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Municipal Comprehensive Review

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BILL 23, THE MORE HOMES BUILT FASTER ACTNew

On October 25, 2022, the Provincial government introduced Bill 23, known as the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022.  Bill 23 received Royal Assent on November 28, 2022.  The overall stated purpose of Bill 23 is to introduce several legislative changes intending to increase housing supply throughout Ontario and to achieve the Province's goal of 1.5 million homes in the next 10 years. 

Many of the changes proposed to the various Acts are significant, and as a result, lead to modifications to the MCR project. As an example, the following changes will come into force on proclamation, on a date yet to be named by the Lieutenant Governor:

  • Legislated planning responsibilities to be removed from certain upper-tier municipalities including Simcoe County resulting in a new status as an “upper-tier municipality without planning responsibilities".
  • The Official Plan of certain upper-tier municipalities including Simcoe County would no longer exist, but rather become part of the lower-tier municipal Official Plans.

Since the purpose of the MCR is to prepare a new County Official Plan that conforms to the policies and schedules of the Growth Plan, it is now unclear how the MCR will ultimately be completed and to what extent the County of Simcoe will remain involved, since the County Official Plan will cease to exist due to changes from Bill 23. In light of the provincial initiatives, key questions have arisen relating to the scope of the MCR work, and who will be responsible to bring the project to conclusion.  Despite these unknowns, County Planning staff will remain actively involved with the MCR for the time being, and continue to monitor the status of the adopted County Official Plan Amendment No. 7 (Municipal Comprehensive Review Phase 1 Growth Management).  

The Province is also currently undertaking a housing-focused review of A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (Growth Plan) and the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS). The review is focusing on potential integration of the PPS and the Growth Plan into a new single province-wide planning policy document.  Depending on the outcome of this exercise, future policy changes may also fundamentally change the purpose and scope of the MCR.

As further clarity emerges about the potential impact on the MCR due to Provincial government legislative and policy changes, it will be posted to our project website and notifications will be sent out to all individuals that have signed up for updates.​

NOTICE OF ADOPTIO​​​​​N OPA NO. 7 New

​The province has now posted the County's Official Plan Amendment (OPA) No. 7 – Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) Phase 1 Growth Management to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) for comment.  Please refer to ERO number 019-6113 https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-6113  The posting has a comment period of 60 days ending on February 3, 2023. 

On October 24, 2022, the County received correspondence from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing as the approval authority for County Official Plan Amendments acknowledging receipt of the adoption record for County of Simcoe Official Plan Amendment (OPA) No. 7, and that he is exerting his authority pursuant to ss. 17(40.1) of the Planning Act, to suspend the 120-day timeline to make a decision on OPA No. 7.  

OPA No. 7 was adopted by County Council on August 9, 2022 by By-law No. 6977. 

  1. Notice of Adoption – OPA No. 7 

  2. By-law No. 6977

OPA No. 7 will implement the Phase 1 Growth Management policies and updates to Schedule 5.1 Land Use Designations for the purpose of completing ongoing work relating to the MCR. The effect  of the amendment will be to begin the process of bringing the County Official Plan into full conformity with the provincial Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe in accordance with Section 26 of the Planning Act. This amendment will primarily be to introduce or update policies relating to settlement hierarchies, population and employment growth forecasts, density and intensification targets, identification of Major Transit Station Areas and to establish policy frameworks for managing new growth areas and future settlement area boundary expansions.

Throughout the MCR process, the County has been engaging and consulting with relevant stakeholders, holding more than 70 meetings with member municipalities, provincial agencies, Indigenous communities and other key groups.

This is the first phase in a multi-phase approval process. Future MCR work is required to be completed to address additional MCR components as outlined in the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.  These include identifying Settlement Area Boundary Expansions, designating Employment Lands, planning to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, watershed planning, and refining the mapping for both the provincial Natural Heritage System and Agricultural System.

When new information is available relating to the Ministry's timelines for processing and approval of OPA No.7, and further clarity emerges about the potential impact on the MCR due to Provincial government legislative and policy changes, it will be posted to our project website and email notifications will be sent out to all individuals that have signed up for updates.​

BACKGROUND INFORMATION​​

The County is undertaking a Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) in accordance with the Provincial Growth Plan, A Place to Grow: Growth plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (Office Consolidation 2020)

The MCR is a specific planning process used to bring an Official Plan (OP) into conformity with the Growth Plan. It establishes the ov​erall pattern of development and environmental management in the County and sets the stage for more detailed local planning. The MCR will apply to the 16 Local Area Municipalities in the County, and excludes the Cities of Barrie and Orillia, both of which are separated Cities.

Various policy matters are impacted by the MCR and will result in updates to the County OP. One of these updates will deal with growth management, because the County is required by the Province to plan for a population of 555,000 and 198,000 jobs by 2051.   A key component of the work being undertaken in this regard is a Land Needs Assessment to determine how much growth can be accommodated in the existing settlement areas and whether additional land is needed.

The MCR will also include a review of Provincial policies and plans on the following matters, with the product of the review being the preparation of topic-specific technical reports and recommendations to address:

  • refinements to the provincial natural heritage system;
  • ports​
  • refinements to the provincial agricultural land base;
  • growth management;
  • employment;
  • climate change; and
  • watershed management.

The County awarded the MCR contract to Hemson Consulting (Hemson).

