Shaping Land Use in the Greater Golden Horseshoe

Home , Golden Horseshoe, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Southwestern Ontario

May 2016

SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE A Guide to Proposed Changes to: ► The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe ► The Greenbelt Plan ► The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, and ► The Niagara Escarpment Plan

OUR REGION OUR COMMUNITY OUR HOME

Ontario.ca/landuseplanningreview Table of Contents

A message from Minister McMeekin and Minister Mauro...... 1

Introduction...... 3

Building Complete Communities...... 6

Supporting Agriculture...... 9

Protecting Natural Heritage and Water...... 11

Growing the Greenbelt...... 13

Addressing Climate Change...... 15

Integrating Infrastructure ...... 17

Improving Plan Implementation...... 19

Measuring Performance, Promoting Awareness and Increasing Engagement...... 21

Seeking Feedback...... 22 SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE 1

A message from Minister McMeekin and Minister Mauro

The Greater Golden Horseshoe is Canada’s We began our co-ordinated review of these largest economic engine and one of the plans over a year ago. Since then, more fastest growing regions in North America. than 3,000 people have attended town hall meetings across the region. We received more This region contains some of the country’s than 19,000 submissions. We heard from best farmland and world-renowned natural municipalities and many stakeholders – from features, like the Niagara Escarpment. farmers and developers to environmental We need to continue to plan for a future in organizations. And, most importantly, we which we expect to have 6.3 million jobs and heard from the people who live and work in Hon. Ted McMeekin Hon. Bill Mauro welcome another 4 million people over the the Greater Golden Horseshoe region. Minister of Municipal Affairs Minister of Natural Resources next 25 years. and Housing and Forestry We heard the plans are generally working That is why it’s so important that we well, but there is room for improvement. Ontarians deserve communities where they update the four land use plans that cover David Crombie, a former federal cabinet can work and play, go to school and shop all this area: The Growth Plan for the Greater minister and former mayor of Toronto, chaired in the same area. Golden Horseshoe, the Greenbelt Plan, an advisory panel with members from a variety the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan of sectors affected by the plans. The panel Communities that are well-connected with and the Niagara Escarpment Plan. modern infrastructure and accessible transit. listened, considered and came to consensus These four plans work together to build on 87 recommendations to improve the plans. In other words, complete communities. complete communities, manage growth, We have also met with and continue to engage curb sprawl, protect the natural environment with members of First Nations and Métis and support economic development. communities with interests in the region. 2 SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Now, we are ready to move forward. We’re proposing to make new communities Together, the proposed changes would also more transit friendly to help reduce congestion. help the province and municipalities take major The proposed changes would allow our These policies will also help deliver the greatest steps in addressing one of the most pressing communities to continue growing in ways return on the government’s investments in issues of our generation — climate change. that attract jobs and investments, create the region’s transportation infrastructure. vibrant urban centres and strong rural We now invite you to go through the proposed communities. They would also minimize And we’re going to do it in ways that better revisions to the plans and provide us with impacts of urban growth on productive protect our farmland and natural environment. your feedback. farmland, heritage buildings, archaeological resources, green spaces, and important We are looking towards a greener Ontario. You are the heart of the Greater Golden natural areas. We are proposing to grow the Greenbelt by Horseshoe and Niagara Escarpment area. adding Urban River Valleys and protecting Let’s move towards the future, together. We’re proposing ways for communities to large coastal wetlands along Lake Ontario. grow to better meet their needs, now and in the future.

Hon. Ted McMeekin Hon. Bill Mauro Minister of Municipal Minister of Natural Affairs and Housing Resources and Forestry SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE 3

Introduction

The Greater Golden Horseshoe and Horseshoe in 2006. These plans inform other Niagara Escarpment area is a dynamic provincial initiatives, such as Metrolinx’s and diverse region, rich in agricultural, Regional Transportation Plan (also known as “The Big Move”). natural and water resources. Managing growth and responding to challenges from climate change are essential if The Co-ordinated Land Use we are to maintain the high quality Planning Review of life and internationally competitive The province initiated a co-ordinated review of economy we enjoy today. the four plans in 2015. Members of the public, stakeholders, municipalities and organizations Over the years, the province has implemented provided feedback on how the plans are legislation, plans, policies and programs performing and how they may be improved. To support the co-ordinated review, the to guide the region’s growth and protect Co-ordinated Review Town Hall meeting in Peterborough its environment. In 1985, the province province appointed an advisory panel. Panel established the Niagara Escarpment Plan. members attended public meetings, reviewed In 2002, it put in place the Oak Ridges Moraine submissions, met with stakeholders, and Conservation Plan. In 2005, the province spoke with experts. The advisory panel made launched a landmark initiative for the region 87 recommendations to help the plans better and created the Greenbelt Plan, followed meet their objectives. This report is available by the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden at Ontario.ca/landuseplanningreview. 4 SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE

The province also met with First Nations and The chapters in this guide describe the key Métis communities with an interest in the proposed changes to the four plans across region to discuss the plans. Several of these the following themes: communities provided feedback and offered suggestions on how the plans could be ►► Building Complete Communities improved. The government is committed to ►► Supporting Agriculture continuing this process and honouring its obligations to Indigenous peoples. ►► Protecting Natural Heritage and Water

This guide makes it easy to see how changes ►► Growing the Greenbelt from the co-ordinated review have been reflected in the amendments proposed to ►► Addressing Climate Change GO bus station in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area the four plans. If you need more detailed ►► Integrating Infrastructure information on the precise wording of a change or definitions of a term used in this ►► Improving Plan Implementation guide, please refer to the proposed plans. The proposed plans are also available at ►► Measuring Performance, Promoting Ontario.ca/landuseplanningreview. Awareness and Increasing Engagement

Urban growth in downtown Toronto SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE 5

The Greater Golden Horseshoe and Niagara Escarpment Area

Note: The information displayed on this map is not to scale, does not accurately reflect approved land use and planning boundaries, and may be out of date. For more information on precise boundaries, the appropriate municipality should be consulted. For more information on proposed Greenbelt Area boundaries, the Greenbelt Plan 2016 should be consulted. The Province of Ontario assumes no responsibility or liability for any consequences of any use made of this map. 6 SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Building Complete Communities

Whether they are urban, suburban The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden or rural, complete communities Horseshoe already includes measures to share many common characteristics. encourage the development of complete communities. For example, municipalities They are places where homes, jobs, are already required to: schools, community services, parks and recreation facilities are easily ►► Develop and grow with a mix of uses, accessible. Complete communities such as residential, employment, cultural, recreational and other uses that contribute encourage active transportation, to building complete communities. like walking or biking, support public transit, and provide opportunities for ►► Intensify by accommodating a large Street retail in Waterloo people to connect with one another. portion of residential growth in areas that are already built-up, especially around Complete communities are more compact, transit and in urban growth centres occupy less land, reduce the costs of (existing and emerging downtowns). infrastructure and offer access to healthy local ►► Plan for a minimum density of people living food. They also provide a range of and working in new development areas employment opportunities and a mix of known as “designated greenfield areas”. housing that offers a range of affordability. With all of these characteristics, complete ►► Protect land used primarily for employment communities contribute significantly to from being converted to non-employment a high quality of life. uses, such as housing.

National Ballet School and mixed-use development in Toronto SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE 7

Separately, the existing plans restrict ►► Increase the designated greenfield the expansion of municipalities’ urban area density target in the Growth Plan boundaries, known as “settlement areas”. to a minimum of 80 residents and jobs per hectare (excluding certain non- Combined, these approaches have begun developable natural heritage features, to reduce the amount of new land needed such as wetlands and woodlands, rights for growth and helped preserve natural of way for certain infrastructure, and and agricultural areas. “prime employment areas”).

The proposed changes would take the ►► Require municipalities to plan for density plans further towards building complete targets around major transit stations which communities. They would increase density support that type of transit. and intensification targets, promote transit supportive density, encourage ►► Show priority transit corridors in the the development of community hubs and Growth Plan where municipalities would provide greater protection for agricultural focus transit-related planning, zoning land and natural heritage features. and development efforts. New policies would also provide the province with the In summary, the proposed authority to identify additional priority transit corridors. changes would: ►► Provide more guidance on achieving ►► Support the development of community complete communities and require hubs by encouraging public services to be Compact urban form in Markham municipalities to plan for sustainable located together in existing facilities near and livable communities. strategic growth areas, accessible by active transportation and transit. ►► Increase the intensification target in the Growth Plan to a minimum of ►► Establish stronger environmental, 60 per cent of all new residential agricultural and planning criteria in development occurring annually in the Growth Plan for settlement area the existing built-up area. boundary expansions. 8 SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE

►► Require municipalities to identify and ►► Require the province, through direction protect prime employment areas. Prime in the Growth Plan, to establish a standard employment areas, as defined in the methodology used by all municipalities Growth Plan, typically accommodate across the Greater Golden Horseshoe uses such as warehousing, logistics, for assessing land needs. and manufacturing that require a lot of land and access to transportation ►► Provide new policies in the Growth Plan infrastructure, such as highways and to help municipalities in the outer ring railway lines. Certain employment uses, (outside the Greater Toronto and Hamilton such as stand-alone office buildings, Area) manage any lands that are designated would be permitted in employment areas but not required for growth to 2041, and provide specific tests and flexibility for Market Commons multi-residential project in Burlington that are not identified as “prime”. New policies would serve to improve transit appropriate growth in these municipalities. connections for employment areas. ►► Strengthen policies regarding the preservation of cultural heritage to align with those in the Provincial Policy Statement. SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE 9

Supporting Agriculture

Rural and agricultural communities The proposed changes would enhance the in the Greater Golden Horseshoe and agricultural system to include not only the Niagara Escarpment area are important land base, but also the infrastructure and other assets (e.g., food and beverage contributors to Ontario’s economy and processors, cold storage, grain dryers our quality of life. The agri-food sector and abattoirs) that collectively support supports tens of thousands of jobs, a flourishing agricultural sector. produces food consumed by people locally and all over the world, and Supporting local farms contributes billions of dollars annually

Proposed changes to the Growth Plan Foundation of the Greenbelt Friends Credit: to the region’s economy. would require the province to identify Farmers’ Market in Burlington an agricultural system for the entire The four plans currently work together to Greater Golden Horseshoe that builds protect the region’s high-quality agricultural on the Greenbelt, in collaboration with lands from urban sprawl by restricting the municipalities. Municipalities would be expansion of settlement areas. required to plan to protect the agricultural The Greenbelt Plan already describes system’s long-term viability. and protects the land base of an The types of uses allowed on agricultural land agricultural system. would also be clarified by making the plans’ policies consistent with those in the Provincial Policy Statement. New policies would ensure a thriving agricultural sector and support the

production and availability of locally-grown of Ontario Growers : Grape Credit food in our communities. Grape harvest in Niagara Region 10 SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Reducing conflict between In summary, the proposed land uses changes would: The proposed policy changes would reduce ► Require that the province, in collaboration conflicts between agricultural and non- with municipalities, identify an agriculture agricultural land uses (such as residential areas, system for the entire Greater Golden major infrastructure or natural her itage). The Horseshoe that builds on the Greenbelt. plans would support the agricultural sector Municipalities would be required to by clarifying when and how new or expanded plan to protect the agricultural system’s agriculture and related uses (e.g., farm sheds) long-term viability. would be permitted next to natural heritage features (e.g., wetlands and woodlands) and ► Clarify the types of uses permitted in Farming and cattle in Caledon hydrological features (e.g., streams and inland prime agricultural areas (e.g., on-farm lakes), while still protecting natural heritage diversified uses such as home industries and hydrological features. and agri-tourism) to align with the Provincial Policy Statement. To minimize impacts that infrastructure and other developments could have on ► Clarify how setbacks from natural features agricultural operations, municipalities and (e.g., streams) would apply to new or other proponents would be required to do expanded buildings for agricultural uses, agricultural impact assessments for proposed agricultural-related uses and on-farm settlement area expansions or major new diversified uses on agricultural land. infrastructure projects.

