Brant County Council Report
To: To the Mayor and Members of Brant County Council From: Brandon Kortleve, BA, CPT, Planner, Policy Planning Jennifer Boyer, BES, M.Sc., MCIP RPP, Manager of Policy Planning Date: December 1, 2020 Report: RPT-20-216 Subject: New Official Plan Summary of Public Engagement Comments Purpose: For Information
Recommendation THAT report RPT-20-216 be received as information.
Key Strategic Priorities 1. Sustainable and Managed Growth
2. Healthy, Safe and Engaged Citizens
3. Effective Communications
Financial Considerations Completion of the New Official Plan will be undertaken primarily by County staff, with some initiatives completed by external consultants for the Municipal Comprehensive Review and facilitation of public engagement events.
Background Public and stakeholder feedback is critical to ensure that the New Official Plan will serve our community in the future. Planning staff continue efforts to ensure the new Official Plan is completed within the timeframes to meet conformity to the Growth Plan by July 1, 2022. To include as many voices as possible in this important conversation about the future of the planning of the County of Brant, staff have completed various public engagement activities that have been designed to give the community an opportunity to provide meaningful input on this project. Public and stakeholder engagement to create an Official Plan is not only required by the Planning Act but is an integral component of this process. The input that is gathered from this phase of engagement activities and consultation will be further summarized to inform Council in early 2021. This report provides an update of these activities to-date, in advance of the December 8th Special Meeting of Council to consider the recommendations for Growth Forecasting that will inform our Official Plan and Growth Management Strategy as we move forward. Report New Official Plan Engagement Initiatives
As part of the revised public engagement initiatives for the Official Plan to adapt to the COVID-19 health emergency, County staff will be conducting no in-person large-scale public engagement events until further notice. Several virtual engagement opportunities are being conducted through County-supported technology tools (such as Zoom, GIS, eSolutions, and Bang the Table). We are also working actively with Corporate Communications and Marketing staff as we receive feedback through this process. We have created a flexible engagement program that is also helping us address any noted gaps in demographics or audiences. We are using the feedback we receive to direct alternative engagement opportunities to cohorts of residents that may not be best represented by the current initiatives and findings. The intent of this public engagement, aside from satisfying the requirements under the Planning Act, is to: 1. Educate and inform, 2. Stimulate thinking about complexities and challenges of land-use planning, and 3. Drive the public to other tools (surveys, discussion papers) to solicit feedback that will be used to form policy directions for the new Official Plan. As Planning staff continue the engagement opportunities for the new Official Plan project, an updated summary on these activities and the results received to-date is provided below. The information in this report is a continuation of RPT-20-190, which was provided as information at the November 3, 2020 Council meeting. Staff have also included a summary of the questions received from public and stakeholder engagement, as well as responses to these questions, found in Attachment 2 to this report. This attachment has been included on the New Official Plan webpage as well as emailed directly to our digital circulations list. In addition to these questions, several recent engagement activities are summarized below.
Virtual Engagement Sessions Four virtual engagement sessions were held in October, each featuring a live presentation by staff and a period of questions and answers. In addition to the two public dedicated sessions (that were summarized in RPT-20-190), a two-hour session was held with stakeholders and development industry representatives, as well as a two-hour in-camera session with the County of Brant Council. The purpose and outcome of these two sessions is provided below. Development Industry and Stakeholder Session: This session presented an opportunity for the development industry to engage directly with Planning staff about the new Official Plan. The session consisted of a staff presentation about a number of key trends and public comments, an exercise to discuss objectives and outcomes that the development industry may wish to see in the new Official Plan, and a question and answer period to discuss additional influencers and key questions with County of Brant Planning staff. As examples, the key policy influencers and questions gathered from this session lead to discussions about the following topics:
Increasing the quantity of ‘shovel-ready’ employment lands, Providing affordable and flexible housing options, Creating user-friendly policy framework that promotes creative, complete, and multi- use development options, Better ways to promote private investment in infrastructure, Transparent decision-making and communications, and Finding a balance to serve all interests in the community for the County of Brant as a whole.
Council In-Camera Official Plan Workshop: This session presented an opportunity for the County of Brant Council to engage directly with Planning staff about public engagement, key trends, and the timelines for the new Official Plan. Staff were able to present information about managing the growth of the County of Brant, protecting our farmland and rural identity, proactively dealing with public concerns about growth, infrastructure, and land-use compatibility, and how to work towards clear and easy-to-understand policy foundations with our new Official Plan. This session was a summary of the sessions held for the public and development industry to provide Council with information that will inform decision making that will lead to the policy directions of the new Official Plan. This session was held to keep Council up to date on the many ongoing facets of the new Official Plan. This communication will ensure that the process is transparent and collaborative and that the new Official Plan will best represent the desires of the County of Brant as a whole.
Advertising and Outreach
With physical distancing requirements in place due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, Planning staff continue to approach public engagement in a way that focuses on physically distanced engagement. As previously noted, added information and opportunities are being released on a bi-weekly basis between October 2020 and January 2020. Planning staff recognize that virtual engagement opportunities may present barriers to participation but have been working on several ways to address this. One of these ways is to ensure that the information is organized to best reflect the weight of responses based on the demographics of the County of Brant and its various communities. Planning staff are also working with a number of County departments and divisions to utilize their knowledge base and outreach abilities and collaborate on collecting data that will be helpful to interdepartmental projects and master planning in the future. Website Webpages for each topic of interest continue to be released to provide a landing page for residents and stakeholders who may be interested in more specific information about each topic. As the new Official Plan project and its many facets continue to present an abundance of new information, the division of the topics of interest has been done in an effort to create layers and levels to the presentation of information, allowing each participant to engage at the level they choose. The central hub of information for the project continues to be www.brant.ca/NewOfficialPlan. Videos Short videos for each of the topics of interest for this project continue to be released bi- weekly on social media and through our digital mailing lists. To-date, videos have been released about Growth Management, Building Healthy and Complete Communities, Protecting What We Value and How We Green, with the next release set for Economic Development and Prosperity in the coming week. These topic releases are also being coordinated with other County of Brant departments that will also play a significant role in the implementation of the related policy directions.
As noted, the video recordings of the two public town hall sessions have also been made available for viewing. As well, Planning staff intend to provide both video and written responses to common project questions that have been received to date. The questions received to-date have been included as Attachment 2 to this report and Planning staff will be working with our Corporate Communications and Marketing staff to further circulate this information in a number of formats. Information will continue to be circulated to the public to promote trust and transparency in the decision-making process for this important project. A full summary of these questions and responses will be provided in advance of the ‘As We Heard It’ report that will be presented to Council in February of 2021 as the project moves into the ‘Policy Direction’ phase. Surveys In addition to the thematic videos, thematic surveys continue to be launched bi-weekly into early 2021. These short surveys are intended to spark conversation and provide opportunities for respondents to provide general comments on the topic. At the time of this report, four surveys have been released:
September 28, 2020 Growth Management - 191 Respondents October 16, 2020 Building Healthy and Complete Communities - 228 Respondents November 6, 2020 Protecting What We Value – 81 Respondents November 19, 2020 How We Green – 57 Respondents
The following upcoming surveys, videos and discussion papers will be soon be launched on the New Official Plan website: December 7, 2020 Economic Development and Prosperity January 4, 2021 Transportation and Mobility January 18, 2021 Planning for Infrastructure
Discussion Guides and Topic Summaries Discussion guides and topic summaries have been prepared for each of the topics of interest and continue to be released alongside the social media releases for each topic. These are being used to pose key questions for feedback, key facts and targets for our future growth, and to direct readers to alternative ways to get involved with the project.
