Township of Wainfleet “Wainfleet - find your country side!”
December 16, 2013
Ashley Grigg, City Clerk Clerk’s Division, City of Port Colborne 66 Charlotte St. Port Colborne ON L3K 3C8
VIA EMAIL to [email protected]
RE: City of Port Colborne Resolution – Proposed Call2Recycle Battery Industry Stewardship Plan
Dear Ms. Grigg,
Thank you for your recent correspondence, received by our office on December 2nd, 2013. Please be advised that Council, at its meeting held on December 10th, 2013, passed the following resolution:
“THAT correspondence item no. 285 from the City of Port Colborne regarding a resolution passed by its Council on November 12th, 2013 in opposition to the proposed Call2Recycle Battery Industry Stewardship Plan for the Province of Ontario and requesting the support of local municipalities, be received;
AND THAT Council hereby support and endorse the resolution.”
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.
Sincerely,
Stacey Duncan Deputy Clerk cc: Local Area Municipalities (via email)
31940 Highway #3 • P.O. Box 40 • Wainfleet, ON • L0S 1V0 PHONE 905.899.3463 • FAX 905.899.2340 • www.wainfleet.ca
Township of Wainfleet “Wainfleet - find your country side!”
December 16, 2013
Office of the City Clerk City of St. Catharines P.O. Box 3012, 50 Church St. St. Catharines ON L2R 7C2
VIA EMAIL to [email protected]
RE: Governance – Final Report to Council Report No. EDCS-377-2013
Dear Ms. Nistico-Dunk,
Thank you for your recent correspondence, received by our office on December 5th, 2013. Please be advised that Council, at its meeting held on December 10th, 2013, passed the following resolution:
“THAT correspondence item no. 289 from the City of St. Catharines regarding a motion supported by its Council on November 2nd, 2013 regarding Report No. EDCS-377-2013 – Governance Committee Final Report to Council, endorsing as its preferred Regional governance model of a Representation by Riding option, where three Regional Councilllors are elected in each of Niagara’s four Federal/Provincial ridings for a total of 12 Regional Councillors and Chair, and requesting the consideration and feedback of local municipalities, be received;
AND THAT Council is hereby opposed to the recommended Regional governance model proposed by the City of St. Catharines.”
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.
Sincerely,
Stacey Duncan Deputy Clerk cc: Janet Pilon, Clerk, Region of Niagara (via email) Local Area Municipalities (via email)
31940 Highway #3 • P.O. Box 40 • Wainfleet, ON • L0S 1V0 PHONE 905.899.3463 • FAX 905.899.2340 • www.wainfleet.ca
MEDIA RELEASE
Niagara Regional Council approves 2014 budget 2014 budget balances job creation with sustainability and affordability
NIAGARA REGION, Dec.13, 2013 – Niagara Regional Council approved the Region’s 2014 budget last night. Challenged by increased demands, this budget focuses on funding programs and services that are priorities for Council and residents, while limiting the impact to taxpayers to less than two per cent.
Residents will see an increase of 1.89 per cent in Regional taxes to support the 2014 net operating budget of $312 million and capital budget of $220 million. On average, a homeowner with a 2013 property assessment of $231,756 will pay approximately $1,351 for Regional services; an increase of approximately $35 from the 2013 tax levy. The gross operating budget for Niagara Region is $830 million.
Regional Council also approved the rate supported 2014 budget, including a combined 0.65 per cent reduction in the Water and Wastewater programs and a 1.13 per cent increase in Waste Management services. The combined Regional water and wastewater household impact for 2014 is an average decrease of $2.85. The waste management impact per household is an average increase of seven cents ($0.07). The increase to the waste management requisition is largely due to a decrease in recycling revenues. These annual impacts are approximate and will vary based on the municipality you live in.
“Council and staff have delivered a 2014 budget that balances job creation with sustainability and affordability,” said Regional Chair Gary Burroughs. “We are committed to delivering the level of programs and services that our residents have come to expect and deserve.”
“Throughout this budget process, Council balanced increased demands on programs and services with consideration for the current economic climate and long-term sustainability,” said Councillor Dave Augustyn, Chair of the Budget Review Committee of the Whole. “Guided by our affordability strategy, Council and staff worked diligently to ensure current and future funding is available for Regional programs and services. This attention to detail has placed us in a good position for future operational requirements,” concluded Augustyn.
2014 budget highlights include:
• Investing $220 million to support significant infrastructure projects, including: o $102.9 million to fund water and wastewater treatment, transmission and collection infrastructure, including the construction of the Niagara-on-the-
Join us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube MR2013-A-149 Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant and upgrades to the Welland Water Treatment Plant o $70.3 million for the transportation capital program, including funding for the Burgoyne Bridge and road resurfacing throughout the region o $5.1 million for waste management and diversion investments including Public Drop-off Depot and Recycling Centre facility improvements o Proceeding with the court facilities renewal project, to establish new accommodations for Provincial Offences courthouses in Niagara • Over $2 million in funding to support economic development initiatives that will support business growth and job creation • Investing $100,000 to support Agricultural Action Plan initiatives, including a Food and Farming strategy, Local Food and Raw Water action plan • Maintaining Niagara Emergency Medical Services response time in the 90th percentile • On-going funding for public health initiatives, including cavity prevention through a dental sealant program for children • Continue to implement a new 20-bed Convalescent Care program that provides recuperative care to individuals prior to returning home after a hospital stay • Implementing a new physical health development and nutrition program for all child care operators that service pre-school aged children • $1.5 million of continued funding to reduce and prevent poverty through the Niagara Prosperity Initiative • Implementing a ten-year housing and homelessness plan, to address homelessness, sustain existing affordable housing and increase the supply of suitable, affordable housing in Niagara
Niagara Region's budget has three components: the operating budget, the capital budget and the rates programs. The operating budget pays for the daily business of the Niagara Region and its boards and agencies. This budget pays for wages, supplies, programs, services and repayment of debt for major projects. Tax dollars and income from fees and service charges, with support from provincial and/or federal sources fund the operating budget. The capital budget is the annual plan for the purchase, building or repair of capital assets, such as: roads, bridges, water treatment plants, sewers, buildings, machinery and equipment. Rate programs include such things as; water and wastewater and waste management and rates vary depending on where you live.
For further information on the Council Business Plan and budget, visit www.niagararegion.ca.
-30- For more information, please contact:
Gary Burroughs Harry Schlange, Regional Chair, Niagara Region Chief Administrative Officer, Niagara Region 905-685-4225 ext. 3600 or 905-685-4225 ext. 3234 or 1-800-263-7215 1-800-263-7215
Join us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube MR2013-A-149 CORPOR.ATION OFTHE toaq5hip of mu R 758070 Znd Line East Mulmur ON LgV OGB TELEPHONE: 705-466-3341 . F.4X: 705-466-2922 December 13,2013
MPAC Board of Directors 1340 Pickering Parkway, Suite 101, Pickering, Ontario. L1V 0C4
Dear Chair and Board Member:
RE: PRIOR YEARS'ASSESSING OF PROPERTIES
Mulmur Township Council, at their meeting on Wednesday, December 1 1, 2013, passed the attached motion outlining their concerns regarding the timing and loss of assessmenUtax monies for the Township, Upper Tier and School Boards.
This motion has been fonruarded to other municipalities and school boards for their information, as this impacts us allfinancially.
We appreciate your serious consideration of this motion at your next meeting and look fonruard to your response on this crucial issue.
Yours truly, <---r- tilsn [üÐ\]l¡Ll ê Terry Horner, A.M.C.T CAO/Clerk.
c. - Sylvia Jones, M.P.P - County of Dufferin - School Boards - A.M.O. - Municipalities Gorporation of the Township of MULMUR
Moved by: Hawkins Date: December 11,2073
Seconded by: Mills
THAT WHEREAS the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is able to, and routinely adjusts assessed values for tax purposes for the current year and for up to two prior years on properties where development has occurred and a building permit has been obtained, and where severances have been granted;
AND WHEREAS the Township has discovered several instances where development has occurred where no building permit has been obtained and has provided proof of the existence of the development (including photographs) and requested that MPAC retroactively assess those properties in the same manner and for the same time periods;
AND WHEREAS requests for re-assessment sent in by the Township as much as 20 months ago have not been dealt with, and MPAC has advised that requests made in the summer of 2013 are 'too late' to allow a re- assessment for 201 3 ;
AND THAT the Township has been advised that the re-assessments will only apply to the2014 taxation year (if indeed they are re-assessed in 2014), and may not be applied to the two previous years, resulting in a loss of tax revenue to not only the Township but also the County of Dufferin and the School Boards for at least one taxation year (despite the fact they have been identified as existing/occupied in a previous year) and for as much as three years in situations where the building(s) have existed for that length oftime but have never been assessed;
AND WHEREAS this appears to reward those who choose not to obtain building permits, not only because the payment oftaxes is deferred (ifnot avoided entirely) but also because interest charges on the previous years' taxes are not applied and because deveìopments are not being assessed in the same mannet' and for the same time periods as buildings for which building permits have been obtained;
AND WHEREAS the onus should not be on the municipality to prove when such buildings were constructed but rather, on the landowner in such situations;
NO\ry THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THATthe Township advise MPAC that it is entirely inappropriate and unacceptable to not immediately and retroactively assess a building that has been erected without a building permit for the current year and up to two prior years (depending on when it was built and occupied), when such is the norm for buildings built with building permits;
AND TIIAT MPAC be requested to automatically and immediately re-assess all properties once the improvements have been discovered and apply the resulting increase to the current year and for the two previous taxation years:
AND THAT the onus be placed on the landowner to prove that the building has not existed for that entire time period;
AND THAI' this resolution be forwarded to the County of Dufferin and area School Boards (who also lose out when lands are not assessed as they should be), to the other municipalities in Dufferin County, to MPP Sylvia Jones, and to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
CARRIED...... Paul Mills.... MAYOR
MEDIA RELEASE
Manufacturing survey results good news for Niagara: Burroughs
NIAGARA REGION, Dec. 16, 2013 – A survey of Niagara manufacturers in which nearly three-quarters of respondents said they expect to expand over the next three years spells good news for Niagara.
“The survey results are hugely positive and very encouraging for Niagara,” said Regional Chair Gary Burroughs. “They show a high level of optimism among manufacturers for future growth and success. Based on the results, it’s fair to say that manufacturing is being renewed, as Niagara’s companies develop new, value-added and innovative products, create jobs and explore the opportunities to expand into new international markets.”
Nearly 200 manufacturing companies participated in the telephone survey conducted by Ipsos Reid this past summer. Some of the results include:
68 per cent expect to see an increase in business profitability and future investments in machinery and equipment
39 per cent expect to increase the number of people they employ over the next two years
58 per cent said they expect to introduce new items, products or services within the next two years
59 per cent said developing new markets is an important issue for their company
“Manufacturing has long been the backbone of Niagara’s economy and the results indicate the resilience of the sector despite recent setbacks,” said Diane Simsovic, Director of Niagara Economic Development. Companies have been introducing new products in recent years and more than half expect to be continuing that trend. The sector also appears to be seizing on the importance of developing markets beyond Ontario and recognizing the potential prosperity that represents.”
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Page 2
“The results confirm what we’ve been seeing and hearing across the manufacturing sector in Niagara,” said Christina Milan, chair of the Niagara Industrial Association. “Small and medium-sized manufacturing companies are strong, thriving and have overcome the challenges of the global recession. With easy access to major markets and a highly-skilled work force, Niagara is a good place to do business. The survey shows that manufacturers are optimistic they’ll continue to grow and are anxious to pursue new global opportunities for their leading-edge products.”
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Contact: Darrell Neufeld Niagara Region 905-685-4225 ext. 3813
Join us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube MR2013-NED-151
m Integrated Community Planning • . Office of the Regional Clerk NIagara%i git? Reglon 220I st. Davacrs Road w, PO Box I042, rhamid, ON L2v 4r7 Telephone: 905-685-4225 Toll-free: I-800-263-72|5 Fax: 905-687-4977 www.niagararegion.ca
December 13, 2013 CL 17-2013, December 12, 2013 ICPC 16-2013, December 4, 2013 Report ICP 121-2013
LOCAL AREA MUNICIPALITIES
SENT ELECTRONICALLY
Niagara Nodes and Corridors Study ICP 121-2013
Regional Council, at its meeting of December 12, 2013, approved the following recommendations of its Integrated Planning Committee:
That Report ICP 121-2013, December 4, 2013, respecting Niagara Nodes and Corridors Study, BE RECEIVED, as amended; and
That the recommendations of the Niagara Nodes and Corridors Study (attached as
Appendix I to Report ICP 121-2013) BE REFERRED to the work plan of Imagine Niagara (Five Year Review of the Regional Policy Plan); and
That a copy of this report and the Niagara Nodes and Corridors Study BE CIRCULATED
to all Niagara municipalities; and .
That the study include a broadened context to include neighbouring areas outside Niagara Region (i.e. Hamilton, Haldimand), and include an intensification of the network of nodes and corridors (i.e. Regional Road 20, Highway 3, GO Rail Corridor, Netherby Road Corridor, etc.).
A copy of Report ICP 121-2013 is enclosed for your information.
J_ net Pilon Regional Clerk
:||
cc: Clerks of the Local Area Municipalities of Niagara Region P. Robson, Commissioner, Integrated Community Planning
‘ C. Benson, Manager, Regional Policy Planning C. Rohe, Planner M. L. Tanner, Associate Director, Regional Policy Planning S. McPetrie, Administrative Assistant, Integrated Community Planning ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Page 1 of4 Niagaraw Region
REPORT TO: Integrated Community Planning Committee
SUBJECT: Niagara Nodes and Corridors Study
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. That this report and the attached Niagara Nodes and Corridors Study BE RECEIVED by Regional Council. 2. That the recommendations of the study BE REFERRED to the work plan of Imagine Niagara (Five Year Review of the Regional Policy Plan). 3. That a copy of this report and the Study BE CIRCULATED to all Niagara municipalities.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to seek Regional Council’s endorsement of the recommendations of the Niagara Nodes and Corridors Study (herein referred to as "the Study" and available electronically as Appendix 1). This report provides a brief overview of the project, a summary of the implementation recommendations and next steps. This report is consistent with Regional Council’s 2012-2015 Business Plan themes of a Responsive Region, a Healthy Community, Open for Business and an Integrated Transportation System.
BUSINESS IMPLICATIONS
The Study has been prepared by Dillon Consulting and is a priority initiative associated with the implementation of the Regional Growth Management Strategy (Niagara 2031). The financial costs associated with this project have been included within the Integrated Community Planning Department’s budget.
REPORT
The primary purpose of the Niagara Nodes and Corridors Study has been to provide recommendations on how a series of Regional Nodes and Corridors could be implemented in Niagara.
To arrive at these recommendations, the project process has included a review of best practices from the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), the identification of issues, opportunities and constraints to the development of Nodes and Corridors in Niagara, and ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Page 2 of 4 two engagement sessions with local planning staff. A more detailed ovenriew of the process to date can be found in ICP 80-2013.
The importance of Nodes and Corridors
Through the recent approval of the Niagara Growth Management Strategy, Sustainable Communities Policies and the Niagara Transportation Strategy, Regional Council has demonstrated an understanding of the importance of intensified development and the need for improved connectivity, travel and commuting conditions between the settlement areas for residents, employees and visitors.
The Study indicates that the geographic dispersion between Niagara’s communities is a barrier to intensified development. To address this, the Study states that the identification of a comprehensive network of regional and local Nodes and Corridors will allow the region to better accommodate future population and employment growth, to promote investment and to improve living conditions for existing residents, employees and visitors. By focusing growth into key nodes and corridors in Niagara, there are opportunities to harmonize Regional and local land use planning initiatives, support public transit and active transportation and capitalize on existing infrastructure.
Study Recommendations
To implement a series of regional Nodes and Corridors, five recommendations have been put fonrvard in the Study. These recommendations include:
1. Formally recognizing a regional network of nodes and support policies for regional corridors in the Regional Policy Plan. An amendment to the Plan could include direction on integrating and harmonizing land use and transportation planning initiatives, and aligning capital infrastructure to support and encourage growth within Nodes and Corridors.
2. Leveraging the Region’s upcoming Transportation Master Plan to assess the viability of identifying Regional-scale transportation corridors. The upcoming Transportation Master Plan presents an opportunity to set direction on how Nodes across Niagara may be connected by a variety of different modes of transportation.
3. Identifying specific issues, opportunities and constraints for recommended regional nodes and develop an implementation program for nodes. Potential Regional Nodes identified in the Study will require additional evaluation and planning by the Region and the local municipalities. The results of the analysis could then be used to prepare a Regional Policy Plan Amendment to formally recognize a series of Nodes and Corridors in Niagara. ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Page 3 of 4
4. Conducting market assessment for mixed use/high density development to inform phasing approach. The study indicates that the market for mixed use and high density development has different drivers than other forms of development. If the Region is to proceed with a
formal strategy on Nodes and Corridors, it is imperative that a more in—depth analysis of market opportunities be explored.
5. Updating Regional Model Urban Design Guidelines to support nodes and corridors policy framework. If updated, the Region’s Model Urban Design Guidelines (2005)couId include direction on the design of land uses and the public realm within Nodes and Corridors.
Engaging and Supporting Local Municipalities
Local Municipalities play an important role in implementing Regional policy and the directions of Regional Council. As such, the effective implementation of Regional initiatives requires that the Regional Policy Plan reflect recent policy updates that have been undertaken by Local Municipalities. Through recent Local Municipal Ofhcial Plan reviews, Local Municipalities have included policy direction related to growth management, intensification, transportation, and in some cases have identified their own nodes and corridors (St. Catharines, Niagara Falls). To ensure effective implementation of these local policy directions, a Nodes and Corridors policy framework should respond to and be consistent with local planning direction on things such as phasing, intensification, senricing and transportation. To ensure that these recent local policy updates were captured, we engaged local staff throughout the development of the Study.
On August 23, 2012 an Area Planners attended a workshop held to present the concept of nodes and corridors to local planning staff. The workshop was attended by 16 people and provided an opportunity for local planning staff to discuss where existing, emerging and future nodes and corridors are located. These comments were integrated into a draft version of the Study which was the subject of roundtable discussion on August 22, 2013. The purpose of this roundtable was to discuss the findings and recommendations put forward in the study. ln addition to the 14 area planners who attended and participated, some municipalities provided further written comment on the study requesting minor changes and clarification. These modifications have been included in the final study where appropriate.
Next Steps
With Council’s approval of the recommendations of this report, the Study recommendations will be referred to the Imagine Niagara (Five Year Review of the Regional Policy Plan) work plan for future implementation. ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Page 4 of 4
PREVIOUS REPORTS PERTINENT TO THIS MATTER
• ICP-C 28-2010 Niagara 2031 — Phase 5 Implementing Niagara’s Sustainable Urban Vision (September 1 5, 2010)
• ICP 80-2013 Niagara Nodes and Corridors Study (August 1, 2013)
Submitted by: Approved by:
i
Patrick Robson Harry Schla e Commissioner Chief Admi ’istrative Officer Integrated Community Planning
This report was prepared by Craig Rohe, Planner and reviewed by Curt Benson, MCIP, RPP, Manager of Regional Policy Planning and Mary Lou Tanner; MCIP, RPP, Associate Director of Regional Policy Planning.