Locally grown fruit SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE 11

Protecting Natural Heritage and Water

The Greater Golden Horseshoe and The four plans already have common Niagara Escarpment area are home to objectives to protect, maintain and improve many unique plants and animals. The natural heritage features and water quality and quantity. region’s natural heritage features and systems sustain valuable ecosystems For example, the current Greenbelt Plan and that ensure a high quality of life. For Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan example, they clean our water and air, restrict development near key natural areas such as lakes, streams, wetlands help control floods, and store carbon and significant woodlands. that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. They help us address Enhancing protection for climate change, as well as provide natural heritage and water A river in the Rouge Valley spaces for recreation and reflection. resource systems The region is home to a vibrant system of Under the proposed changes, the province maintain the interconnections and diversity lakes, rivers and streams including Lake would identify a natural heritage system in of the natural heritage system on any new Ontario, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake the Greater Golden Horseshoe, outside of lands added to a settlement area. Simcoe, as well as many hydrogeologic the Greenbelt Area. Natural heritage systems formations called aquifers (underground are made up of natural features and areas Revised water policies in the Greenbelt Plan water reservoirs). (e.g., wetlands and woodlands) and the would require development in important lands linking them. water features, such as significant groundwater Water sustains life. In the face of the dramatic recharge areas, to ensure that water quantity growth we expect in the coming decades, we In rural areas, the Growth Plan would require and quality is maintained. This is also reflected need to strengthen our efforts to preserve protections for the natural heritage system in new policies in the Growth Plan applicable and protect this precious resource and direct similar to those that exist in the Greenbelt to rural areas. Proposed revisions to the growth to areas that can best accommodate it. Plan. In existing settlement areas, the Niagara Escarpment Plan’s water resource protections in the Provincial Policy Statement policies would be aligned more closely for natural heritage systems would continue with other provincial land use plans. to apply. Municipalities would be required to 12 SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Proposed policies in the plans would ►► Direct municipalities to avoid settlement encourage municipalities to develop ways to area expansion into natural heritage re-use soil excavated from developments (i.e., systems with important water features, “fill”) and include sustainable soil management where possible. practices in planning approvals. The goal is to sustainably manage excess soil produced by ►► Require that natural heritage systems infrastructure and other development projects. are protected if and when they are incorporated into an expanded Land use designation mapping in the Niagara settlement area. Escarpment Plan, some of which dates back to 1985, would be updated to ensure it is ►► Require watershed planning across the accurate and current. Greater Golden Horseshoe. ►► Encourage municipalities to develop soil Natural area and river in St. Jacobs In summary, the proposed re-use strategies and sustainably manage changes would: excess soil through planning approvals. Watersheds are the area of land drained by a particular river. By requiring watershed ►► Require the province to identify ►► Update land use designation mapping in planning, the Growth Plan and Greenbelt Plan a natural heritage system across the the Niagara Escarpment Plan to reflect the would be aligned with the Oak Ridges Moraine Greater Golden Horseshoe. most current and accurate information. Conservation Plan. Watershed planning ►► Apply natural heritage and water protection identifies water resource systems and informs policies consistent with the Greenbelt Plan planning for water and wastewater servicing outside settlement areas across the entire and stormwater management. This ensures Greater Golden Horseshoe. that as communities grow, water quality and quantity is protected, improved or restored. SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE 13

Growing the Greenbelt

The Greenbelt Area comprises In addition, four parcels of land identified 800,000 hectares (almost two million by the City of Hamilton and the Region of acres) covered by the Greenbelt Plan, Niagara would be added to the Greenbelt Plan’s “Protected Countryside” designation. the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, and the Niagara Escarpment Plan. Proposed new policies in the Greenbelt Plan would support a provincially led process These three Greenbelt plans permanently to identify additional areas of ecological protect important natural heritage and significance and important water features agricultural areas from urban sprawl. They where urbanization should not occur. This also support a wide range of economic, work would build on the Greenbelt Plan by recreational and cultural opportunities. considering connections to the agricultural, natural heritage and water resource systems. : Conservation Halton Credit Glenorchy Conservation Area in Oakville Proposed amendments The province is also looking at the possible If approved, new policies in the Greenbelt expansion of the Greenbelt outside of the Plan would describe ways the Greenbelt Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area where could be grown. important water resources are under pressure from urban growth. Specifically, 21 major river valleys and seven associated coastal wetlands would be added to the Greenbelt Plan’s “Urban River Valley” designation.