Summary of Initial Findings A summary of the initial findings and key trends for the next two topics released during the engagement and consultation process have been included below. As well, the following high- level trends have been noted through the on-going engagement: The population of Paris represents approximately 35% of the population of the County of Brant, whereas residents of Paris represent approximately 58% of the respondents to our surveys. When comparing the age characteristics of our respondents to the age characteristics of the County of Brant as a whole, the 35-44 and 65-74 age cohorts are both overrepresented, while the 18-24 and 75+ cohorts appear underrepresented. Approximately 50% of all survey respondents have lived in the County of Brant for over 20 years.
As engagement and consultation continue for the new Official Plan project, these high-level trends are being addressed by staff. For example, noting that there is an underrepresentation in certain age cohorts, staff are working to direct engagement opportunities to schools and retirement residences that will assist with collecting information from these groups. Staff will continue to address these trends and adjust our engagement opportunities as needed.
Protecting What We Value When asked about water resources (drinking water quality, river access, drainage concerns, etc.), respondents wish to see more public access to waterways, as well as clear and strict regulations to reduce the possible negative impacts development can have on water quality, drainage and infiltration. When asked about environmental conservation objectives, 82% of respondents wish to see a watershed and science-based approach to our policies that will protect our natural areas. Planning for connected natural spaces, protective buffering, and requirements that go beyond the minimum standards of the Province were chosen as the most common objectives. Most respondents wish to see more parks and greenspaces in each new development. When presented with the choice between policies for developers to dedicate land to parks, or payment from a developer in lieu of providing park land, 60% of respondents preferred the option for a dedication of land in each development. Several respondents also expressed that they would prefer both options. When it comes to aggregate operations, respondents are most concerned about the location of processing and crushing facilities in relation to nearby houses (74%). Other common concerns include the location of haul routes and the hours of operation. 60% of respondents do not agree with creating new non-farm residential lots in rural areas. 21% of respondents agree with this type of lot creation, and the remaining 19% have no opinion on this issue. To protect older buildings and County heritage, the most commonly preferred conservation methods noted are requirements for the design of new buildings in heritage areas to incorporate heritage features (70% of respondents), the protection of building facades from demolition or major change (60%), and thorough inventories of historically significant structures and areas, including indigenous history, available for public education (57%). Many general comments were submitted about preserving our farmland and rural identity, suggesting that residents (especially in Paris) do not wish to see an expansion of our settlement boundaries. Common related requests also involve the desire to see more locally grown and made products and support for local business / farming opportunities. In addition to the number of comments received through the Building Healthy and Complete Communities discussions, many respondents noted that wider sidewalks, more greenspace connections, and parks within walking distance of their homes are of high value to the quality of life in the County of Brant.
How We Green In considering resilience to climate change on a neighbourhood scale, 91% of respondents wish to see larger buffers between natural areas and development. Other common suggestions include naturalized areas for water run-off in urban settings, and policies encouraging low-impact development standards like green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavement (all chosen by at least 75% of respondents). The most preferred energy generation method for the County to pursue is solar power, chosen by 75% of respondents to be prioritized by the County of Brant. Geothermal and Hydroelectric were the next most chosen (57% of respondents each), with Fossil Fuel Energy having not received any votes (showing a desire for clean energy options). Over half of this survey’s respondents are ‘very concerned’ about the impacts of climate change on the County of Brant, with only 4% of respondents noting that they are neither concerned nor unconcerned. 89% of respondents agree that strong official plan policies and land-use planning tools that promote carbon-neutral and green development and construction are important. 74% of respondents wish to see more education and incentive programs offered on this topic. When considering short term improvements to sustainability, the most commonly chosen options were to divert waste from landfills, promote alternative waste management ideas, explore pilot projects that include LID principles, and lead sustainability initiatives by example, all chosen by at least 61% of respondents. The most common suggestions on how to become a municipal leader in sustainability and resilience include: o Completing a Climate Master Plan, o improving waste management programs (including a desire for more comprehensive composting, food waste, hazardous waste, and recycling options), o Tree planting requirements, stewardship planning, and stronger natural protection policies o More local energy production opportunities, o More public green spaces within walking/biking distance, and more connections between these spaces, and o Short and long terms goals, with active tracking and accountability.
Next Steps and Upcoming Initiatives As staff continue to actively collect feedback from the community, we are also tracking noted barriers to participation that may be impacting the information that is being collected. These barriers, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching audiences who may not frequently access the internet, providing information to audiences in a variety of formats, and educating the public on the importance of the new Official Plan project, are all examples of the barriers being considered by staff during this project. As the new Official Plan project continues, staff will be working to further address these barriers to promote equity and transparency with the data collection and will adjust engagement opportunities, as necessary. Beyond engagement with the public, staff will continue to engage with stakeholder groups, agencies, indigenous communities, and various community groups throughout this process. As staff continue to collect comments and topic-based feedback, this engagement will work to shape Official Plan policy directions to be presented to County of Brant Council for discussion and decision in 2021. This feedback will also play a crucial role in the completion of the New Official Plan and its submission to the Province of Ontario for approval. The County will continue to conduct community engagement throughout the new Official Plan process to inform, consult, and involve the community in the development of the new Official Plan. Staff also continue daily engagement with site specific inquiries, telephone calls and meetings with the public, developers, and consultants related to land designations and land conversion requests. The revised and attached Official Plan work plan (Attachment 1) outlines the next steps in the project schedule and completion of technical studies to ensure we meet our timelines to the Province. The Province has stated that there will be no extensions to meet the July 1, 2022 date for conformity to the Growth Plan. The next major milestone in the Official Plan Work Plan is the December 8, 2020 – Special Meeting of Council on Growth Management Scenarios.
Interdepartmental Considerations Separate virtual public engagement sessions will be held in conjunction with the Operations Department for the County’s Transportation Master Plan, Master Servicing Studies, such as Burford Water and Wastewater, and Cainsville Class EAs. The New Official Plan, coordination of public engagement, and technical background studies of the Municipal Comprehensive Review are being fully coordinated with other County departments for their input and analysis.
Report by: Brandon Kortleve, BA, CPT, Planner, Policy Planning
Reviewed by: Jennifer Boyer, BES, M.Sc., MCIP RPP, Manager of Policy Planning Submitted by: Pam Duesling, MAES, MCIP, RPP, Ec.D., CMM3, General Manager of Development Services
Attachments 1. Public Engagement Question and Answer Summary (as of November 2020) 2. Brant Official Plan Work Plan & Schedule v.6 December 2020
Copy to 1. Heather Boyd, Director of Council Services, Clerk 2. Alyssa Seitz, Planning Administrative Assistant 3. Senior Management Team 4. Mark Eby, Director of Infrastructure 5. Melissa Connor, Director of Communications and Public Relations In adopting this report, is a bylaw or agreement required? By-law required (No) Agreement(s) or other documents to be signed by Mayor and /or Clerk (No) Is the necessary by-law or agreement being sent concurrently to Council? (No)
Table of Contents
Introduction 3 Growth Management 4 Building Healthy and Complete Communities 9 Protecting What We Value 18 How We Green 28 Economic Development and Prosperity 28 Planning for Infrastructure 29 Transportation and Mobility 29
Page 2 Introduction
This guide has been provided as a summary of questions and comments received during the County of Brant’s New Official Plan project. Questions include those that have been received during engagement sessions such as our Virtual Town Hall Meetings or Council & Committee meetings, as well as questions and comments that have been sent directly to staff. In order to avoid duplication, staff have combined questions that are similar in nature.