Hemson as the lead consultant has put together a multi-disciplinary team of professionals to address the various components of the MCR as follows:

  1. Provincial Natural Heritage System Review and Refinement – North South Environmental Inc.
  2. Provincial Agricultural System Review and Refinement – DBH Soil Services Inc.
  3. Employment Strategy – Hemson Consulting and Cushman Wakefield
  4. Climate Change Strategy – Hemson Consulting and Laura Taylor Designs
  5. Watershed Management Strategy – Wood Environmental & Infrastructure Solutions Inc.
  6. Growth Management – Hemson Consulting
  7. County Official Plan Amendment(s) - Meridian Planning
  8. Communications Strategy – The Planning Partnership, Meridian Planning, and Nbisiing Consulting

The MCR will be implemented through a County Official Plan Amendment or Amendments, with each having to be approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, after first being adopted by County Council. 

The MCR will be completed by working collaboratively with County staff.  Engagement during the MCR process will ensure that the Province, Local Area Municipalities, Indigenous communities, County Council, Conservation Authorities, the general public, and other stakeholders are informed of ongoing work and technical reports and material as it becomes available.  Stakeholders will be involved throughout the MCR to understand and review the mapping and recommendations from the various technical inputs.

The County is committed to respectful, meaningful and collaborative engagement with First Nations, Métis and Indigenous communities throughout this process to understand interests, rights and views. Throughout the process, the County will respect specific your community processes and/or official protocols for engagement, as well as important perspectives and culture in relation to the lands and water to help guide us through this long-range planning project.

Reports​

  • pdf ​CCW 2022-235 (August 9, 2022) Request for Adoption - County of Simcoe Official Plan Amendment No. 7 (Municipal Comprehensive Review, Phase 1 Growth Management)
  • pdfCCW 2022-164(May 24, 2022)  Municipal Comprehensive Review Project Update and the Scheduling of a Public Open House and Statutory Public Meeting for a County Official Plan Amendment (OPA) Related to the Growth Management Work of the Municipal Comprehensive Review
  • pdfCO 2022-117 (April 12, 2022) Municipal Comprehensive Review - Special Meeting of Council Working Session
  • pdfCCW 2021-265 (August 10, 2021) Municipal Comprehensive Review – Interim Update on Current Interest Expressed for Settlement Area Boundary Expansions​
  • pdfCCW​ 2021-154 (April 27, 2021) Update on the County's Municipal Comprehensive Review
  • pdfPAC 2021-076 (February 25, 2021​) Update on the County's Municipal Comprehensive Review
  • pdfPAC 2020-127 (April 14, 2020) Update on the County's Municipal Comprehensive Review

Statutory​ Public M​eeting - Phase 1 Growth Management Official Plan Amendment - June 28, 2022​​

​Statutory Open House - Phase 1 Growth Management Official Plan Amendment - June 21, 2022

MCR Special Meeting of Council - April 12, 2022

MCR Update Presentation, Hemson Consulting – November 9, 2021

MCR Public Information Sessions – October 2021

On October 5th, 18th and 19th 2021, the County and its MCR consultants hosted virtual public information sessions on the following technical components of the County's Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR):

  • Land Needs Assessment and Growth Management,
  • Provincial Natural Heritage System Mapping Refinement,
  • Provincial Agricultural System Mapping Refinement,
  • Climate Change, and
  • Watershed Management​

​Special Meeting of Council (Virtual)​​ - June 08, 2021

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DESCRIPTION OF TECHNICAL STUDIES

The work includes a number of technical studies. The work for each of the technical studies will be done in three phases. Phase 1 includes the review of existing information, including mapping. Phase 2 includes refinements to mapping and preparing draft recommendations. Phase 3 includes the preparation of the topic specific technical reports that will include final recommendations and mapping. The technical studies will be prepared in collaboration with the local area municipalities, the public and stakeholders.​

Within each of the Technical Study pages noted below, contains material that have been released for public consultation, including details on how and when to submit comments.​​

 

 