Natural area outside of Burlington 14 SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Under the proposed changes to the In summary, the proposed Greenbelt Plan, municipal support changes would: would not be required to add new lands to the Greenbelt. ►► Grow the Greenbelt to include major river valleys and large coastal wetlands. “Urban The Niagara Escarpment Commission has River Valley” policies in the Greenbelt Plan proposed expanding the Niagara would apply only to publicly owned lands Escarpment Plan Area by approximately in these areas (existing land use permissions 45,000 hectares to provide greater on privately owned lands in “Urban River protection to the Niagara Escarpment’s Valley” areas would not change). natural heritage and water features and functions, and its cultural heritage and ►► Not require municipal support to add lands to the Greenbelt. Wetland in Caledon scenic resources. The Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry has asked the ►► Add four parcels of land identified by the Niagara Escarpment Commission to seek City of Hamilton and Niagara Region to the feedback from the public, municipalities, Greenbelt Plan’s “Protected Countryside” First Nations and Métis communities, and designation. Protected Countryside policies stakeholders on these proposals. would apply to both public and private land in these four new areas. SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE 15

Addressing Climate Change

Climate change is one of the most communities that support transit and have pressing issues facing our generation. more green space. Since these compact, Ontario is a leader in North America in complete communities are more energy efficient, they also produce fewer greenhouse the fight against climate change. We gas emissions. are taking strong action now to protect Ontario’s economy, environment, and The Greenbelt acts as a carbon sink. quality of life. It absorbs and stores greenhouse gases, reducing the region’s overall emissions. The Since most of Ontario’s greenhouse gas Greater Golden Horseshoe’s agricultural land emissions originate in the transportation, and water resources will become increasingly important as other food producing regions industrial and building sectors, the impact Solar panel installation in southwestern Ontario of the four plans’ policies on these activities face lower crop yields due to changes has implications for the province’s climate in weather patterns. Moraine Conservation Plan, municipalities change goals. Ontario’s Climate Change would be required to develop plans for Strategy identifies improved transportation Responding to climate change managing stormwater in their settlement and land use planning initiatives as key areas. These plans would incorporate The proposed revisions to the plans would to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. low-impact development techniques require all municipalities in the Greater Golden The strategy helps Ontario move towards (which manage rainfall at the source) and Horseshoe to incorporate climate change “net-zero communities”. These communities green infrastructure. Proposals for major policies in their official plans. These policies use low-carbon or carbon-free sources developments (e.g., plans of subdivision, would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions of energy and offset the release of any settlement area expansions, and secondary and address climate change adaptation greenhouse gas emissions they produce. plans) would have to be supported by plans goals. Municipalities in the Greater Golden for stormwater management. Municipalities Horseshoe would also be encouraged to The four plans’ policies support reducing would also be required to examine their inventory greenhouse gas emissions and greenhouse gas emissions to address infrastructure for weaknesses and identify develop targets to reduce them. the impacts of climate change. The plans priority actions to increase their resilience work together to curb urban sprawl and Under proposed new policies in the and decrease the risks associated with create healthy, walkable, higher-density Growth Plan, Greenbelt Plan and Oak Ridges extreme weather events. 16 SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Other proposed changes to the plans, ►► Encourage municipalities to develop described in greater detail in other sections, greenhouse gas inventories, emission would also make an important contribution to reduction strategies, and related targets Ontario’s Climate Change Strategy. These and performance measures. include increased intensification targets, higher density targets for greenfield ►► Require municipalities to undertake more developments, and enhanced policies that comprehensive stormwater management support transit in the Growth Plan. In addition planning for their settlement areas and for to using less land for growth, the plans’ policies major developments and to examine their are intended to make transit use a sustainable infrastructure for weaknesses associated and preferred choice. The enhanced policies with climate change. Storm management park in Unionville pertaining to agriculture and natural heritage ►► Encourage the use of green infrastructure (e.g., wetlands and woodlands) would further and require low-impact development protect and restore ecosystem services and techniques that include integrating green green infrastructure, helping us mitigate space in design strategies, landscaping and adapt to the effects of climate change. with native plants, and using natural water systems to generate less runoff In summary, the proposed from developed land. changes would: ►► Enhance policies to align with those in ►► Require upper- and single-tier the Provincial Policy Statement regarding municipalities to incorporate climate planning for resilient infrastructure. change policies in their official plans, consistent with the objectives of the

Flood risk reduction infrastructure in Corktown province’s Climate Change Strategy Common Park, Toronto and greenhouse gas reduction targets. SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE 17