Appendices
Appendix I Niagara Nodes and Corridors Study (Available electronically) ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 5 of 71
Niagara Nodes and Corridors Study
November 2013 ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 6 of 71 Table of Contents
1. Introduction ...... 1 5. Inspiration ...... 46 Study Background ...... 1 Approach ...... 46 Purpose ...... 1 Study Process ...... 2 6. Recommendations ...... 53 Policy Recommendations ...... 53 2. Understanding Nodes & Corridors ...... 3 Implementation Recommendations ...... 56 What are Nodes and Corridors? ...... 3 Why is Node and Corridor Planning Important for Niagara? ...... 4 7. Sources ...... 57 What Makes a Place a Node or a Corridor? ...... 7 Best Practices in Policy Planning ...... 14
3. Niagara’s Existing Nodes and Corridors ...... 22 Framework ...... 22 Existing Nodes ...... 22 Summary ...... 36
4. Potential Future Nodes & Corridors ...... 38 Framework ...... 38 Areas Designated in Local Official Plans ...... 38 Physical Potential ...... 42 Potential Mobility Hubs &Major Transit Station Areas ...... 43 Summary ...... 44
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page i Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I List of Figures List of Tables Page 7 of 71 Figure 1.1: Study Process Table 2.1: Selected Densities Within Nodes Figure 1.2: Nodes & Corridors Concept Table 2.2: Nodes And Corridors In The GGH Figure 1.3: Niagara’s Urban Areas Table 2.3: Implementation Tools Figure 1.4: The Context for this Study Table 2.4: Opportunities For Aligning Nodes and Corridors Figure 2.1: Mobility Hubs of the Greater Golden Horseshoe with Other Discipline Objectives Figure 3.1: Total Population per Census Block, 2011 Table 3.1: Transit Supportive Densities Figure 3.2: Persons per hectare, Gross Density, 2011 Table 3.2: Mixed Use Areas Figure 3.3: Persons per hectare, West Niagara, 2011 Table 4.1: Nodes and Corridors in Local Official Plans Figure 3.4: Persons per hectare, North-East Niagara, 2011 Figure 3.5: Persons per hectare, South Niagara, 2011 List of Appendices Figure 3.6: 50 People per hectare, 2011 Appendix A: Area Planners Workshop Summary Figure 3.7: Units per hectare, Gross Density, 2011 Figure 3.8: Transit Supportive Densities, 2011 Figure 3.9: Transit Origins Figure 3.10: Transit Destinations Figure 3.11: Connections Figure 3.12: Existing Regional Nodes & Corridors Figure 4.1: Nodes and Corridors in Local Official Plans Figure 4.2: Large Areas with Potential for Nodal Development Figure 6.1: Recommended Nodes and Corridors
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page ii Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I (Sustainable Communities Policy). Amendment 2-2009Page provides 8 of 71 the framework for long-term growth and development in Niagara. The 1. Introduction Amendment outlines the basic urban structure of the Region, delineating urban areas, built-up areas, greenfield areas, major Study Background transportation corridors including the QEW, highway 406, Welland Canal, regional roads and other provincial highways, railways and the The Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) is one the fastest growing and Urban Growth Centre in St. Catharines. With the exception of the most prosperous regions in North America. The GGH is generally Urban Growth Centre in St. Catharines, the Amendment did not centred around Toronto and spreads out across the western edge of identify specific development nodes and corridors. The Amendment Lake Ontario, stretching from Simcoe County in the north to Niagara did, however, encourage local municipalities to identify nodes and Region in the south, and from the County of Peterborough in the east corridors in their local Official Plans. Since the adoption of Amendment to the Region of Waterloo in the west. The GGH includes 110 2-2009, a number of local municipalities have identified strategic municipalities, is home to over 8.7 million people (2011) and is locations for higher density, mixed use and transit supportive expected to grow to over 11.5 million by 2031. At the turn of the development and re-development in their Official Plans. The local plans century, the GGH was facing a number of critical issues which had include a wide variety of areas, ranging in size and scale and include steadily been growing for several decades and had the potential to 1 historic downtowns, greyfield corridors , brownfield sites, major transit undermine the region’s global competitiveness. The pressure to station areas and greenfields. address the symptoms of urban sprawl - increasing traffic congestion, environmental degradation, loss of prime agricultural lands, aging Purpose municipal infrastructure and rising taxes - was mounting. In 2006, the The purpose of this report is to build upon the work undertaken by the Province of Ontario released its Growth Plan for the Greater Golden local municipalities and the Province in an effort to better understand Horseshoe (hereafter referred to as the Growth Plan) as a response to the potential issues, opportunities and challenges for developing a address the symptoms of urban sprawl and provide a long-term vision regional network of nodes and corridors. This document is intended to for managing growth in the GGH. Amongst other things, the Growth serve as a foundation study which will allow the Region to further Plan directed municipalities to plan for compact, mixed-use, transit refine and implement a Niagara Nodes and Corridor Strategy. It is supportive nodes which are connected by higher order transit (GO bus and/or rail service or equivalent) networks. 1 Greyfields are not defined in the PPS or Planning Act. The term “greyfields” was popularized by the Congress for New Urbanism in reference to older commercial areas with In 2009, Niagara Region adopted its strategy for implementing the redevelopment potential. A greyfield corridor refers to derelict or underutilized commercial Province’s Growth Plan; Regional Policy Plan Amendment 2-2009 sites which have potential for intensification and redevelopment.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 1 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 9 of 71 expected that the Strategy would include a Regional Policy Plan Study Process Amendment and a number of other implementation programs and projects (which are discussed further at the end of this report). The Nodes and Corridors Study is divided into four phases. Figure 1.1 illustrates the main work plan elements and key project phases. The red box illustrates the current phase of the study process. FIGURE 1.1: STUDY PROCESS
Phase 1: Study Phase 2: Identifying Phase 3: Draft Phase 4: Context Niagara’s Nodes and Study and Implementation Corridors Recommendations Plan
Define Nodes and Establish Criteria for Nodes Develop Draft Policy Develop an Implementation Corridors and Corridors Recommendations Plan for Region and Local Municipalities Conduct Select Conduct Best Practices Develop Draft Regional Visualizations Review Nodes and Corridor Study Prepare Final Regional Report Nodes and Corridor Study Area Planners Workshop #1 Identify Policy Context Report Area Planners Workshop #2 Identify Potential Regional Identify Issues, Nodes and Corridors Opportunities and Other Public and Constraints for Niagara Agency Consultation Note: The feedback received at the Area Planners Workshop #1 can be found in Appendix A.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 2 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 10 of 71 2. Understanding Nodes & Corridors
What are Nodes and Corridors? The nodes and corridors concept is not new or novel in the GGH. Pierre Filion’s 2007 report for the Neptis Foundation, “The Urban Growth Centres Strategy in the Greater Golden Horseshoe” tracks the historical evolution of the nodes and corridors concept in the GGH. Filion identifies the 1967 Metropolitan Toronto and Regional Transportation Study (MTARTS) as the first major regional strategy to articulate a nodes (and partially corridors) concept. The MTARTS strategy for the Above: Excerpt from the MTARTS study, 1967 which shows the hierarchy of GTA included a hierarchy of centres which included regional, sub- centres linked together via a network of higher order transportation corridors. regional and local centres which were intended to function as locations for a variety of land uses (residential, government, recreational, published its “Centres and Corridors: Growth Management in the GTA” commercial, employment). The study, which was undertaken by the paper which promoted nodes and corridors as a concept for managing Ontario Department of Municipal Affairs, also identified a number of regional growth pressures in the GTA. As a growth management transportation links, including highways, subways, railways and high framework, the nodes and corridors concept can be understood as one speed commuter rail lines. of many policy approaches for managing growth – other cities in other places have tried and tested alternative techniques, the most popular Since the introduction of the concept back in the 1960s there has been being the British-based “new town” planning model which advocated a number of studies, plans and strategies in the GGH which have the construction of new self-sustaining suburbs separated from the promoted and refined the nodes and corridors concept. One of the urban core and one another by a continuous greenbelt. This model is more prominent studies was prepared by the GTA Caucus of the still popular today and is actively being practiced in a number of Regional Planning Commissions of Ontario. In 2003, the GTA Caucus developing countries where urban growth rates are sky-rocketing. By
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 3 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I contrast, the nodes and corridors approach relies on firm regulation of For the purposes of this study, nodes and corridors arePage understood 11 of 71 to urban boundaries to control the pace of outward urban expansion and be a spatial arrangement which includes a network of high density, directs development and redevelopment along strategic nodes and transit supportive and mixed use urban spaces that are linked via a transportation and transit corridors. While the techniques (and series of higher order and multi-functional transportation corridors2. outcomes) are different, the intent of both the new-town planning This concept is illustrated below (Figure 1.2). concept and the nodes and corridors approach is to effectively and efficiently manage urban growth. Why is Node and Corridor Planning Important FIGURE 1.2: NODES & CORRIDORS CONCEPT for Niagara? With twelve member municipalities and a geography spanning over Nodes 1,850 square kilometres, Niagara Region is characterized by a diverse range of cities, towns and villages which are separated by large Corridors agricultural and environmentally protected areas. Niagara Region’s urban structure is defined by its 27 designated urban areas, which, with the exception of the St. Catharines-Thorold and Welland-Fonthill-Port Colborne urban areas3, are all separate urban entities. This dispersed settlement pattern is somewhat unique in the context of the GGH, with perhaps only Simcoe-Barrie-Orillia area having a similarly complex and diverse urban structure. Niagara’s designated urban areas are shown on Figure 1.3. Critical Mixed Mass Uses
Connection High Density s 2 There are a variety of different definitions for nodes and corridors. The definition provided above generally based on the concept articulated by the Regional Planning Commissioners of Ontario – GTA Caucus in their 2003 study document entitled “Centres and Corridors: Growth Management in GTA” (see page 5 of this document for more details). The Growth Plan and PPS do not provide explicit definitions, but do reference the concept. 3 These urban areas are separate administratively, but are physically connected.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 4 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 12 of 71 FIGURE 1.3: NIAGARA’S URBAN AREAS
Prudhommes
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 5 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Recognizing its geographically dispersed population, planning for of transportation to the people and the economy and hasPage supported 13 of 71 a connectivity across the Region has been a historic and on-going range of initiatives (such as the establishment of a Regional transit challenge. However, Regional Council has understood the importance system) aimed at improving connectivity. Identification of a comprehensive network of regional and local nodes and corridors will built upon these initiatives and FIGURE 1.4: THE CONTEXT FOR THIS STUDY allow the Region to better accommodate future population and employment growth, to promote investment and to improve living conditions for existing residents, employees and visitors.
The identification of a regional network of nodes and corridors is also an important step in the move towards a broader more inclusive regional transit system. This study will recommend a framework for a Niagara Region Nodes and Corridor Strategy and is one of the many initiatives being undertaken to identify a comprehensive approach to transportation and land use planning for Niagara.
Figure 1-4 presents the context for the Nodes and Corridor Study and illustrates how this Study is part of a broader Regional program to improve: How we plan our spaces; How we grow; How we get around; and, How we promote investment.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 6 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 14 of 71 What Makes a Place a Node or a Corridor?
NODES Nodes are multi-functional, mixed use spaces. They are places for high density living and usually include medium density and high density housing (low, medium and high rise towers) covering a diverse range of tenure types (rental, ownership, co-op, social housing, etc.). Nodes are also places with high concentrations of employment and include professional offices, personal services, hotels and entertainment facilities (e.g. theatres, bars, restaurants, etc.). They include public and institutional facilities, such as government offices, colleges, universities, libraries and places of worship and typically have several destination type uses, such as farmer’s markets, performing arts centres, museums and higher order retailers. It is also important to note that the commercial function within these spaces is also incredibly diverse, providing both higher order retail activities geared towards tourists and destination shoppers but also neighbourhood scale retailing which is geared towards the people who live in and around the node (i.e. grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.).
DOWNTOWN NIAGARA FALLS: Queen Street in Downtown Niagara Falls It is also important to note that nodes typically have high quality, provides a medium density, mixed-use environment with a variety of retail attractive public spaces such as wide sidewalks and promenades, parks, commercial and institutional uses supported by second storey residential uses. plazas and squares. The public spaces and the broader network are In contrast to Lundy’s Lane entertainment and tourist commercial uses, the well designed and include design elements intended to enhance the downtown provides a selection of uses and amenities that support the local overall urban experience such as public art, lighting, wayfinding population. devices, seating, traffic calming, landscaping and street trees.
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UPTOWN WATERLOO: The Uptown Waterloo node is part of a broader regional network of several nodes organized along the King Street Corridor which connects downtown Kitchener with Uptown Waterloo and the University of Waterloo and Sir Wilfrid Laurier University. The Uptown Waterloo node features a diverse range of commercial uses, including retail, office and service type uses, residential and major institutional uses. The node is organized around a central public square which is used for recreational and entertainment purposes. The Uptown Waterloo node will be one of the focal points for the Region’s planned higher order light rail transit network.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 8 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Nodes are dense spaces. The critical mass of land uses which are Page 16 of 71 spread across a relatively small area requires higher densities to accommodate the variety uses and maintain the critical mass. Densities within nodes can range from 100 people and jobs per hectare for smaller and medium sized downtowns to just under 500 people and jobs per hectare (downtown Toronto). Table 2.1 below illustrates the densities within some of the more well-known urban nodes within the GGH, including Niagara’s two largest nodes (downtown St. Catharines and downtown Niagara Falls).
TABLE 2.1: SELECTED DENSITIES WITHIN NODES
Node Estimated Density Downtown Toronto 475 P&J per ha. Yonge-Eglinton Centre 305 P&J per ha. North York Centre 240 P&J per ha. Downtown Kitchener 240 P&J per ha. Uptown Waterloo 190 P&J per ha. Downtown St. Catharines 155 P&J per ha. Downtown Niagara Falls 110 P&J per ha. Mississauga City Centre 81 P&J per ha. Data derived from several sources from 2001 and 2006 census. Note that 2011 employment datasets are not presently available.
DOWNTOWN KITCHENER: Downtown Kitchener features a number of higher density, mixed use buildings. One of the unique characteristics of the node has been the adaptive reuse of older heritage buildings, such as the Kaufman Lofts located at the north end of the downtown and the Tannery building (see next page).
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DOWNTOWN KITCHENER: Other examples of higher density developments within the Kitchener downtown node; the Lang Tannery office complex (top left); Kitchener city hall (top right); TD Canada Trust office centre (bottom left); and the University of Waterloo’s Pharmacy school campus (bottom right).
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 10 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Nodes are well connected spaces. Nodes maintain a high degree of Page 18 of 71 connectivity within the node and also within the neighbourhoods which adjoin the area. Connectivity can be understood in terms of physical links, such as roads, transit and rail lines, sidewalks, trails and bike paths. Connectivity can also be understood in terms of social and economic ties. For example, the neighbourhoods which surround a node usually accommodate a number of people who work within the node.
DOWNTOWN HAMILTON: Hamilton’s central area was developed on a series of medium-sized grid-based blocks. It represents one of the GTA’s best examples of a well-connected urban node. The downtown area features a GO rail station and a variety of transportation links.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 11 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 19 of 71 TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT: The image on the left shows a conceptual redevelopment around a multi-modal transit area (copyright Queen's Printer for Ontario, image source: Ontario Growth Secretariat, Ministry of Infrastructure). PORT CREDIT: The core area in Port Credit, Mississauga is an area with a rich collection of heritage structures. The City of Mississauga has continued to support strategic infilling and redevelopment in the node, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the area (see next page).
Nodes are part of the transit network. The high densities and concentration of land uses mean that nodes are excellent places for transit. While most of the places in the GGH which could be classified as nodes are serviced with bus transit, some, such as those found in Toronto, are the basis for higher order transit. As municipalities look to capitalize on the transit investments, a number of nodes across the GGH are being planned around GO rail stations, while other nodes are being retro-fitted to include light rail systems.
Nodes are dynamic spaces. Successful nodes are ever-changing and evolving. They have physical and market potential for development and re-development. Ownership patterns, parcel fabric structure, market demand conditions and development incentives allow for public and private sector investment in these spaces.
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CORRIDORS There are two distinct types of corridors. The first type of corridor can best be described as a linear node. Linear nodes exhibit a number of characteristics found within nodes – they’re dense, mixed use, well connected and dynamic spaces which follow a transit corridor. The second type of corridor is one whose primary function is to move people and goods from one destination to another (either in between nodes or from one node to some other destination). These transportation-based corridors may have some development potential, but their primary function is to move people and goods and hence they tend to move a large volume of traffic in automobiles, rails and transit. Transportation-based corridors are higher order transportation networks including highways, regional roads, arterial roads, rail lines and canals (refer to Amendment 2-2009 which references the Region’s main transportation-based corridors). The land uses adjacent to these types of corridors might include some important destinations, but also include low density residential areas, agricultural areas, strip commercial uses, employment areas and other lower density uses. Niagara Region has been identified as an important part of Ontario’s
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 13 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I overall goods movement framework and a number of specific studies 4. Providing a range of tools to manage change Pageand encourage21 of 71 and projects have been identified to improve goods movement within development and redevelopment; the through Niagara. 5. Merging opportunities for higher order transit (GO bus and/or
Note that this Nodes and Corridor Study focuses on regionally rail service or equivalent) with potential for significant areas and attempts to identify a regional framework for development/redevelopment when planning and identifying node and corridor planning in Niagara. While this study considers both nodes and corridors; and, transportation-based corridors and linear nodes, it is understood that 6. Aligning land use planning objectives with transportation, the basis for improving transportation-based corridors in Niagara will be undertaken in the Region’s Transportation Master Plan. Accordingly, infrastructure and community services objectives. this study is primarily concerned with linear nodes (as opposed to Each of the above-noted practices is further discussed on the following transportation-based corridors). pages. Best Practices in Policy Planning 1. DESIGNATE NODES AND CORRIDORS IN UPPER TIER A number of municipalities across the GGH are planning and building PLANS nodes and corridors. A review of the work being undertaken reveals that there are a number of best practices which could help to inform All upper and single tier inner ring municipalities within the GGH have Niagara Region’s efforts to develop its strategy4. Best practices in policies which promote nodes and corridors in their official plans (see planning for nodes and corridors include: Table 2.2). Most of the larger municipalities in the outer ring of the GGH also have similar policies within their official plans. Most of the 1. Designating nodes and corridors within the upper tier plan; upper tier plans identify corridors, but not all – for example, the Region 2. Providing a balanced policy framework at the upper tier level of Peel’s Urban Structure Plan includes nodes but not corridors. Most to guide planning for nodes and corridors; upper tier plans identify a planned function and provide direction for local planning of nodes and corridors. Some of the plans also include 3. Planning nodes and corridors to recognize existing and detailed policies for land uses, densities and implementation. potential future nodes and corridors;
4 The best practices section is based on a review of upper and single tier plans in the GGH. The review examines how each municipality is planning for nodes and corridors. The analysis included the City of Toronto, Region of Durham, Region of York, Region of Peel, Region of Halton, City of Hamilton, Region of Waterloo, County of Simcoe and the City of Barrie.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 14 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 22 of 71 2. PROVIDE A BALANCED POLICY FRAMEWORK SHOPS AT DON MILLS: The Shops at Don Mills is a 500,000 square
A number of the plans (see Table 2.2) provide direction for foot shopping centre retrofit built in 2009 to replace Canada’s first implementation. Where planning is a shared responsibility between shopping mall, Don Mills Centre. The area is planned to include regional and local municipalities, most upper tier plans clearly some higher density office and residential development, making it articulate the role of the upper tier government and the responsibilities one of the first shopping mall to urban node redevelopments in for local municipalities. Upper tier municipalities are responsible for Canada. providing the overall planning framework, coordinating municipal infrastructure (where the responsibility is a regional one) by ensuring that appropriate municipal water and sewer services are in place, coordinating municipal transit services and providing general design guidance. Local municipalities are typically responsible for undertaking the detailed planning, infrastructure and transportation plans within the individual nodes and corridors.
3. RECOGNIZE EXISTING AND POTENTIAL FUTURE NODES AND CORRIDORS Node and corridor plans typically recognize existing, well defined nodes and corridors, such as historic downtowns and core areas along major transit corridors. They also include under-developed or undeveloped areas which have potential to become nodes/corridors over time. Examples of under-developed and undeveloped nodes/corridors might include: Large single use office parks; Regional scale shopping malls; GO rail and transit stations; Large brownfield/regeneration areas; Greenfield sites which have yet to be developed; and, Post-secondary institutions
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TABLE 2.2: NODES AND CORRIDORS IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE
Municipality Terminology Planned Function Plan Identifies Densities? Implementation Strategy Defined in OP? contained within Plan? INNER RING MUNICIPALITIES City of Toronto Centres Yes No Yes Avenues Region of Durham Urban Growth Centres Yes Yes for Urban Growth Centre, Yes Regional Centres and Corridors Regional Centres and Corridors and Local Centres and Corridors Local Centres and Corridors Region of York Regional Centres Yes Yes for Regional Centres and Yes Corridors Corridors Region of Peel Urban Growth Centre Yes No Yes Regional Intensification Corridors Region of Halton Urban Growth Centre Yes Yes for Urban Growth Centres Yes Corridors City of Hamilton Downtown Urban Growth Centres Yes Yes for Downtown Urban Centres, Yes Sub-Regional Service Nodes Sub-Regional Service Nodes and Community Nodes Community Nodes Primary and Secondary Corridors SELECTED OUTER RING MUNICIPALITIES Region of Waterloo Urban Growth Centres Yes Yes for Urban Growth Centres Yes Re-urbanization Corridors Major Transit Station Areas County of Simcoe Plan does not identify nodes and No No No corridors City of Barrie Urban Growth Centre No Yes for Urban Growth Centre, No Primary and Secondary Nodes Primary and Secondary Nodes, Primary and Secondary Corridors Primary and Secondary Corridors Region of Niagara Plan does not identify nodes and No No No corridors
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 16 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I 4. PROVIDE THE TOOLS FOR MANAGING CHANGE In order to promote and implement nodes and corridors,Page there 24 of 71are a variety of statutory and non-statutory tools available to municipalities Given the level of complexity involved in planning and developing a that must be integrated. Also, it is important to note that all of these node or corridor, municipalities are employing a range of tools to tools can be tailored to promote the development of nodes and promote change and manage growth. While the tool themselves are corridors. typically undertaken and implemented as stand-alone pieces and recognize the multi-layered development process. The tools cover a range of disciplines, including planning, infrastructure, transportation and financial. Within each of these disciplines are a number of other subsets which can sometimes prove crucial in managing change and promoting development in a particular node or corridor – such as cultural heritage, stormwater management or parking.
Table 2.3 provides a list of policy tools used by municipalities to promote and implement nodes and corridors. Some of the tools are considered to be statutory documents and are prepared in accordance with a particular regulatory framework, such as the Planning Act or the Development Charges Act. Other tools are considered to be management tools which provide direction and guidance but are non- statutory and rely on municipal councils and other statutory documents to implement the recommended directions. For example, the recommendations of a typical mobility hub study might include a land use concept and physical layout for lands around a GO rail station. DOWNTOWN WELLAND: The recent series of targeted and on-going To be implemented, the study’s recommendations would require a public realm improvements in Downtown Welland is an example of specific statutory plan to be prepared such as secondary plan or plan of how the investment in the public realm can help to trigger broader subdivision (and it would the contents within the statutory plan that reinvestment/redevelopment. would be adhered to).
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TABLE 2.3: IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS
Discipline Name Agent Type (statutory vs. non-statutory) PLANNING & URBAN DESIGN Secondary plans Local Municipality Statutory Master plans Local Municipality Non-Statutory Official plan policies (e.g. minimum and maximum Regional and Local Municipalities Statutory densities, flexible permitted uses, implementation strategy/action plans, etc.) Urban design guidelines Local and Regional Municipalities Non-Statutory Streetscape & public realm improvement plans Local Municipality Non-statutory (unless prepared as part of an EA process for an infrastructure project) Zoning (e.g. density bonusing, form-based design Local Municipality Statutory regulation) Site plans, plans of sub-division Local Municipality/Private sector Statutory Development permit system Local Municipality and Regional Statutory Municipality Recreation Master Plans Local Municipality Non-Statutory Integrated Community Sustainability Plans Local and Regional Municipalities Non-Statutory TRANSPORTATION Mobility hub studies (joint transportation & land use Local and Regional Municipality, Non-Statutory studies) Metrolinx and other agencies Transportation master plans Local and Regional Municipalities Statutory when undertaken as part of the Class EA process Active transportation plans Local and Regional Municipalities Non-Statutory Transit master plans Transit operators, Local municipalities Non-Statutory and/or Regional municipalities
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 18 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 26 of 71 Parking strategies and plans Local Municipality Non-Statutory Transit Corridor Environmental Assessment Regional Municipality Statutory Corridor Studies Regional and Local Municipality Non-Statutory INFRASTRUCTURE Municipal servicing master plans Regional Municipality Statutory (when prepared as part of an EA process) Area specific municipal servicing master plans Local Municipality Statutory (when prepared as part of an EA process) Project specific capital improvements (pumping Regional Municipality or Local Statutory (part of EA process) station upgrades, treatment plant expansions, Municipality combined sewer overflow retrofits, etc.) MARKET AND FINANCIAL Community Improvement Plan incentives (including Local and Regional Municipalities (for Statutory brownfield redevelopment incentives such as grants, community improvement plans in tax increment financing, loans, etc.) Major Transit Station Areas) Development Charges studies/by-law Local and Regional Municipality Statutory Market attraction studies (e.g. office, hotel, etc.) Local and Regional Municipality Non-statutory Heritage preservation/restoration grants and Local Municipality Statutory rebates Marketing, branding and investor promotions Local and Regional Municipality Non-statutory Provincial funding opportunities Local and Regional Municipality Non-statutory
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 19 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I stations (as defined in the Growth Plan) that are plannedPage 27 to of have 71 a 5. MERGE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGHER ORDER TRANSIT significant level of transit services and the potential for mixed use, high WITH NODES AND CORRIDORS PLANNING density development within 800 metres of the transit station. Figure 2.1 below illustrates the location of mobility hubs identified by Concentrations of high density, mixed use developments provide Metrolinx. excellent anchors for higher order transit. Recognizing the importance of the land use-transit connection, a number of agencies and FIGURE 2.1: MOBILITY HUBS OF THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE municipalities are proactively planning nodes and corridors to align future development potential with new higher order transit (GO bus and/or rail service or equivalent) services. While the City of Toronto is the only municipality in the GGH with an existing higher order transit system, a number of municipalities and agencies are in the process of bringing light rail transit and subway service to the following locations: The Region of York (City of Markham, City of Vaughan, Town of Richmond Hill, Town of Aurora); The Region of Durham (City of Pickering, Town of Ajax, Town of Whitby, City of Oshawa); The Region of Waterloo (City of Waterloo, City of Kitchener, City of Cambridge); The City of Hamilton; and, Region of Peel (City of Mississauga and City of Brampton).
In addition to the above, GO Transit’s commuter rail services are also planned for expansion in a number of places across the GGH, including Niagara. Building on the planned investments in higher order transit, Metrolinx, the multi-jurisdictional agency tasked with developing and implementing the GGH’s long-term transportation plan, has identified 51 mobility hubs across the GGH in the Big Move Regional Transportation Plan. In general terms, mobility hubs are major transit
Note that the Region of Niagara was not included in the Big Move
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 20 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I 6. ALIGN LAND USE PLANNING OBJECTIVESPage 28 of WITH71 Over time it is expected that each of the Mobility Hubs will be TRANSPORTATION, INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITY designated in local and regional official plans and have detailed secondary/neighbourhood plans. The plans are expected to provide SERVICES OBJECTIVES development certainty and help to transform the station areas and the The previous section spoke to the need to align land use planning in lands around the stations into dense, well connected, mixed use and nodes and corridor with transit planning. There are a number of attractive spaces. disciplines where alignment can support the development of nodes and corridors and a multi-disciplinary approach should be undertaken. The intersection of land use and transit planning objectives is intended Some opportunities for alignment are outlined in Table 2.4 and include: to reinforce the reciprocal relationship between ridership and density. Water, wastewater, stormwater and utilities (hydro, gas, Simply put, the more people living and working near a transit station, cable/internet service); the greater potential there is to increase the level of service and as the Transportation planning (not just transit – roads, highways and level of service increases, so too does the potential for increased active transportation); and, property values and opportunities for higher densities and uses. Community services.