Agricultural System Review and Refinement UpdateAgricultural System Review and Refinement Update<h3>​​​​​​​​​​​​​​CURRENT CONSULTATION MATERIAL​<img src="/Planning/PublishingImages/Pages/MCR/New.png" class="ms-rtePosition-4" alt="MCR" style="font-size:1.236em;margin:5px;width:123px;height:92px;" />​<br></h3><p>The following documents have been prepared in relation to the Provincial Agricultural System Review and Refinement Update<br></p><ul><li>​Draft Refined Provincial Agricultural System mapping - GIS Format, County Interactive Mapping System - March 2022</li><ul><li> <a href="https://opengis.simcoe.ca/public?GROUP=Land%20Use%20Planning&LAYERS=simcoe:Prime_Agricultural_Refinements" target="_blank">Proposed Refined Prime Agricultural Area (Draft March 2022)</a><br></li><li> <a href="https://opengis.simcoe.ca/?MODE=advanced&GROUP=Land%20Use%20Planning&LAYERS=Proposed%20Areas%20to%20be%20Removed%20From%20Prime%20Agricultural%20Areas%20%28Draft%20March%202022%29%2cProposed%20Refined%20Prime%20Agricultural%20Area%20%28Draft%20March%202022%29" target="_blank">Proposed Refined Prime Agricultural Area and Proposed Areas to be Removed from Prime Agricultural Areas (Draft March 2022)​</a><br></li></ul></ul><div>Refined Provincial Agricultural System Mapping by Municipality - PDF Format (Draft March 2022)<br></div> <br> <div><table class="ms-rteTable-0" cellspacing="0" style="width:552px;height:299px;text-align:center;"><tbody><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="width:313.521px;text-align:left;">​​             <a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203AT%20-%20Adjala%20Tosorontio%20-%20Difference%20-%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for Adjala-Tosorontio" target="_blank" style="color:#3f4e5b;text-decoration-line:none;"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></a><a href="/Planning/Documents/Adjala%20Tosorontio%20Proposed%20Prime%20Ag%20-%20March%2010%202022.pdf" target="_blank">Adjala-Tosorontio</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:274px;"> ​​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203OM%20-%20Oro%20Medonte%20-%20Difference%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for Oro-Medonte​ " target="_blank">​</a><a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203OM%20-%20Oro%20Medonte%20-%20Difference%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for Oro-Medonte​ " target="_blank" style="color:#000000;"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​</a><a href="/Planning/Documents/Oro-Medonte%20Proposed%20Prime%20Ag%20-%20March%2010%202022.pdf" target="_blank">Oro-Medonte</a>​<br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0">           ​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203BWG%20-%20Bradford%20West%20Gwillimbury%20-%20Difference%20-%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for Bradford West Gwillimbury" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></a><a href="/Planning/Documents/Bradford%20West%20Gwillimbury%20Proposed%20Prime%20Ag%20-%20March%2010%202022.pdf" target="_blank">Bradford West Gwillimbury</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:274px;text-align:justify;">                <a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203RM%20-%20Ramara%20-%20Difference%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for ​Ramara" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​</a><a href="/Planning/Documents/Ramara%20Proposed%20Prime%20Ag%20-%20March%2010%202022.pdf" target="_blank">Ramara</a><br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="text-align:left;">              <a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203CV%20-%20Clearview%20-%20Difference%20%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for Clearview" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></a><a href="/Planning/Documents/Clearview%20Proposed%20Prime%20Ag%20-%20March%2010%202022.pdf" target="_blank">Clearview​</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:274px;text-align:justify;">                <a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203SV%20-%20Severn%20-%20Difference%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for ​Severn" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​</a><a href="/Planning/Documents/Severn%20Proposed%20Prime%20Ag%20-%20March%2010%202022.pdf" target="_blank">Severn</a><br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="text-align:left;">              <a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203ES%20-%20Essa%20-%20Difference%20%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for Essa" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​</a><a href="/Planning/Documents/Essa%20Proposed%20Prime%20Ag%20-%20March%2010%202022.pdf" target="_blank">Essa</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:274px;text-align:justify;">                ​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203SW%20-%20Springwater%20-%20Difference%20%20June%2028%202021.pdf" target="_blank" title="Comparison mapping for Springwater"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></a><a href="/Planning/Documents/Springwater%20Proposed%20Prime%20Ag%20-%20March%2010%202022.pdf" target="_blank">Springwater</a><br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="text-align:left;">              ​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203I%20-%20Innisfil%20-%20Difference%20June%2028%202021.pdf" target="_blank" title="Comparison mapping for Innisfil"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></a><a href="/Planning/Documents/Innisfil%20Proposed%20Prime%20Ag%20-%20March%2010%202022.pdf" target="_blank">Innisfil</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:274px;text-align:justify;">                <a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203TAY%20-%20Tay%20-%20Difference%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for ​Tay" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​</a><a href="/Planning/Documents/Tay%20Proposed%20Prime%20Ag%20-%20March%2010%202022.pdf" target="_blank">Tay</a>​<br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="text-align:left;">              ​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203NT%20-%20New%20Tecumseth%20-%20Difference%20-%20June%2028%202021.pdf" target="_blank" title="Comparison mapping for New Tecumseth"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></a><a href="/Planning/Documents/New%20Tecumseth%20Proposed%20Prime%20Ag%20-%20March%2010%202022.pdf" target="_blank">New Tecumseth</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:274px;text-align:justify;">​                <a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203TY%20-%20Tiny%20-%20Difference%20%20June%2028%202021.pdf" target="_blank" title="Comparison mapping for ​Tiny"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​</a><a href="/Planning/Documents/Tiny%20Proposed%20Prime%20Ag%20-%20March%2010%202022.pdf" target="_blank">Tiny</a><br></td></tr></tbody></table> <br> </div><div> <strong style="font-size:1em;">REFINED MAPPING OF THE GROWTH PLAN AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM</strong><br></div><p>The refinement factors of the Growth Plan Agricultural System may include the following:<br></p><ul style="font-size:16px;"><li>​Adjustments to identifiable boundaries (roads, railways, water bodies, settlement area boundaries, etc.)