Integrating Infrastructure

Matching infrastructure investments Integrating land use and with long-term land use decisions infrastructure planning makes the best use of our limited Proposed changes would ensure a more resources, reduces overall costs integrated approach to land use and and can shorten construction time. infrastructure planning. It ensures that infrastructure is built All major planned and existing transportation where it is needed, when it is needed. corridors (e.g., highways and railroads), intermodal hubs (where goods are moved The Growth Plan, the Greenbelt Plan and from one type of transport to another), the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and major ports are identified in an updated GO transit on the Milton rail corridor all have policies that promote a co-ordinated Schedule 6 of the Growth Plan (“Moving approach to infrastructure and land use Goods”). All major planned and existing planning. The population and employment transit corridors are shown in an updated forecasts of the Growth Plan are used by Schedule 5 (“Moving People”). municipalities to develop their official plans. The official plans, in turn, inform To ensure efficient and quick movement of the planning for transportation, water, goods and a stronger manufacturing wastewater, stormwater management economy, municipalities would be required to and other infrastructure. use provincially established freight-supportive planning practices. New policies in the Growth Plan would also protect existing and planned infrastructure corridors from being impacted by conflicting adjacent land uses. Viva bus stop in York Region 18 SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Policies would also encourage the placement In summary, the proposed of linear infrastructure (e.g., roads, pipes, and changes would: electricity transmission wires) all together in the same areas or corridors, where appropriate. ►► Direct planning authorities to take an integrated approach to land use and Enhanced density and intensification infrastructure planning. requirements, particularly around major transit station areas, would ensure value ►► Include mapping of planned, conceptual, for money and provide residents with and existing transportation corridors, as transportation options. Requiring plans for well as major ports and intermodal hubs. managing stormwater before expanding ►► Include mapping of the region’s higher settlement area boundaries or permitting order transit network, including priority major development would also help to transit corridors. better align land use with infrastructure planning. Encouraging public services to ►► Clarify requirements in the Growth Plan locate together in existing public buildings to protect infrastructure corridors and would help establish community hubs that support the movement of goods. integrate services while reducing the cost of constructing new facilities. ►► Encourage the placement of linear infrastructure together in the same Making these changes will better link areas or corridors, where appropriate. provincial initiatives including the review of Metrolinx’s “The Big Move”, the implementation of Regional Express Rail service across the region, and the ongoing Light rail transit construction, Region of Waterloo development of the Greater Golden Horseshoe Multimodal Transportation Plan. SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE 19

Improving Plan Implementation

The four plans were established at align with the rest of the planning framework different times, for different areas, in the region, including the Provincial Policy and with different but complementary Statement, the Niagara Escarpment Plan’s policies would be updated and streamlined. visions. There are differences in the direction they provide, the terminology Generally, any decisions made on land use that they use, and how they interact planning matters on or after the effective with other planning documents. dates of revised plans would be subject to the revised policies. Decisions made before The Growth Plan, Greenbelt Plan, and the the effective date would have to conform Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan with the existing plans. are implemented by local governments Many of the proposed changes aim to make Mount Pleasant Village development in Brampton through the municipal planning process. the policies in the four plans consistent and Municipalities must amend their official fully integrated with each other and the plans to conform with these plans within Provincial Policy Statement. specific, but differing timeframes. The province proposes to co-ordinate when To support the implementation of all of these revised plans will come into effect. the proposed changes to the four plans, The deadline for municipalities to conform guidance materials will be produced for with the Growth Plan would be set to give the following areas: municipalities, stakeholders and provincial ► ministries sufficient time to implement the ► Standard methodology for land range of changes proposed. needs assessment. ► The Niagara Escarpment Plan is implemented ► Identification of an agricultural system by the Niagara Escarpment Commission and related guidance. Cycling in Port Credit, Mississauga through the approval of development permits ►► Mapping of a natural heritage system in the plan area. To better harmonize and outside of the Greenbelt Area. 20 SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE

►► Watershed planning and stormwater ►► Require in the Growth Plan that only management. those upper- and single-tier municipalities in the outer ring of the Greater Golden ►► Developing greenhouse gas inventories, Horseshoe without urban growth centres targets and emission reduction strategies. would be eligible for alternative targets for intensification and greenfield density. In summary, the proposed Municipalities would have to revisit their changes would: existing targets. Revised policies would also require that any alternative target ► ► Align with other provincial initiatives for a municipality be publicly requested which complement the land use planning by its council. framework in the region (e.g., the Retail and transportation options in Roncesvalles, Toronto Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, Ontario’s ►► Require upper- and single-tier Great Lakes Strategy and source water municipalities to measure and protection plans). report on implementation.

