Sections of Carlton's comprehensive plan

Rural, waterfront, agricultural, small-town — the qualities residents most want to preserve.

• Rural character was the #1 reason residents chose Carlton (survey, 100+ responses).
• Waterfront resources (Lake Ontario, Point Breeze, Lake Alice, Oak Orchard River) are central to identity.
• Fishing traditions and agricultural heritage repeatedly named as core to Carlton.

The #1 priority in the community survey — fire, EMS, parks, utilities.

• Ranked highest of six planning topics in the community survey.
• Encompasses emergency services, community/rec facilities, and utilities.
• Water and sewer services, the Town park, and waterfront access were open-ended themes.

Waterfront, water quality, solar, and natural resources.

• Environment ranked #2 in the priorities ranking.
• Includes water and air quality, energy efficiency, natural resources.
• Large-scale solar development was flagged as a concern.

Roads, private roads, waterfront access, walkability.

• Ranked #3 priority in the survey.
• Concerns: road conditions, private roads, Town maintenance, intersections.
• Pedestrian and bicycle facilities identified as a need.

Dining, retail, farm stands, Point Breeze, tourism.

• Dining was the #1 most-frequently-missing amenity (46 responses).
• Point Breeze envisioned as a stronger destination.
• Family-oriented businesses, food, entertainment, festivals.

Rural residential, hamlet residential, lake side — three FLUM patterns.

• Draft FLUM shows three residential sub-types.
• Housing ranked below other priorities but still a plan focus.
• Balance rural character with intentional growth.

The Future Land Use Map (FLUM) — the draft is available now.

• The Draft FLUM (August 2026) is in the Documents library.
• Nine land use classifications proposed.
• Point Breeze designated as mixed Commercial / Community Services / Recreation.

Orchards, working farms, farm stands, the agricultural heart of Carlton.

• Interior of Carlton is predominantly Agricultural on the FLUM.
• Residents repeatedly cited farms and farm stands as community character.
• Solar-vs-farmland is a key tension to address.

Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, Oak Orchard River — the town's biggest asset.

• Waterfront cited by residents as environmental, recreational, AND economic asset.
• Water-based recreation (kayaking, boating, fishing) is central.
• Point Breeze envisioned as strong destination.

The destination residents kept returning to.

• Historic lighthouse, marina, mouth of Oak Orchard River.
• FLUM designates mixed Commercial / Community Services / Recreation.
• Envisioned as family-oriented destination with food, festivals, gathering.

How the plan gets adopted (Nov–Dec 2026) and what happens next.

• 5-phase process: Launch → Listening → Visioning → Action → Adoption.
• Currently in Visioning → Action transition (September 2026).
• September 23 workshop is a key input opportunity.