GTA Year in Review - Seeking municipal comments

NRU
Dec. 23, 2015

As Premier Kathleen Wynne’s government continued to check off items on its long policy agenda, it seemed that GTHA municipalities were constantly being asked to provide comment on one piece of provincial policy or another.

In March the province launched its 10-year co-ordinated review of the Greenbelt Plan, Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and Niagara Escarpment Plan and appointed former Toronto mayor David Crombie to oversee its advisory panel. On the heels of the co-ordinated review Municipal Aff airs and Housing minister Ted McMeekin introduced Bill 73: Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, which proposed amendments to the Planning Act and the Development Charges Act.

And that’s not all the province was up to in 2015. Also in the works are a long term affordable housing strategy, a climate change strategy, reviews of the Conservation Authorities Act and the Municipal Elections Act and much more. Municipal leaders also considered some weighty decisions about the region’s future. Mississauga and Hamilton embraced proposals for new LRT lines while Brampton chose to reject its provincial funding. York Region learned it will be home to a new university campus in Markham and Oshawa tried to come to terms with how it will accommodate its growing population. GTA municipalities were also asked to support a new foreign direct investment agency that will replace the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance, which is closing its doors at the end of the year.

This year also marked a year of electoral surprise as the results of federal election were a far cry from early predictions before the writ was dropped. In the fall Liberal leader Justin Trudeau started as Prime Minister and his party won back lost territory in the GTHA. He also appointed a diverse, gender balanced
cabinet that he said reflected Canada.

JANUARY

The Milton Education Village Innovation Centre lays the groundwork for the town’s bid for a university campus. Burlington establishes a heritage tax rebate program to assist residential owners with the maintenance of designated heritage properties. Pickering starts the first phase of the South Pickering Intensification Study, which reviews growth and development opportunities outside the city centre. Markham develops a new vision for Unionville’s Main Street seeking to create a vibrant and successful heritage village. Ajax launches an interactive consulting tool to improve public participation. Uxbridge council responds to an application to expand existing aggregate operation without triggering an
OMB hearing.

Development and OMB News-The board approves a four building complex comprising 297 residential units at Dundas Street and Sutton Drive in Burlington. Oshawa residents are concerned about the compatibility of a proposed five-storey, 129-unit retirement home and surrounding low-rise residential neighbourhood. The developer of a proposed 30-storey building in downtown Hamilton seeks one parking space for every two units. An OMB decision to cap parkland dedication in Richmond Hill is hailed as a win for the development industry. Vaughan council approves a proposal for 797 residential spaces spread across four buildings ranging six- to 25-storeys in Thornhill. The board approves a settlement concerning
Scugog’s comprehensive zoning by-law, which implements the new official plan and other planning initiatives.

FEBRUARY

Mississauga planning team seeks a budget increase to address new initiatives in the development pipeline. The province appoints an advisory panel on homelessness, which brings together experts from the non-profit, research, academic, health and public sectors. Pickering approves a zoning by-law that would allow a casino in the proposed Durham Live project; Ajax says the development would negatively impact local roads and appeals the Durham Live development proposal. Hamilton’s planning and economic development department asks for an increased budget to improve staff workloads and reduce reliance on reserve funding. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change releases a discussion paper that will inform a comprehensive climate change strategy later in the year. Municipalities and stakeholders seek changes to Ontario’s lengthy municipal EA process to reduce associated costs and delays. Vaughan moves forward with a new formula based approach for section 37 which will determine the appropriate dollar value of contributions.

Development and OMB News-A proposed 38-storey development in Mississauga’s Cooksville neighbourhood starts the trend of revitalization linked to pending transit development. Scugog holds the second round of public meetings amid growing resistance to proposed subdivision projects. Burlington reviews how to better assess new planning applications to maintain local context. Richmond Hill awaits an OMB decision on whether or not the five-storey limit in its downtown core is the result of good consultation or completely arbitrary. The new master plan for Sheridan Park Corporate Centre modernizes land uses to reflect its current business model. Brampton planning committee considers application for OPA and ZBA to permit development of 11 multi-tenant industrial buildings for office and warehouse distribution uses. The board approves a settlement in Mississauga that changes a proposed
development from townhouses to semi-detached houses.