►► Clarify in the Growth Plan how ►► Update and streamline the Niagara municipalities allocate and plan Escarpment Plan’s policies and land to accommodate their forecasted use designations and align them with growth to ensure opportunities for those found in the other plans and the intensification, support for transit Provincial Policy Statement. and the development of complete communities are maximized.

Public square in Brampton SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE 21

Measuring Performance, Promoting Awareness and Increasing Engagement

We received suggestions from To meet this goal, the province will experts, stakeholders, municipalities, work with stakeholders, municipalities, conservation authorities, First Nations conservation authorities, First Nations and Métis communities, experts and the general and Métis communities, the public, public to monitor the implementation and and the advisory panel about the progress of the plans. In addition, upper- steps we need to take beyond the and single-tier municipalities would have to policies contained in the four plans. report on plan implementation regularly. The Measuring the four plans’ performance province would also now have the authority and promoting public awareness to obtain data directly from municipalities on implementation. and engagement were mentioned as top priorities. To ensure the success of the four plans, Co-ordinated Review regional Town Hall meeting in Ajax the province and the Niagara Escarpment Reliable data and information will be Commission will, over the longer-term, essential to implementing the plans’ build on their existing education and objectives and determining if the desired outreach programs to explain the intent changes are taking effect. of the plans, report on their progress, and promote their benefits. 22 SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Seeking Feedback

The Ontario government is seeking Other ways to provide feedback feedback on the proposed changes You also have the option to submit comments to the plans. using one of the other methods listed below.

Environmental Bill of Rights Registry at Provide your feedback www.ontario.ca/ebr We want to hear your comments and feedback 1. Proposed Growth Plan for the on the proposed changes to the plans. Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2016. Notice #012-7194 Please visit www.ontario.ca/landuseplanningreview to: 2. Proposed Greenbelt Plan (2016). Walking on the Martin Goodman Trail in Toronto Notice #012-7195 ►► Submit or upload your feedback and comments using the online e-form by 3. Proposed Oak Ridges Moraine October 31, 2016. Conservation Plan (2016). All comments received on proposed changes to the Niagara Escarpment Plan will also ► Notice #012-7197 ► Learn more about attending a Public be shared with the Niagara Escarpment Open House in your area. 4. Proposed Niagara Escarpment Plan (2016). Commission. Comments can also be submitted Notice #012-7228 directly to the Niagara Escarpment Commission at www.escarpment.org/planreview. 5. Proposed Amendment to the Greenbelt Area Boundary Regulation. Notice #012-7198 SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE 23

Regulatory Registry at Comments may also be mailed to: www.ontariocanada.com/registry Land Use Planning Review 1. Proposed Amendment to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Greenbelt Area Boundary Regulation. Ontario Growth Secretariat Notice #16-MAH017 777 Bay Street, Suite 425 (4th floor) Toronto, ON M5G 2E5 2. Proposed Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (2016). Please note that the deadline for providing Notice #16-MAH016 feedback has been extended to October 31, 2016. 24 SHAPING LAND USE IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Notice Regarding Collection of Information Any collection of personal information for the Co-ordinated Land Use Planning Review is in accordance with subsection 39(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It is collected under the authority of the legislation establishing the four plans for the purpose of obtaining input on revisions to the plans.

If you have questions about the collection, use, and disclosure of this information, please contact: Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Senior Information and Privacy Advisor 777 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2E5

416-585-7094

Organizations and Businesses: Comments or submissions made on behalf of an organization or business may be shared or disclosed. By submitting comments you are deemed to consent to the sharing of information contained in the comments and your business contact information. Business contact information is the name, title and contact information of anyone submitting comments in a business, professional or official capacity.

Individuals: Personal contact information will be used only to contact you and will not be shared. Please be aware that any comments provided may be shared or disclosed once personal information is removed. Personal information includes your name, home address and personal e-mail address. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

ISBN 978-1-4606-7531-1 (Print) ISBN 978-1-4606-7533-5 (PDF) ISBN 978-1-4606-7532-8 (HTML)

3K/05/2016

Disponible en français

This document is available in alternative format at ontario.ca/landuseplanningreview