Page 3 Growth Management
Question Answer
How will the County address the needs of a For the municipality to grow in a fiscally responsible manner, growth needs to growing population? What are the County’s pay for growth. Infrastructure is primarily funded primarily by development plans to address needed services such as charges. Every-time a house is built, a certain amount of money is collected by sports facilities, parks, transportation, and the municipality as development charges, which helps pay for services over- bridges (both soft and hard infrastructure)? time. Why isn’t infrastructure built prior to new In terms of new communities, usually developers of large-scale subdivisions growth and new residents moving to the input money into fronting services such as new parks, school sites, and sports community? When will infrastructure be put facilities. A municipality could pay for services in advance, but this could be a in place? financial risk to the municipality. For example, if the subdivision took an extended period to develop and/or was not developed at all, the municipality would have paid for costly services that would not be used. With the new complete community’s framework from the Province, municipalities will be able to look at a more comprehensive approach to planning communities.
Why can’t the County say no to growth and There are different ways of managing how and where growth occurs. Examples keep things the way they are? When is include growing up by increasing density, expand out onto undeveloped lands, enough, enough? What’s the end goal in growing in through infill development, and spreading it out. New houses also terms of growth? Will the County expand need to be supported by jobs, amenities, and infrastructure such as roads and until there is no more room left to grow? water services. In terms of building housing, we have enough growth approved, What are the limits around growth? such that no expansions to settlement area boundaries may be needed. Determining whether the County should expand its settlement boundaries is part of managing how growth happens. Growth scenarios will be brought forward to Council in the coming months to determine how the County should manage growth.
Page 4 Question Answer
In terms of growth, we have approved enough The County’s current Official Plan (2012) and the Municipal Comprehensive growth to meet the targets until 2047 and Review approved a growth management plan to 2041 forecasts. Currently, the infrastructure improvements are not keeping County is revising these forecasts to 2051, and the amount of residential and pace with current growth demands. The rest employment anticipated. St. George is a Settlement Area with servicing, and of the County has benefited from increased currently undergoing a Water/Wastewater Class EA to determine future servicing, while Paris residents have paid the servicing capacity. Burford is a rural settlement area with private servicing cost with increased infrastructure and social (well/ septic), which limits large-scale residential development. In terms of demand. What other parts of the County Paris, the Paris Master Servicing was recently completing, indicating that the (e.g. St. George and Burford) can growth County has capacity remaining for 10 years or to 2031 those approved occur in the next 5-10 years to significantly residential developments, due to wastewater constraints. limit new construction in Paris? What servicing capacity improvements do these other settlements need to accommodate growth?
How far out does this Official Plan look? The new Official Plan will cover a planning horizon to 2051, which is a 30 year plan. To better co-ordinate planning for growth across the region, this Plan provides population and employment forecasts for all upper- and single-tier municipalities in the GGH. These growth forecasts are a foundational component of this Plan.
To ensure the Official Plan incorporates up to date forecasting, changes to Provincial policies, and any unanticipated matters it is important for the County to update its Official Plan every 10 years.
Will the new official plan allow for phasing of Yes, as part of the Official Plan the County is undertaking a Growth growth within the County of Brant in order to Management Strategy and Phasing of Development Plan to the year 2051. The prevent a potential shortage of housing? Province outlines requirement for municipalities to maintain at all times the ability to accommodate residential growth for a minimum of 15 years; and
Page 5 Question Answer
Sufficient land shall be made available to accommodate an appropriate range and mix of land uses to meet projected needs for a time horizon of up to 25 years.
How does the county propose to "control The County’s Growth Management Strategy will be part of the New Official Plan growth" when developers can go through the aligns other plans, policies and strategies for the orderly and appropriate OMB/LPAT and potentially obtain approvals? growth of the County of Brant. As part of the New Official Plan, the Growth Management Strategy and forecasting along with the Phasing of Development is not appealable to the LPAT.
What do statistics show about baby boomers Even though a large portion of the County’s demographic may be looking to with respect to their mortality and home other housing options in the future, which may result in existing inventory ownership? Will there not be 1000's of home becoming available, it will also result in the increased need for different types available in the near future? of housing stock for the senior demographic and those with accessibility needs. Issues which the County will face in coming years will be examined through the new official plan project and policies which work to address these issues in the years to come will look to be developed as part of this important exercise.
I didn't see what the current employment Employment numbers for 2020 indicate approximately 16,000 jobs within the level is? The Growth Plan targets 26,000 County. 49% are Employment/Business Land based; 34% Population based; and employment by 2051. 17% Rural or Agricultural based.
Are we currently seeing a false housing In the long-run, the housing market and demand is fundamentally driven by market driven by GTA developers and economic forces, but in the short-run, sentiment can drive prices beyond builders? Also Real-estate bringing in people economically sustainable levels. Market demand of housing is based on from the GTA? The bubble could burst population growth, financing, and economic drivers. The County of Brant does causing a large drop in value. expect inward migration or emigration from other municipalities and even Provinces to the area the next 10 years.
Page 6 Question Answer
Currently, the County has a shortage of resale homes and even new homes being built. There are also limited vacant lots available. As of November 2020, the current Paris MLS® stats indicate an average house price of $693,511 and 34 new listings in the last 56 days. The County does not expect a false housing market in the next 3 years at this time but anticipates slower growth within 10 years.
Is the population forecast a target, is it The Growth Plan uses the terms targets and forecasts. A target is meant to be flexible, is it a limit that you cannot go met or exceeded. A forecast is an assessment of future performance of what is beyond, is it a requirement that you must predicted to happen, which focuses on decision making and what may or will reach? How likely is the County of Brant to happen. reach the 59, 000 population forecast given it There are two targets set in the Growth Plan, one on intensification and one on is 30 years out? density. The County has an intensification target of 15% of new growth to be located in built-up areas. The target on density establishes a minimum density target for new growth in greenfield areas, which is 40 people and jobs per hectare. Greenfield lands are vacant lands on which large-scale subdivisions are typically built. Targets within the Growth Plan are integrated into the forecasting.
The population of 59,000 is the minimum forecast established by the Province. Details on forecasting and growth scenarios will be presented to Council for consideration.
What is the maximum population we are The Growth Plan Residential and Employment Forecasting is to 2051. The new trying to reach for the County of Brant? horizon is consistent with the long-range planning approach of previous growth plans and better aligns with the land supply requirements of the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020.
Page 7 Question Answer
This ‘reference’ forecast for residential land needs, forecasts a population of 59,000 for the County of Brant in 2051. The County currently in 2020 is approximately 41,000.