TABLE 2.4: OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALIGNING NODES AND CORRIDORS WITH OTHER DISCIPLINE OBJECTIVES
Water, Wastewater, Stormwater and Utilities Coordinating streetscape improvement programs with underground infrastructure construction projects Ensuring infrastructure capacities are in place to support development/redevelopment opportunities Ensuring capital budgets reflect critical infrastructure improvements in nodes and corridors Providing opportunities and incentives for new and innovative infrastructure designs (e.g. green roof programs, district heating and cooling) Transportation (including roads, active transportation – excluding transit) Alignment of road design standards with urban design standards Alignment of streetscape programs with major road and infrastructure construction projects Providing flexible and safe design standards consistent with planning objectives Ensuring capital budget program reflects road and active transportation improvements within nodes and corridors Community Services Facility siting (hospitals, clinics, schools, post-secondary institutions, police stations, etc.) Facility closures and redevelopment opportunities Assessing long-term facility needs by ensuring nodes are planned to accommodate new community services which are required for the expected population increase
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 21 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 29 of 71 Existing Nodes
3. Niagara’s Existing DENSITY There are a variety of ways to present density. For comparative purposes, Statistics Canada Census datasets were examined in terms Nodes and Corridors of: Persons per gross hectare (population density); and, Units per gross hectare (housing density). Framework The following section provides a description of the base conditions in The densities were calculated by netting out Niagara’s Core Natural Niagara as it relates to nodes and corridors. The two central questions System and accounting for the number of existing people living and dealt with in this section are: working within the census blocks. Census blocks are Statistics Canada’s Where are Niagara’s existing regionally significant nodes? geographic metric for “neighbourhoods”. The blocks actually range Where are Niagara’s existing regionally significant corridors? considerably in area and also population – both of which affect how we view density. Generally, the largest census blocks tend to be located in Niagara Region has 27 urban areas. Within these urban areas, there are the rural areas and smaller blocks are located in the urban areas. Figure a number of existing nodes varying in size, scale and function. The 3.1 presents the Region’s largest census blocks in terms of population, purpose of the analysis was to identify regionally significant nodes and showing that the urban blocks accommodate large number of people. corridors considering both function and scale. The criteria used to Of relevance of in Figure 3.1 is that there is a mixture of what would be identify regionally significant nodes and corridors links back to the infill and greenfield areas which accommodate large numbers (250 to previous section which discussed the defining characteristics and 500+) of people. include: Density Figure 3.2 illustrates gross population density in Niagara and Figures Mix of uses 3.3-3.5 provide close-up images of the dataset, highlighting the densest Transit services areas in the Region, including: Connectivity Downtown Niagara Falls; Downtown St. Catharines; Downtown of Port Colborne; and,
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 22 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Several townhouse blocks in the west end of Grimsby. Page 30 of 71
Figure 3.6 identifies the places in Niagara where population densities exceed 50 people per hectare. Statistics Canada had not released employment data at the time of writing and the above-noted metric is presented as a surrogate for the Provincial greenfield target. It should be noted that all of the places where density exceeds the Province’s greenfield target are within the built-up area and are not greenfield areas. The lack of density in greenfield areas can be explained, in part, by the relatively short time period between when the built-up area was delineated (2008) and date of population density dataset (2011).
However, timing can only partially explain the emphasis of on density in the built-up area and the lack of any greenfield areas with a density greater than 50 people per hectare suggests that there is room for improvement. This observation is further validated when examining housing density. Figure 3.7 illustrates gross housing unit densities across the Region, showing that there are only a few pockets of medium and higher density within the Region, mainly concentrated in the older downtowns and the surrounding areas.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 23 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 31 of 71 FIGURE 3.1: TOTAL POPULATION PER CENSUS BLOCK, 2011 0-50 persons Niagara on the Lake 51-100 persons Virgil
101-250 persons St. Catharines Niagara Falls 251-500 persons
More than 500 persons
Thorold Douglastown Grimsby Beamsville Fort Erie Fonthill Smithville
Welland Crystal Beach
Wainfleet
Port Colborne
*2011 Statistics Canada data. Heights are based on actual values (1 person = 1 metre)
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 24 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 32 of 71 FIGURE 3.2: PERSONS PER HECTARE (PPH), GROSS DENSITY (NET OF CORE NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEM), 2011
Less than 10 pph
11-20 pph
21-40 pph
41-100 pph
More than 101 pph
*2011 Statistics Canada data. Heights are based on adjusted values (1 person per hectare = 10 metres). Anomalies related to environmental constraints have been minimized.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 25 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I FIGURE 3.3: PERSONS PER HECTARE, FIGURE 3.4: PERSONS PER HECTARE, Page 33 of 71 Niagara on the Lake WEST NIAGARA, 2011 NORTH EAST NIAGARA, 2011
Virgil
Beamsville Grimsby Downtown Jordan Thorold Glendale
Downtown St. Smithville Catharines
Downtown Niagara Falls Chippawa
Fort Erie Douglastown Niagara Falls
Crystal Beach
Welland Port Colborne
FIGURE 3.5: PERSONS PER HECTARE SOUTH NIAGARA, 2011
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 26 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 34 of 71 FIGURE 3.6: 50 PEOPLE PER HECTARE, 2011 Less than 50 people per hectare
Greater than 50 people per hectare
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 27 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 35 of 71 FIGURE 3.7: UNITS PER HECTARE (UPH), GROSS DENSITY (NET OF CORE NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEM), 2011
Less than 5 uph
6-10 uph
11-30 uph
31-60 pph
More than 61 uph
*2011 Statistics Canada data. Heights are based on adjusted values (1 unit per hectare = 10 metres). Anomalies related to environmental constraints have been minimized.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 28 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I A comparison between basic transit supportive densities (greater than Figure 3.8 illustrates the location of blocks which currentlyPage have 36 of transit- 71 22 units per gross hectare) and actual densities shows that there are supportive densities. The general pattern shows that there are critical 302 census blocks out of 5,807 (or 5.2% of all blocks) which meet the masses of neighbourhoods in and around Downtown St. Catharines, minimum threshold for transit service. Table 3.1 provides a more and Downtown Niagara Falls which maintain transit-supportive detailed break-down, comparing various density standards for transit densities. Elsewhere in the Region there are some smaller against actual 2011 densities. concentration in the following urban areas: Grimsby Beamsville TABLE 3.1: TRANSIT SUPPORTIVE DENSITIES St. Catharines Service Type Density No. of Percent of Percent of Thorold Standard Blocks All Blocks Urban Blocks Niagara Falls Basic Bus Service 22 upgh 302 5.3% 6.6.% Welland Frequent Bus 37 upgh 50 0.9% 1% Port Colborne Service Crystal Beach Very Frequent Bus 45 upgh 39 0.7% 0.9% While there are individual census blocks in several of the other urban Service areas, the perceived higher densities are likely the result of data LRT/BRT 72 upgh 23 0.4% 0.5% anomalies. Subway 90 upgh 15 0.3% 0.3% Source: Density standards derived from MTO’s Transit Supportive Guidelines, 2012 (page 24). Urban blocks determined by intersecting census blocks with urban area boundaries.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 29 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 37 of 71 NIAGARA FALLS FIGURE 3.8: TRANSIT SUPPORTIVE DENSITIES
Less than 22 uph
22-36 uph
37-44 uph
45-72 uph
72-90 uph
Greater than 90 uph
ST. CATHARINES-THOROLD
WELLAND
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 30 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I MIX OF USES Page 38 of 71
Mixed uses are those areas which are home to residential, commercial However, the majority of these spaces are found in the historic (both retail and services), institutional, recreational and other uses. downtowns, older established areas and a select number of Given this general criteria, there are a variety of locations within commercial nodes which include peripheral office and residential Niagara Region which could be considered as mixed use areas. development. Table 3.2 lists a number of the existing areas in the Region which have a degree of mixed use development.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 31 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 39 of 71 TABLE 3.2: MIXED USE AREAS
Place Name Municipality Range of Uses General Service Area
Downtown Grimsby Grimsby High density residential, commercial, recreational & local Sub-Regional institutional Downtown Beamsville Lincoln Residential, commercial, recreational & local Local institutional Downtown Smithville West Lincoln Residential, commercial, recreational & local Local institutional Downtown Welland Welland High density residential, commercial, recreational & Regional major institutional Downtown St. Catharines St. Catharines High density residential, commercial, recreational & Regional major institutional Niagara Falls Centre (Clifton Hill) Niagara Falls High density residential, commercial, recreational & local Regional* institutional and tourist related commercial Historic Downtown Niagara Falls Niagara Falls High density residential, commercial, institutional Local
Downtown Port Colborne Port Colborne Residential, commercial, institutional, recreational Local
Brock U & Brock Business Park Thorold/St. Catharines High density residential, commercial, major institutional, Regional recreational Downtown Thorold Thorold High density residential, commercial, institutional Local
Old Town Niagara on the Lake Niagara on the Lake Residential, commercial, recreational Regional*
Fonthill Pelham Residential, commercial, institutional, recreational Local
Note: Both Niagara Falls Centre and Old Town Niagara on the Lake maintain a strong tourist function, drawing in visitors from outside of the Region.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 32 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I TRANSIT Page 40 of 71 While the service areas are quite large, it can be inferred that Niagara Figures 3.9 and 3.10 present the major transit origins and destinations Region’s main transit origins and destinations are Downtown St. in the Region, based on the Transportation Tomorrow Survey results Catharines (and environs), Brock University and Niagara College and (24 hours total trips). The existing transit routes are shown in orange. the major shopping nodes in Niagara Falls, Welland and St. Catharines.
FIGURE 3.9: TRANSIT ORIGINS FIGURE 3.10: TRANSIT DESTINATIONS
Origin of 24 hour transit trips Destination of 24 hour transit trips
Less than 100 trips 101-300 301-700 701-1000 Less than 50 trips 51-100 101-200 201-400 401-732
2006 TTS Survey data (24 hour transit trips, origin of trips) 2006 TTS Survey data (24 hour transit trips, destination of trips). Figures include trips within zone.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 33 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I CONNECTIVITY Page 41 of 71 Generally, the areas which are best connected are the historic Figure 3.11 presents an analysis of existing levels of connectivity across downtown areas which have been developed on a grid-based street Niagara. The analysis is based on an examination of existing road pattern, such as downtown St. Catharines and Welland. networks, transit routes, bicycle networks and trails on a 400 metre by 400 metre grid (16 ha.). The analysis shows that there are a number of well-connected locations across the Region; however, in a broader sense, there are few concentrations of expansive areas which are well connected.
DOWNTOWN NIAGARA FALLS: Parts of the older downtown in Niagara Falls are well connected, featuring smaller blocks and multiple connection (photo shows Queen Street, Facing Southwest). 12 internal connections per 16 ha
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 34 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I FIGURE 3.11: CONNECTIVITY Page 42 of 71
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 35 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 43 of 71 Summary Based on the analysis presented in the previous sections, there are at least three regionally significant nodes in Niagara. Downtown St. Catharines, downtown Welland and downtown Niagara Falls represent the three largest nodes and best fit the criteria for nodes and corridors. These areas maintain a critical mass of mixed uses, including residential, office, commercial, recreational, institutional and other destination type uses – such as hotels, civic centres, court houses and destination shopping areas and attractions. They also feature a number of multi-storey developments, including high density office, hotels and residential buildings. They’re well connected to adjacent neighbourhoods and also via transit and road infrastructure to the broader regional area – as high density, critical mass of mixed uses, transit supportive and well-connected places. These areas draw people, resources and capital from across the Region (and abroad) and function as regional centres. characteristics of nodes and corridors, but are incomplete at this time. For example, the Brock Business Park and Brock University campus area There are a number of existing regionally significant transportation- is one of the largest transit destinations in the Region and it is also based corridors, such as the Welland Canal, QEW, major railways and home to a variety of uses, which are mixed across the broader area. Highway 406 Provincial corridors, as well as a collection of regional However, the area is not well connected internally and lacks a critical roads serviced with transit. The assessment also reveals that there are mass of high density uses across the entire area (there are some no existing regionally significant multi-functional corridors. Niagara’s pockets of density, but the majority of buildings in the Brock Business existing system of nodes and corridors is shown on Figure 3.12. Park are single use, single storey buildings). The next chapter provides a discussion and assessment of places in Niagara which have the Beyond these three areas, there are also a number of areas which potential to become regionally significant nodes and corridors. function as local nodes and have the potential to grow and expand over time. There are also other spaces which maintain some of the
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LAKE ONTARIO
REGION OF NIAGARA NODES & CITY OF ST. TOWN OF NIAGARA CATHARINES ON-THE-LAKE CORRIDORS STUDY
TOWN OF GRIMSBY EXISTING REGIONAL NODES AND CORRIDORS Downtown TOWN OF St. Catharines LINCOLN URBAN AREA GREENFIELD AREA
BUILT UP AREA Downtown Niagara Falls
CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS EXISITNG REGIONAL NODE TOWNSHIP OF WEST LINCOLN TOWN OF PELHAM
CITY OF WELLAND Downtown Welland
TOWNSHIP OF WAINFLEET
CITY OF TOWN OF PORT COLBORNE FORT ERIE
SOURCE: DATA PROVIDED BY THE REGION OF NIAGARA AND THE NIAGARA PENINSULA CONSERVATION AUTHORITY. DRAFT DECEMBER 2010
L A K E E R I E ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Nine of the 11 urban official plans identify at leastPage one 45 areaof 71 for intensive, mixed use development which could be interpreted 4. Potential Future as “nodes”; Several plans imply a hierarchy of nodes, allowing for a broad range of uses and densities in some places, such as the Nodes & Corridors downtown, and allowing for a more narrow range of mixed uses and densities in other places (e.g. commercial Framework corridors/nodes); and, Only one plan, the City of Niagara Falls, formally identifies There are a number of places within the Region that have potential to mixed use corridors. grow and transform into larger scale, regionally significant nodes and corridors. The criteria used to assess these areas were based on the Figure 4.1 illustrates the general locations of the various mixed use following: areas, nodes and corridors. Areas designated in a local official plan as a node or corridor (i.e. part of a local strategy to develop nodes/corridors); Areasphysically large enough to develop (vacant) or redevelop into a node or corridor; and, Areas with potential to develop into Mobility Hubs (based on potential extension of commuter rail services to Niagara).
Areas Designated in Local Official Plans Table 4.1 provides an assessment of how nodes and corridors have been incorporated into the 11 local official plans (with urban areas). The analysis reveals the following: All plans allow for mixed use development in some locations; There is considerable variety in how the plans address the concept of nodes and corridors;
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TABLE 4.1: NODES AND CORRIDORS IN LOCAL OFFICIAL PLANS
Municipality Official Plan Does the Plan designate nodes or areas for Does the Plan identify places for Does the Plan designate Document Date intensive mixed-use development? limited mixed-use development? mixed use corridors?
Town of Fort Erie November 2011 Yes, the plan designates Bay Beach as a “Core Mixed Clusters of “Commercial” designated lands No Use” area which allows for a full range of uses, are along Garrison Road, around Central including higher density development. Ave and Phipps Street, Stevenvsville Road and along Ridge Road. The “Commercial” designation allows for residential uses provided they are situated above the ground storey.
Town of Grimsby May 2012 Yes, the plan designates downtown Grimsby as a No downtown district with “Downtown – Main Street” which allows for a full range of uses and higher density development. The plan also identifies the Winston Road neighbourhood has been designated “Residential / Mixed Use Area” which permits a range of use and higher density development. Town of Lincoln March 2010 Yes, the plan designates the “Beamsville Central No Business District” which allows for a full range of uses including higher density development. City of Niagara Falls Official Plan Yes. The Plan designates the Downtown, Stamford No Yes, designates a number of Amendment 94 and Drummondville “Nodes” for intensification. “Corridors”. Town of Niagara-on- 2004 No Yes, designates portions of the Old Town, No the-Lake St David’s, Glendale, Queenston and Virgil as “General Commercial” and “Service Commercial”, which allow for dwelling units as a secondary use.
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Municipality Official Plan Does the Plan designate nodes or areas for Does the Plan identify places Does the Plan designate Document Date intensive mixed-use development? for limited mixed-use mixed use corridors? development? Town of Pelham April 2012 Yes, designates “Downtown” and “Downtown No No Transitional Area” in both downtown Fonthill and Fenwick which allow for a full range of uses and higher density development. City of Port January 2013 Yes. The plan designates the lands in the downtown area Yes, Intensification Areas. No Colborne as “Downtown Commercial”, which allows for a full range of mixed use activities and high density development. City of St August 2012 Yes. The plan identifies the “Downtown” as well as No No, although some of the Catharines “Mixed Use” areas. Both designations allow for a full mixed use areas are more range of uses and higher density development. linear in nature City of Thorold May 2010 (draft) Yes. Thorold Centre is designated as a “Central Area” No No which allows for a full range of uses and higher density development. City of Welland May 2010 Yes, the plan identifies “Intensification Areas” and Yes, the plan identifies No designates the “Downtown” as the City’s preeminent “Community Commercial Nodes” mixed use node and allows for a full range of uses and which allow for commercial uses higher density development. and residential uses in a mixed use format (such as residential units on the second storey of a two storey building). Township of West May 2010 Yes Yes, designates downtown No Lincoln Smithville as “General Commercial”, which permits a full range of commercial uses, and residential uses as secondary uses (primarily in the form of apartment dwelling units on upper storeys).
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LAKE ONTARIO Downtown Niagara on-the-lake Winston Neighbourhood Downtown Grimsby REGION OF NIAGARA NODES & CITY OF ST. TOWN OF NIAGARA CATHARINES ON-THE-LAKE CORRIDORS STUDY Niagara Downtown College TOWN OF Beamsville FIGURE 4 1 GRIMSBY Pen NODES AND CORRIDORS IN LOCAL OFFICIAL PLANS Niagara Centre Health Downtown Centre St. Catharines TOWN OF LINCOLN Brown eld URBAN AREA Node GREENFIELD AREA
BUILT UP AREA Brock University/ NON URBAN AREA Brock Business Park Old Downtown Rolling Niagara Falls Meadows TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR PROVINCIAL HIGHWAY Downtown CITY OF Niagara Falls TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR REGIONAL ROAD NIAGARA TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR TRANSIT ROUTE FALLS NODE OR MIXED USE AREA DESIGNATED IN LOCAL PLAN TOWNSHIP OF Warren WEST LINCOLN LIMITED MIXED USE AREA DESIGNATED IN LOCAL PLAN Woods TOWN OF Port Robinson CORRIDOR DESIGNATED IN LOCAL PLAN PELHAM Downtown Fonthill
Seaway Mall
CITY OF Downtown WELLAND Welland
Health & Wellness Cluster
TOWNSHIP OF WAINFLEET
Downtown Fort Erie
CITY OF TOWN OF PORT COLBORNE Downtown FORT ERIE Port Colborne
Port Colborne Waterfront SOURCE: DATA PROVIDED BY THE REGION OF NIAGARA AND THE NIAGARA PENINSULA CONSERVATION AUTHORITY. DRAFT DECEMBER 2010
L A K E E R I E ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 49 of 71 Physical Potential There are several places in Niagara Region which FIGURE 4.2: LARGE DEVELOPMENT AREAS WITH POTENTIAL are expected to be developed over the next 20 FOR NODAL DEVELOPMENT years and have the potential, due to their sheer size, to be developed into nodes and/or corridors. These spaces are lands within designated urban areas which are vacant or have draft approved or proposed plans. Generally, the areas with the greatest potential to transform into a node or corridor are those lands which are vacant and have no site planning approvals in place. Figure 4.2 identifies Niagara’s major development areas in Niagara based on an assessment of land supply data from the Niagara 2031 exercise. The main areas include: Prudhommes neighbourhood (Lincoln) Winston Neighbourhood (Grimsby); Rolling Meadows (Thorold); Port Robinson (Thorold); Glendale area (Niagara on-the Lake) Warren Woods/Garner South neighbourhood (Niagara Falls); and, East Waterfront Secondary Plan (Port Colborne). area has a draft plan approval and is planned as a predominantly low
density area. The Port Robinson lands has a secondary plan in place Of these large areas noted above, the Winston Neighbourhood area in and is intended to develop with predominantly ground oriented Grimsby appears to have the best potential in the short and medium housing. The lands in East Port Colborne have some potential to term to develop into a compact, mixed use area. The Rolling Meadows develop into a mixed use nodes, although the local Official Plan does
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 42 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I not identify these places as being strategic areas for mixed use Page 50 of 71 development. The Niagara Falls Official Plan does identify the Warren Woods/Garner South Secondary Plan area an area for dense residential development with some supportive commercial and retail uses and has potential to develop into a node over the medium-long term, as the area also allows for high density residential development. Potential Mobility Hubs &Major Transit Station Areas Mobility hubs are major transit stations5 and the lands in the broader surrounding area (approximately 800 metres). They are planned to function as the origin, destination, or transfer point for a large portion of transit trips. They are to be planned as connection points where different modes of transportation (walking, biking, transit, driving, etc.) are merged with multi-functional land uses geared towards living, working and playing. Above: Excerpt from Metrolinx’s Cooksville Mobility Hub Study illustrating the compact and multi-functional nature of the mobility hub concept. There are several areas within Niagara which would qualify as major transit station areas such as the existing transit terminus stations in services to Niagara. Metrolinx and GO recently conducted an downtown Welland, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines and the existing Environmental Assessment (EA) to expand rail services to Niagara. The VIA rail stations in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. There are no GO rail EA examined the potential to accommodate rail services at a number of commuter services in Niagara. However, it is expected that as the locations in Hamilton and at the following locations in Niagara: region grows and matures, there will be potential to expand GO rail Existing VIA rail station in Niagara Falls (proposed);
Existing VIA rail station in St. Catharines (proposed); 5 The area including and around any existing or planned higher order Ontario Street GO station in Beamsville (potential future transit station within a settlement area; or the area including and around a station); and, major bus depot in an urban core. Station areas generally are defined as the area within an approximate 500m radius of a transit station, Casablanca Boulevard Station in Grimsby (proposed). representing about a 10-minute walk.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 43 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I The EA did not speak directly to the potential for developing mobility There are limited opportunities for developing regionallyPage 51 significant of 71 hubs around the proposed station areas, however, given the policy corridors. direction and Metrolinx mandate, there is an expectation that some of the stations (if not all) be planned and developed as mobility hubs While the policy audit of the local official plans revealed that most (when services are committed). municipalities identify places for mixed use development, the majority of these areas are intended to serve a local function. For example, the Beyond the four possible station areas, other potential mobility hub sites in the region would include any future major transit station areas determined at a later date through other regional long range planning exercises (e.g. Transportation Master Plan). Summary Regionally significant nodes and corridors are high density, mixed use areas which are well connected, transit destinations, which draw in people, resources and capital from across the Niagara. The analysis presented in this section (and the previous section) suggests that there are a number of places in Niagara which have the potential to become regionally significant nodes over time and include: Brock University/Brock Business Park area; Major regional scale shopping malls, such as the Pen Centre and the Seaway Mall which have the longer term potential to physically redevelop into vibrant, mixed use areas (see Section Above: Image of downtown St. Catharines. 3 for details); The Winston neighbourhood area in Grimsby, which is already historic downtowns of Port Colborne, Smithville, Fort Erie, Fonthill and identified as a strategic location for higher density, mixed use Thorold allow for a range of mixed use development and some higher development; and, density uses, but the size and scale of these areas effectively limit their The lands in and around the future GO rail sites which have the potential for future growth in the short term. Notwithstanding the potential to be mobility hubs. physical limitations, the historic downtowns and local nodes could
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 44 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I benefit from some upper-tier policy guidance (i.e. planned function Page 52 of 71 within the regional context of nodes and corridors).
