Ontario s Land Use Planning System Economic Developers Council of Ontario February 2017 Marcia Wallace, PhD., MCIP, RPP Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Our Work The Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MMA) is predominantly a policy-led ministry with 4 main lines of work: Local Government Land Use Planning Building Regulation Affordable Housing (in support of the Ministry of Housing) Because of the diverse range of our policy and operating activities, MMA works closely with other ministries, other levels of government, stakeholders and community groups in order to implement the ministry s vision and strategies. Ministry of Municipal Affairs 2
One Window Planning Service One-stop shop at MMA for planning services and decisions on applications where the Province is the approval authority MMA works with Ontario ministries that have land use interests both generally and on area specific initiatives Partner Ministries are: Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Natural Resources and Forestry Environment and Climate Change Infrastructure Northern Development and Mines Tourism and Culture Transportation The majority of provincial policy and plans are implemented through municipal planning decisions under the Planning Act Ministry of Municipal Affairs 3
Municipalities Parts of Province Entire Province Land Use Planning Hierarchy Planning Act Provincial Policy Statement Provincial Plans (Region/County) Upper-tier/Single-tier Official Plans (City/Town) Lower-tier Official Plans Municipal Zoning By-laws Site Plans/Development Permits/Land Division Building Permits Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 4
Province How Does It Really Work? Peel Region Official Plan City of Mississauga Official Plan Ministry of Municipal Affairs 5
Policy Led Planning System Planning Act + PPS/prov. plans + OP + ZB guide decision-making MMA lead MMA lead Municipal Preparation Municipal Municipal (with MMA Approval) Activity Activity Enabling Legislation Ontario Planning Act Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) / Provincial Plans Municipal Official Plan (OP) and Zoning By-law Land Division, Site Plan (implementation documents) Building Permit + other construction approvals Ministry of Municipal Affairs 6
Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 7
Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) Mobility and Connectivity Active transportation, transit and transit-supportive development Connectivity within and among transportation modes Range and Mix of Housing Second units, affordable housing and housing for older persons important to building inclusive communities Community Design Community design and planning for all ages to help build vibrant communities that attract businesses, visitors and residents Economic Development Investment-ready communities, place-making and mixed-use areas Protection for major industries and facilities from incompatible uses Ministry of Municipal Affairs 8
Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) Parks and Recreation Importance of protected areas, parks, trails and recreation in supporting more active lifestyles Accessibility Accessibility for persons with disabilities and older persons by identifying, preventing and removing land use barriers Life-Cycle Costs Adaptive re-use of infrastructure and consideration of life-cycle cost of infrastructure (e.g., through asset management planning) Climate Change Consideration of the potential impacts of climate change (e.g., flooding due to severe weather) Ministry of Municipal Affairs 9
Provincial Plans Lake Simcoe Protection Plan Provincial plans provide provincial direction for specific geographic areas of Ontario shall conform to and not conflict with Ministry of Municipal Affairs 10
Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe The GGH houses 25% of Canada s population The GGH has 26% of Canada s jobs 11 Ministry of Municipal Affairs 11
Key Growth Plan Policies Growth Forecasts Infill and Redevelopment Create Complete Communities Revitalize Downtowns Build Better Suburbs Plan for Jobs Infrastructure to Support Growth Protect What is Valuable Ministry of Municipal Affairs 12 12
Key Characteristics of Ontario s Planning Process Province leads with legislation, policy and plans Municipalities implement policies through their official plans, zoning bylaws, planning decisions Opportunities for public Input/involvement Ministry of Municipal Affairs 13