Will urban or rural settlement areas need to The County has a large amount of settlement land and is managing growth, no be expanded further to accommodate more expansion of a settlement boundary may happen- may not have to growth? If so, where are expansions expand. anticipated? Council will make decisions regarding expansions. The County has growth options (denser growth, seniors housing) and considers how much land is vacant during this process. The province says any municipality needs to have a land supply for up to 15 years at any given time for housing.
The County of Brant is very busy in the We are working closely with agencies and internal departments, such as spring, summer, and fall months. Will these Economic Development and Tourism, to ensure that unique characteristics of seasonal fluctuations in population be the County, such as fluctuations in tourism and seasonal statistical peaks, are considered when looking at impacts on reviewed, considered, and incorporated where appropriate within the new infrastructure and investment decisions? Will official plan policy framework. the OP forecasts and targets include visitor/tourism statistics?
Page 8 Building Healthy and Complete Communities
Question Answer
Why is the topic of building a healthy and Healthy and complete communities are essential components for sustainability complete community important and why and ensuring the County has a balance. There are elements that make our should we be so concerned with this topic community sustainable such as agricultural, our diverse economy and that the through the New OP project? County would like to protect and grow in the future. We know these elements assist our communities in becoming long sustaining communities.
It is important to ensure that elements in the community (agriculture, natural heritage, cultural heritage etc.) are incorporated back into the communities to suite the needs and values of all our residents.
Each of the communities in the County are unique from one another and require great ideas, feedback, and creativity from residents to make certain they are built sustainably, have viability, and have the capacity to support future growth.
What is a healthy and completed community A complete community is part of the policy framework within the Province’s really? What does this mean? Growth Plan. All growth must be in the form of healthy and complete communities.
When a community is built to facilitate healthy lifestyles and meet the day-to- day needs of individuals throughout all stages of their life, while maintaining public safety and ensuring that the actions and use of land and resources are sustainable to support future generations than this is a great example of a complete and healthy community.
How are the water and sewer capacity for Part of Growth Management is coordination with complete communities and Brant being taken into account in the infrastructure planning. It is necessary to have infrastructure to have complete official plan development process?
Page 9 Question Answer
communities, including retrofits for active transportation, complete streets, also to ensuring there is additional density and intensification.
Many components of a complete community are present when infrastructure is updated. A county or municipality looks at a financial plan to move forward. Retrofitting the water and sewer in the area is part of updating infrastructure.
The County is looking at more mixed-use in developed areas, especially in settlement areas, such as Paris and St. George. The County’s Official Plan team is working closely with the Operations group, including during the development of the Transportation Master Plan and Master Servicing Plans for Paris, St. George, Cainsville, and Burford area.
Water and sewer capacity is a component of the framework that the County is working on as part of the Official Plan, including the complete community’s framework.
How can we try and create jobs in the Currently, the County’s live-work ratio is approximately 27-73%. The County is County so that people do not have to working towards increasing that percentage to 40 or 60% over the upcoming commute so far? years so more people are able to work and live in the County.
When examining the sectors in the County, the agricultural sector is vitally important. The Development Services team has done On-Farm Diversification By- Law adjustments that allow further revenue generation and further agricultural associated processes and avenues of revenue to be created. This By-Law can help to have our farms continue to operate as farms as much as possible.
In the manufacturing sector, employment lands need surveying, which is essential to ensure that our industries are positioned where they should be and
Page 10 Question Answer
where it serves best for the entire community. This also involves ensuring that lands are available for future development.
In the creative cultural industries sector, protecting downtowns in the County is very important. It is beneficial to have small businesses concentrated in the downtowns and outside of the downtowns. Protecting the core commercial areas is essential.
Between seasonal, part-time, and full-time employment, there are approximately 3000 jobs in the County. If we can continue to help small businesses, including in the Official Plan with protecting small businesses.
For professional services sector, retaining educated individuals in the community and ensuring there are positions in this sector is key. Ensuring individuals can afford homes and stay in the community will help lead to the retention of these individuals.
Can you point to local examples of complete While the County does not point to specific examples of complete communities, communities that we might model our they are good indicators of what works and what does not work. community on? The County has looked to places in Europe for design considerations, specifically for density and intensification (for example, The Netherlands, where they do not have a lot of land).
In Ontario, the County has looked at two different types of examples. The first is retrofits in the urban area. This includes revitalizing derelict areas, revitalizing the transportation network to include active transportation (cycling, walking paths, connections in between).
Page 11 Question Answer
The second is greenfield developments. They are pre-planned communities. Many of them are in suburban Toronto, London, and involve mixed-use higher density areas.
My son recently graduated and would like to Developing a new official plan allows for consideration of policies and initiatives stay in the community, but housing prices which seek to strengthen attainable housing within the County of Brant. Most are too costly. Even small units in the new recently Staff has undertaken a policy project to implement additional condominium(s) being built are way too residential units (ARUs) throughout the County of Brant. A key goal through the expensive. Are any new condominiums implementation of these policies will be the creation of housing options such as planned? What is being done to address this basement apartments, coach homes, garage lofts, etc. These forms of housing issue? will provide options for County residents, both as home owners and those seeking a place to call home. Incorporation of policies such as these begins to build flexibility into the existing housing market within the County, allowing for more affordable options to be created, subsidiary housing opportunities for home owners, and a larger rental and short term accommodation base.
How is the gentrification of these The term ‘gentrification’ generally refers to an influx of more affluent residents communities being implemented into and businesses moving into an area with the intent of shifting the housing policies and affordability? neighbourhood’s composition. In many cases, this type of change can be very detrimental to the identity and wellbeing of an area and its residents. Gentrification can lead to more issues with things like affordable housing, displacement of long-time residents, and the loss of social and economic diversity.
We must consider the intent and objectives of our new housing policies to ensure that they will provide more viable options for any person looking for housing in the County of Brant. By encouraging more viable housing options, the implementation of specific housing policies can work to provide equitable solutions on a County-wide basis to assist residents dealing with, aging parents,
Page 12 Question Answer
children in search of housing, hidden homelessness, racial inequality, and other forms of poverty. Forming a strong base of objectives for new housing policies will be a key factor in how well we can provide the safe and affordable housing options residents are looking for today and into the future.
I don’t see age friendly or seniors in the mix Ensuring that there is housing available for seniors is essential (for example, of consideration building retirement homes, community care facilities, various types of units attached to the home where an elderly parent can live). Will you also be consulting with the GRCOA (Grand River Council on Aging)? Ensuring there are local amenities is also essential so that seniors have proper care facilities. This also includes shopping, groceries, and the ability and How do you ensure complete communities mobility to allow access to these amenities. are age-friendly and can accommodate seniors? Age-friendly communities are part of the framework that the County is looking at. The Grand River Council on Aging is part of the Official Plan Stakeholder consultation.
There is a very long wait list for seniors The new Official Plan will look at aging in place options, what we can do for within Burford and throughout the County. affordable and attainable housing options, and different housing typologies for Will this plan address housing for our ageing needs such as accessibility issues or vulnerable populations. The County population and for vulnerable populations, completed an agreement with Habitat for Humanity for a single-detach dwelling will it allow for ageing in place? and is actively into other partnerships to create affordable housing.
