The Town of Canaan, New York is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan to help guide future policy and long-term planning.

This planning process invites local residents to provide input on what issues are most important to them. Share what you would like to see to help shape the plan as it begins to be developed.

Imagine Canaan.

A Comprehensive Plan is an official municipal document, updated every several years, which outlines the specific goals, policies and desired future direction of the community. Once adopted, a municipality works within the direction outlined in that plan and tries to pursue the goals established.

But we need your help—a Comprehensive Plan needs to be formed using the input of the community. Take the survey online (click HERE) or pick up a printed copy at Town Hall, and help create our next Comprehensive Plan.

Timeline

Work on the Comprehensive Plan for Canaan, New York will continue throughout 2025.

Project Start: February 2025

Town Officials Meeting: Thursday, March 20 at 5:00 PM

Town Survey: April 4 - May 5, 2025

Mapping & Data Collection: April - May 2025

Stakeholder Outreach: May - June 2025

Analysis of Information: June 2025

Develop Vision and Goals: June 2025

Develop Strategies: August 2025

Draft Plan: September 2025

Public Hearings: September/October 2025

Town Board Adoption of Plan: December 2025

 FAQs

  • The committee is comprised of six local residents who will work to survey and summarize town residents’ thoughts on the future of Canaan. Committee members are: Kate Childs-Jones, Ashley Garrett, Mary Keegan, Monshin Paul Naamon, Thomas Platten, and Carrie Whiteman. The Town of Canaan has hired Nan Stolzenburg of Community Planning and Environmental Associates to facilitate the Comprehensive Plan process.

  • The goal of this effort is to develop an official vision document which will provide the Town of Canaan with updated goals and strategies to achieve both short and long-term priorities for improving the community. The document will be used by local town officials, community leaders, and residents to work toward a common vision.

  • Under New York State law, Comprehensive Plans are intended to be living documents which are updated every several years to reflect changes in the community, demographics, technology and public sentiment. The current Canaan Comprehensive Plan is out of date. The last officially-adopted plan was completed in 2003.

  • This initial public outreach phase of the plan update is being funded through funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

  • Canaan residents, property and business owners are invited and encouraged to participate in the various events which will take place in the coming months, including the survey this spring and public meetings in the fall. You may also submit comments and suggestions anytime through our online form, using the button above. Comments submitted will be collected and reviewed by the committee during the course of the update.