</li><li>Minor adjustments for discrepancies in mapping scale</li><li>Changes to settlement boundaries that were approved as of July 1, 2017</li><li> <span style="font-size:16px;">First Nations reserve areas, Federal airport land<span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-3-4">s, etc.</span></span></li><li>Recognition of other LEAR information, designated employment areas, key natural heritage features, etc.)<br></li><li>​ Assessment of Candidate Areas <br></li></ul><p> <a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=VlKuunNa8kCMTXbzrpcUY0A35xjv3rlIo5jM3gvd8LtUOUtQTkEzM1NFU1ZLUDE1NThUWkdNVlhJNi4u" target="_blank" style="font-size:1em;">​</a><span style="font-size:1em;">There will be further opportunities to review and comment on proposed refinements to the Provincial Agricultural System mapping during the future</span><span style="font-size:1em;"> Statutory Open House and Public Meeting process. ​​​</span></p><p> <span style="font-size:1em;">Should you have any questions plea</span><span style="font-size:1em;">se</span><span style="font-size:1em;"> contact: </span><a href="mailto:agsystemrefinement@simcoe.ca" target="_blank" style="font-size:1em;">agsystemrefinement@simcoe.ca​​​</a>​<br> </p><p> <strong>Previous Mapping - October 2021</strong><br></p><p>The following documents have been prepared in relation to the Agricultural System Review and Refinement Update<br></p><ul><li> <a href="/Planning/Documents/DRAFT_Simcoe%20MCR_Provincial%20Ag%20System%20Mapping_14Oct21.pdf" target="_blank" style="font-size:1em;"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="icpdf" />Simcoe MCR – Draft Provincial Agricultural System Refinement Update</a><span style="font-size:1em;"> – October 14, 2021</span></li><li><p>Comparison mapping of the County Official Plan Agricultural designation and the <strong><span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">unrefined</span> </strong>Provincial Agricultural System (released October 19, 2021)​​<br></p><table class="ms-rteTable-0" cellspacing="0" style="width:552px;height:299px;"><tbody><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="width:313.521px;">​​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203AT%20-%20Adjala%20Tosorontio%20-%20Difference%20-%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for Adjala-Tosorontio" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />Adjala-Tos​orontio</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:274px;">​​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203OM%20-%20Oro%20Medonte%20-%20Difference%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for Oro-Medonte​ " target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="icpdf" style="margin:5px;" />​Oro-Medonte</a>​​<br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0">​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203BWG%20-%20Bradford%20West%20Gwillimbury%20-%20Difference%20-%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for Bradford West Gwillimbury" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="icpdf" style="margin:5px;" />Bradford West Gwillimbury</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:274px;"> <a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203RM%20-%20Ramara%20-%20Difference%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for ​Ramara" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="icpdf" style="margin:5px;" />​Ramara</a><br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0">​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203CV%20-%20Clearview%20-%20Difference%20%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for Clearview" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="icpdf" style="margin:5px;" />Clearview</a>​<br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:274px;"> <a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203SV%20-%20Severn%20-%20Difference%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for ​Severn" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="icpdf" style="margin:5px;" />​Severn</a><br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0"> <a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203ES%20-%20Essa%20-%20Difference%20%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for Essa" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="icpdf" style="margin:5px;" />​Essa</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:274px;">​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203SW%20-%20Springwater%20-%20Difference%20%20June%2028%202021.pdf" target="_blank" title="Comparison mapping for Springwater"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="icpdf" style="margin:5px;" />Springwater</a><br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0">​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203I%20-%20Innisfil%20-%20Difference%20June%2028%202021.pdf" target="_blank" title="Comparison mapping for Innisfil"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="icpdf" style="margin:5px;" />Innisfil</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:274px;"> <a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203TAY%20-%20Tay%20-%20Difference%20June%2028%202021.pdf" title="Comparison mapping for ​Tay" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="icpdf" style="margin:5px;" />​Tay</a>​<br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0">​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203NT%20-%20New%20Tecumseth%20-%20Difference%20-%20June%2028%202021.pdf" target="_blank" title="Comparison mapping for New Tecumseth"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="icpdf" style="margin:5px;" />New Tecumseth</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:274px;"> <a href="/Planning/Documents/Figure%20%203TY%20-%20Tiny%20-%20Difference%20%20June%2028%202021.pdf" target="_blank" title="Comparison mapping for ​Tiny"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="icpdf" style="margin:5px;" />​Tiny</a>​<br></td></tr></tbody></table></li></ul><div><p>Please note, the purpose of the maps above is to highlight the differences between the Agricultural designation on Schedule 5.1 Land Use Designations to the County's current Official Plan (2016) and the <span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong>unrefined</strong></span> provincial Agricultural System mapping. This mapping is being provided for information purposes only.</p><p>Please note that the County's Agricultural designation and the provincial Agricultural System mapping does not apply to lands within settlement areas and therefore this mapping does not impact the lands within the Town's of Collingwood, Midland, Penetanguishene, and Wasaga Beach.<br></p></div><h3>​​​​​​​​​​BACKGROUND INFORMATION</h3><p>One of the components of the County's Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) is a review of the location of the prime agricultural area in the County. Prime agricultural areas are characterized by fertile soils where most of Ontario's crops are produced which support the broader agricultural system.</p><p>The Growth Plan further indicates that the responsibility for the mapping of prime agricultural areas rests solely with the Province.  