How can planning of our communities Planning our communities whether through capital projects, redevelopment of facilitate and promote active forms of existing areas or communities, secondary plans, or proposal for new transportation (walking, cycling)? developments, such as plans of subdivision, can assist in the incorporation of complete streets which create space for pedestrian, active, and vehicle transportation while ensuring safety standards are met.
Page 13 Question Answer
As a long-time resident of the County of The County of Brant has many great recreational areas and they are very Brant one of the reasons why I love where I important for mental health and our quality of life. The County currently live is the amount of trails and outdoor protects many natural areas through lands that are owned by the County, such as areas to enjoy our unique location. I worry Brant Nature Park in Mount Pleasant and Lions Park in Burford. with all of the development and growth that The County has a great system to build on and seeks to protect significant these areas will be long gone by the time my resources such as forests, wetlands, and areas next to rivers that are subject to children have grown. What measures or flooding. As part of the development process, these lands are usually dedicated consideration is being given to protect and to the County. That provides the opportunity for the permanent protection of preserve the County’s natural areas and these areas and also allows compatible recreation (for example, expanding the features such as rivers, creeks, forests, and County’s trail system, providing active transportation and providing the quality wildlife? of life that residents are seeking). As part of the new Official Plan we will map the natural heritage system and water resource system and create policies to protect those resources.
How does this aspect of the OP align with / Through this project Staff will be looking to incorporate previous objectives complement / duplicate the Community recently undertaken both other departments and agencies which relate and Safety and Well-being Plan for the County? impact the key policy framework which will compose the new official plan for the County of Brant.
How can we integrate our green spaces and Part of the Official Plan process will look at protecting green spaces and active transportation networks so that encouraging recreational uses through active transportation. Parks staff are cyclists and pedestrians don’t have to working to ensure parks and facilities are connected to trails. The County is compete with cars? looking towards a Complete Streets Framework with a Transportation Master Plan. Work will begin on the Transportation Master Plan after the Official Plan has been updated. Connections from place to place throughout the County will be considered.
Page 14 Question Answer
I understand that currently as per provincial Circulation methods, timelines, and notice requirements are regulated within guidelines a change in zoning pursued by the provincial legislation through the Planning Act. county (not the specific land owner) for a With that said, feedback from the community on ways in which the County can PIN (through the official plan) simply improve upon notification, engagement, and public consultation is helpful as we requires a newspaper article as a notice of a continue to review and update our processes. zoning change to specific PINS. Is there a better way to inform the public and specifically the land owner stakeholders to changes to their historic zoning? More direct contact to the landowners may help increase the stakeholder input into these decisions.
It’s wonderful we have an environmental The County of Brant Development Services Department has recently introduced a planner but what about a heritage planner? I newly formed Policy Division team. This team, while also working on the new thought that was in the budget? When will Official Plan, will be exploring specific policy-related topics that will include that person be hired? strengthening our heritage conservation policies. With several dedicated Planning staff now working on policy and implementation, this change in the organization of planning staff will provide more dedicated support to topics like heritage, environment, affordable housing and much more.
Does the County have plans to integrate Yes, the County is working with The Brant County Health Unit who is part of the ideas and collaborate with the Brant County Official Plan consultation. The Health Unit is working on developing policies for Health Unit? Healthy Communities. Part of the discussion paper available online (sections regarding health, age friendly, and access to food, environmental concerns, and socio economic concerns) was created with the Health Unit.
We have serious traffic congestion. Why Traffic, parking and transportation options is a continued concern and issue for weren’t new roads or a by-pass built around County of Brant residents. Development can take years from the start of the process, and that time is filled with planning on how to deal with the new traffic
Page 15 Question Answer downtown Paris, prior to building new generated. Because building takes place in phases, road improvements don’t homes? necessarily need to be ready right away. If they did, that would be too expensive for the municipality. Traffic studies can also be done for new developments, which can be requested of the builder by the city. Those studies can lead to road improvements over time.
Along with the Official Plan, the County is updating the Transportation Master Plan to improve transportation systems, traffic flows, parking complete streets and transportation networks for the County consistent with the County’s Growth Management Strategy to the year 2051. This includes a framework from the Province’s Greater Golden Horseshoe Transportation Plan and Metrolinx Transit Planning to the year 2071. In addition, the County is working with Brantford on a Joint Transportation Study managing traffic flows and transportation solutions.
How can the county improve traffic flow This has been a concern for the community throughout the Official Plan through the downtown core? Alternately, consultation. For complete communities, what the County is trying to do is how can traffic be reduced through the ensure people are getting out of their cars and getting active through active downtown core / Grand River Street North? transportation, complete streets, and live-work balance (trying to work where you live).
The County is working towards integrating all the active transposition initiatives together. The County is working closely with other departments to tie in all the aspects together to help give the County a complete community’s framework. This framework will help to reduce the traffic flow over thirty years and get people active. The Transportation Master Plan is looking at collaboration with Brantford, Metrolinx, GO Transit, and the Ministry of Transportation for long term projections.
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The County of Brant currently does not have The County of Brant has initiated a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) which will any bicycle lanes and many areas lack look to include both active and more traditional forms of transportation pedestrian infrastructure. How can we throughout the County of Brant as we continue to grow. ensure both new development and existing The new official plan project will seek to incorporate the objectives established areas have an integrated active within the Transportation Master Plan once completed, as well as build on these transportation network that is separate from principles into the future and throughout the years to come. vehicular traffic?
The County has a great network of trails, The County does have a Trail Master Plan that we are working with. It is closely how can we get these better integrated into related to our Transportation Master Plan and helps us integrate these planning residential areas so we can help people to aspects together so they make sense in the right areas. There are approximately get to places and amenities? 30 recommendations in the Trail Master Plan and many touch upon access and connectivity of trails.
The County is also developing a cycling network as part of the Plan. There are 6 distinctive routes in the County that people can use to get around the County and to outside communities.
When it comes to new development, connections are considered to ensure subdivisions are connected to each other and to trails, for example, the Rest Acres Road corridor, where 3 metre multi-use trails are being place on each side of the road. The County has other programs in place, such as the Safe Streets Program.
During development, sidewalks are examined closely to ensure they are safe and accessible.
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The visual appeal of our Historic The County’s Heritage Committee has a desire to push heritage to the forefront communities is extremely important. Are with new developments. There are a lot of tools related to heritage available to there plans to better protect the heritage the County, such as the Ontario Heritage Act- using designations and look and feel of our many communities conservation districts, the Planning Act- design guidelines to enhance heritage, throughout the County of Brant? Specifically, in certain areas or the entirety of the County. It will be important to set out the when considering new development and the tools, priorities and objectives related to heritage in the Official Plan. This will overall design? To what degree can the be key to put heritage implementation tools into action. Official Plan address some of these issues? For example, if residents want to see a great level of protection, a heritage conservation district protecting the County’s downtowns is an option. Heritage granting and designations to encourage property owners to keep up the look of their heritage home are also options. There are many opportunities and the Official Plan will be a way to create a foundation to encourage heritage in the County.
How does the County ensure there are As part of the Planning Act, 5% of all new subdivisions are required to give the parks, amenities, and recreation facilities in County land or provide cash-in-lieu of land. Currently, in the new subdivisions the new subdivisions as part of a complete that are large enough, the County is taking land. Within the last 5 years, the and healthy community? County has gained approximately 200 acres of land to develop either natural spaces for trails or to build new parks.