MARCH

A proposed 22-storey redevelopment of Hamilton’s historic Tivoli theatre draws criticism from residents who feel the neighbourhood is better suited for mid-rise buildings. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing launches the 10-year coordinated review of the Greenbelt Plan, Growth Plan, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and Niagara Escarpment Plan and appoints an advisory panel led by former Toronto mayor David Crombie. Hamilton approves a tourism strategy and five-year action plan that calls for the creation of a city/industry tourism partnership to boost marketing efforts. Oakville seeks to revitalize retail and business activity by making its downtown pedestrian and cyclist friendly. Barrie creates a dedicated tax levy to pay for the timely upkeep of infrastructure. Whitby council works to create a pedestrian-focused downtown and approves timelines to attract proposals for its former fi re hall and nearby parking lots. The Neptis Foundation released a report showing that GTHA municipalities have only used 9 per cent of budgeted land to meet population projects. Development and OMB News-Following the introduction of Bill 73, which proposes amendments to the Development Charges Act and the Planning Act, legal experts question proposed new limits on appeal rights. East Gwillimbury considers ZBA and draft plan of subdivision applications from Queensville Properties Development. Aurora public planning committee considers a proposal for 22 block townhouses. Markham starts a comprehensive review of its zoning by-law.

Clarington considers an application for a three-storey, mixed use building in Bowmanville. The board approves Pickering city centre OPA changing the policy so that buildings have a minimum of two functional storeys with three-storey massing. Proposal for a 15- and 21-storey development is expected to test the limits of density in Milton’s historic downtown.

APRIL

The Hamilton general issues committee approves a public engagement charter, which guides consultation with citizens. York Region improves cycling facilities to consider the needs of all cyclists, not just bike commuters. A Metrolinx survey shows commuting experience is directly tied to job satisfaction. Brampton votes on a second-unit policy that seeks to increase the amount of safe affordable housing. King approves a three-year tourism plan. Premier Kathleen Wynne appoints Karen Pitre lead of the Community Hub Advisory Group, which will review provincial policies and develop a framework for adapting public assets into community hubs. Halton Region approves an Older Adult Plan. Postsecondary institutions and local municipalities work to accommodate growing student populations. Brampton revives its downtown BIA to replace a downtown development corporation.

Development and OMB News-Adi Development Group seeks to build a 28-storey mixed-use building in Burlington; the densest and tallest proposal ever submitted to the city. Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga and Oakville joins forces to fight an OMB decision regarding parkland dedication policies. Mississauga residents and the local councillor reject a mid-rise proposal on a major corridor as they say the six-storey development is a poor fi t with the local community. A controversial proposed subdivision in Georgina may be prevented by proposed changes to LSRCA’s watershed development policies. Caledon sets an aggressive density target for development on its Mayfield West 2 lands to meet 2031 targets. Milton approves an interim control bylaw following staff concerns that the town is not achieving sufficient employment density. The OMB hears an appeal of the proposed rental towers near Lake Aquitaine in Mississauga.

MAY

GTAA considers whether or not it should evolve Toronto Pearson International Airport into an integrated network of hubs across Southern Ontario. Municipalities consider how best to prepare for impacts of extreme weather events despite the lagging provincial Building Code. Halton Hills prepares for the next phase of growth through its Vision Georgetown initiative. Mississauga starts a visioning process to evaluate planning policies for Malton. Patrick Brown wins the Ontario PC leadership race. A Neptis Foundation report shows transit and land use planning have not been integrated in the GTHA over the last decade. GGH municipalities ask the province to improve clarity among its land use planning policies. The Province pledges $1-billion for the Hamilton LRT line. Halton Region considers increasing regional council size to fix representational imbalance. The province supports York University’s proposal for Markham Centre campus.

Development and OMB News-Hamilton develops a draft rural zoning by-law. The OMB rules that municipalities cannot collect DCs to pay for the capital costs incurred by conservation authorities addressing the impacts of growth. The board considers three appeals of Richmond Hill’s official plan. Hamilton craft s tall building guidelines for the downtown. Clarington and Durham Region disagree about
the future of whitebelt lands around Clarington. The board approves a ZBA and site plan subject to conditions for the Bronte Development proposal for two eight-storey and one
four-storey building in Oakville.

JUNE

Halton Hills asks the province to force aggregate companies to justify their need for new pits. Burlington and Hamilton consider a management plan for Burlington Heights Heritage Lands. Ryerson University Centre for Urban Research and Land Development’s report says GTA municipalities and the province have failed to meet requirements for serviced land, causing a shortage of new ground-related housing. Oshawa develops its first integrated transportation master plan. Mississauga staff recommends new policy directions to prevent the city from running out of employment lands before 2041. GTMA announces it will be replaced by a new agency in 2016. Hamilton outlines plans for the South Stadium Precinct’s new civic facility comprising recreation centre, secondary school, outdoor courtyard and existing pool. Simcoe County and Barrie work together to increase the availability of affordable housing through a range of options along the housing continuum. Whitby decides if the benefits of creating public laneways for new subdivisions are worth the maintenance costs.