Provincial mapping locates a continuous and productive land base comprised of prime agricultural areas, including specialty crop areas and rural lands, as well as a complementary agri-food network that together enable the agri-food sector to thrive.  Further information on the work completed by the Province can be accessed through this <a href="http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/landuse/agsys-ggh.htm" target="_blank">link</a>.  <br></p><p>It is the Province's expectation that their mapping of prime agricultural areas in Simcoe County be implemented in the County Official Plan.  Until then, the current mapping showing prime agricultural areas in the County Official Plan continues to apply.  However, before the Provincial mapping is implemented, the Province allows for a one-time opportunity to refine the Provincial mapping at the time of a MCR based on implementation procedures issued by the Province.  These implementation procedures can be accessed through this <a href="http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/landuse/imp2019.pdf" target="_blank">link​</a>.  <br></p><p>The Agricultural System Review and Refinement Update will identify the differences between the Provincial mapping and the current mapping of prime agricultural areas included within the Simcoe County Official Plan and local Official Plans.  Once the extent of the differences is known, the Consulting Team will conduct an assessment to determine whether changes are required to the Provincial mapping and why. The product of this work will be updated prime agricultural mapping that will be incorporated by a future Official Plan Amendment into the Simcoe County Official Plan.</p><p>Included in this Amendment will be updated policies on agricultural uses, agriculture-related uses and on-farm diversified uses as well. Given that the boundaries of prime agricultural areas in an Official Plan can only be modified at the time of the MCR, it is anticipated that there will be interest on the part of landowners and others in this process. Consultation will be a key component of this project and opportunities to review the work completed and ask questions will be identified through this process. ​<br><br><br><br></p>
Natural Heritage System Review and Refinement UpdateNatural Heritage System Review and Refinement Update<h3>​​​​​​​CURRENT CONSULTATION MATERIAL​<img src="/Planning/PublishingImages/Pages/MCR/New.png" class="ms-rtePosition-4" alt="" style="font-size:1.236em;margin:5px;width:123px;height:92px;" /><br></h3><p>​The following updated documents have been prepared in relation to the Provincial Natural Heritage System Review and Refinement​:<br></p><ul><li><a href="/Planning/Documents/!%20MCR%20Supplementary%20Memo%20on%20Provincial%20NHS%20-%20Feb%208%202022%20FINAL.pdf">Supplemental Memo on Provincial NHS - February 8, 2022</a>​<br></li><li><a href="/Planning/Documents/Simcoe%20County%20-%20GP%20NHS%20Refinements%20-%20%207March2022.pdf" target="_blank">Report by North South Environmental, 'Review and Refinements to the Natural Heritage System for the Growth Plan', dated March 7, 2022</a></li><li><a href="https://opengis.simcoe.ca/?MODE=advanced&GROUP=Land%20Use%20Planning&LAYERS=simcoe:nhs_countycombinedrefinements" target="_blank">Draft Refined Provincial Natural Heritage System Overlay mapping - GIS Format, County Interactive Mapping System - March 2022</a></li><li><a href="https://opengis.simcoe.ca/?MODE=advanced&GROUP=Land%20Use%20Planning&LAYERS=simcoe:nhs_countycombinedrefinements%2csimcoe:NHS_County_Addition_Removal" target="_blank">Draft Refined Provincial Natural Heritage System Overlay mapping with Additions and Removals - GIS Format, County Interactive Mapping System - March 2022</a> </li></ul><p>​       (Additions are shown in blue hatching and removals are shown in pink hatching)<span style="font-size:1em;">​​</span></p><div><h3>​​​​<br></h3><h3>REFINED MAPPING OF THE GROWTH PLAN NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEM OVERLAY​<br></h3><p><span style="font-size:1em;">The refinement of the Growth Plan NHS can only be based on the following Criteria:</span></p><ol><li>Minor, technical adjustments (to account for distortion from map projections, discrepancies based on map scales);</li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Addition of natural features continuous with the boundary of the provincially mapped NHS (in these cases the NHS will be extended to include a 30 metre vegetation protection zone beyond the edge of the feature);</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Removal of small portions of the provincial NHS where there is built-up impervious </span><span style="font-size:1em;">development or infrastructure (this does not apply to individual properties or houses outside of a registered plan of subdivision); and</span></li><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Removal of small, isolated portions of the NHS ​that protrude from the Greenbelt Plan </span><span style="font-size:1em;">boundary or settlement areas provided these areas have no natural features and are not </span><span style="font-size:1em;">connected to the larger provincial NHS.</span></li></ol><div>This updated mapping is provided for information and review. Public input on this mapping will be initiated as part of the Statutory Public Consultation process, which is tentatively scheduled for June 2022.<br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Previous Mapping - October 2021</strong><br></div><div><ul><li><a href="/Planning/Documents/Simcoe%20County%20-%20GP%20NHS%20Refinements_FINAL%20Oct%2014%202021%20with%20Figures%20-%20updated.pdf" target="_blank">Simcoe MCR – Review and Refinements to the Natural Heritage System for the Growth Plan Report</a>​ – DRAFT October 14, 2021<br></li><li>Simcoe MCR - <a href="/Planning/Documents/Proposed%20Additions%20and%20Removals%20to%20the%20Natural%20Heritage%20System%20for%20the%20Growth%20Plan%20-%20DRAFT%20October%2025,%202021.pdf" target="_blank" style="color:#000000;">Mapping of Proposed Additions and Removals to the Natural Heritage System for the Growth Plan</a> - DRAFT October 25, 2021<br></li><li><a href="/Planning/Documents/Refined_Natural%20Heritage%20System%20for%20the%20Growth%20Plan.pdf" target="_blank">Simcoe MCR - Refined Mapping of the Natural Heritage System for the Growth Plan</a>​<span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0">*</span> - DRAFT October 25, 2021<br></li></ul></div><p><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></p><p>Please refer to the Draft Report by North South Environmental, '<a href="/Planning/Documents/Simcoe%20County%20-%20GP%20NHS%20Refinements_FINAL%20Oct%2014%202021%20with%20Figures%20-%20updated.pdf" target="_blank">Review and Refinements to the Natural Heritage System for the Growth Plan​</a>', dated October 14<sup>th</sup> and associated mapping​ for additional infor​mation.<br></p><p>Public input on the October 25, 2021 draft <a href="/Planning/Documents/Proposed%20Additions%20and%20Removals%20to%20the%20Natural%20Heritage%20System%20for%20the%20Growth%20Plan%20-%20DRAFT%20October%2025,%202021.pdf"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Mapping of Proposed Additions and Removals to the Natural Heritage System for the Growth Plan</span></a> and the October 25, 2021 draft of the <a href="/Planning/Documents/Refined_Natural%20Heritage%20System%20for%20the%20Growth%20Plan.pdf"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Refined Mapping of the Natural Heritage System for the Growth Plan</span></a> was accepted by the County till the date of <strong>December 3, 2021.