The County works collaboratively to ensure that all departments are involved with pre-consultations with developers and through that process the County looks at where schools should be placed, where parks should go, what the street networks may look like, and all the engineering considerations underground as well. For example, in St. George, in five or ten years down the road, the County
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is planning what a community school will look like so that community recreation as well as trails and parks will be present in the community.
What is the County doing currently and what The County has been a great leader when it comes to climate change. In will we do in the future to address climate November 2019, County Council had confirmed its commitment to combat change? climate change, joining many municipalities throughout Ontario. Not only has the County declared its commitment, the County has created many action items to address climate change.
Brant Renewable Energy, is an enterprise created by the County to conserve water, utilize solar energy, etc. The County has worked with residents to better inform them on renewable energy. The County has been a leader in providing solar energy at many of the County’s facilities such as the Burford Arena and the Brant Sports Complex.
The County is also undertaking the Paris Flood-risk Mitigation Strategy for Downtown Paris, an area that is subject to intense flooding due to the Grand River and the Nith River. Much of the structures are outdated and the Strategy identifies the issues and possible solutions to reduce flooding and the impact of flooding on existing buildings.
The County has also created a Downtown Master Plan. This Plan focuses on Downtown Paris and identifies where beautification can be added, such as street trees and green roofs, which enhance the Downtown Core while also absorbing rainwater during intense storms.
There is always more that can be done to combat climate change. The Site Plan and the Development process can look to incorporate green natural areas in developments. Many municipalities have design guidelines regarding energy and water conservation which sets out both voluntary and mandatory standards
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depending on the type of development. The County can look towards developing guidelines to encourage conservation. As part of the County’s Official Plan, policies can be implemented regarding water and energy conservation and other initiatives such as retaining street trees.
The Official Plan is a great tool to decide what needs to be protected and what can be done to help provide clean air and water as part of climate change.
When new areas are developed how can we Some municipalities retrofit older buildings to be part of an office which can ensure heritage structures, which are green later become part of a residential use or mixed-use. It’s a good way to integrate and affordable structures, are retained in older structures in with new ones. new development areas? One of the tools available to us is Heritage Designations under the Heritage Act. If the property appears to have heritage significance, the County can work with the property owner towards obtaining a Heritage Designation. This designation will prevent demolition of the building.
It is challenging to work around existing structures but it is a great challenge to take on with the community.
Will the Official Plan provide specific targets Heritage protection is a very important factor when talking about land-use for enhanced heritage protections that planning, especially is communities where residents identify strongly with their include: history and heritage. Having specific targets in the new Official Plan will help A Legal Heritage Register; An Archaeology Master Plan; provide transparency and positive cumulative impacts for several topics of a Downtown Paris Heritage Conservation interest, including heritage conservation. Many heritage projects are underway, District (HCD); as well as scheduled to get started soon, including the formal heritage register, HCDs in Mount Pleasant, Burford, St. heritage conservation districts, and consideration for other programs that will George, Oakland/Scotland; and complement our rich cultural history. With the feedback from our community Heritage Grants/Programs for improvements that enhance heritage members, the County of Brant Heritage Committee, and our County Council, attributes. we’ll be able to create the framework for strong heritage conservation targets
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and policies to improve on the work being done in the County of Brant and protect our cultural heritage resources for the long term.
Why is our agri-food network a concern? A sustainable agri-food network provides fair living for growers and processors When I drive through the County of Brant we and promotes local self-reliance and environmental sustainability. If we do not seem to have tons of farms and places to work to preserve and protect this key component within the County of Brant grow and produce food. issues such as food shortages and ready access to locally grown produce could become a reality. Along with access, land use planning must also consider the protection and conservation of local food production capacity for the long-term sustainability. Policies that enhance the local agri-food system can help create a complete community that is self-sufficient and economically successful.
Why are we so concerned with the There is a need for continuous un-fragmented agricultural land base in order to protection and preservation of the properly support the County’s agricultural systems which support our food agricultural areas? network as well as the County’s diverse economic structure. By creating policies which protect the division of the County’s prime agricultural lands and divert growth back to settlement areas, compatibility issues between land uses within our rural areas can be avoided. Staff have undertaken a policy project initiated in June in order to implement On-Farm Diversified Uses (OFDUs) and agriculture- related uses within the rural areas of the County of Brant. These policies will assist in allowing the farming community diversify land uses within the agricultural areas which are directly related to the principal agricultural use, while also increasing educational, tourism, and employment opportunities.
As the County continues to grow, what The County is currently undergoing a comprehensive mapping exercise that measures will be taken to protect the identifies where natural features (woodlands, wetlands, rivers, etc.) are County’s natural features such as rivers, located. Various sources from agencies such as the Ministry of Natural Resources forests and wildlife? and Forestry and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Conservation Authorities are providing information (for example, information regarding
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Species At Risk). This information is being gathered and mapped. The mapping may highlight linkages between natural features, beyond the natural heritage system that the province has mapped. This mapping may help indicate how we can create a County Natural Heritage System that is linked together.
Creating policies to protect natural features is another important measure. At present, the County does have a low forest coverage in settlement areas (approximately 14%). Policies should be created to protect and increase forest coverage (for example, increasing forest coverage to 30% as recommended by Environment Canada). When trees need to be removed, replacement trees may be an option. During the review of Development Applications and Site Plans, landscaping and green infrastructure may also be options to help with climate change, enhancing the natural environment, and aesthetics.
During the development process, it will be necessary to see what can be done to create a better natural heritage system.
What plans are there to become an The County created the new position of an Environmental Planner to add environmental leader as the county in either expertise to protect natural areas. the province, the country or the world? To One of the first projects the environmental planning position has initiated is a what degree to you want to become an review of the County’s Tree Conservation By-Law with the goal of promoting environmental leader and what plans are good forestry practices and determining if individual trees in settlement areas there to bring that to fruition? should be protected.
One of the best strategies for protecting the environment is for a municipality to have clear policies that outline what and how features will be protected. When policies unclear, it is difficult to protect features through the development process.
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In 2017, the Growth Plan created better protection for the environment, in which the Province mapped a Natural Heritage System. The Growth Plan builds upon the Niagara Escarpment Plan, Oak Ridges Moraine Plan and Greenbelt Plan. Through the Growth Plan, permanent protection has been provided for the environment outside of settlement areas as most development is prohibited in or within 30 metres of woodlands, wetlands and fish habitat. It sets clear policies. The mapping and policies will be integrated into the new Official Plan.
As part of the new Official Plan, the County will need to determine how to protect natural features within settlement areas. The Provincial Policy Statement does not provide for the permanent protection of natural features, as policies are more flexible, allowing for development subject to demonstrating no negative impacts. Municipalities such as the Region of Waterloo and the City of Guelph have gone beyond this minimum standard by establishing policies that do not permit development within natural areas and that require minimum buffers.
The Official Plan is a great tool for setting clear policies for the County to be an environmental leader.