Transit provides an alternative for connecting people across the Region. The potential mobility hubs and major transit station areas provide a framework for improving the transit network. These areas should also be supported by active transportation infrastructure which would complement the overall transportation system and provide modal choice. Providing opportunities for in, around, and between nodes can contribute to the viability of public transit systems.
Although promotion of active transportation across a broad geography can be challenging and take multiple levels of coordination, the development of a system of connected active transportation and transit infrastructure will support broader mobility and will be an important component of Niagara's transportation network.
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Approach The following section presents four development concepts for two nodes and two corridors. The concepts are presented as 3D visualizations and do not represent any private development proposal – rather they are intended to provide inspiration and demonstrate that there are places in the region which are physically capable of transforming into vibrant nodes and corridors.
The concept areas were selected with input and feedback from the area municipalities and the Region and include: Mall redevelopment in Welland; Mobility hub development in Grimsby; Mixed use corridor in Niagara Falls; and, Arterial corridor redevelopment in Fort Erie.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 46 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 54 of 71 CONCEPT 1: MALL REDEVELOPMENT (NODE)
Existing Conditions Long-term (new commercial replaces old mall) The development concept bellow illustrates how an
existing suburban mall could be intensified with residential uses in the short term and eventually transition into grid-style mixed use neighbourhood, featuring retail, office and service commercial uses, medium and high density housing, a central public space and a transit hub.
Short Term (Infilling) Full Build Out
Medium Term (Office Infilling)
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Existing Conditions Medium Term (prestige office infilling) The development concept below illustrates how an existing GO station parking lot and nearby vacant lot could be redeveloped to support commuter rail services. The concept shows how the areas transition into a compact office and condo development and features a multi-storey parking structure, signature station (illustrated below), central plaza and traffic calming elements.
Short Term (small commuter rail station)
Medium Term (parking structure & infilling)
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Full Build Out
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Existing Conditions Short Term (public space improvements) Med Term (mixed use infilling)
This concept illustrates how an older mixed use corridor can be revitalized into a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly and transit supported neighbourhood. The key features are the public space improvements to be a catalyst for redevelopment, and include a retrofitted public market, streetscaping and the inclusion of soccer fields and a community garden in an underutilized hydro corridor.
Full Build Out
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 50 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 58 of 71 CONCEPT 4: ARTERIAL ROAD REDEVELOPMENT Medium Term (medium density infilling along periphery of corridor)
Existing Conditions
Short Term (streetscaping improvements and infilling)
Close-Up of Bus Station with townhouse and mixed use infill development
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 51 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 59 of 71 Full Build Out
This concept illustrates how an existing arterial commercial corridor could transition over time into an attractive, compact, more transit supportive and pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood. The concept features a bus terminus at the north end of the corridor, a mix of townhouse infilling as transitional development between existing lower density neighbourhood and the corridor’s taller mixed use buildings. The corridor also features bus-bay areas along the corridor to allow for steady traffic movement.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 52 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I regional departments, the Region should update the RegionalPage 60 of 71 Policy Plan to reflect a network of regionally significant nodes. The policies 6. Recommendations should be enabling (as opposed to prescriptive) and identify: Definition of regional nodes; Policy Recommendations Planned function; General density targets/ranges; The recommendations presented in this section were developed based Criteria for designating new nodes; and, on the analysis conducted throughout this study and discussions with General implementation program. Region and local planners at two workshops held in the summers of
2012 and 2013 (see Appendix A). Where appropriate, the policy framework for regional nodes should
incorporate applicable directions (such as density ranges) from local 1. Formally recognize a regional network of nodes and support Official Plans. The policy framework might also address some specific policies for regional corridors in the Regional Policy Plan. This formal issues/opportunities related to: policy framework will allow the Region to: The function of local nodes and the regional expectations for Provide a foundation for coordinating transportation and land growth, development and intensification; use planning at a regional scale; Complete streets and urban design; Help to improve connectivity and promote active Siting of facilities of regional significance, major institutions transportation and transit across the Region; and other catalysts; Align the Region’s Policy Plan with common practices found in Alignment of land use priorities with long range transportation other GGH regional governments; and, and infrastructure planning priorities; Support and implement provincial policy. Identification of linear nodes;
Examination of potential for aligning pockets of density along The analysis of nodes and corridors in Niagara Region resulted in the existing or future planned transportation corridors in a way identification of a recommended network of regional nodes and which addresses compatibility concerns (i.e. aligning regional transportation corridors, as illustrated in Figure 6.1. As a result density/intensification within the shadow of employment and of consultation with the Area Planners during the second workshop, transportation corridors); and, several additional potential Regional Nodes have been included on
Figure 6-1. Subject to a broader, more formal consultation exercise with stakeholders, the area municipalities, the public and other
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LAKE ONTARIO
Casablanca GO Station Mobility Hub/ Winston Neighbourhoo REGION OF NIAGARA NODES & CITY OF ST. TOWN OF NIAGARA CATHARINES ON-THE-LAKE CORRIDORS STUDY
Beamsville TOWN OF Downtown GRIMSBY Mobility Hub RECOMMENDED REGIONAL NODES & CORRIDORS St. Catharines UGC Glendale St. Catharines GO Station Mobility Hub TOWN OF URBAN AREA LINCOLN Pen Centre Niagara Falls Mobility Hub GREENFIELD AREA Downtown Niagara Falls BUILT UP AREA Brock University/ Brock Business Park
CITY OF Niagara Falls NIAGARA Entertainment District FALLS Drummondville REGIONAL NODE TOWNSHIP OF WEST LINCOLN OTHER POTENTIAL REGIONAL NODES TOWN OF PELHAM
Seaway Mall CITY OF WELLAND Downtown Welland
TOWNSHIP OF WAINFLEET
CITY OF TOWN OF PORT COLBORNE FORT ERIE
Garrison Road Corridor
SOURCE: DATA PROVIDED BY THE REGION OF NIAGARA AND THE NIAGARA PENINSULA CONSERVATION AUTHORITY. DRAFT DECEMBER 2010
L A K E E R I E ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Other areas of interest identified by stakeholders. How can the siting of major transit station areasPage 62 and of 71 other regionally significant facilities help to improve the viability of There is a recognized need for linear nodes that provide long stretches transit? of continuous development between nodal centres. It is expected that How can we improve the planning of greenfield areas to better these secondary focus areas will emerge after the network of regional support transit? and local nodes have been confirmed to provide additional How should the Region promote inclusion and integration into development opportunities along corridors that connect regional and the Big Move and future provision of full day rail service local nodes. between Niagara region and the GTHA?
2. Leverage the region’s upcoming Transportation Master Plan to 3. Identify specific issues, opportunities and constraints for assess the viability of identifying Regional-scale transportation recommended regional nodes and develop an implementation corridors. The analysis presented in this report did not yield any program for nodes. A number of the nodes identified on Figure 6.1 will specific opportunities for developing a region-wide network of require more detailed planning to address unique issues and capitalize corridors. However, the region will be undertaking a Transportation on opportunities within each area. It is recommended that Niagara Master Plan in the near future. The TMP process represents a timely Region and area municipalities conduct a SWOT analysis on each of the opportunity for the Niagara Region to more closely examine the recommended nodes to better understand the barriers to potential for improving connectivity between the proposed nodes and development. The SWOT analysis could include commentary on key exploring opportunities to increase transit ridership. Specifically, the elements of a node (potential for density, mixed uses, connectivity, TMP could examine: active transportationand transit). The results of the analysis could then What impact would intensification within the network of be used to prepare detailed implementation programs, drawing upon nodes have on the viability of transit in Niagara? the various tools and resources presented earlier in this document. The Where are the specific opportunities for linking nodes to one SWOT analysis should be prepared in advance of the Regional Policy another? Plan Amendment, so that the key findings can be reflected in the Are there any other existing or future destinations which might Amendment’s implementation policies. be appropriate as mixed use, higher density nodes (which were not captured in the Nodes and Corridors Study)? 4. Conduct market assessment for mixed use/high density How can the concept of complete streets help to support the development to inform phasing approach. The market for mixed use planning, development and redevelopment of nodes and and high density development has different drivers than other forms of corridors? development. If the Region is to proceed with a formal strategy on
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 55 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I nodes and corridors, it is imperative that a more fulsome analysis of Short Term (1 Year) Page 63 of 71 market opportunities be explored to better position the Region and o Complete area specific assessment of regional nodes area municipalities. A focused analysis of market opportunities for and corridors high-rise condos and office towers, low-rise mixed use shops and o Undertake broader stakeholder engagement program services, major institutional facilities and tourism/destination facilities on nodes and corridors in Niagara would allow Niagara Region and area municipalities to o Engage the upper levels of government on the better position themselves and capitalize on the anchors which allow viability of extending GO rail services to Niagara nodal development to flourish. o Conduct market assessment for mixed-use, high density development Similar to other important implementation recommendations, the o Integrate nodes and corridors into upcoming market assessment should be undertaken in a collaborative process transportation master plan with area municipalities and stakeholders. o Develop a framework for amending the Regional Policy Plan to incorporate a nodes and corridors 5. Update regional urban design guidelines to support nodes and strategy corridors policy framework. Niagara Region’s Model Urban Design Medium Term (2-5 years) Guidelines were completed in 2005 and are used by a number of o Coordinate nodes and corridors policy framework municipalities and regional staff when evaluating development with other on-going Regional initiatives applications and preparing secondary plans. The guidelines are general o Complete transportation master plan in nature and organized around traditional land use formats, such as o Complete Regional Plan Amendment commercial, employment areas and residential. The guidelines do o Update regional urban design guidelines to support provide some basic principles for mixed use areas; however, the nodes and corridors policy framework document could benefit from a more comprehensive set of guidelines o Align capital planning with nodes and corridors targeted towards nodes and corridors, which would assist with the strategy implementation program. Long Term (beyond 5 years) o Implement long range action plan resulting from the above-noted short and medium term plans Implementation Recommendations o Continue to promote compact, transit supportive, The following outlines the key implementation actions mixed-use development in strategic locations associated with the above noted recommendations:
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 56 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Niagara Policy Plan, Office Consolidation, December 2010.Page 64 of 71 7. Sources Town of Fort Erie Official Plan, 2011. Town of Grimsby Official Plan, 2012. Provincial Plans Town of Lincoln Official Plan, 2010. Metrolinx. The Big Move, 2008. City of Niagara Falls Official Plan Amendment 94, 2012. Ministry of Infrastructure. Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006 Office Consolidation January 2012. Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Official Plan, 2004Town of Pelham Official Plan, 2012. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Provincial Policy Statement, 2005. City of Port Colborne Official Plan, 2012.
Ministry of Transportation. Transit Supportive Guidelines. 2012. City of St Catharines Official Plan, 2012.
City of Thorold Official Plan, 2010. Official Plan Reviews City of Welland Official Plan, 2010. City of Toronto Official Plan, Office Consolidation December 2010. Township of West Lincoln Official Plan, 2010. Region of Durham Official Plan, Office Consolidation 2008.
The Modified York Region Official Plan 2010. Other Literature Region of Peel Official Plan, Office Consolidation November 2008. Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. Economic Implications and Region of Peel Official Plan Amendment 24, 2012. Consequences of Population Growth, Land Use Trends and Urban Region of Halton Official Plan, 2006. Sprawl in Southern Ontario. 2008.
Halton Region Official Plan Amendment 38, 2009. Filion, Pierre. The Urban Growth Centres Strategy in the Greater Golden City of Hamilton Urban Official Plan, 2009. Horseshoe: Lessons from Downtowns, Nodes and Corridors. 2007.
Region of Waterloo Official Plan, 2010. Regional Planning Commissioners of Ontario. Centres and Corridors: Growth Management in the GTA. 2003. County of Simcoe Official Plan, Consolidated August 2007. Regional Planning Commissioners of Ontario. Centres and Corridors: City of Barrie Official Plan, Office Consolidation March 2011. Growth Management in the GTA. December 2003.
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page 57 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Page 65 of 71 APPENDIX A WORKSHOP SUMMARY
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page A-1 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I NODES AND CORRIDORS WORKSHOP WITH AREA Major shopping malls, like the Seaway Mall Page and 66 the of 71 Penn PLANNERS (EVENT SUMMARY) Centre Niagara on the Lake and Glendale (from a tourism/destination perspective) On August 23, 2012 Niagara Region hosted a workshop with the local Downtown Niagara Falls municipal planning departments and select staff from Regional Downtown Welland departments. The overall objective of the session was to provide Glendale (some suggested could be a future node as well) municipal staff with an opportunity to shape some of the preliminary Some of the future nodes might include: directions of the Study’s recommendations. Prudhommes (Lincoln) Rolling Meadows area (Thorold) The workshop was organized into two sessions. The first session Potential GO rail stations (St. Catharines, Grimsby, Lincoln and featured a presentation by Paddy Kennedy and Merrilees Willemse Niagara Falls) from Dillon Consulting. The second part of the workshop featured four Airports have some potential to be transformed into small group discussions oriented on the following three questions: employment nodes (multi-use from an employment What places in Niagara would you consider to be the existing standpoint, but limited from an overall mixed use perspective) regional nodes and corridors? The downtowns of each municipality are the nodes (some are What places in Niagara might have potential to become regional and some are local, such as Port Colborne, Thorold, regional nodes in the future? Smithville, Beamsville, Pelham, etc.) What types of planning tools and policies should be in place to promote development in nodes and corridors? Commentary on Corridors Most groups had difficulty identifying key corridors. Some of the Some highlights from the discussion questions are provided below. corridors identified include: Queen Street (Niagara Falls) Commentary on Nodes Garrison Road (Fort Erie) Some existing regional nodes that were consistently identified by most Seaway Mall to downtown (Welland) groups are: Some of the highway connections (400 series highways and St. Catharines Urban Growth Centre other provincial highways) Brock business park and Brock University
Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page A-2 Dillon Consulting Limited ICP 121-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix I Commentary on Implementation Corridors for improvement should also alreadyPage have 67 of existing 71 It would be helpful for the Study to provide some criteria for investments so they don’t get lost distinguishing between a regional and local nodes and/or Pre-zoning high density doesn’t work (Niagara Falls experience corridors – i.e. minimum size, density, uses, etc. – don’t recommend making this part of the implementation To develop a strategy/process for nodes and corridors planning plan) and implementation locally, there is a need for: o Coordination with infrastructure existing and planned The working maps submitted by each discussion group are presented – capital budget on the following pages. . Connect with existing roads and services . Need to look at servicing constraints and the pinch points in capacity – microlevel view of what’s needed to improve the local system o Link with meeting the population projections and intensification targets Niagara funding for CIPs, sustainable plans, etc. could be linked to plans/projects that implement the Nodes and Corridors strategy (e.g. improvements to the public realm along a corridor identified as one of the regional corridors) Coordinate implementation with the transportation and transit plans Transit is critical but region has had limited success in this area. Municipalities are spending huge dollars to try and implement transit connections. Need to connect the outer areas, not just St. Catharines, Welland and Niagara Falls Nodes and corridors could also provide the areas for regional connections via road, rail and water Part of broader package of servicing, transportation, and growth in the nodes and corridors
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Niagara Region - Nodes and Corridors Study Page A-7 Dillon Consulting Limited Integrated Community Planning . Nlagara . Office of the Regional Clerk R€g|0¤ 2201 st. David’s Road w, PO Box I042, Tm-mid, ON L2V 4T7 Telephone: 905-685-4225 Toll-free: l-800-263-72|5 Fax: 905-687-4977 www.niagarar·egion.ca
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SENT ELECTRONICALLY
Private Water Supply Survey ICP 125-2013
Regional Council, at its meeting of December 12, 2013, approved the following recommendations of its Integrated Community Planning Committee:
That Report ICP 125-2013, December 4, 2013, respecting Private Water Supply Survey, BE RECEIVED; and
That a copy of Report ICP 125-2013 BE DISTRIBUTED to the Local Area Municipalities and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.
A copy of Report ICP 125-2013 is enclosed for your information.
Yours truly,
Janet Pilon - Regional Clerk
:||
I I I-
cc: Clerks of the Local Area Municipalities of Niagara Region · — P. Robson, Commissioner, Integrated Community Planning T. D’Amario, CAO/Secretary-Treasurer, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority K. Vaughn, Project Manager, Niagara Water Strategy M. L. Tanner, Associate Director, Regional Policy Planning S. McPetrie, Administrative Assistant, Integrated Community Planning ICP 125-2013 December 4, 2013 Page 1 of 6 Niagaraw Region
REPORT TO: Integrated Community Planning
SUBJECT: Private Water Supply Survey
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. That this report BE RECEIVED for information.
2. That this report BE CIRCULATED to Local Area Municipalities and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to provide information on a survey of private water supplies that is being initiated by the Niagara Region and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) through the WaterSmart Program.
The Private Water Supply Sunrey aligns with the Council Business Plan under Strategic theme 1: Responsive Region, Strategic theme 2: Healthy Community and Strategic theme 4: Environmentally Responsible.
BUSINESS IMPLICATIONS
This survey will provide important information that can be used by Niagara Region, the Local Area Municipalities, the NPCA, Ministry of Environment (MOE) and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) when managing matters related to private water supplies in Niagara, including emergency responses after a spill of any kind that may impact private drinking water supplies and more effective education and promotion of Public HeaIth’s private drinking water testing program. Niagara Region’s WaterSmart program has funded the NPCA $50,000 to deliver the survey to the entire Niagara region (e.g., mailing materials, postage).
REPORT
Niagara Region does not have an inventory of privately supplied sources of water (e.g., cisterns and wells) for human use, including; drinking, bathing, cleaning/cooking, dish washing, and laundry. This creates a challenge for ensuring safe water for residents. An inventory would improve public awareness and education programs, and assist in ensuring clean and safe sources of private water. Appendix 1 provides a map of areas that are currently senriced by municipal sources of water. ICP 125-2013 December 4, 2013 Page 2 of 6
The NPCA in partnership with Niagara Region is initiating a study to determine where private water supplies are located in Niagara Region. The NPCA and Public Health have developed a steering committee and are working collaboratively with the MOE, OMAF, Brock University and WaterSmart Niagara to develop a comprehensive inventory strategy.
As part of this strategy, a landowner survey is currently being developed to inventory private sources of water (i.e., cistern, wells) used for drinking, food preparation, bathing and laundry (household, business, barns, outbuildings, etc.). lt is envisioned that there will be two sections to the sun/ey. The first section will identify what private sources of water are currently being used and the locations of these sources (Appendix 2). The second section will provide more details about these sources and their uses.
The area municipalities are being engaged in advance of the sun1ey’s delivery in order to ensure we have the most up to date and accurate data associated with private water supplies and that staff are able to provide feedback on the sunrey and its delivery. A pilot study will be carried out in Grimsby to review the study methodology for improvement before it is sent out to residents throughout the entire region. The project managers for the sunrey have met with the Director of Public Works in Grimsby and gained valuable insights on the survey delivery in Grimsby. ln addition, a local councilor in Grimsby has been engaged in a focus group of local stakeholders, who have provided feedback on the survey. The focus group included representatives stakeholder groups, including farm; rural non—farm; rural residential; cottage; and privately serviced urban areas.
As part of the sunrey delivery, a public workshop is being piloted in Grimsby after the initial mail out for residents who are interested in learning more about the study and/or programs related to private drinking water (e.g., Public HeaIth’s Well informed program that provides free private well water testing for residents). lt is envisioned that similar engagement will be undertaken throughout the region based on the success of the survey delivery strategy in Grimsby.
The pilot sunrey is expected to be delivered to residents early in 2014. The region-wide sun/ey is expected to be delivered to residents in summer 2014. Staff will work with the Township of Wainfleet separately to recognize the historical discussion on private servicing in the Township.
The information that is collected through the sun/ey will be used by the following partners:
Niagara Region Public Health - Public Health has a mandate for the promotion of private drinking water testing and ensuring safe drinking water. The information that is collected through the study will enable Public Health to tailor education and outreach programs based on the study findings. For example, if the study finding suggests residents are aware of Niagara Region’s water testing program, but are not aware of how often they should be testing their water, Public Health can develop a more effective strategy to inform residents. ICP 125-2013 December 4, 2013 Page 3 of 6
Niagara Region Development Services Division — Development Services will use this information to consider the impact of requests to use non—potabIe water standards as part of environmental site assessments.
Local Area Municipalities — Local Area Municipalities will use the information to ensure sustainable lot development as existing water supplies may be impacted. A water supply inventory will enable faster responses to development applicants, and reduced costs for applicants that require a water supply (mainly well) study.
MOE — The MOE will use the information to protect water supplies from spills. When a spill occurs, they will have better response time if they know the location of the private water sources that could be negatively impacted.
OMAF — One of the senrices that OMAF provides is technical assistance to the agricultural community for water resource related needs. The information collected through the survey will help OMAF better respond to the needs of Niagara’s agricultural community because they will have more accurate and detailed information.
NPCA — The NPCA will use this information to comment on Permits to Take Water and advise the province on potential water taking conflicts and in completing water budgeting.
Brock University — Water Policy Researchers will use the information to describe knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding private water supplies and to identify factors that influence these behaviours. This follows up on their 2008 Ontario Household Water Well Owner Survey.
PREVIOUS REPORTS PERTINENT TO THIS MATTER
• N/A
Submitt : Approved by:
Patrick obson Harry S lange Commissioner Chief Administrative Ofhcer Integrated Community Planning
This report was prepared by Katelyn Vaughan, Project Manager Niagara Water Strategy with input from Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority staff and reviewed by Mary Lou Tannen MCIP RPP, Associate Director Regional Policy Planning. ICP 125-2013 December 4, 2013 Page 4 of 6
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 Distribution of parcels that are senriced by municipal sources Page 5 of water
Appendix 2 Sample of Short Sunrey Page 6
ICP - 2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix 2 Page 5 of 6
Appendix 1 – Distribution of parcels that are serviced by municipal sources of water
ICP 125-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix 1 Page 6 of 6
Appendix 2 — Sample of Short Sun/ey
(Water Please indicate Q water sources used for drinking, bathing, Sources cleaning/cooking, dish washing, and laundry. lf you have multiple sources, please circle your most important supply. This information entitles you to a
free nitrate test of our water su| |I .
9" In Drilled Well (pipe/casing less than diameter, depth greater than 6 m/20 ft.) m Dug Well (pipe/casing greater than 24" diameter, depth less than 6 m/20 ft.) m Cistern (called by some a holding tank, filled by a combination of truck and rainwater) m Cistern (called by some a holding tank, filled by truck) m Cistern (called by some a holding tank, filled by rainwater) 2" El Well-point (pipe/casing 1 to in diameter, less than 6m/20 ft. deep) m Shorewell
El Surface water El Communal system m Municipally piped-water m Other — please provide
El I don’t know Integrated Community Planning · · Office of the Regional Clerk Nlagara Reglon 220l St. David’s Road W, PO Box I042, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 Telephone: 905-685-4225 Toll-free: I-800-263-72|5 Fax: 905-687-4977 www.niagararegion.ca
December 13, 2013 CL 17-2013, December 12, 2013 ICPC 16-2013, December 4, 2013 Report ICP 124-2013
LOCAL AREA MUNICIPALITIES
SENT ELEC TRONICALLY
Source Protection Plan Update ICP 124-2013
Regional Council, at its meeting of December 12, 2013, approved the following recommendations of its Integrated Community Planning Committee:
That Report ICP 124-2013, December 4, 2013, respecting the Source Protection Plan Update BE RECEIVED; and
That a copy of Report ICP 124-2013 BE DISTRIBUTED to the Local Area Municipalities and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.