</strong> <br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong style="text-align:center;"><em>"The comment period is now closed."</em></strong><br></p><p>There will be further opportunities to review and comment on proposed refinements to the Provincial Natural Heritage System during the future Statutory Public Meeting process. Should you have any questions, please contact Kristin D. Pechkovsky, Senior Policy Advisor (<a href="mailto:kristin.pechkovsky@simcoe.ca">kristin.pechkovsky@simcoe.ca</a>)​​<br></p><p><br></p></div><h3>BACKGROUND INFORMATION​<br></h3><p>The refinement of the Provincially mapped Growth Plan NHS is part of Simcoe County's MCR. In support of the policies of the Growth Plan, the Province has mapped a Natural Heritage System (NHS) as a long-term approach to planning for the protection of the Greater Golden Horseshoe's natural heritage and biodiversity. The provincial NHS mapping can be accessed through this <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://geohub.lio.gov.on.ca/datasets/natural-heritage-system-area&data=04%7c01%7cIshan.Maggo%40simcoe.ca%7c0fe73ab4acee47fd7e9608d8d9c9a880%7cbaae52565a7340f28c4d76f3ae971463%7c1%7c0%7c637498807422263299%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7c1000&sdata=9uZLPdqDuYfYPaQOTTYmgKZNBVOSJ3Hio8dTgJqN7xI%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">link</a>.<br></p><p>The NHS is made up of core areas which are comprised of natural heritage features and areas. These core areas are linked by natural corridors (linkages) intended to provide connectivity (at the regional or site level) and support natural processes which are necessary to maintain the long-term viability of ecological systems.<br></p><p>According to policies of the Growth Plan, municipalities are required to incorporate the Growth Plan NHS mapping and policies within Official Plans. However, there is an opportunity to refine the Growth Plan NHS at the time of initial implementation. The Technical Report on Criteria, Rationale and Methods for the Growth Plan NHS provides guidance to municipalities to make minor, technical refinements to the Growth Plan NHS, in a manner that is consistent ​with the Growth Plan. The Technical Report can be accessed through this <a href="/Planning/Documents/GrowthPlan_NaturalHeritageSystem_TechnicalReport.pdf" target="_blank">link​</a>​.​<span style="font-size:1em;">​​​</span></p>
Watershed Plan EquivalentWatershed Plan Equivalent<h3>​CURRENT CONSULTATION MATERIAL​<img src="/Planning/PublishingImages/Pages/MCR/New.png" class="ms-rtePosition-4" alt="" style="font-size:1.236em;margin:5px;width:123px;height:92px;" />​<br></h3><p>The following documents have been prepared in relation to the Watershed Plan Equivalent​:<br></p><p></p><ul><li><a href="/Planning/Documents/Simcoe%20WP(E)%20-%20Tech%20Memo%20-1%20(Draft%20for%20Public%20Consultations).pdf" target="_blank">Simcoe MCR - Watershed Plan (Equivalent) - Technical Memorandum #1: Confirm Boundaries and Establish Priorities (Draft for Public Consultations)</a> – October 13, 2021</li><li><a href="/Planning/Documents/Simcoe%20WP(E)%20-%20Tech%20Memo%20-3%20Goals%20and%20Objectives%20(Draft%20for%20Public%20Consultations).pdf" target="_blank">Simcoe MCR - Watershed Plan (Equivalent) - Technical Memorandum #3: Watershed Plan Equivalency Document, Goals & Objectives, Simcoe County (Draft for Public Consultations)</a> – October 13, 2021​​<br></li></ul><div>Public input on the Watershed Plan (Equivalent) Technical Memorandums #1 and #3 will be accepted by the County up to and including the date of <strong>November 12</strong><strong><sup>th</sup></strong><strong>, 2021</strong>.  Should you wish to provide written comments and/or questions you can send your correspondence directly to Adrianna Spinosa, Planner III (<a href="mailto:adrianna.spinosa@simcoe.ca"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">adrianna.spinosa@simcoe.ca</span></a>)</div><div><br><br></div><h3>BACKGROUND INFORMATION</h3><p>​​​​One of the components of the County's Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR), is a Watershed Planning (WP) component to inform growth planning, which will include formulation of the Water Resource System (WRS). A Natural Heritage System (NHS) Review will be concurrently conducted and integrated with the WP and WRS.<br></p><p>The Draft Provincial Watershed Planning guidance document “Watershed Planning in Ontario – Guidance for Land-use Planning Authorities", 2018, as well as the Growth Plan and Greenbelt Plan, acknowledge the concept of information in existing documents being deemed to be “equivalent" and thereby offering the opportunity for re-use in supporting growth planning.  As such, the WP for the Simcoe MCR will be considered an “equivalent" document building upon existing databases and knowledge, particularly from area Conservation Authorities and Local Area Municipalities (LAMs).<br></p><p>Information from the past studies and other on-going work will be reviewed to support the area characterization and used to inform growth scenarios, leading to management guidance at the tertiary and quaternary watershed scales. <br></p><p>The Watershed Plan Equivalent will provide insights into high-level constraints, best practices, management requirements and future studies. Furthermore, through the study's overall consultation program, the Watershed Plan Equivalent document will summarize stakeholder-driven issues, particularly in priority growth areas, as defined by Simcoe and the Local Area Municipalities. ​<br></p>
Growth Management and Land Needs AssessmentGrowth Management and Land Needs Assessment<div style="text-align:justify;"><p><span style="font-size:19.776px;font-weight:700;">​​​Growth Forecasts and Land Needs Asses​sment</span><span style="font-size:19.776px;font-weight:700;"> ​</span><span style="font-size:19.776px;font-weight:700;">   </span><img src="/Planning/PublishingImages/Pages/MCR/New.png" class="ms-rtePosition-4" alt="" style="font-size:1.236em;margin:5px;width:123px;height:92px;" />​</p><p></p><ul><li><a href="/Planning/Documents/HEMSON%20-%20Revised%20Simcoe%20County%20Growth%20Forecasts%20and%20LNA%20Results%20-%2031May22.pdf" target="_blank">Hemson (May 31, 2022) Addendum to the Hemson Growth Forecasts and Land Needs Assessment Report, March 31, 2022</a>​<br></li><li><a href="/Planning/Documents/GROWTH%20FORECASTS%20AND%20LAND%20NEEDS%20ASSESSMENT.pdf">Growth Forecasts and Land Needs Assessment - Hemson (March 31, 2022)</a></li><li><a href="/Planning/Documents/!