How is farmland being protected, as a place To ensure agricultural lands, agricultural lands systems and food networks are on the outskirts of the Greenbelt and protected, the Official Plan complies with The Growth Plan and the Greenbelt subsequently a place to grow, how will Plan. We are always respecting provincial legislation which helps us to protect farmland be protected and affordable for the land, food networks. future generations of farmers, and the The Growth Plan is stipulating that growth is driven back to settlement areas- current generation of young farmers? areas that are already built up and have the infrastructure in place to support the growth. This contributes to helping with fragmentation of agricultural systems. The agricultural system comprises the agricultural land base which are the lands that are available in the County to grow and cultivate crops as well as
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the agri-food network. The agri-food network is the production, processing, and how our food gets from the farm to our communities and beyond.
It is important to look at tools to maintain unfragmented farmland. This can done through the new Official Plan. The County will look to create policies and direction that do work to ensure the agricultural system in the County of Brant is not fragmented. Conversion of these lands make it difficult for the farming community to practice the farming activities they need to carry out.
The Growth Plan will help to create the policies and drive growth to already built-up and developed areas to preserve the County’s agricultural land base.
How can you accommodate new/young There are many under-sized agricultural parcels in the County. In the event that farmers that want to provide local food by a farmer would like to cultivate on a farm that does not have a lot of room, on- farming? farm diversified uses may be an opportunity for these individuals. The County will consider additional policy frameworks to address this overall, however we are currently working on implementing policy frameworks outside of the Official Plan Project to assist the agricultural community.
My wife and I live on a large farm and would Protection of prime agricultural policies through the PPS would not permit the like to retire in a few years, but need creation of new residential lots. Save and except a surplus farm dwelling income for retirement. We would like to sell severance in accordance with the applicable policies. There is a need for most of the farm as we don’t want to continuous un-fragmented agricultural land base in order to properly support the maintain the land. We would like to severe a County’s agricultural systems which support our food network as well as the small residential lot that we can build a County’s diverse economic structure. By creating policies which protect the modest home on, so we can stay in the area. division of the County’s prime agricultural lands and divert growth back to Can policies be created to make it easier to settlement areas, compatibility issues between land uses within our rural areas create new non-farm residential lots in can be avoided. Staff have undertaken a policy project initiated in June in order agricultural areas? to implement On-Farm Diversified Uses (OFDUs) and agriculture-related uses
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within the rural areas of the County of Brant. These policies will assist in allowing the farming community diversify land uses within the agricultural areas which are directly related to the principal agricultural use, while also increasing educational, tourism, and employment opportunities.
Does the government mandate the amount Through provincial legislative framework set out within A Place to Grow: of farm land that has to be preserved? When Growth plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe municipalities within Ontario are I drive into Paris I get sick seeing the obligated to direct growth back to established and existing settlement areas amount of farm land and forest that has with existing infrastructure to support and foster growth in order to preserve been converted into housing over the past and protect the agricultural areas, mainly the agricultural systems and agri-food few years. network. Policies which protect the agricultural areas within municipalities such as the County of Brant are crucial in sustainability of the community and local economy.
As land keeps on being grabbed up for Inclusion of policies which will work to protect land uses within our community development how will environmental and fabric which directly relate to our suitability, such as agricultural areas and agriculturally important land be respected natural heritage features, is essential through the new official plan project. This and be further incorporated into the towns will be an important exercise to focus on when reviewing the existing settlement of the County, (such as community gardens areas and boundaries previously created. and increasing food sovereignty through the Focusing on mixed use policies and the role that mixed use development will allowance of chickens)? How will play in redevelopment of existing areas as well as within any new development is communities be developed sustainably for a key component of building healthy, complete, and sustainable communities. integrated communities, including business Policies relating to mixed use within community nodes will be an important and residential in the same area to reduce aspect of the policy framework as we develop our new official plan. transportation issues in the future?
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Healthy forests are valuable to me. What is Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) are areas that have been the County doing to protect Areas of Natural identified and mapped by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. They and Scientific Interest (ANSI)? are areas that have gone through intensive surveys and studies. They provide unique representation of life science areas that are related to vegetation communities, wetlands, for example, Pinehurst Lake is a life science ANSI.
These areas do need to be protected, as stated in the Provincial Policy Statement, and are mapped in the Official Plan. The current Official Plan does not contain many policies regarding ANSI’s and does not get into much detail on what needs to be done if development is proposed. As part of the new Official Plan, the County can look towards providing permanent protection and only allowing development that is compatible and must also conform to the Growth Plan.
How can we encourage the protection of Through Official Plan engagement and the development of a Tree Conservation natural heritage lands, waterways and By-Law, there has been a lot of great feedback from the community. It is wildlife corridors in the rural area? important that the County leads by example by managing forests and actively carrying out good forestry practices on County lands.
The County has received a lot of requests about tree planting programs. Many municipalities have initiatives to work towards doubling the tree canopy or dedicating a few days a year to give out trees. Having staff that can provide stewardship advice to the community is beneficial.
To protect our resources, it is important to have clear policies, such as a strong Tree Protection By-Law that promotes good forestry practices and preventing clear cutting of our forests. If clear cutting is occurring, replacement trees should be planted.
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The Official Plan needs to identify where development is appropriate and what needs to be protected. These measures can go a long way in protecting our natural areas.
We had a survey earlier where the majority By incorporating policies clear policy direction within the new official plan which of respondents on this call wanted single will direct growth to existing settlement areas within the County of Brant we can family homes or country estate properties. preserve and protect both our agricultural and natural heritage systems. How will this be reconciled with the need to Inclusions of policies which consider a range of different housing types and protect agricultural lands, natural areas and densities and encourage a mix of housing to be incorporated within both new intensification? and existing communities will ensure that there are housing options to meet our community needs in the years to come.
What is the status of the Heritage Register? The Heritage Register is an ongoing project of the Heritage Committee, building How do we protect heritage buildings in the an inventory of heritage structures in the County. This is a tool under the rural areas? Heritage Act available to us and is more of a manage tool rather than a heritage protection tool. The cultural value is flagged and gives more notice if there will be a demolition.
For stronger heritage consideration, working towards heritage designation can enact protections for structures. It is important to inform the public about what this means. The County may grant incentives and work together on strategic initiatives such as working with the Economic Development Department on Community Improvement Plans. There are many tools that play into the protection aspects.
Students have come on board during the summer to take note of possible heritage buildings which helps the County work towards protecting these structures.
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Economic Development and Prosperity
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Planning for Infrastructure
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Transportation and Mobility
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NEW OFFICIAL PLAN WORKPLAN & SCHEDULE
Phase/ Meeting Dates Deliverable Consultation and Status Engagement Phase 1: July 2019 to Work plan and schedule Initial Consultation Complete Commencement and October 2019 Consultation & engagement strategy Meetings with Agencies Strategic Planning Budget (MMAH, OMAFRA, Ontario Background Research & Technical Growth Secretariat, GRCA, Work Health Unit) Consultant Retainer for MCR Internal Staff strategic discussions Special Meeting of November 5, Official Plan launch report and Open to the public Complete Planning Advisory 2019 presentation Committee
Burford Master November 6, Official Plan part of public Open to the public Complete Servicing Open House 2019 engagement
Agricultural Advisory January 20, 2020 Official Plan launch report Open to the public Complete Committee
Council Education February 4, 2020 Mayor and Council will participate in Committee of the Whole Complete Session on the Official an Official Plan workshop after the Plan presentation to Council on the Official Open to the public Plan. Discuss roles and responsibilities, deliverables, consultation events.
