dufferin County Council passed a resolution to refuse the requested Official Plan Amendment. In other words, seeing a proposed subdivision on a planning application doesn’t necessarily mean those homes will ever be built. That’s one of the reasons we recommend buyers investigate surrounding land uses and active planning applications when considering a property, particularly in rural areas.
What About Mono, Mulmur and Other Rural Areas?
Communities such as Mono, Mulmur, Amaranth and Melancthon are likely to continue looking very different from Orangeville, Shelburne and Grand Valley. Much of Dufferin County’s rural land is subject to agricultural, environmental and provincial planning protections that limit where significant residential development can occur. That doesn’t mean there won’t be development. You’ll continue to see individual homes, severances where permitted, estate-style development, infill and proposals within established settlement areas. But buyers shouldn’t expect the countryside between Orangeville, Shelburne and surrounding communities to simply become one continuous suburban development.
The County’s long-term planning framework is intended to direct different types of growth to appropriate areas while protecting agricultural and environmentally sensitive lands.
What Does All This Growth Mean for Dufferin County Real Estate?
More development doesn’t automatically mean home prices will rise or fall. There are too many other factors involved, interest rates, employment, migration, housing supply, the broader economy and buyer demand all play a role. But development does change communities.
New housing can create more options for buyers and introduce different housing types into markets that historically offered fewer choices. Population growth can also support additional:
✓ Restaurants and retail
✓ Childcare and schools
✓ Recreation facilities
✓ Professional services
✓ Employment opportunities
✓ Roads and infrastructure
✓ Community amenities
At the same time, growth can create challenges involving traffic, infrastructure capacity, construction and changing neighbourhood character. That’s why understanding where development is happening can be just as important as knowing what homes are currently for sale.
Buying Near a Future Development? Do Your Homework
This is something we encourage buyers to pay particular attention to. Imagine finding a home with a beautiful view across an empty field. It’s easy to assume that field will always be there. But if the property is within a settlement boundary or already subject to a development application, what you see today could look very different five or ten years from now.
Before purchasing, it’s worth investigating:
✓Current zoning
✓Official Plan designations
✓Active development applications
✓Draft-approved subdivisions
✓Proposed roads
✓Future commercial areas
✓Employment lands
✓Environmental protection areas
No one can guarantee exactly what will happen to a neighbouring property in the future, but understanding the current planning framework can help you make a much more informed decision.
Is Dufferin County Going to Keep Growing?
Based on current provincial and municipal planning, yes — substantial growth is planned over the coming decades. Dufferin County is planning around a population of approximately 100,700 residents by 2051, along with approximately 41,900 jobs. The more interesting question is what that growth will look like.
Orangeville is likely to rely increasingly on redevelopment, mixed-use development and higher-density housing. Shelburne and Grand Valley have opportunities for additional subdivision growth. And the rural municipalities will continue balancing limited development opportunities with the protection of farmland, natural heritage and Dufferin County’s rural character.
The Dufferin County we know 10 or 20 years from now will undoubtedly look different from the one we know today. And we’ll be keeping a close eye on what’s coming next.
Frequently Asked Questions About Development in Dufferin County
What new developments are coming to Dufferin County?
Several residential developments and planning applications are moving through different stages across Dufferin County. Notable projects include proposed or planned development in Orangeville, Shelburne, Grand Valley, East Garafraxa and Melancthon. These range from new subdivisions and additional phases of existing communities to townhomes, apartments and mixed-use developments. Because development applications can change, it’s important to distinguish between a project that has simply been proposed and one that has received the approvals required to proceed.
Where are most new homes being built in Dufferin County?
Most significant residential growth is expected to occur within established settlement areas, particularly Orangeville, Shelburne and Grand Valley. These communities are better positioned to accommodate additional housing and services than much of Dufferin County’s rural countryside. The type of growth also varies by community. Shelburne and Grand Valley have opportunities for additional subdivision development, while Orangeville is increasingly looking toward infill, redevelopment and higher-density housing.
What new developments are coming to Orangeville?
Some of the developments and growth areas worth watching in Orangeville include Orangeville Highlands, proposed mixed-use development around Hansen Boulevard and Parkinson Crescent, and longer-term redevelopment and intensification along the Broadway corridor. With relatively limited vacant land remaining within Orangeville, future housing growth may increasingly include townhomes, apartments, mixed-use projects and redevelopment of existing properties.
What new developments are coming to Shelburne?
Shelburne continues to be one of Dufferin County’s major growth areas. In addition to existing and future residential neighbourhoods, the Town’s expanded settlement area provides land for longer-term residential and employment growth. As Shelburne’s population increases, we’re also watching for additional commercial development, childcare, recreation, restaurants, retail and other services that typically accompany residential growth.
Are new subdivisions coming to Grand Valley?
Yes. Grand Valley continues to see residential development and planning activity. This includes additional phases of the Thomasfield subdivision and the proposed River’s Edge subdivision, among other future development opportunities. Buyers considering Grand Valley should keep in mind that some currently undeveloped areas around newer neighbourhoods could change considerably as the community grows.
How much is Dufferin County expected to grow?
Dufferin County’s long-term planning framework is designed to accommodate approximately 100,700 residents and 41,900 jobs by 2051. That growth is expected to influence housing, transportation, infrastructure, commercial development and community services throughout the County.
Will farmland in Dufferin County eventually become subdivisions?
Not necessarily. Large portions of Dufferin County are protected or restricted by agricultural, environmental and provincial land-use policies. Most significant residential growth is intended to occur within designated settlement areas. Development can still be proposed in rural municipalities, but a proposal does not automatically mean the land will ultimately be approved for development.
How can I find out what is being built near a home I’m considering buying?
Start by checking the applicable municipality’s Official Plan, zoning maps and active development applications. Dufferin County also publishes planning information for applications that fall under County jurisdiction. This is particularly important when purchasing a home beside vacant land. A field or open property that exists today could already be designated for future residential, commercial or employment development. If you’re considering buying a home in Dufferin County, we can also help you research the surrounding area and identify planning applications or future developments worth knowing about before you make an offer.
Thinking About Moving to Dufferin County?
We’re Team Apex Real Estate, and Dufferin County isn’t simply an area we sell real estate in, it’s the community we live and work in every day. We help buyers and sellers throughout Orangeville, Shelburne, Grand Valley, Amaranth, Mono, Mulmur, Melancthon, East Garafraxa and the surrounding communities.
If you’re considering moving to Dufferin County and aren’t sure which community or neighbourhood makes the most sense for you, we’d be happy to help. We can talk through what’s available today, how the different communities compare, and some of the development and changes worth knowing about before you buy.
Have a question about moving to Dufferin County? Reach out to Team Apex Real Estate and let’s have a conversation.
Development information in this article is based on publicly available municipal and County planning information as of September 2026. Proposed developments, unit counts, designs, approvals and construction timelines can change. Readers should confirm the latest information with the applicable municipality before making a real estate or purchasing decision.