%20MCR%20Supplemental%20County%20Memo%20-%20Phasing%20Approach%20(1)%20(1).pdf">Supplemental Memo on MCR Phased Approach - Phase 1 and Phase 2,  June 2, 2022</a>​<br><br></li></ul><p></p><h4>Previous Land Needs Assessment (LNA) Draft - ​October, 2021​<br></h4><p style="text-align:justify;">The technical background material including Draft of the LNA for each lower-tier m<span style="font-size:1em;">unicipality​ </span><span style="font-size:1em;">along with an Explanatory Memorandum ​can be ​found below</span><span style="font-size:1em;">​​:</span></p><div style="text-align:left;"></div><p style="text-align:left;">                                    <a href="/Planning/Documents/Explanatory%20Memorandum_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20Session%20Information%20Package_01Oct2021.pdf" target="_blank" title="A link to a PDF of the Explanatory Memorandum - LNA Draft"><strong>Explanatory Memorandum</strong></a><br></p></div><div><table cellspacing="0" class="ms-rteTable-0" style="width:647.03px;height:299px;text-align:left;"><tbody><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="width:313.521px;">​​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Adjala-Tosorontio_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for Adjala-Tosorontio" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />Adjala-Tosorontio</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:313.521px;">​​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Oro-Medonte_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for Oro-Medonte​ " target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​Oro-Medonte</a>​<br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0">​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Bradford%20West%20Gwillimbury_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for Bradford West Gwillimbury" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />Bradford West Gwillimbury</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0"><a href="/Planning/Documents/Penetanguishene_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for ​Penetanguishene" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​Penetanguishene</a><br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0">​<a href="/Planning/Documents/Clearview_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for Clearview" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />Clearview</a>​<br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0"><a href="/Planning/Documents/Ramara_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for ​Ramara" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​Ramara</a><br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0"><a href="/Planning/Documents/Collingwood_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for Collingwood" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​Collingwood</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0"><a href="/Planning/Documents/Severn_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for ​Severn" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​Severn</a><br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0"><a href="/Planning/Documents/Essa_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for Essa" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​Essa</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0"><a href="/Planning/Documents/Springwater_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for Springwater" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​Springwater</a><br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0"><a href="/Planning/Documents/Innisfil_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for Innisfil" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​Innisfil</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0"><a href="/Planning/Documents/Tay_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for ​Tay" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​Tay</a><br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0"><a href="/Planning/Documents/Midland_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for Midland" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​Midland​</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0"><a href="/Planning/Documents/Tiny_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for ​Tiny" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​Tiny</a><br></td></tr><tr class="ms-rteTableOddRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0"><a href="/Planning/Documents/New%20Tecumseth_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for New Tecumseth" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​New Tecumseth</a><br></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0"><a href="/Planning/Documents/Wasaga%20Beach_HEMSON_LNA%20Public%20Information%20on%20Information%20Package_01Oct21.pdf" title="Draft of the LNA for Wasaga Beach" target="_blank"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/images/icpdf.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" />​Wasaga Beach</a>​<br></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br></div><div>On October 5, 2021, the LNA technical background information was presented by Hemson Consulting in three virtual public information sessions held at 10:00am, 1:30pm, and 4:00pm. Both Hemson along with County planning staff were present to receive comments and address questions. <br><br></div><div>The October 5th LNA PowerPoint presentation and the recordings of each of the three LNA public information sessions are available below:​<br></div><ul><li>​<a href="/Planning/Documents/HEMSON_LNA_Public%20Sessions%2005Oct21%20FINAL.pdf" target="_blank" style="font-size:1em;">Hemson Draft Land Needs Assessment Public Information Sessions Presentation October 5, 2021</a></li><li><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/youtu.be/IGysG41fE_Y__%3b%21%21MPCK0opJ%21p94oy-zeJtBqHxkZNomlRPKNLMT8quPSechjaGftz09HRjGX1sDc3NKwVPAMR-M4VA$" target="_blank">Recording of October 5, 2021 10:00am Land Needs Assessment Public Information Session</a></li><li><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/youtu.be/Pzr5VPH71eE__%3b%21%21MPCK0opJ%21p94oy-zeJtBqHxkZNomlRPKNLMT8quPSechjaGftz09HRjGX1sDc3NKwVPAH23KJWw$" target="_blank">Recording of October 5, 2021 1:30pm Land Needs Assessment Public Information Session</a></li><li><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/youtu.be/C8G6ehW0Rwo__%3b%21%21MPCK0opJ%21p94oy-zeJtBqHxkZNomlRPKNLMT8quPSechjaGftz09HRjGX1sDc3NKwVPA26-ydRQ$" target="_blank">Recording of October 5, 2021 4:00pm Land Needs Assessment Public Information Session</a><br></li></ul><p>In addition, input on the LNA will be collected up to and including the date of <strong>November 12th 2021</strong>, so that it can be taken into consideration prior to any recommendations being made to County Council.  Should you wish to provide written comments after the October 5th information sessions, you can send your correspondence to both Greg Marek (<a href="mailto:greg.marek@simcoe.ca">greg.marek@simcoe.ca</a>) and Dan Amadio (<a href="mailto:dan.amadio@simcoe.ca">dan.amadio@simcoe.ca</a>).​<br></p><h3><br></h3><h3>BACKGROUND INFORMATION<br></h3></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:1em;">I</span><span style="font-size:1em;">n conjunction with the release of the updated Growth Plan, the Province published the final version of a revised Land Needs Assessment (LNA) Methodology that upper-tier and single-tier municipalities are required to use in determining future land needs. The objective of the work will be to determine how much future growth can be accommodated within the existing settlement areas and then to identify how much additional land will be needed to accommodate the remaining amount of growth. Close coordination with local municipalities, who will be providing key information on the feasibility and most appropriate location for settlement boundary expansion, is a must.