A copy of Report ICP 124-2013 is enclosed for your information.
Yours truly, -
éanet Pilon
' Regional Clerk
:II
cc: Clerks of the Local Area Municipalities of Niagara Region T. D’Amario, CAO/Secretary-Treasurer, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority P. Robson, Commissioner, Integrated Community Planning D. Barrow, Manager, Quality and Compliance, Water/\Nastewater D. DeFie|ds, Senior Planner M. Radman, Manager, Development Planning M. L. Tanner, Associate Director, Regional Policy Planning S. McPetrie, Administrative Assistant, Integrated Community Planning ICP 124-2013 December 4, 2013 Page 1 of 3
Niagaraw Region
REPORT TO: Integrated Community Planning Committee
SUBJECT: Source Protection Plan Update
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. That this report BE RECEIVED.
2. That this report BE DISTRIBUTED to the Local Area Municipalities and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.
PURPOSE
To provide an update on the status of the Source Protection Plan for the Niagara Peninsula Source Protection Area and next steps related to implementing the Source Protection Plan.
- This report is aligned to CounciI’s 2012-2015 Business Plan Theme 1 Responsive Region, Theme 2- Healthy Community and Theme 4 — Environmentally Responsible.
BUSINESS IMPLICATIONS
Contributions to the development of the Source Protection Plan to date have been in the form of staff time to attend meetings. Outside assistance may be required to assist with the implementation of the Source Protection Plan. Any costs associated with outside assistance can be accommodated in the Regional Policy Planning and Water and Wastewater Services divisional budgets.
REPORT
The Clean Water Act requires the preparation of Source Protection Plans, which are intended to protect drinking water from potential contamination and depletion. The Source Protection Planning Process involves three steps including development of a Terms of Reference, an Assessment Report (technical background/studies) and a Source Protection Plan. The Source Protection Plan for the Niagara Peninsula Source Protection Area (the Source Protection Plan) was submitted to the Ministry of Environment for approval in October 2013. It is anticipated that the Source Protection Plan will be approved by the end of 2013. ICP 124-2013 December 4, 2013 Page 2 of 3
The Source Protection Plan contains policies that are intended to protect municipal sources of drinking water in Niagara. The Source Protection Plan was developed by the Niagara Peninsula Source Protection Committee (SPC). Regional Councillor Rigby is the appointed representative from Niagara Region on the SPC. Regional Planning and Public Works staff contributed to the development of the Source Protection Plan by participating on a working group who advised the SPC. Source Protection staff at the Niagara Peninsula Consenration Authority undertook pre—consultation with implementing bodies, held a landowner meeting, offered a public review and commenting period, and held open houses to elicit feedback during the development of the Source Protection Plan.
When the Source Protection Plan is approved and in effect, decisions under the Planning Act must conform to the significant threat policies and have regard to low and moderate threat policies in the Source Protection Plan. A Regional Policy Plan Amendment (RPPA) will be needed to implement the Source Protection Plan. The scope of the RPPA will be limited to the current contents of the Source Protection Plan, which focus on municipal water intakes. The RPPA will not address other policy areas that could have been, but were not addressed in the Source Protection Plan, such as Highly Vulnerable Aquifers and Significant Ground Water Recharge Areas. At a future date, staff will provide members of the Integrated Community Planning Committee with a follow up report seeking direction on the other policy areas. The RPPA will provide the guiding framework for local Official Plan and Zoning By-Law amendments to implement the Source Protection Plan at a local level where required. The RPPA will not be a part of the tive year review of the Regional Policy Plan (see ICP 102-2013). Although it is anticipated that the Source Protection Plan will be approved in 2013, if approval takes longer it is not desirable to impede the on-going work for the five year review waiting for Source Protection Plan approval.
A limited number of Risk Management Plans may also be required as part of the Source Protection Planning process. The Risk Management Official (see PW 92-2012 Revised) will work with affected landowners to develop Risk Management Plans where applicable. The Risk Management Official will be integrated into the implementing planning and building processes to ensure that their responsibilities are addressed.
Implementation of the Source Protection Plan will require cooperation and coordination between multiple levels of government, and across many disciplines including staff from the Niagara Region, Local Area Municipalities, and Niagara Peninsula Consenration Authority. A Source Protection Implementation Working Group composed of local municipal, Niagara Region and Conservation Authority staff will be established in the first quarter of 2014 to provide a support structure for effective and efhcient Source Protection Plan Implementation. This working group will focus on the development of the Regional Policy Plan Amendment, integrating Source Protection into the implementing planning and building processes, and may also develop a guidance document for implementation at the local municipal level pending discussion with the Local Area Municipalities. It is expected that the tools required to implement the Source Protection Plan will be in place by the end of 2014. — ICP 124-2013 December 4, 2013 Page 3 of 3
REPORTS PERTINENT TO THIS MATTER
• ICP 93 — 2011 Draft Source Protection Plan Policies, November 9, 2011 • PWP 11-2011 Source Protection Update, April 26, 2011 • PWP 01-2010 Source Protection Update, January 13, 2010 • PWP 27-2009 Source Protection Update, July 2, 2009
Submitted by: Approved by:
Patrick Robson Harry Sc, nge Commissioner Chief A inistrative Officer Integrated Community Planning
This report was prepared by Danielle De Fields, Senior Planner and reviewed by Mary Lou Tannen MCIP, RPP, Associate Director of Regional Policy Planning. This report was prepared with input from the Public Works Department. Integrated Community Planning . . Office of the Regional Clerk Niagara Reglon 220i st. David`s Road w, PO Box I042, Thomid, on L2V 4T7 Telephone: 905-685-4225 Toll-free: I-800-263-72|5 Fax: 905-687-4977 www.niagararegion.ca
December 13, 2013 CL 17-2013, December 12, 2013 ICPC 16-2013, December 4, 2013 Report ICP 120-2013
LOCAL AREA MUNICIPALITIES
SENT ELECTRONICALLY
Statutory Public Meeting Report Regional Policy Amendment Plan (RPPA 8-2013) Development Phasing Policies ICP 120-2013
Regional Council, at its meeting of December 12, 2013, approved the following recommendations of its Integrated Community Planning Committee:
That Report ICO 120-2013 respecting the Statutory Public Meeting Report Regional Policy amendment Plan (RPPA 8-2013), Development Phasing Policies, BE RECEIVED;
That a copy of this Report BE CIRCULATED to Local Municipalities and the
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing _
A copy of Report ICP 120-2013 is enclosed for your information.
Yours truly,
|t Pilon Regional Clerk
:||
cc: Clerks of the Local Area Municipalities of Niagara Region M. Christie, Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing P. Robson, Commissioner, Integrated Community Planning C. Benson, Manager, Regional Policy Planning B. Dick, Senior Planner M. L. Tanner, Associate Director, Regional Policy Planning S. McPetrie, Administrative Assistant, Integrated Community Planning ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Page 1 of 62
Niagaraw Region
REPORT TO: Integrated Community Planning Committee
SUBJECT: Statutory Public Meeting Report Regional Policy Plan Amendment (RPPA 8-2013) Development Phasing Policies
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. That this report BE RECEIVED for information.
2. That a copy this report BE CIRCULATED to the Local Municipalities and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to provide Regional Council with information on the process, timing, and intent of Regional Policy Plan Amendment (RPPA 8-2013). This is consistent with Regional CounciI’s obligations to administer the Regional Policy Plan as stipulated by the Planning Act. The report frames the Statutory Public Meeting being held at this time. The report and the draft Amendment implement CounciI’s 2012-2015
Business Plan themes of a "Responsive Region" and "Open for Business".
BUSINESS IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications arising from this report as the cost to process the amendment (e.g. public notice requirements, staff time to implement the consultation program) is included within the Integrated Community Planning Department’s operating budget. Any additional financial requirements resulting from the completion of the Regional Phasing Strategy and subsequent amendment would be brought forward for Council consideration as they are identified.
This review was identified for Phase 5 of Niagara 2031 and also implements the settlement with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) on the appeal of Amendment 2-2009 (Niagara 2031).
REPORT
Background
Amendment 2-2009 was adopted by Regional Council on May 28, 2009. The purpose of the Amendment was to implement the strategic directions of Niagara 2031 and to ICP 120-2013 December4, 2013 Page 2 of 62 update the Regional Policy Plan to align with new Provincial policies, in particular the Provincial Growth Plan.
The Amendment was subsequently appealed by the Province to the Ontario Municipal Board, because among other matters it included forecasts that exceed the mandated Growth Plan forecasts. The settlement of MMAH’s appeal of Amendment 2-2009 identified the need for the Regional Policy Plan to contain Region wide phasing policies in order to conform to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Accordingly, a Regional development phasing strategy has been developed to guide future employment and residential development by prioritizing where, and in what order, lands in Niagara will develop until the year 2031.
To implement the Regional development phasing strategy, an amendment to the Regional Policy Plan is required. The proposed Amendment will assist in the management of future residential and employment land growth in an orderly and logical manner which recognizes differing development opportunities across the Region. The development phasing policies support policy goals for developing sustainable and complete communities that maximize Regional and local servicing and infrastructure capacity and investment.
Through the Phasing amendment, the Region will maintain a land budget of Greenfield and Bui|t—up Area lands that reflect input annually from the local municipalities. In turn, the Region will work with and support the local municipalities in the preparation of phasing
strategies to guide growth within the boundaries of Urban Areas. It should be noted that several local municipalities through their own growth management work already have phasing strategies in place (e.g. Niagara Falls). The Amendment builds upon this work.
Further, one of the priority project areas identified through the "lmagine Niagara" project is managing growth. Completion of the development phasing policies will help to complete the policy framework for managing growth and development in Niagara Region as identified by both the Province and the Imagine Niagara consultation. To assist the local municipalities in the implementation of the phasing strategy, model policies and other implementation tools will be developed in consultation with Area Planners.
Public and Stakeholder Consultation
Phasing policies, by their very nature, are contentious. Accordingly, consultation and engagement with stakeholders have been crucial to the development of the Regional phasing strategy and the subsequent amendment. Stakeholders have been directly engaged at strategic milestones of the strategy which included direct interviews, the preparation of an interim Development Phasing: Issues and Opportunities Report and two stakeholder workshops that were held on September 13 and November 7 respectively. Both workshops were well attended as the September 13 workshop had 45 attendees with 9 local municipalities represented and the November 7 workshop had 30 attendees with 8 municipalities represented. ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Page 3 of 62
At the November 7 workshop, the draft Final Report and the draft Amendment prepared by Hemson Consulting and encapsulating previous feedback were discussed for further stakeholder comment. A copy of the draft Final Report is available electronically
(Appendix Il). The Region also hosted an Open House on November 7 to receive comments and answer questions from seven members of the public regarding the proposed Amendment.
To complete the stakeholder consultation of the proposed RPPA, the draft policies for
RPPA 8-2013 (Appendix I) were circulated to the Local Municipalities, prescribed agencies and other key stakeholders for formal comment.
I Process and Next Steps
No recommendation is being made on RPPA 8-2013 at this time. The statutory public meeting is a critical avenue to allow residents and agencies to make their view on the amendment known. All comments submitted on the draft amendment will be summarized and responded to by staff through the recommendation report that is tentatively scheduled for January 29, 2014. The recommendation report will only be completed after all comments from stakeholders and information from the statutory public meeting have been received and analyzed.
I PREVIOUS REPORTS PERTINENT TO THIS MATTER
• ICP 47- 2013, Project Initiation Report, Niagara Region Land Supply Analysis; May 31, 2013. • ICP 48- 2013, Project Initiation Report, Regional Phasing StratSQY; May 31, 2013.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Patrick Ro son Harry Schlgnge Commissioner Chief Administrative fficer Integrated Community Planning
This report was prepared by Brian Dick, MCIP, RPP, Senior Planner and by Curt Benson, MCIP, RPP, Manager; Regional Po/icy Planning and reviewed by Mary Lou Tannen MC/P, RPP, Associate Director Regional Policy Planning.
Appendices
Appendix I RPPA 8-2013 Draft Amendment Page 4
h
Appendix Il Draft Final Report: Development Phasing Strategy electronically IC P 120-201 3 December 4, 2013
Append ix I Page 4 of 62
AMENDMENT NO. 8-2013
TO THE OFFICIAL PLAN FOR THE NIAGARA PLANNING AREA
PART "A" - THE PREAMBLE The preamble provides an explanation of the Amendment| purpose, location, background, and basis of the policies, and 1mplementat1on,,,pp;;§;oes not form part of this Amendment.
— Title and — Purpose of the Amgijdment — Location of the — Backgmund — Basis for the · lmplefiiéiliélfivn
PART ,.B.» _ THE AMENDMENTTIIIr The Amendment describes the additions ‘an;d/or niiodprhcations to§thse Off1c1al Plan for the Niagara
Plann1ng{Area, which COI]§§LlQQl;Q,_&OfflC1Hl PlangAmendme;nt;sIg{;p. 8-201§;§;e%
<<¢2:;@;@:=:=:>l
‘ — T€X§;;€;h6¤g€$ `°” —
PART C — THE APPENDIG~I·§§,,,_ The Appenghggesgggiovide 1nfocrgmatrongiipublieqparticipétionand agency comments relevant to the Amend1p,e,gtgg§but*do}ngg{orm pagtggf this Am4engd_rggnt>é;;g;¢/ ICP 1 20-201 3 December 4, 2013
Appendix I Page 5 of 62
PART "A" — THE PREAMBLE
TITLE AND COMPONENTS: This document, when approved in accordance with Section 26 of the Planning Act, 1990, shall be "A" known as Amendment 8-2013 to the Official Plan of the Niagara Planning Area. Part — The Preamble, contains background information and does not constitute part of this Amendment. Part "B" — The Amendment, consisting of map and text changes, constitutes Amendment 8-2013 to the "C" Official Plan of the Niagara Planning Area. Part — The Appendices, does not constitute part of the Amendment. These Appendices contain information relatedgtg public involvement and agency comments associated with the Amendment.
PURPOSE or THE AMENDMENT: The purpose of this amendment is to: a) To establish a development phasing for the building on the growth management policy framework establi§§§§l?i?through Regionaliiigolicy Plan Amendment 2-
b) To complete the conformity exercise witli§€lQlieg,xProvince;s“\_Growth the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006) and the Provincial initiated with Regional Policy Plan Amendnreigt_,x2—2009; c) To establish a development| a consistent approach across the Region to managing development conditions across
LOCATION OF THE
This amendment the Area.
i-..
for th`Ei*NiT§i§ar5`PlanningArea implemented the Growth Plan for Golden an ameifdiiient to the Official Plan for the Niagara Planr1ing|_ In |Region’s Policy Plan to align existing policies with the Province’s Plan for Horseshoe (2006) and the Provincial Policy Statement t (2005); strategic of”Niagara's Growth Management Strategy (Niagara 2031); and establi§§§d;,a new vision for the long term growth and development of Niagara. Arising from that a,@§i1irement was identified to establish a development phasing strategy for the Plan to complete the conformity exercise with the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden and the Provincial Policy Statement (2005). The phasing strategy is an implementatioiilltool to assist in the management of anticipated growth in Designated Greenfield Areas and in Built—Up Areas to appropriately plan for orderly and logical urban development in a manner which recognizes differing development opportunities across the Region, supports policy goals for sustainable and complete communities, and maximizes Regional and local servicing and infrastructure capacity and investment. The development phasing strategy will integrate with, and help to complete, the policy framework for managing growth and development in Niagara Region. ICP 120-201 3 December 4, 2013
Appendix I Page 6 of 62
BASIS FOR THE AMENDMENT:
1. This Amendment implements and conforms to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006) and other Provincial Plans with respect to development phasing across the Region. The Amendment is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (2005).
2. The Amendment is consistent with Niagara’s Growth Management Strategy (Niagara 2031). Niagara’s Development Phasing Strategy (2013), and Regional Policy Plan Amendment 2- 2009.
3. The Amendment will provide for the addition policies which incorporate a development phasing strategy in the Official Plan Planning Area.
4. The Amendment is divided into sections, a) Part I: Addition of new policies to ofthe Plan Part Il: Alterations to Amendment the| b)
6. The Amendment was the subject of a Housegiand a held under the on November 7, 2013 and respectiv§l$g$;;Public and agency comments were addryegged as part of| of this Ame1Yd§ent. 7. Based on the Region’s review |for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006), other Statement (2005), the
Regional Policy Plarikipublic consult?§ti,on, arlE1€i§§§gp¥cy conslilltation, Regional staff is of the opinion that is Provincial and Regional policies and
IMPLEMENTATION:
The Planning Area shall apply where ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013
Appendix I Page 7 of 62
PART "B" - THE AMENDMENT
Amendment 8-2013 To the Ofiicial Plan for the Niagara Planning Area
Text Changes:
Official for is as The Plan the Nia 8 ara PlanninS Area amended follows:,. ,
_ Part I: Addition of New Policies to Subsection 14.1 Regigf§algPhas1ng Strategy
1. The following text is inserted:
" 14.1.1 Phasmg Strategy Ob]ect1ve,,,,g;§5g§§3§§§$>:f$‘°
Objective 14.1.1.1 The phasing strategy is an implgigientation tgpl, the objeEti§Q;g,.{of which is to assist in the management of Urbj§ii§*Z&reas, includiigiillesignated . . . Greenf1eld Areas angl;;l3u1lt-Up Areas;§;to_;_aép;ptropriately plan for orderly and . . ”°i:€;·‘i§$€;»;»;`;¢i log1cal urban develgptrriiexnyn a mannefngyghgch:
a) recognizes differi`i‘§§gglevE¥l1ZS§$fi;;te.ntoppolFE§l§i;ties across the Region; b] supports policy goalggfor sustainable and cogknplete communities; . · - c) pfgpaggi,mj1gg§;%Reg1onal`*;ap§i andéiinfrastructure capacity and
dl`*$§*’lace hi h on am le o `wbrtunities for the develo ment of g p<2~.e?~1#. g p p ready]$;§@ployment land
.;. . t phasinggstrgategyéigixptegrates and assists with the completion of
th???p`;§$ligy for rii‘aii§ging`°growth and development in Niagara Region
14.1.2 1onalRole,. * Re ~¤~w.=·.·~,.. vrsesa *9*Ms
Policy 14.1.2.1 direction provided in the growth management policies of this
a) Regional land budget of Greenfield and Bu1lt—up Area lands that reflect“input annually from the local municipalities, and report on to the local municipalities on the status of the land budget annually; b) require local municipalities to prepare phasing strategies for growth within the boundaries of Urban Areas which:
i. coordinate the policy directions of this Plan with respect to growth management, ii. aliS n with Re Sional water, wastewater and trans ortation master plans and related capital plans and economic development plans and other Regional plans and studies; ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013
Appendix I Page 8 of 62
iii. prioritize the protection and development of designated employment lands including consideration of all available tools to encourage investment; and, iv. form part ofthe local official plan. c) work with and support local municipalities in the preparation of phasing strategies to guide growth as appropriate, including the preparation of sequencing illustrations for information purposes in collaboration with the local municipalities; d] require local municipalities to prepare secondary plans for significant
Greenfield Areas which shall generally bgeggjareas of 25 hectares or greater in size, and implements the local Phasing and, e) work with local municipalities to strategies and, where appropriate, secondary plans the Built Boundary to assist in the achievement of the local
14.1.3 Local Municipal Role
Policy 14.1.3.1 Local municipalities shall:
a) prepare phasigggstpategies in the policies Plan including Section 14.1.2 incorporated in the local official plan, and reflected appropriate, and through
b) preipyageszsecondary| Areas which shall generally or identify in secondary plans use areas, employment areas, major such as lliospitals, universities and colleges, and and recreational facilities; ld€§l§;§ouncil and the Region annually with respect 6lVl`l
|the' ciffgreenfield progress the development’ toward IiT§r¤t° . . local intengggcation targets, population, housing, employment
arr, trényglésiigxhat may b`é*fequired to update the Regional land budget; and, d) thE$i?§§§gpeparation of intensification strategies, and, where `\’wII¤*¤*» . . . appropisigggg, secongggry plans for areas within the Built Boundary demonst¥§§ipg intensification potential. Such secondary plans may also Areas if coordination of development with such areas is the local municipality to be appropriate."