Toolkit for Council and the Mayor to reach out to citizens at various engagement events.
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Phase/ Meeting Dates Deliverable Consultation and Status Engagement March 2020 Report on Growth Management Committee of the Whole Complete Forecasting Open to the public
March 4, 2020 Councillors’ Coffee Chat Council Session #1 complete
Phase 2: Development of Discussion Papers Discussion Papers posted on Policy Themes/key Issues will be online In Progress Background Studies November 2019 released for public consultation in and Identification of to March 2020: Survey of Discussion Issues February 2021 Building Healthy and Paper questions on the Complete Communities website Economic Development and Prosperity Formation of Technical Transportation and Mobility Working Groups Planning for Infrastructure Protecting what we Value Start of Internal and How we Green External Stakeholder Meetings Draft Technical Summaries (MCR): -Draft Growth Management Strategy Targeted Stakeholder -Residential Land Needs Assessment Meetings -Housing Options and Analysis -Employment Land Analysis Booking of Public Open -Population projections, density and Houses/ Engagement intensification targets. Events throughout March to May on Phase 2.
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Phase/ Meeting Dates Deliverable Consultation and Status Engagement Council Meeting August 4, 2020 Official Plan Work Plan Update & Committee of the Whole (Planning) Proposed Amendment to the Growth Complete Plan Forecasting to 2051 Open to the public
September 1, New Official Plan Revised Committee of the Whole Complete Council Meeting 2020 Consultation and Engagement (Planning) Initiatives Open to the public
October 6, 2020 Official Plan Update & Amendment 1 Committee of the Whole Complete Council Meeting to the Growth Plan – Growth (Planning) Forecasts Open to the public
WEBSITE September 2020 www.brant.ca/NewOfficialPlan Official Plan Information Complete (revised) and Engagement; Thematic launch, surveys, Discussion Papers, Municipal Comprehensive Review Public Engagement October 7, 2020 Public Virtual Town Hall Growth Oct. 7 - Complete Consultation Events Management Virtual sessions and online engagement will form October 8, 2020 Development Industry & Stakeholder majority of consultation Oct. 8 – Complete Virtual Workshop platform moving forward.
October 21, 2020 Public Virtual Town Hall Building Oct. 21- Complete Healthy & Complete Communities
October 22, 2020 Council Education Workshop Oct. 22 - Complete
Council Meeting November 4, As We Heard It Report (consultation Committee of the Whole Complete (Planning) 2020 on Phase 2 Policy Themes) Open to the public
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Phase/ Meeting Dates Deliverable Consultation and Status Engagement Council Meeting December 1, 2020 As We Heard It Report Part 2 – Committee of the Whole Complete (Planning) Engagement Q + A Summary Open to the public
Special Meeting of December 8, 2020 As required by Section 26 of the Committee of the Whole Booked Council Planning Act, Convene a Special Open to the public Meeting of Planning Advisory Committee on: Members of the public are invited to make verbal or Summary of draft Technical written submissions for the Background Information.- Municipal Committees’ Comprehensive Review and Growth consideration. Management Scenario
Phase 3: December 2020 Finalization of Technical MCR Circulate to Commenting In Progress Preliminary Policy to March 2021 Reports and policy directions on: Bodies and Agencies on Directions draft Technical Finalizing Growth Allocations and Background Studies. Draft Urban Land Needs Assessment – Late December Public consultations on the high level policy directions Designated Greenfield Areas and will occur through to Settlement Area Boundary Review November 2020: Community Roundtables; Urban Employment Areas and Stakeholder Engagement, Employment Land Conversions Workshops.
Continue with Technical Working Groups
Internal and External Stakeholder Meetings
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Phase/ Meeting Dates Deliverable Consultation and Status Engagement Council Meeting February 2021 Council Meeting and Draft Findings – Committee of the Whole In Progress (Planning) Urban Structure; Urban Community Open to the public Area Land Needs; and Intensification Analysis
February 2021 Results of Discussion papers and all As We Heard It Summary In Progress surveys on: and Report based on Building Healthy and consultation and Complete Communities engagement events. Economic Development and Prosperity Transportation and Mobility Planning for Infrastructure Protecting what we Value How we Green
Council Meeting March 2021 Council Meeting and Draft Findings: Meeting open to the public. In Progress Urban Employment Area Land Needs Analysis and Strategy Advertised as a public meeting. April 2021 Draft Report – Municipal Meeting open to the public. Council Meeting Comprehensive Review Advertised as a public meeting. Special Meeting of May 2021 Council give direction to table a draft Meeting open to the public. Council Official Plan in September 2021, under Section 26 of the Planning Act. Advertised as a public meeting. Final Report on the Municipal Comprehensive Review.
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Phase/ Meeting Dates Deliverable Consultation and Status Engagement Phase 4: March 2021 to A draft Official Plan will be prepared Consultation ongoing, Prepare a Draft Official June 2021 during this time, based on policy Open House Plan directions approved by Council at the January 2021 Special Meeting of Submit to County staff, PAC. Agencies, and Province of Prepare First Draft Official Plan which Ontario for review and will include: comments.
New sections of the Official Plan with policy text prepared. Schedules for Settlement Areas. Land Use Designations/ Changes Mapping Updates, Schedules, Site- specific amendments
Infrastructure and servicing draft policy recommendations Transportation Master Plan draft policy recommendations Special Meeting of Convene a Special Meeting of Planning Advisory June 2021 Planning Advisory Committee for the Meeting open to the public. Committee statutory public meeting required under Section 26 of the Planning Act on revisions that may be required to the Official Plan.
Circulation and Review of the Draft Official June to August Following tabling of the draft Official Plan 2021 Plan, a 90-day statutory circulation to the public, technical agencies and Ministry of Municipal Affairs
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Phase/ Meeting Dates Deliverable Consultation and Status Engagement Phase 5: Final Official Plan will be prepared Statutory Public Open September 2021 based on draft Official Plan Houses will be held Prepare Final Official to November consultation and comments/revisions throughout September to Plan 2021 November 2021 Additional requests for review from (more than one public and stakeholders (site specific, anticipated) schedules, policies). All Official Plan Amendments Public consultations will (schedules) to be completed continue through to Land Use Schedules and Mapping. February 2022.
Statutory Public December 2021 Convene a meeting of Planning Adequate notice and The Ministry has up to six Meeting/ Special Advisory Committee for the statutory information, including a months to review and Meeting of Council public meeting required under copy of the proposed plan, approve the Official Plan. the Planning Act, Section 17, subject is made available to the to such sessions as are required, to public in advance of the receive submissions from public public meeting. delegations in respect of the adoption of the new Official Plan. Following adoption by Council, the Plan will be Presentation to Council for Adoption sent to the Ministry of Council adopts new Official Plan. Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Provincial Approval of By July 1, 2022 Approval by the Ministry is expected n/a the County of Brant by July1, 2022. New Official Plan
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Phase/ Meeting Dates Deliverable Consultation and Status Engagement
Implementation of the Fall 2022 to 2025 Comprehensive Zoning By- Through Planning Act Official Plan law Update processes and public Secondary Plans for engagement on special Settlement Areas projects Implementation Guidelines Municipal By-law Updates
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