</span></div><p>Developing the new LNA is a key element of Simcoe's Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) process and, in keeping with the Province's new Methodology, will be organized according to two broad land use categories: land for community needs, mainly focused around housing, and land for employment uses.<br></p><p>The Growth Management and Land Needs Assessment will be an important technical background study for other elements of the MCR. In particular, the Employment Land Strategy will be closely integrated with the LNA work. <br></p><p>A number of relevant policies and targets that affect land budgeting have changed as a result of the recent Growth Plan amendments:</p><ul><li>The time horizon for growth planning has been extended from 2041 to 2051.<br></li><li>The Growth Plan now requires that the County use the newly prescribed Provincial Land Needs Assessment Methodology for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Of great importance to the County MCR is that the new Methodology requires that land needs be assessed with reference to “market demand" in Simcoe.</li><li>Schedule 7 to the previous Growth Plan, which established population and employment forecasts to 2031 for lower-tier municipalities, has been removed from the current Plan.​​​​​<br><br>​<br><br>​<br><br><br><br><br></li></ul>
Climate Change StrategyClimate Change Strategy<p>​<br></p><h3>CURRENT CONSULTATION MATERIAL​<img src="/Planning/PublishingImages/Pages/MCR/New.png" class="ms-rtePosition-4" alt="" style="font-size:1.236em;margin:5px;width:123px;height:92px;" /><br></h3><p>The following documents have been prepared in relation to the Climate Change Strategy​:<br></p><ul><li><a href="/Planning/Documents/FINAL%20DRAFT_Simcoe%20MCR_Climate%20Change%20Strategy_14Oct21.pdf" target="_blank">Simcoe MCR – Draft Climate Change Strategy</a> - October 14, 2021<br></li></ul><div>Public input on the Draft Climate Change Strategy will be accepted by the County up to and including the date of <strong>November 12</strong><strong><sup>th</sup></strong><strong>, 2021</strong>.  Should you wish to provide written comments and/or questions you can send your correspondence directly to Julie Nolan, Planner III (<a href="mailto:julie.nolan@simcoe.ca">julie.nolan@simcoe.ca</a>). <br></div><div><br></div><h3>​BACKGROUND INFORMATION</h3><p>The existing land use planning framework in Ontario has undergone significant changes in the past decade to include climate change mitigation and adaptation. Increasing awareness of the role local governments can play in climate action is now clearly reflected in provincial legislation and policy. The County and its local municipalities are now tasked in the Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) with updating their own policies and plans to guide development and change in a changing climate. The Climate Change Strategy will be a key document providing the background and context for climate change policies appropriate to Simcoe's planning and development challenges.<br></p><p>The Strategy will assess provincial climate change policies and policy conformity requirements including the <em>Planning Act </em>and Provincial Policy Statement (updated with climate change policies in 2014) and with the Growth Plan, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and Greenbelt Plan, all updated in 2017 to address climate change as a result of the coordinated plan review. As appropriate, other provincial guidance will be addressed, such as the Made in Ontario Environment Plan (2018) and forthcoming work on climate change impact assessments, as appropriate. Changes to the Green Energy Act also have had implications for local decision-making about the siting of renewable energy. Also, the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan review is reportedly about to be underway, with climate change adaptation already a major concern of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA), providing additional information and guidance tailored to issues facing Simcoe.<br></p><p>Existing County and local municipal plans and policies related to climate change will be reviewed and integrated into the analysis. Official plan policy can set the stage for a County's approach to climate action. The opportunity here is for climate action to be integrated from the beginning as future expansion areas are planned providing the opportunity to encourage lower emissions at all scales of development.​<span style="font-size:1em;">​</span></p>
Employment StrategyEmployment Strategy<p>​​​​An important component of the Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) is the preparation of an employment strategy for the County and its 16 local municipalities. The major focus of the work will be on determining the adequacy of the existing amount land in the Employment Areas and the need, if necessary, to identify additional land for designation and other suitable land for the longer term.​<br></p><p>A number of special considerations will play a role in the study. Firstly, Simcoe, with Barrie and to a lesser extent Orillia, will experience a level of growth second only to the Region of Waterloo in terms of the Outer Ring municipalities located within the Greater Golden Horseshoe. A considerable amount of the growth will congregate around Highway 400 but smaller communities may also accommodate a significant share of growth. Secondly, while not necessarily sources of major employment growth, the County contains several large unique facilities that collectively account for a significant proportion of the County's employment base: the Honda plant in Alliston; Canadian Forces Base Borden in Essa; the maximum security jail and the Provincial psychiatric hospital in Penetanguishene; and Casino Rama in Ramara.​​<span style="font-size:1em;">​</span></p>


CITY OF ORILLIA MUNICIPAL COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW (MCR)​ PROCESS

The City of Orillia continues its planning process to find enough land to accommodate its growth over the next 30 years. Our next virtual Public Open House will be held on Tuesday, June 20th at 6 – 8 p.m. (see attached Notice) to inform the public of the following:  

  • Results of the updated Land Needs Assessment requested by Council on April 25, 2022. 

  • The scale and built form required if the City wishes to achieve higher intensification and greenfield density targets to help reduce the size of a future settlement area boundary expansion. 

  • A map identifying the best lands from a planning perspective for a future settlement area boundary expansion based on the results of the series of Technical Land Evaluation Reports.  

The City of Orillia is working through its Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) planning process and is in the process of determining the lands to accommodate the next 30 years of growth in the City.  

Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend. Please share this with your community stakeholders. To register for the June 20th virtual Public Open House, visit our webpage at orillia.ca/MCR. You can also sign up to receive regular updates as we move forward with the City's MCR planning process and determining the lands for a future settlement area boundary expansion.