Part II - Alterations to Améfftiment 2-2009
1. Policy 4.6.1 is amended by deleting the following words in subsection 4.6.1: "The Region shall adopt by way of an amendment to this plan a region-wide phasing strategy to address growth for the 20 year planning horizon that will be aligned with approved waten waste-water and transportation master plans and related capital plans, and economic development plans" to be replaced with the following:
"The Regional Phasing Strategy is outlined in Section 14.1 of this Plan." December 4, 2013
PART "C" THE APPENDICES
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FUTURE OUTLOOK ...... 16 C. CAPACITY TO ACCOMMODATE GROWTH ...... 19 III BEST PRACTICE REVIEW & CONSULTATION EFFORTS ...... 25 A. ROUND ONE: ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES ...... 25 B. JURISDICTIONAL REVIEW AND BEST PRACTICES ...... 29 C. ROUND TWO: APPROACHES TO PHASING POLICY ...... 31 IV CONCLUSIONS AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 39 A. PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE PHASING IN NIAGARA ...... 39 B. REGIONAL AND LOCAL ROLES IN PHASING IMPLEMENTATION ...... 40 C. DRAFT PHASING POLICY AMENDMENT ...... 42 APPENDIX ...... 44 ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II Page 12 of 62 List of Exhibits Table 1 Total Population Growth, Niagara Region, 2001-2011 Exhibit 1: Local Municipal Rates and Shares of Regional Population Growth, Niagara Region, 2001-2011 Table 2: Total Housing Unit Growth, Niagara Region, 2001-2011 Exhibit 2: Local Municipal Rates and Shares of Regional Housing Growth, Niagara Region, 2001-2011 Exhibit 3: Shares of Total Regional Resident Employed Labour Force & Place of Work Employment by Local Municipality, Niagara Region, 2011 Table 3: Total Resident Employed Labour Force Growth, Region of Niagara, 2001 – 2011 Table 4: Total Place of Work Employment Growth, Region of Niagara, 2001-2011 Table 5: Forecast Total Population Growth, Region of Niagara, 2011-2031 Table 6: Forecast Total Employment Growth, Region of Niagara, 2011-2031 Table 7: Niagara Region - Forecast Total Housing Unit Growth under Growth Plan Schedule 3 Table 8: Designated Urban Land Supply (Gross Ha), Region of Niagara, 2011 Table 9: Residential Intensification Targets by Local Municipality, Region of Niagara Table 10: Housing Unit Mix, Region of Niagara Table 11 Housing Starts, Region of Niagara, 2011 to 2013 (Year to Date) Table 12 Housing Completions, Region of Niagara, 2011 to 2013 (Year to Date) HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 1 Page 13 of 62 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Region of Niagara engaged Hemson Consulting Ltd. in 2012 to prepare a Regional Development Phasing Strategy intended to complement work undertaken for Amendment 2-2009 to the Regional Policy Plan (RPPA 2-2009) and to bring the Plan into conformity with the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006. The Phasing Strategy will result with an amendment to the RPP containing policies aimed at ensuring logical, orderly and timely development; aligning land use planning with infrastructure investment; and providing clarity in the urban development process. This final report is the culmination of two study phases and builds on the interim Development Phasing: Issues and Opportunities report prepared for the Region in August 2013. This report includes the results of the background research, jurisdictional scan and two rounds of stakeholder consultation undertaken to identify a best fit approach to phasing policy in a Niagara context. Recommendations and a draft phasing policy amendment are included. Key findings include: Niagara’s modest growth overall within the Greater Golden Horseshoe is marked by significant differentiation at the local municipal level. The Region is forecast to grow steadily in population, housing and employment over the 2011 to 2031 period and, if appropriately planned, has the capacity to accommodate anticipated growth from land supply and servicing perspectives. The range of approaches taken to phasing by upper-tier municipalities across the GGH provided a sound basis for key stakeholders to consider a range of phasing policy options. Input from stakeholders helped to reveal local conditions and priorities for guiding growth through phasing policy and have clarified potential roles for the Region and local municipalities in phasing implementation. A draft phasing policy amendment has been developed which acknowledges the diversity of issues and opportunities experienced in managing growth in Niagara and provides key parameters within which the Region and its local municipalities can work together towards a shared vision for future growth and development. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 2 Page 14 of 62 I INTRODUCTION The Region of Niagara lies within the Outer-ring of the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) planning area of Southern Ontario, to the west of the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton (GTAH). Home to a 2011 total population of 446,000, the Region is large and diverse covering over 1,850 square kilometres defined by unique physical features and a unique pattern of cities, towns, villages and hamlets in 12 local municipalities and 27 distinct settlement areas. Muskoka GEORGIAN BAY Halliburton Hastings Kawartha Peterborough Lakes Simcoe Grey Northumberland Dufferin Durham York Wellington Peel Toronto LAKE ONTARIO Halton Perth Waterloo Hamilton Oxford Brant Niagara GTAH Haldimand Outer Ring Norfolk NTS HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 3 Page 15 of 62 The Regional Policy Plan (RPP) is the guiding document for growth management and land use planning in the Region and provides direction to the Regional Council and local municipalities related to managing growth and development while protecting natural features and promoting sustainable economic growth. Development in the Region is governed by Provincial policies found in the Niagara Escarpment Plan (2005), the Greenbelt Plan (2005) the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) 2005, and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (the Growth Plan) (2006), as well as Regional and local municipal plans and strategies. Phasing policies are key requirements within the Provincial policy framework for growth management in Ontario. The Provincial Policy Statement 2005 (PPS) requires municipalities to ensure sufficient land is available to accommodate growth for 20 years and requires municipalities to establish and implement phasing policies to ensure specific targets for intensification and redevelopment are met “prior to, or concurrent with, new development within designated growth areas” (s.1.1.3.6). In specifying policies that municipalities must follow when planning for new development in ‘Designated Greenfield Areas’, the Growth Plan supports the PPS in directing municipalities to “develop and implement official plan policies, including phasing policies, and other strategies, for designated greenfield areas to achieve the intensification target and density targets of (the) Plan” (s.2.2.7.6). The Growth Plan introduced policies for accommodating growth within settlement area boundaries to 2031. The Region’s approach to planning will continue to reflect and support Provincial planning policy objectives and work towards the development of more compact, sustainable urban patterns based on the notion of complete communities. Phasing policies can play a key role to this end, helping to ensure policy targets for intensification in Built-up Areas and density targets in Designated Greenfields Areas are met and supporting a shared vision for Niagara’s future based on appropriate and sustainable urban development. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 4 Page 16 of 62 The objective of this exercise is to adopt an amendment to the RPP to ensure a consistent approach across the Region to managing growth within the 2031 boundaries, while recognizing differing development conditions across the Region. The phasing policy amendment will build on RPPA 2-2009 in order to bring the regional policy plan into conformity with the Growth Plan. This work has been based on the forecasts in Schedule 3 of the Growth Plan, incorporated in the Regional Policy Plan as Schedule B. The 2031 boundaries found on Schedule A of RPPA 2- 2009 reflect the forecast allocations in Schedule B and are fixed1 until the next five- year review under the Planning Act. A phasing strategy is a way to manage anticipated growth on Designated Greenfield Areas and in Built Up Areas to appropriately plan for orderly and logical urban development in a manner which recognizes differing development opportunities, supports policy goals for sustainable and complete communities and maximizes Regional and local servicing and infrastructure capacity and investment. Phasing policy will tie-in with, and help to complete, the policy framework for managing growth and development within Niagara Region: 1 Note: There are two urban area boundary expansions proposed for the communities of Smithville and Fort Erie, which could alter the boundaries as delineated on Schedule A; the subject lands are currently on hold pending the outcome of appeals before the Ontario Municipal Board. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 5 Page 17 of 62 Niagara 2031 Regional GMS Niagara's Area Municipal Economic Official Plans Growth and Secondary Strategy Plans Regional Policy Plan & Regional Development Phasing Nodes and Regional Corridors W/WW SMP Study Regional Niagara Phase Transportation 1 & 2 Strategy Employment Update Lands Strategy Hemson Consulting Ltd. was retained by the Region to undertake this assignment which has included the following milestones to date: A review of Niagara’s policy framework and the Regional land supply inventory; A jurisdictional scan of phasing policy approaches taken by upper-tier municipalities across the GGH; Two rounds of key stakeholder consultation undertaken to identify issues and opportunities for phasing development in the Region and to identify a best fit approach to phasing policy in a Niagara context; HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 6 Page 18 of 62 A Development Phasing: Issues and Opportunities report was prepared which overviewed recent growth trends for the Region within the GGH context, the results of the Regional land supply work, key challenges and opportunities related to phasing policy in Niagara and findings from the first round of consultation activities; This final report documents the results of the background research, jurisdictional scan and the round two consultation sessions and makes recommendations with respect to an amendment to the RPP. The balance of this report is organized into three chapters: Chapter 2 provides an overview of recent population, housing and employment growth trends within the 12 local municipalities and examines the Region’s planned growth and capacity to accommodate urban development from a land supply and servicing perspective; Chapter 3 describes the two rounds of consultation activities, presents key findings from a jurisdictional scan of upper-tier municipalities within the GGH and summarizes best-practice approaches to phasing policy; Chapter 4 identifies consensus points from the stakeholder feedback and presents a refined set of underlying principles, working towards a phasing policy approach best suited to the Niagara context. Conclusions and recommendations for the Region to consider in planning for future growth and development are presented along with a proposed draft phasing policy amendment to the Regional Policy Plan. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 7 Page 19 of 62 II GROWTH PROSPECTS As described in the Issues and Opportunities report, Niagara Region has been growing modestly over the past decade as compared with other regions in the Greater Golden Horseshoe planning area. The Region is anticipated to grow steadily in population, housing and employment over the period to 2031 and, based on appropriate long- term planning, will have the capacity to accommodate anticipated growth from land supply and servicing perspectives. A. GROWTH TRENDS This section takes a closer look at how the local municipalities have been growing in terms of absolute growth and respective shares of population, housing and employment growth occurring Region-wide and benefits from newly acquired data from the 2011 National Household Survey. Table 1 below illustrates Regional and local municipal population growth over the 2001- 2011 period. Table 1 Total Population Growth, 2001-2011 Niagara Region Absolute Share of Regional Growth Rate Municipality 2001 2011 Growth Growth 2001- 2001-2011 2001-2011 2011 Grimsby 22,000 26,100 4,100 19% 20% Lincoln 21,300 23,200 1,900 9% 9% West Lincoln 12,700 14,300 1,600 13% 8% Niagara Falls 81,600 85,700 4,100 5% 20% St. Catharines 133,700 135,600 2,000 1% 10% Niagara-on-the-Lake 14,300 15,900 1,600 11% 8% Fort Erie 29,100 30,900 1,800 6% 9% Pelham 15,800 17,100 1,300 8% 7% Port Colborne 19,100 19,000 -100 0% 0% Thorold 18,700 18,500 -200 -1% -1% Welland 50,100 52,300 2,200 4% 11% Wainfleet 6,500 6,600 100 1% 0% Niagara Region 424,800 445,200 20,400 5% 100% Source: Hemson Consulting Ltd. based on Statistics Canada Census of Population, 2001 & 2011. Note: Refers to total population, including 4% undercount. Figures are rounded. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 8 Page 20 of 62 Between 2001 and 2011, Niagara’s total population grew by 5%, adding just over 20,000 residents Region-wide, reaching a 2011 population that somewhat exceeded expectations under Growth Plan Schedule 3. A relatively modest level of growth overall was marked by significant variation in rates of growth and shares of Regional growth experienced at the local municipal level over the same time frame. During this time, population growth was largely concentrated in the rapidly growing communities of Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln, as well as in the urban municipalities of Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. Taken together these municipalities accounted for 70% of the Region’s total population growth, the largest shares being in Grimsby and Niagara Falls which each accommodated 20% of the Region’s population growth over the census decade. The municipalities of south Niagara grew more modestly than other parts of the Region, most by less than 5% between 2001 and 2011. Taken together, the six municipalities of Fort Erie, Pelham, Port Colborne, Thorold, Welland and Wainfleet accounted for less than 25% of the Region’s population growth over the Census decade. Exhibit 1 on the following page illustrates the relationships between local rates and Regional shares of population growth over the 2001 -2011 Census decade. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 9 Page 21 of 62 Exhibit 1: Local Municipal Rates and Shares of Regional Population Growth, Niagara Region, 2001-2011 Total Population Growth Niagara Region, 2001-2011 25% Local Rate of 20% Growth 15% Share of Regional Growth 10% 5% 0% Grim Lin WL NF St.C NOTL FE Pel PC Th Well Wain ‐5% Source: Hemson Consulting Ltd. based on Statistics Canada Census of Population, 2001 & 2011. Niagara Falls grew by 5% between 2001 and 2011, however accounted for 20% of the Region-wide growth over the same time frame. Likewise, St. Catharines grew by only 1%, yet represented 10% of the Region-wide total population growth. The communities of Welland and Fort Erie also experienced more modest rates of local growth in comparison to their respective shares of Region-wide growth. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 10 Page 22 of 62 The rate of growth in housing units was more rapid than population growth in the Region over the 2001 to 2011 timeframe owing to a number of demographic factors such as an aging population and overall decline in average household size. As shown in Table 2 below, over the Census decade, Niagara’s housing base grew by 8%, adding just over 12,000 total housing units Region-wide. Similar to population, growth in housing units was not evenly distributed among the local municipalities of the Region. Table 2 Total Housing Unit Growth, 2001-2011 Niagara Region Rate of Share of Municipality 2001-2011 2001 2011 Growth Regional Growth Growth 2001-2011 2001-2011 Grimsby 7,600 9,600 2,000 27% 17% Lincoln 7,100 8,100 1,000 14% 8% West Lincoln 3,900 4,600 700 17% 6% Niagara Falls 31,500 33,400 1,900 6% 15% St. Catharines 53,800 55,400 1,600 3% 13% Niagara-on-the-Lake 5,000 5,900 1,000 19% 8% Fort Erie 11,400 12,500 1,200 10% 10% Pelham 5,600 6,200 600 11% 5% Port Colborne 7,600 7,900 300 4% 2% Thorold 6,900 7,100 200 3% 1% Welland 19,800 21,500 1,700 9% 14% Wainfleet 2,200 2,300 100 5% 1% Niagara Region 162,400 174,700 12,300 8% 100% Source: Hemson Consulting Ltd. based on Statistics Canada Census of Population, 2001 & 2011. Note: Refers to total population, including 4% undercount. Figures are rounded. Grimsby grew most rapidly and captured the greatest share of Regional growth over the decade. The community added over 2,000 housing units between 2001 and 2011, a growth rate of nearly 30%, representing 17% of the Region’s total housing unit growth. Other west Niagara municipalities experienced similarly high housing unit growth rates, highlighting the relationship of the Region with the GTAH centred economy. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 11 Page 23 of 62 Exhibit 2 below illustrates the relationships between housing unit growth within each local municipality and shares of Region-wide housing unit growth over the 2001 to 2011 period. Exhibit 2: Local Municipal Rates and Shares of Regional Housing Growth, Niagara Region, 2001-2011 Housing Unit Growth Niagara Region, 2001-2011 30% 25% 20% Local Rate of 15% Growth 10% Share of Regional 5% Growth 0% Grim Lin WL NF St.C NOTL FE Pel PC Th Well Wain Source: Hemson Consulting Ltd. based on Statistics Canada Census of Population, 2001 & 2011. As with population growth, the highest rates and shares of growth were experienced in the west and central Niagara municipalities, with more modest rates and overall growth in the south. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 12 Page 24 of 62 St. Catharines and Niagara Falls grew modestly in terms of adding to their existing housing unit base, however at a Regional level, the cities taken together accounted for approximately 30% of the Region’s total housing unit growth, adding nearly 3,500 units to the Region’s housing base between 2001 and 2011. Thorold and Port Colborne experienced the lowest housing growth rates, at 3% and 4% respectively, while over the same period both communities lost population. High rates of growth in Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln are consistent with GTAH commutershed while growth in Niagara-on-the-Lake reflects the niche housing market there. High shares of Regional housing unit growth in central Niagara confirm the importance of the urban centres of Niagara Falls and St. Catharine’s to overall growth within the Region. Similar to the variation observed in local municipal population and housing growth, changes in the employed resident base and local job opportunities have displayed significant heterogeneity across the Region, as illustrated through trends in the Region’s ‘Resident Employed Labour Force’ and ‘Place of Work’ employment over the 2001 to 2011 Census decade2. 2 Resident Employed Labour Force refers to the number of residents living within a municipality that are employed, irrespective of what municipality they work in; and Place of Work refers to the number of workers employed within a municipality, irrespective of what municipality they live in. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 13 Page 25 of 62 Exhibit 3 illustrates local municipal shares of the Region’s total resident employed labour force and place of work employment in 2011. As shown, the greatest concentrations of employed residents and jobs in the Region continue to be focussed in the urban centres of Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. The City of Welland also maintains a large proportion of the Region’s job base and employed labour force. Exhibit 3: Shares of Total Regional Resident Employed Labour Force (RELF) & Place of Work (POW) Employment by Local Municipality, Niagara Region, 2011 Shares of Total Regional RELF & POW 35% Niagara Region, 2011 30% 25% RELF Share of 20% Region Total 2011 15% POW Share of Region 10% Total 2011 5% 0% Source: Hemson Consulting Ltd. based on Statistics Canada, National Household Survey and Census of Population, 2001 & 2011. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 14 Page 26 of 62 Changes in resident employed labour force over the 2001 to 2011 period are shown in Table 3 below. Table 3 Total Resident Employed Labour Force Growth, 2001-2011 Region of Niagara Rate of Share of 2001-2011 Municipality 2001 2011 Growth 2001 Regional 2011 Growth - 2011 Total Grimsby 9,540 10,415 875 9% 6% Lincoln 7,810 8,060 250 3% 5% West Lincoln 4,705 5,195 490 10% 3% Niagara Falls 34,375 33,795 (580) -2% 20% St. Catharines 53,070 51,125 (1,945) -4% 31% Niagara-on-the-Lake 5,055 4,940 (115) -2% 3% Fort Erie 10,970 10,935 (35) 0% 7% Pelham 6,335 6,015 (320) -5% 4% Port Colborne 6,930 6,695 (235) -3% 4% Thorold 7,975 7,355 (620) -8% 4% Welland 20,250 19,375 (875) -4% 12% Wainfleet 2,245 2,110 (135) -6% 1% Niagara Region 169,260 166,015 (3,245) -2% 100% Source: Hemson Consulting Ltd. based on Statistics Canada, National Household Survey and Census of Population, 2001 & 2011. Figures are rounded. The west Niagara municipalities of Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln were the only within the Region that experienced absolute growth in the number of employed residents from 2001 to 2011. As was described in the Issues and Opportunities report, roughly half the employed resident base in the west municipalities commutes to job opportunities outside of the Region, primarily in Cities of Hamilton, Burlington and Toronto. Despite experiencing declines in the number of employed residents, over half the Region’s resident employed labour force over the 2001 to 2011 timeframe continued to reside in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, highlighting the significance of the urban centres to the Regional economy. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 15 Page 27 of 62 Changes in resident employed labour force suggest where working people live within the Region, while changes in place of work employment provide an indication of economic health based on where the job opportunities are. Table 4 below highlights changes in the number of jobs by local municipality. Table 4 Total Place of Work Employment Growth, 2001-2011 Region of Niagara Rate of Share of 2001-2011 Municipality 2001 2011 Growth 2001- Regional 2011 Growth 2011 Total Grimsby 6,830 7,720 890 13.0% 4% Lincoln 9,420 9,730 310 3.3% 5% West Lincoln 3,410 4,280 870 25.5% 2% Niagara Falls 37,410 41,020 3,610 9.6% 22% St. Catharines 63,180 60,150 -3,030 -4.8% 32% Niagara-on-the-Lake 10,100 10,650 550 5.4% 6% Fort Erie 11,560 11,280 -280 -2.4% 6% Pelham 4,000 4,090 90 2.3% 2% Port Colborne 6,490 5,860 -630 -9.7% 3% Thorold 8,020 7,360 -660 -8.2% 4% Welland 20,980 22,080 1,100 5.2% 12% Wainfleet 1,480 1,160 -320 -21.6% 1% Niagara Region 182,860 185,360 2,500 1.4% 100% Source: Hemson Consulting Ltd. based on Statistics Canada, National Household Survey and Census of Population, 2001 & 2011. Figures are rounded. The Region experienced a net addition of 2,500 jobs over 2001 to 2011, growing by 1.5%. This modest level of growth however, includes very high rates of growth in the west Niagara communities of Grimsby and West Lincoln as well as job declines in nearly half of the Region’s local municipalities. Recent trends in employed residents and job opportunities at the local municipal level suggest that there is potential for improving economic health within the Region and point to the importance of initiatives such as the Phase 1 & 2 Employment Land Strategy and the Niagara Economic Growth Strategy. There are many opportunities to enhance Niagara’s future economic outlook, an objective which the Region and local municipalities are actively working towards. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 16 Page 28 of 62 B. FUTURE OUTLOOK Notwithstanding modest growth in Niagara’s population, housing and employment base over the last decade, the Region is anticipated to add nearly 70,000 residents and 16,000 jobs over the 2011 to 2031 horizon, reaching a total of 511,000 residents and 218,000 jobs at 2031. Growth Plan Schedule 3 provides the population and employment forecasts that the Region must plan to and the Region has allocated this growth to each local municipality through RPPA 2-20093. Planned population and employment growth as anticipated under the Growth Plan and RPPA 2-2009 is shown in Tables 5 and 6 on the following page. 3 Under Amendment 2 to the Growth Plan which updates the Schedule 3 forecasts and extends them to 2041, the Region is anticipated to see somewhat higher levels of growth although for phasing strategy purposes the Region is still planning to original Schedule 3 forecast growth, owing to the transition regulations related to Amendment 2. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 17 Page 29 of 62 Table 5 Forecast Total Population Growth, 2011-2031 Region of Niagara Share of 2011 2031 Growth Growth Rate Municipality Regional Population Population 2011-2031 2011-2031 2031 Total Grimsby 26,000 31,000 5,000 19% 6% Lincoln 23,000 29,000 6,000 26% 6% West Lincoln 14,000 17,000 3,000 21% 3% Niagara Falls 86,000 100,000 14,000 16% 20% St. Catharines 136,000 138,000 2,000 1% 27% Niagara-on-the-Lake 16,000 21,000 5,000 31% 4% Fort Erie 31,000 39,000 8,000 26% 8% Pelham 17,000 22,000 5,000 29% 4% Port Colborne 19,000 21,000 2,000 11% 4% Thorold 19,000 24,000 5,000 26% 5% Welland 52,000 61,000 9,000 17% 12% Wainfleet 7,000 8,000 1,000 14% 2% Niagara Region 446,000 511,000 53,000 12% 100% Table 6 Forecast Total Employment Growth, 2011-2031 Region of Niagara 2011 2031 Share of Growth Growth Rate Municipality Total Total Regional 2011-2031 2011-2031 Employment Employment 2031 Total Grimsby 8,200 8,600 400 5% 4% Lincoln 9,900 10,700 800 8% 5% West Lincoln 4,600 4,900 300 7% 2% Niagara Falls 40,300 43,600 3,300 8% 22% St. Catharines 59,100 62,600 3,500 6% 31% Niagara-on-the-Lake 9,900 11,700 1,800 18% 6% Fort Erie 11,500 13,800 2,300 20% 7% Pelham 4,700 4,700 600 15% 2% Port Colborne 5,900 7,100 1,200 20% 4% Thorold 7,100 8,700 1,600 23% 4% Welland 21,600 21,700 100 0% 11% Wainfleet 1,300 1,500 200 15% 1% Niagara Region 184,100 199,700 15,600 8% 100% Source: Hemson Consulting Ltd. Based on Growth Plan original Schedule 3 and RPPA 2-2009, as modified November 2012. Refers to total population, including undercount. Figures are rounded. Note: 2011 figures and 2011-2031 growth increments may not match those in the RPPA 2-2009 forecast table as 2011 Census information was not available at the time the Regional Plan amendment was prepared. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 18 Page 30 of 62 The population forecasts in Schedule 3 shown in Table 5 translate into a housing forecast which would see the Region adding 17,000 units between 2011 and 2021, and 30,000 housing units over the 2011 to 2031 planning horizon. Based on the shares of growth allocated to the local municipalities by the Region through RPPA 2-2009, the total housing unit forecast would result in a local municipal housing distribution as shown in Table 7 below. Table 7 Niagara Region - Forecast Total Housing Unit Growth under Growth Plan Schedule 3 Municipality 2011-2021 2011-2031 Grimsby 1,063 1,765 Lincoln 1,247 2,024 West Lincoln 672 825 Niagara Falls 2,949 6,284 St. Catharines 2,710 5,075 Niagara-on-the-Lake 1,182 1,765 Fort Erie 1,637 2,792 Pelham 1,258 1,708 Port Colborne 802 1,027 Thorold 1,225 2,053 Welland 1,952 4,173 Wainfleet 304 508 Niagara Region 17,000 30,000 Source: Hemson Consulting Ltd. based on Growth Plan Schedule 3. The ability of the Region and its local municipalities to achieve forecast growth will hinge in large part on the capacity of the land supply and servicing available and planned to meet the demands of increased population and economic activity. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 19 Page 31 of 62 C. CAPACITY TO ACCOMMODATE GROWTH An important component of the phasing strategy is to understand the capacity of the Region to accommodate planned future population, housing and employment growth from land supply and servicing perspectives. The Region has, in consultation with the local municipalities, inventoried the designated land supply to develop a baseline Regional land budget to inform planning for future growth and development in Niagara. The resulting 2011 Regional designated land supply base is shown in Table 8 below. Table 8 Designated Urban Land Supply (Gross Ha) Region of Niagara, 2011 Built Up Built Up Total GF Total Total Municipality Area Area GF EMP Gross RES RES EMP RES EMP Supply Fort Erie 216 113 329 146 54 200 528 Grimsby 27 27 54 18 13 31 85 Lincoln 49 56 105 37 32 68 173 Niagara Falls 71 320 391 170 272 442 833 Niagara-on-the-Lake 108 103 210 18 120 138 348 Pelham 53 145 198 0 25 25 223 Port Colborne 62 307 369 4 104 108 477 St. Catharines 110 14 124 69 66 135 259 Thorold 293 208 501 106 185 291 792 Welland 112 132 244 217 136 353 597 West Lincoln 16 27 43 5 58 63 106 Niagara Region 1,116 1,452 2,569 790 1,064 1,853 4,421 ha Source: Hemson Consulting Ltd. Based on information provided by Niagara Region Policy Planning Division, updated to August 21, 2013. The capacity of the land supply to accommodate future growth is in large part tied to development densities and the amount of housing and employment growth that will be met through intensification. The Region must meet a 40% Region-wide intensification target by 2015 and for each year thereafter, as required by the Growth Plan. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 20 Page 32 of 62 The Region, in consultation with the local municipalities, has allocated varying intensification targets to the local municipalities in order to achieve the Region-wide 40% target. Intensification targets by local municipality are shown in Table 9 below. Table 9 Residential Intensification Targets by Local Municipality Region of Niagara Municipality Intensification Target Grimsby 80% Lincoln 40% West Lincoln 15% Niagara Falls 40% St. Catharines 95% Niagara-on-the-Lake 15% Fort Erie 15% Pelham 15% Port Colborne 15% Thorold 15% Welland 40% Wainfleet - Source: Region of Niagara, RPPA 2-2009. In order to achieve the intensification targets, municipalities across the Region will need to begin shifting towards higher densities and more intensive housing forms. As shown in Table 10 on the following page, Niagara’s housing mix is highly dominated by single family dwellings which account for roughly 70% of the Region’s housing stock. At a Regional level, the housing mix has remained relatively constant over the 2001 to 2011 period with semi-detached and row houses accounting for a combined 10%, and the remaining 20% in apartments. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 21 Page 33 of 62 Table 10 Housing Unit Mix Region of Niagara Year Single Semi Row Apmt Total 114,520 8,635 8,005 31,260 162,420 2001 71% 5% 5% 19% 100% 115,380 8,915 9,735 35,370 169,400 2006 68% 5% 6% 21% 100% 120,135 8,995 10,725 34,815 174,670 2011 69% 5% 6% 20% 100% Growth Rate 2001- 5% 4% 34% 11% 8% 2011 Share of 2001- 2011 46% 3% 22% 29% 100% Growth Notwithstanding the continued dominance of single family dwellings, a shift is slowly beginning to occur towards higher density housing forms, with single family dwellings making up less than half of the Region’s new growth in housing units since 2001. Again, growth at the Regional level includes significant variation at the local municipal level. For many local municipalities in the Region, the shift to more intensive housing forms does not appear to have begun. In 2011, single family dwellings comprised greater than 85% of the housing unit stock within the municipalities of Fort Erie, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Pelham, West Lincoln and Wainfleet. Higher density housing forms are however taking on a greater proportion of the housing stock in fast-growing communities such as Grimsby and Lincoln. In the urban centres of Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and the City of Welland, apartments account for a higher than average share of housing unit stock. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 22 Page 34 of 62 While the housing mix throughout Niagara is still dominated by singles, since 2011 housing starts and completions also reflect an emerging shift towards higher densities at a Regional level, although historic local level development patterns continue. As shown in Tables 11 and 12 below, at a Regional level singles comprised 60% or so of housing starts and completions since 2011, with the proportion lower in the west municipalities as well as in Niagara-on-the-Lake and the urban centres of Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. The proportion of lower density forms as a share of new housing stock in south Niagara continues to be well above Regional averages. Table 11 Housing Starts Region of Niagara, 2011 to 2013 (Year to Date) 2011 to 2013 YTD Singles Semis Rows Apmts Total Singles Semis Rows Apmts West 446 32 352 - 830 54% 4% 42% 0% NF/ St. Cath 651 49 355 263 1,318 49% 4% 27% 20% NOTL 239 44 124 79 486 49% 9% 26% 16% South 691 54 150 101 996 69% 5% 15% 10% Niagara Region 2,027 179 981 443 3,630 56% 5% 27% 12% Source: Hemson Consulting Ltd. based on CMHC Housing Market data. Table 12 Housing Completions Region of Niagara, 2011 to 2013 (Year to Date) 2011 to 2013 YTD Singles Semis Rows Apmts Total Singles Semis Rows Apmts West 467 40 396 - 903 52% 4% 44% 0% NF/St. Cath 640 28 280 217 1,165 55% 2% 24% 19% NOTL 234 22 83 79 418 56% 5% 20% 19% South 680 40 159 29 908 75% 4% 18% 3% Niagara Region 2,021 130 918 325 3,394 60% 4% 27% 10% Source: Hemson Consulting Ltd. based on CMHC Housing Market data. If Provincial, Regional and local municipal targets for density and intensification are to be met, a trend toward more intensive housing forms will need to continue to be encouraged throughout Niagara, working towards achieving a greater proportion of higher density units in the housing mix throughout the Region. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 23 Page 35 of 62 Another primary factor in achieving the future growth outlook within Niagara is the ability of the Region and local municipalities to accommodate the needs of future population and employment growth from an infrastructure and servicing perspective. To support this end, the Region has updated the Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan that provides a baseline understanding of servicing capacity and plans for future upgrades and expansions to the Regional water and wastewater system. The Region’s Master Servicing Plan (MSP), completed under the Class EA process is based on the level of growth identified for urban areas under RPPA 2-2009 and the Growth Plan (original Schedule 3). The MSP includes a plan to address trunk servicing issues where capacity will need to be enhanced within the growth horizon. Recognizing that growth patterns and volume may vary across the Region over time, the plan provides for monitoring growth in relation to the timing of capacity improvements. The Region appears to have adequate capacity to accommodate forecast growth from an existing and planned servicing capacity perspective, provided that growth and development approvals are appropriately aligned with the Master Servicing Plan. In the past, there have been some disconnects between servicing investment and local development activity, notably, investment in residential servicing that failed to bring development but left the Region with a diminished capacity to invest in much needed employment lands servicing. The Region is also actively planning for the necessary transportation infrastructure to support anticipated future growth through the Niagara Transportation Strategy, updated in December 2012. The Strategy is grounded in extensive consultation and recommends a wide range of actions aimed at improving mobility for all Niagara residents and workers and enhancing accessibility for businesses in order to aid economic growth. By helping to align decision-making processes around servicing investment and development approvals, the phasing strategy can help to support the on-going ability within the Region to meet the needs of anticipated population and employment growth and future economic activity. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 24 Page 36 of 62 Niagara’s modest growth over the 2001 to 2011 period was characterized by significant variation in rates and shares of Regional growth at the local municipal level. Population and employment has remained largely concentrated in the urban centres of central Niagara, while communities in the western portion of the Region have experienced markedly high growth rates in population and housing. Many south Niagara municipalities saw declines in population base and jobs over the census decade. Notwithstanding a slow growth decade, the Region is anticipated to grow steadily to 2031, driven by market factors and planning policy. The phasing policy amendment will support Provincial and Regional growth management objectives, providing a framework for local decision-making and planning future urban growth and development that supports a healthy growth outlook and a shared vision for the future of Niagara. In order to understand and build on a shared vision, key stakeholder consultation was undertaken at various stages in the phasing strategy project, as described in the next chapter of this report. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 25 Page 37 of 62 III BEST PRACTICE REVIEW & CONSULTATION EFFORTS The adoption of an effective phasing policy amendment is dependent on the support of local municipalities and key stakeholders in the development industry. Urban Areas across the Region vary in size, levels of development intensity, and economic and demographic characteristics. Additionally, different parts of the Region enjoy different relationships within the economic life of the Region, notably in respect to ties to the economy of the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton. The policies that emerge from this project will support a shared vision of where the Region is going, and how it is going to get there. In an effort to understand the differences across the Region and begin to develop some form of consensus with respect to phasing policy, two rounds of consultations with stakeholders were conducted. The following summarizes the important input they contributed. A. ROUND ONE: ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES In May a number of workshop sessions were held with key stakeholders to discuss issues and opportunities around the topic of including a phasing policy section within the Regional Policy Plan. Planning staff members from the local municipalities were consulted, along with Regional staff responsible for major infrastructure, economic development and planning approvals. The regional Chamber of Commerce, homebuilders’ association and school board representatives were also consulted in this first round of consultation along with Provincial policy staff from the Ministries of Infrastructure and Municipal Affairs and Housing. Comments regarding opportunities that might shape growth and the issues that stakeholders face in dealing with growth management were documented in our first phase report: Regional Development Phasing: Issues and Opportunities, August 21, 2013. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 26 Page 38 of 62 We heard that proposed phasing policies should address the following Issues: Mismatch between land supply and demand for both residential and employment. Policy and market disconnect. Legacy of draft plans of subdivision not being taken up by the market. These first three issues are related and speak to long standing policy objectives to stimulate growth in the southern part of the Region. Meanwhile, municipalities in the western part of the Region have emerged as a distinct housing sub-market tied to the prospects of the labour market in the western part of the GTAH. While some homebuilders based in Hamilton are also active in the western part of Niagara Region, their contributions here serve to meet the housing demand arising from the growth forecast for Niagara. There is a designated land supply within Hamilton that will serve to meet the growth allocated to Hamilton in the Growth Plan. The fixed urban boundaries and Greenbelt boundaries in north-west Niagara will necessitate higher densities in this area in the future. While some commented that planning should follow the market there were also suggestions that strengthened planning policy coupled with incentives could shift the market to realize Regional and local objectives for managing growth. Different levels of commitment for servicing investment across the Region were noted, highlighting the need to better align capacity with growth potential. A lack of co-ordination between levels of government was also cited as an area for potential improvement in effectively managing growth in the Region. These issues touch on the desire for Provincial investment to align with Regional and local policies and servicing priorities. Comments in this vein also reflected the need to better align local servicing connections with the extension of Regional services. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 27 Page 39 of 62 Employment lands continue to be converted to residential. There is a need to have designated employment lands “shovel-ready”; that is, fully serviced. When approvals are granted to convert greenfield employment lands to residential use Regional service allocations are affected. Furthermore, this reassignment affects the ability to attract new business investment to highly marketable locations. There is a lack of jobs across the Region. Demographic trends present challenges to improving local economy. Phasing policy may not directly address these latter two issues, but implementation measures to ensure cohesive growth can work towards a change in these patterns. The demographic trend toward an aging population cannot be influenced without growing the local economy and making Niagara an attractive and prosperous location for young families. Protecting employment lands and facilitating investment will help in this vein. Significant opportunities are on the horizon which, if managed with effective phasing of new growth, could lead to economic growth and the creation of complete communities and more sustainable urban development: There is ample residential and employment land supply4 and servicing capacity to accommodate anticipated growth. End-of-pipe capacity does not appear to pose a constraint to reaching Growth Plan Schedule 3 2031 forecast growth. Connections are needed in strategic locations and are planned for through the Region’s Water and Wastewater Servicing Master Plan. 4 Refers to the amount of designated land Region-wide to accommodate forecast housing growth – the uptake of lands at the local level may result in shortages or surpluses owing to varied market demand factors across the Region. It is also noted that in some cases, servicing capacity at the local level may not be aligned with market demand. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 28 Page 40 of 62 Transportation system improvements may help to open up growth throughout the Region, notably in the south of the Region. The prospect of the NGTA Corridor in particular could enhance the Region’s connectivity to the GTAH market. Improved public transit links were pointed to as key to attracting workers in the growing sectors of tourism, culture and post- secondary education. Given present commuting patterns, it is important to continue to work towards a Region-wide integrated transit framework. GO Transit expansion could be a catalyst for growth – but will it bring economic investment and jobs or will it merely create bedroom communities for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton labour markets? Increased co-ordination between government levels and branches is evidenced by institutional investment in Downtown St. Catharines, the Region’s only Urban Growth Centre designated in the Growth Plan and in the selection of a site in south Niagara Falls for a new hospital to serve the southern part of the Region. Secondary plans can be a useful implementation strategy to implement phasing: a tool that is not fully employed across the Region. There is an opportunity for local and Regional planners to discuss best practices in this area. Niagara’s Employment Lands Strategy and incentives should attract business investment. These recent incentives need time to develop success stories; hence considerable interest was expressed in protecting strategic employment lands. Increasing the local employment base increases the desirability of local housing markets which improves the overall viability of the community as it evolves over the longer term. Planning approvals for higher densities are beginning to occur in some locations, suggesting housing market shifts in some local municipalities may be beginning which can help to achieve intensification targets. Local plans have forecasts and policies to support growth and intensification – they are positioned to support phasing. A number of potential “game changers” were also identified. These are potential developments or investments that could affect the magnitude, timing and location of development in the Region. Game changers “for the better” include: HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 29 Page 41 of 62 The mid-peninsula highway; Extension of GO Transit; Continued investment in post-secondary education facilities and related research facilities; New hospital in southern Niagara Falls; Motor Speedway in Fort Erie; Economic Growth Strategy; Performing Arts Centre in Downtown St. Catharines. B. JURISDICTIONAL REVIEW AND BEST PRACTICES The requirement to meet a density target of 50 residents and jobs combined per hectare has raised the importance of phasing strategies to manage growth on Designated Greenfields Area lands. The Province and Regional municipalities are looking to phasing as a means to curb urban sprawl, avoid unwarranted expansions, ensure urban expansion is contiguous with the built area; ensure the cost-effective extension of urban services; and to rationalize urban development in cases of an oversupply of designated lands. A review of two-tier planning jurisdictions revealed a range of approaches to dealing with phasing throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Intensification is a priority for all municipalities in the GGH. All regions are targeting at least 40% of new residential growth to be achieved within existing Built Up Areas of the Region. Some assign minimum intensification targets to local municipalities, while others leave it to local municipalities to address intensification. The Halton approach may provide the most explicit direction in this regard, tabling housing units to be built within the Built-up Area and on Designated Greenfields at five year increments for each local municipality within the Region. Many upper-tier municipalities defer the specifics of phasing to the local municipalities; sometimes requiring local municipalities to address phasing in HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 30 Page 42 of 62 their official plans; for some the requirement for local phasing is “encouraged”. Still others identify phasing as an issue to be dealt with through a plan amendment exercise to expand the urban area. Phasing is implied in some cases by the inclusion in a regional plan of specific population and employment targets in 5-year increments for each local municipality, and requiring phasing at the local level to address regional policy directives with respect to infrastructure and the environment. Many upper-tier municipalities require the preparation of secondary plans by local municipalities and the alignment of local phasing of development with Regional transportation, infrastructure and servicing plans, while speaking to the development of complete communities. Explicit direction is sometimes provided regarding build out requirements in advance of releasing next phase lands. York Region, for example, specifies the sequencing of growth in Designated Greenfields by requiring 75% of one “block” of new community to be built prior to the next phase beginning. Regional policy also requires “sequencing plans” within secondary plans that local municipalities develop. Phasing is sometimes explicitly articulated, including maps of lands for near- term and long-term growth, within the regional plan. This usually reflects the ability of regional services to be extended to specific lands. An emerging approach is the development of a detailed upper-tier land budget as a basis for phasing, such as the approach taken in the new Simcoe County Official Plan. Local municipalities are required to track and report to the upper-tier on an annual basis with respect to residential and employment land absorption within the built boundary and on greenfields, building and occupancy permits, status of planning approvals on vacant parcels and progress towards density and intensification targets. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 31 Page 43 of 62 C. ROUND TWO: APPROACHES TO PHASING POLICY On September 13, 2013 a second round of consultation was held with many of the round one stakeholders as well as additional participants from the development industry. Following a presentation of the issues and opportunities as well as a summary of growth prospects for the Region, stakeholders were grouped into tables of eight and tasked with developing a consensus response to a range of options for modeling a phasing policy amendment. The GGH upper-tier jurisdictional review was used as a basis to identify degrees of policy prescriptiveness in terms of relative roles of the Region and local municipalities in seven policy areas: role of local municipalities; coordination; timing; mapping; secondary plans; intensification; and employment areas. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 32 Page 44 of 62 Role of local municipalities Most regional plans provide some level of direction for local municipalities to follow with respect to adopting phasing policy within local official plans and/or the preparation of phasing implementation strategies. Local responsibility and direction from the Region Coordination Different regions identify differing roles and responsibilities. Relationship of Region to local municipalities Limited coordination or Joint strategies coordinated with top-down - a range of local and Regional the Region directs policies and plans HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 33 Page 45 of 62 Timing There is a range of detail in specifying which lands develop, and when. Which lands develop, and when Explicit direction as to number of housing units on Designated No direction as to the timing of Greenfield Areas and within the phased lands Built Up Area at five year increments Mapping As with “timing” there a range of approaches to mapping designated greenfields is employed. Delineating areas for designated greenfield and built up area development Illustrative mapping of lands to Nil beyond Schedule A mapping be developed within urban boundary with associated timing HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 34 Page 46 of 62 Intensification There is diversity in the range of roles and responsibilities on the part of the Region and local municipalities in determining intensification targets and measuring progress. Measuring progress towards targets Phasing 'must demonstrate how Phasing 'shall not adversely local policy helps to achieve affect intensification policies of intensification and density the Regional Policy Plan' targets' Secondary Plans Secondary planning requirements vary across Greater Golden Horseshoe municipalities. Links to phasing HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 35 Page 47 of 62 Employment Areas: Few upper-tier plans clearly tie employment development to phasing. An approach best-suited to Niagara needs to acknowledge an historic Regional level over-investment in residential servicing relative to employment lands and begin to prioritize investment in employment lands readiness. The employment lands focussed strategies already underway in Niagara will help to address a shortage of employment opportunities and support economic growth in the Region. There is a recognized need to enhance “shovel-ready” employment land opportunities in the Region. The range of approaches identified in various upper-tier plans and presented to stakeholders for discussion is captured in the following summary statements: Option 1: The features under Option 1 represented a relatively minimalist approach. Many aspects of this option appear to be most common among Outer-Ring regions/counties, with lower growth communities featuring ample land supply and limited urban expansion pressure. Here, the Region defers phasing policy largely to local municipalities; does not specify lands, timing or mapping of phased lands. The policy action terms feature: 'encourages' and 'may'. Case studies: Counties of Brant, Haldimand, Peterborough, Wellington and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Option 2: Option 2 was somewhat more interventionist but represents a collaborative approach with examples found in both GTAH and the Outer-Ring. Generally, the upper-tier sets the framework within which local municipalities prepare phasing and secondary plans. No specification of timing or location of development lands. However, often found is a set of precursor requirements which must be met before the next phase of greenfield lands can be released. There is a greater emphasis on alignment of phasing with Regional servicing, infrastructure, community improvement and financing plans. Local municipalities maintain and report on land budget. Key action terms include 'shall' and 'required'. Case studies: –Regions of Peel, Simcoe, Waterloo and York. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 36 Page 48 of 62 Option 3: This is the most prescriptive approach and is found among high growth GTAH communities, especially those with limited greenfields designated for urban expansion. The upper-tier provides explicit direction for specific housing units by housing type, densities, timing and location of lands at 5 year intervals, with specific mapping related to an interim growth horizon and boundary, ie. 2021. Additional emphasis is given to the implementation component, with requirements not only to prepare phasing strategies and secondary plans but also to demonstrate achievement of Regional intensification targets and housing unit allocations to greenfield and built-up area lands. Such demonstration is a necessary precursor before the next phase of lands can be released. Key action terms include 'required' 'directed to' 'must demonstrate' Case studies: Regions of Halton, York and Durham. What We Heard The working groups discussed the phasing policy options at length and some degree of consensus emerged on many of the themes. In some cases, one option was favoured while others suggested wording refinements. Some groups saw fit to blend the features of two different options. The following is a phasing policy approach based on a synthesis of the commentary that emerged from the table groups, as well as incorporating additional written comments received after the session. Role of Local Municipality The Region and Area municipalities have collaborated to establish municipal shares of Growth Plan Schedule 3 forecasts for population and employment growth, as well as intensification targets which recognize the differential capacity for intensification. Area municipalities must plan to the growth allocations and targets contained within RPPA 2-2009. Area municipalities are encouraged to prepare local phasing strategies for greenfield areas and intensification areas, where appropriate, and reflect them in their official plans. Recognizing variations in the size of local municipalities and capacity to undertake a phasing strategy, the Region may provide direction and support for this exercise as needed. The Region maintains a Regional land budget which area municipalities monitor at the local level and report on annually to their Council and the Region. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 37 Page 49 of 62 Co-ordination The Region establishes the capacity for urban development setting the 2031 boundaries of Designated Greenfield Areas. Regional Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan identifies capacity constraints and plans to improve and / or extend servicing within the 2031 boundary based on the readiness of local municipalities through phasing, and based on realistic development opportunities within the servicing timeframe. Local municipalities are encouraged to co-ordinate phasing of urban development with local and regional servicing and infrastructure investment plans. Area municipal official plan updates and phasing policies shall align with Regional directions including: Regional Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan, Regional Transportation Strategy, Phase 1 & 2 Employment Lands Strategy and emerging recommendations from the Niagara Nodes and Local municipalities can Corridors Study . determine timing and location of phased Timing development within the In collaboration with local municipalities, the Region sets the 2031 boundaries and local Region’s 2031 urban municipalities are responsible for allocating boundaries growth on their respective Designated Greenfield Areas. Sequencing of growth outward toward the 2031 boundaries is important to ensure the creation of complete communities and the cost-effective extension of all municipal services. As both planned and achieved growth will continue to vary by municipality, local municipalities will monitor growth, including the sequencing of outward urban development and intensification, and will report on progress to the Region. Mapping As shown on Schedule A of RPPA 2-2009, the 2031 boundary is established. Sequencing illustrations, for information purposes, will be prepared by the Region in collaboration with the local municipalities. No interim horizons will be illustrated on Schedule A, but it is recognized that secondary plans will identify priority areas to be developed within the 2031 boundaries. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 38 Page 50 of 62 Intensification The Region and local municipalities have collaboratively determined intensification targets for each municipality’s contribution toward the Region-wide target of 40% intensification by 2015 and for each year thereafter. Local municipalities are encouraged to prepare intensification strategies to achieve their contribution toward the Region-wide target. Progress toward intensification targets is monitored locally and reported to the Region as a component of updating the Regional land budget and measuring progress towards Regional and local plan policies. Secondary Plans Area municipalities are required to prepare detailed secondary plans for significant areas of greenfield undergoing urban development and are encouraged to prepare secondary plans for areas within the built boundary demonstrating intensification potential. Secondary plans should work towards the development of complete communities. It is important to consider both the quantitative and Employment Areas qualitative aspects of the land Area municipalities are required to align local supply and demand planning for employment with Regional relationship in Niagara employment land studies and strategies and to prioritize the protection and development of serviced employment lands. Area municipalities should employ the range of tools available to encourage investment and development of strategic locations for economic growth that have been identified collaboratively through studies and strategies. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 39 Page 51 of 62 IV CONCLUSIONS AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS This report summarizes findings from background research, a best practices review of GGH upper-tier approaches to phasing policy, and stakeholder consultation. A baseline understanding of growth trends and development issues and opportunities characterizing Niagara was developed, working towards an appropriate approach to a phasing policy for the Region. Through this assignment a set of key principles emerged to guide development phasing along with a better understanding of the respective roles the Region and local municipalities should play in implementing phasing policy at the local level, working together towards a shared vision for healthy and sustainable growth and development. A. PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE PHASING IN NIAGARA A number of guiding principles emerged from the first round of consultation which can serve as an appropriate basis upon which to develop a phasing policy for Niagara. Ensure cost effective and orderly development. Align servicing capacity and infrastructure investment (trunk services, transportation, and community infrastructure), with designated land supply. Enhance co-ordination between Province, Region and Local Municipalities. Reinforce Regional Policy Plan Urban Structure objectives and a shared vision for the future of the Region. Support economic growth and job creation by prioritizing employment lands servicing and investment. To these, the second round of consultation contributed some important concepts to guide the drafting of policy. Collaboration between Regional and local staff in determining the land supply, setting targets for greenfield growth and intensification. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 40 Page 52 of 62 Cooperation in monitoring and reporting on growth on Designated Greenfield Areas as well as toward intensification targets. Flexibility at the Regional level in where and how the identified greenfield land supply is urbanized, recognizing differential market conditions across Niagara. The Region should not prioritize growth in one municipality over others. B. REGIONAL AND LOCAL ROLES IN PHASING IMPLEMENTATION The following outlines some concepts for moving forward. What follows may not represent a full consensus, but does build on the approaches most commonly identified as preferred through the working group discussions and subsequent feedback received. Key concepts emerging throughout the discussion include: Collaboration Support Encourage Monitor Enable Complete communities Recognize differences across the region The direction moving forward with a policy plan amendment includes the following priorities and roles and responsibilities for the Region and area municipalities. The Region: Looks to the long term, establishes growth expectations for the Region to 2031 and beyond Works collaboratively with local municipalities to identify lands to be urbanized to the horizon year of the Regional Policy Plan and establish specific growth targets for each local municipality by five-year increments HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 41 Page 53 of 62 Collaborates with local municipalities to determine local shares of growth and intensification targets Includes boundaries for Designated Greenfields in Schedule A of the Regional Policy Plan to the planning horizon (e.g. currently 2031), but no map of mid-term growth expectations. These first three items are already in part addressed through RPPA-2-2009. Monitors urbanization and intensification with data supplied by the local municipalities Maintains and updates the Regional land budget Ensures plans for extending / improving regional trunk services and transportation services align with growth expectations Enables, guides, supports local municipalities in preparation of phasing strategies to guide growth Establishes financial incentives and tools to attract economic investment in appropriate locations. Local Municipalities: Prepare phasing strategies for growth within the Designated Greenfield boundaries Prepare intensification strategies to meet the collaboratively established targets Are guided by Regional servicing strategies and plans which identify near- term and mid-term capacity enhancements Ensure local servicing aligns with Regional servicing plans for extension / enhancement and is based on realistic development potential Prepare secondary plans to implement the Phasing Strategy, both for new development on designated greenfields and intensification in built up areas as appropriate HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 42 Page 54 of 62 Approve development in appropriate locations in keeping with local and regional planning objectives and ability to service growth Monitor growth and report to Region for updates to regional land budget and report on progress towards the achievement of local municipal intensification targets. C. DRAFT PHASING POLICY AMENDMENT Based on the analysis and consultation undertaken for this assignment, a proposed amendment to the Regional Policy Plan has been drafted and is attached as Appendix to this report. Once finalized, this policy will be adopted as an amendment to the ‘Implementation’ section of the RPP, reflecting the Region’s approach to phasing growth in Urban Areas and on Designated Greenfields to accommodate anticipated population and employment growth to 2031 and beyond as enumerated in Schedule B of RPPA 2-2009 and mapped on Schedule A. This policy will be relevant for future planning horizons determined through successive five-year reviews of the plan. The policy amendment is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 and conforms to the policy directions of the Growth Plan, 2006. It is premised on the continuation of a collaborative approach to growth management among the Region and local municipalities, and reflects the principles, roles and responsibilities outlined above. It is widely recognized that the Region and local municipalities place a high priority on economic development and job creation, adding to the importance of creating and maintaining an adequate supply of shovel-ready and marketable employment lands. As such, this phasing policy does not focus on limiting conditions for employment lands development but rather provides parameters for appropriately planning future residential development across the Region. The proposed phasing policy will work to ensure policy targets for intensification in Built-up Areas and density targets on Designated Greenfields Areas are met. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 43 Page 55 of 62 Implementation of phasing policy lies principally with local municipalities as they are the approval authorities, along with appropriate Regional planning and funding of major infrastructure. The Region will also play an important role in implementation by facilitating research into land supply and fostering collaboration including workshops into best practices in, for example, preparation of secondary plans and intensification studies. The objective of building complete communities and achieving sustainable urban growth across the Region will be achieved if growth occurs in an orderly fashion, is contiguous with the existing urban fabric, and is in keeping with Regional infrastructure services constraints and plans. The following proposed phasing policy amendment acknowledges the diversity of issues and opportunities with respect to managing growth across the Region and provides a framework within which the Region and local municipalities can work together towards a shared vision for future growth and urban development in Niagara. HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II 44 Page 56 of 62 APPENDIX HEMSON ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II Page 57 of 62 AMENDMENT NO. 8‐2013 TO THE OFFICIAL PLAN FOR THE NIAGARA PLANNING AREA PART “A” ‐ THE PREAMBLE The preamble provides an explanation of the Amendment including the purpose, location, background, and basis of the policies, and implementation, but does not form part of this Amendment. Title and Components Purpose of the Amendment Location of the Amendment Background Basis for the Amendment Implementation PART “B” – THE AMENDMENT The Amendment describes the additions and/or modifications to the Official Plan for the Niagara Planning Area, which constitute Official Plan Amendment No. 8‐2013. Text Changes PART “C” – THE APPENDICES The Appendices provide information, public participation and agency comments relevant to the Amendment, but do not form part of this Amendment. RPPA 8‐2013 Draft 1 Page 1 ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II Page 58 of 62 PART “A” – THE PREAMBLE TITLE AND COMPONENTS: This document, when approved in accordance with Section 26 of the Planning Act, 1990, shall be known as Amendment 8‐2013 to the Official Plan of the Niagara Planning Area. Part “A” – The Preamble, contains background information and does not constitute part of this Amendment. Part “B” – The Amendment, consisting of map and text changes, constitutes Amendment 8‐2013 to the Official Plan of the Niagara Planning Area. Part “C” – The Appendices, does not constitute part of the Amendment. These Appendices contain information related to public involvement and agency comments associated with the Amendment. PURPOSE OF THE AMENDMENT: The purpose of this amendment is to: a) To establish a development phasing strategy for the Region building on the growth management policy framework established through Regional Policy Plan Amendment 2‐ 2009; b) To complete the conformity exercise with the Province’s Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006) and the Provincial Policy Statement (2005) which was initiated with Regional Policy Plan Amendment 2‐2009; and, c) To establish a development phasing strategy which ensures a consistent approach across the Region to managing growth, while recognizing differing development conditions across the Region. LOCATION OF THE AMENDMENT: This amendment applies to the entire Niagara Planning Area. BACKGROUND: Amendment 2‐2009 to the Official Plan for the Niagara Planning Area implemented the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe through an amendment to the Official Plan for the Niagara Planning Area. In particular, it updated the Region’s Policy Plan to align existing policies with the Province’s Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006) and the Provincial Policy Statement (2005); implemented strategic directions of Niagara’s Growth Management Strategy (Niagara 2031); and established a new urban vision for the long term growth and development of Niagara. Arising from that amendment a requirement was identified to establish a development phasing strategy for the Region in the Official Plan to complete the conformity exercise with the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006) and the Provincial Policy Statement (2005). The phasing strategy is an implementation tool to assist in the management of anticipated growth in Designated Greenfield Areas and in Built‐Up Areas to appropriately plan for orderly and logical urban development in a manner which recognizes differing development opportunities across the Region, supports policy goals for sustainable and complete communities, and maximizes Regional and local servicing and infrastructure capacity and investment. The development phasing strategy will integrate with, and help to complete, the policy framework for managing growth and development in Niagara Region. RPPA 8‐2013 Draft 1 Page 2 ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II Page 59 of 62 BASIS FOR THE AMENDMENT: 1. This Amendment implements and conforms to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006) and other Provincial Plans with respect to development phasing across the Region. The Amendment is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (2005). 2. The Amendment is consistent with Niagara’s Growth Management Strategy (Niagara 2031). Niagara’s Development Phasing Strategy (2013), and Regional Policy Plan Amendment 2‐ 2009. 3. The Amendment will provide for the addition of new policies which incorporate a development phasing strategy in the Official Plan for the Niagara Planning Area. 4. The Amendment is divided into sections, which constitute the Amendment: a) Part I: Addition of new policies to the Implementation section of the Plan b) Part II: Alterations to Amendment 2‐2009 6. The Amendment was the subject of a Public Open House and a Public Meeting held under the Planning Act on November 7, 2013 and December 4, 2013 respectively. Public and agency comments were addressed as part of the preparation of this Amendment. 7. Based on the Region’s review of the Planning Act, Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006), other Provincial Plans, the Provincial Policy Statement (2005), the Regional Policy Plan, public consultation, and agency consultation, Regional staff is of the opinion that the Amendment is consistent with, and conforms to, Provincial and Regional policies and plans and, therefore, represents good planning. IMPLEMENTATION: The Implementation Section of the Official Plan for the Niagara Planning Area shall apply where applicable. RPPA 8‐2013 Draft 1 Page 3 ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II Page 60 of 62 PART “B” – THE AMENDMENT Amendment 82013 To the Official Plan for the Niagara Planning Area Text Changes: The Official Plan for the Niagara Planning Area is amended as follows: Part I: Addition of New Policies to Subsection 14.I Regional Phasing Strategy 1. The following text is inserted: “14.I.1 Phasing Strategy Objective Objective 14.I.1.1 The phasing strategy is an implementation tool, the objective of which is to assist in the management of growth in Urban Areas, including Designated Greenfield Areas and Built‐Up Areas, to appropriately plan for orderly and logical urban development in a manner which: a) recognizes differing development opportunities across the Region; b) supports policy goals for sustainable and complete communities; and, c) maximizes Regional and local servicing and infrastructure capacity and investment. The development phasing strategy integrates and assists with the completion of the policy framework for managing growth and development in Niagara Region in this Plan. 14.I.2 Regional Role Policy 14.I.2.1 In addition to the direction provided in the growth management policies of this Plan, the Region shall: a) maintain a Regional land budget which reflects input annually from the local municipalities; b) require local municipalities to prepare phasing strategies for growth within the boundaries of Urban Areas which are: i. coordinated with the policy directions of this Plan with respect to growth management, ii. aligned with Regional water, wastewater and transportation master plans and related capital plans and economic development plans and other Regional plans and studies; iii. prioritize the protection and development of serviced employment lands including consideration of all available tools to encourage investment; and, RPPA 8‐2013 Draft 1 Page 4 ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II Page 61 of 62 iv. reflected in the local official plan. c) work with and support local municipalities in the preparation of phasing strategies to guide growth as appropriate, including the preparation of sequencing illustrations for information purposes in collaboration with the local municipalities; d) require local municipalities to prepare secondary plans for significant Greenfield Areas which shall generally be areas of 25 hectares or greater in size, and approve development which implements their Phasing Strategy; and, e) work with local municipalities to develop intensification strategies and, where appropriate, secondary plans for areas within the Built Boundary to assist in the achievement of the local intensification target. 14.I.3 Local Municipal Role Policy 14.I.3.1 Local municipalities shall: a) prepare phasing strategies in conformity with the policies of this Plan including Section 14.I.2 and such strategies will be incorporated in the local official plan, and reflected in secondary plans where appropriate, and through development approvals; b) prepare secondary plans for significant Greenfield Areas and identify in secondary plans priority development areas in particular mixed use areas, employment areas, and major community facilities such as hospitals, universities and colleges, transportation hubs, and cultural and recreational facilities; c) monitor and report to the local Council and the Region annually with respect to land supply, sequencing of greenfield development, progress toward the achievement of local intensification targets, population, housing, employment and other trends that may be required to update the Regional land budget; and, d) undertake the preparation of intensification strategies, and, where appropriate, secondary plans for areas within the Built Boundary demonstrating intensification potential.” Part II – Alterations to Amendment 22009 1. Policy 4.6 is amended by deleting subsection 4.6.1, 4.6.2 and 4.6.3 and replaced with a new subsection 4.6.1 as follows: “The Region shall implement the Regional Phasing Strategy in Section 14.I of this Plan.” 2. The following policies are renumbered: Policy Number New Policy Number 4.6.4 4.6.2 4.6.5 4.6.3 4.6.6 4.6.4 4.6.7 4.6.5 RPPA 8‐2013 Draft 1 Page 5 ICP 120-2013 December 4, 2013 Appendix II Page 62 of 62 PART “C” – THE APPENDICES RPPA 8‐2013 Draft 1 Page 6 OFFICE OF THE COUNTY WARDEN 789 Broadway Street, Box 3000 Wyoming, ON N0N 1T0 Telephone: 519-845-0801 Toll-free: 1-866-324-6912 Fax: 519-845-3160 www.lambtononline.ca December 18, 2013 The Honorable Linda Jeffrey Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing College Park 777 Bay Street, 17th Floor Toronto, ON M5G 2E5 RE: Resolution opposing the requalification of Municipal Building Officials Dear Honorable Linda Jeffrey: In support of the Southwestern Chapter of the Ontario Building Officials Association, The Corporation of the County of Lambton is seeking support in opposing the requalification of Building Officials under the Ontario Regulation 332/12 and the Ontario Building Code. While we oppose the requalification requirement, we do feel that ongoing training of any changes to the Ontario Building Code is necessary and the Southwestern Chapter of the Ontario Building Officials Association would like to work with the Ministry on such a training initiative. Please be advised that Council for The Corporation of the County of Lambton at its meeting on November 27, 2013, passed the following resolution: Whereas, municipal building officials are the main practitioners of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and use the OBC on a daily basis in the carrying out of their duties; And whereas Bill 124 that passed in 2005 required all municipal building officials to undertake a series of qualification exams; And whereas a subsequent regulation 332/12 (knowledge and maintenance examinations) requires our already qualified officials to requalify by taking a similar series of qualification exams again; Page 1 of 2 CaringGrowingInnovative And whereas this requalification process will provide municipalities with financial hardships in terms of registration costs, mileage costs, days away from the office to undertake their regular duties in performing timely inspections that is expected by the building industry; And whereas, municipal building officials acknowledge the need to stay current with legislation and to undergo necessary training to do so; And whereas, the builders and home owners will suffer slower response time for building permits and inspections until all of the building officials are qualified; Now, therefore, The Corporation of the County of Lambton, in support of the Southwestern Chapter of the Ontario Building Officials Association resolves: That any amendments to the OBC include provisions for training opportunities rather than requalification examinations as the means by which building officials remain current of changes to the OBC. That municipal building officials, as the primary practitioners of the OBC, receive the same treatment as plumbers, electricians, professional engineers and architects with regards to exemption from requalification. That the negative impact and delays that Ontario regulation 332/12 will have on the issuance of permits, inspections and response times to inquiries by municipal building officials should be taken in to consideration. That municipalities and taxpayers be spared the cost of ‘knowledge and maintenance examinations’ under the proposed amendment to the OBC which will provide undue hardship to municipalities through lost productivity, early retirement and costs associated with the 13 categories of examinations required by fully qualified inspectors. Should any persons have any questions please contact: The Corporation of the County of Lambton Building Services Department Corrine Nauta, Manager 789 Broadway Street, Box 3000 Wyoming, ON N0N 1T0 Telephone: 519-845-0809 x.5352 Email: [email protected] Yours truly, Todd Case Warden cc: All Ontario Municipalities Association of Municipalities of Ontario Page 2 of 2 MUNICIPALITÉ · EAST FERRIS · MUNICIPALITY 390 Hwy. 94 TEL.: 705-752-2740 CORBEIL, ONTARIO FAX: 705-752-2452 P0H 1K0 email:[email protected] ______ October 16, 2013 Kathleen Wynne, Premier Legislative Building Queen’s Park Toronto, ON M7A 1A1 Dear Premier Wynne: Re: The Small, Rural and Northern Municipal Infrastructure Fund I am writing to advise you of my great disappointment and concern with the recent announcement regarding the distribution of the $100 million Small, Rural and Northern Municipal Infrastructure Fund. We received the announcement late Friday October 4th 2013. Municipalities individually and collectively through AMO and ROMA/OGRA have provided honest and quantitative input to your government over the past year regarding the best method to distribute these monies. We have all put a great deal of effort into this process but obviously the consultations were a complete waste of everyone’s time and energy. We are back to the hat in hand/lottery system for the distribution of funds. This is a total disregard for the input of the municipalities of this province. In addition, municipalities are being given less than one month to choose a project and develop an Expression of Interest. Municipalities are currently working on their municipal asset management plans and preparing for their 2014 budget deliberations. Many asset management plans will not be completed before the end of this year yet we are all being asked to submit an Expression of Interest by November 1st 2013 which promotes poor priority planning and provides little time for proper decision making. The proposed process is once again geared to larger urban municipalities which have the capacity to quickly respond to the Expression of Interest call and application submission rather than to the very Small, Rural and Northern municipalities which it is supposed to help. We have been told that this program was truly going to be for small, rural and northern communities but the definition of ‘small and rural’ has been confirmed to include municipalities with a population of up to 100,000. We wonder how a city of 100,000 can be considered to be a small and rural community. This also means that 95 per cent of our municipalities will qualify. Our Municipality was shut out of the first round of MIII funding last year and had to move forward and complete the selected road project this year, at our cost, which resulted in a tax increase for our ratepayers (3.4% this year). We appreciate the funding that we have received over the years and more recently in 2009 through a Building Canada Fund Program and the NOHFC for the renovation of the East Ferris Community Centre/Arena which extended its life and allows us to continue to serve our residents and those of the surrounding communities. However, the Municipality of East Ferris has not received any substantial funding for our roads for over 5 years and we are in a difficult position. We were completely shut out of both the Stimulus Fund Program and the last Building Canada Fund (BCF) program for roads projects. We have seen the list of approved projects from that round of funding and are aware that while municipalities were told to submit no more than three stimulus fund applications and one BCF application many received far in excess of that number. One municipality received hundreds of approvals for millions of dollars. The total number of approved projects for the northern region was small in comparison to the number of approvals and the total value of approved projects for southern Ontario. The Municipality of East Ferris has always managed its finances in a very responsible manner. However, we have been told the following on many occasions over the past few years: 1. Your reserves are too high, use them for infrastructure projects; 2. You have never borrowed, borrow for infrastructure projects; and 3. Your residents have a high income level, raise taxes for infrastructure projects. Premier Wynne, we have been doing all that has been asked of us by the Province and more yet we continue to be shut out of infrastructure funding. The Municipality has: 1. Reduced our reserves by approximately 41% over the past five years by using the monies for various infrastructure projects; 2. Changed from the pay as you go system of budgeting and borrowed last year for the first time ever ($1.2 million) for roads projects which we had to complete; and 3. Raised our taxes at a level comparable to or greater than the cost of living for each of the past five years. We have also developed a long term economic development strategy, a facilities master plan, a reserve funds policy and we are nearing the completion of our long term capital asset management plan. We are trying our best to be creative and innovative in our approach to our planning in an attempt to become financially healthier and move towards greater sustainability in the future. Now we can say that we, together with AMO and most of the other municipalities, are not even being listened to. We, like many other municipalities, are also being faced with continuing decreases in our funding through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF); and, significant increases in our policing (OPP) costs. We are also facing the high costs associated with our share of the future redevelopment of the Cassellholme East Nipissing District Home for the Aged ($60 million dollar project). We have been and continue to ask for a source of sustainable infrastructure funding for all municipalities. We fully understand that many municipalities, including East Ferris, will have significant infrastructure projects whether they be roads, bridges, water or sewer and that there needs to be monies set aside for these larger projects as well. AMO has recommended a fair and equitable method to distribute the $100 million Small, Rural and Northern Municipal Infrastructure Fund and it or some similar formula should be considered. Premier Wynne, we are in a very difficult situation as are most small rural communities in this Province. We are respectfully requesting the following: 1. that this announcement be rescinded and that either the method advanced by AMO to distribute funds through the program or something comparable to it be implemented instead; and 2. to meet with you at your earliest convenience to discuss options and opportunities for the future. Thank you for your consideration of our requests. Sincerely, Original singed Mayor Bill Vrebosch, Municipality of East Ferris Cc. Hon. Jeff Leal, Minister of Rural Affairs Hon. Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Hon. Glen Murray, Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation AMO and all Municipalities OGRA Jay Aspin, MP Nipissing Temiskaming Vic Fedeli, MPP Nipissing All residents of the Municipality of East Ferris Integrated Community Planning TT"` :3,** _`|— Office of the Regional Clerk Reglon 2201 sz. David’s Road w, PO BOX I042, rhomld, ON L2V 4T7 Telephone: 905-685-4225 Toll-free: I-800-263-72|5 Fax: 905-687-4977 VVWW.I'li3g3!'aY'€giOI'I.C2. December 13, 2013 CL 17-2013, December 12, 2013 ICPC 16-2013, December 4, 2013 Report ICP 126-2013 LOCAL AREA MUNICIPALITIES SENT ELECTRONICALLY Project Initiation Report: Agriculture and Rural Area Policies Update ICP 126-2013 Regional Council, at its meeting of December 12, 2013, approved the following recommendations of its Integrated Community Planning Committee: That Report ICP 126-2013, December 4, 2013, respecting Project Initiation Report: Agriculture and Rural Area Policies Update BE RECEIVED; and That a copy of Report ICP 126-2013 BE DISTRIBUTED to the Local Area Municipalities, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. A copy of Report ICP 126-2013 is enclosed for your information. Yours truly, Ji net Pilon Regional Clerk :II cc: Clerks of the Local Area Municipalities of Niagara Region T. D’Amario, CAO/Secretary-Treasurer, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority M. Christie, Ministry of Municipals Affairs and Housing P. Robson, Commissioner, Integrated Community Planning D. DeFieIds, Senior Planner K. Goerz, Planner M. Radman, Manager, Development Planning M. L. Tanner, Associate Director, Regional Policy Planning S. McPetrie, Administrative Assistant, Integrated Community Planning ICP 126-2013 December 4, 2013 Page1 of2 Niagaram Region REPORT TO: Integrated Community Planning Committee SUBJECT: Project Initiation Report: Agriculture and Rural Area Policies Update RECOMMENDATIONS 1. That this report BE RECEIVED for information. 2. That a copy of this report BE CIRCULATED to the Local Area Municipalities, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. PURPOSE The purpose of this report is to provide information to Regional Council about the commencement of the review and update to Section 6, Agriculture and Rural Area Policies of the Regional Policy Plan (RPP). This report supports Counci|’s Business Plan Theme 1 — Responsive Region and Theme 2 — Healthy Community. BUSINESS IMPLICATIONS There are no financial implications arising from this report, as the cost, including staff, time to undertake the review and update the Agriculture and Rural Area policies is included in the Integrated Community Planning Department budget. REPORT ‘ Background One of the priority projects identified through "|magine Niagara" is to update the Agriculture and Rural Area policies. Completion of this task falls under the "RuraI & AgricuIture" topic area of "Imagine Niagara" and will involve updating the existing policies to create clarity, consistency and up to date policies throughout the section. As a' result, an RPP amendment is being proposed to address the portions of the Agriculture and Rural area policies that require updating. Examples include updating legislative references and addressing minor matters relative to the Provincial Growth Plan ("Places to Grow"). This is considered a minor update to these policies. The update will ensure that the RPP is consistent with any applicable Provincial legislation as well. Recent work on the Value-Added policies (6-2009) and the Hamlet policies (3-2013) are separate from this proposed amendment and will be incorporated into the Regional Policy Plan as part of its consolidation. ICP 126-2013 December4, 2013 Page 2 of 2 The proposed amendment will focus on the comments that were provided by the Province with regard to the Imagine Niagara project as they relate to the Agriculture and Rural Area policies. The proposed updates will involve minor wording clarification and housekeeping updates. The proposed amendment will focus on 5 project goals: 1. Ensuring consistency with the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe 2. Ensuring conformity to the Greenbelt Plan and the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) 3. Updating policies regarding Minimum Distance Separation 4. Policy corrections/deletions for new, updated or repealed acts and plans 5. Creating consistency and clarity throughout the Agriculture and Rural Area Section of the RPP Process and Next Steps The proposed policies will be reviewed through conversations with key stakeholders including farmers and other users of the RPP. Consultation will also take place with the Agricultural and Policy Action Committee. A draft amendment will be prepared and a statutory public meeting as required under the Planning Act will be held in the first quarter of 2014. Following the Statutory Public Meeting, a recommendation report will be brought to the Integrated Community Planning Committee in early 2014. REPORTS PERTINENT TO THIS MATTER • ICP 102-2013, Statutory Public Meeting for the Five Year Review of the Regional Policy Plan — "lmagine Niagara", October 10, 2013 • ICP 45-2013, Regional Policy Plan Five Year Review, June 12, 2013 Submitted by: Approved by: i Patrick Robson Haryé%Iange Commissioner Chief Administrative Oflicer Integrated Community Planning This report was prepared by Kailen Goerz, Plannen with input from Danielle De Fields, Senior Planner; Marilyn Radman, MCIP, RPP, Manager of Development Planning and reviewed by Mary Lou Tannen MCIP RPP, Associate Directon Regional Policy Planning.