Development and OMB News-Municipalities seek greater flexibility in how they plan and pay for growth as Queen’s Park consider second reading of Bill 73. Barrie proposes corridor specific pre-zoning to transform intensification corridors into vibrant, pedestrian-oriented landscapes. Oshawa committee approves Podium Development’s application for two apartment buildings on Simcoe Street North. Vaughan seeks to place limits on townhouse development through proposed changes to low-rise residential policies. Hamilton settles with the Niagara Escarpment Commission over amendments seeking to permit development of three six-storey multiple dwellings at Charlton Avenue East. Richmond Hill staff asks a developer to replace two proposed six-storey apartment buildings with townhouses before an OMB hearing begins in the fall.

JULY

Oshawa seeks to encourage new residential rental units nears its post-secondary institutions by extending incentives to developers. Barrie prepares to revitalize the interior of its historic Allandale train station. A new study of Milton’s historic core is underway to weave together a cohesive plan to create a destination for residents. Hamilton refuses its first application for a major solar facility in the absence of policies to guide the location of green energy projects. Durham Region begins review of its council composition. The province reviews the Conservation Authorities Act to ensure authorities have the tools to continue protection from water related natural hazards. Municipal councils ask for shorter campaign periods, increased clarity on campaign financing, greater flexibility on accessibility and local discretion around ranked ballots as part of the Municipal Elections Act review.

Development and OMB News-Markham approves a townhouse application on a site approved for mid-rise and transfers the lost density to another of the applicant’s sites. Ajax begins a comprehensive zoning by-law review. Caledon seeks to expand transit servicing to and from its two growth areas and the employment area on Mayfield Road. The board dismisses an appeal against Scugog’s approval of a tourist resort development in Port Perry. Halton chair Gary Carr says the region will stop building new infrastructure to accommodate growth unless the province addresses funding concerns. Experts ask the province to expand board-assisted mediation to resolve complex land use planning issues.

AUGUST

Caledon considers a plan to build resiliency and improve the local environment in the Jaffrey’s Creek sub-catchment area. Aurora considers a new cultural precinct to revitalize the downtown and create a new destination. CIP announces Toronto chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat and Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services community and client service director Kelley Moore will chair its Future FORWARD Task Force to address its current challenges. Georgina starts construction on a new community facility. The writ is dropped for longest federal election in the last century, with 12 open races in the GTHA.

Development and OMB News-Hamilton seeks to capture the economic benefit of a new LRT route by pre-zoning the corridor. Caledon asks the province to give greater weight to the impact of the proposed GTA West corridor on agriculture when it decides on the new route. Ridge Pine Park seeks to build a 560-unit residential community adjacent to the Wilmot Creek Adult Lifestyle Community in Clarington. Delays in building a new sewage system in York Region threatens to slow down residential growth in East Gwillimbury. Following an OMB ruling that proposed development should adhere to the local plan, the FRAM Group submits a new application for a 15-storey building in Port Credit Village.

SEPTEMBER

Ontario regional planning commissioners recommend the province allow municipalities increased flexibility in deciding growth. Brampton hires a facilitator to assist in ongoing discussions about whether the city should build the Hurontario-Main LRT line. An Ontario Home Builder’s Association report recommends the province play a more direct role in shaping development along transit corridors. A Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario report warns that technological advances require changes in the way the province makes decisions. Hamilton staff works with residents to develop a community vision to guide decision-making for the next 25 years. The province seeks public input on Ontario’s first cultural strategy, which will identify priorities and outline a vision for culture in Ontario.

Development and OMB News-A proposed quarry haul route in Guelph/Eramosa Townships concerns neighboring Halton Hills with no process for interregional review. Mississauga considers tightening development rules along Mississauga Road to preserve its historic character. Hamilton consults the public on its urban boundaries within the greenbelt. Markham considers a preliminary proposal for a multi-storey, mixed use, mid-rise building at the corner of Highway 7 East and Donald Cousens Parkway. A Burlington developer proposes a 28-storey condo which it says will push the city to become more urbanized. A land use concept plan for Block 41 in Vaughan changes the way the city meets its density targets.

OCTOBER

Caledon’s new transportation master plan anticipates impacts of the GTA West Corridor and Bolton GO Station on land development. Regional leaders say the Greater Toronto, Hamilton and Waterloo area has the potential to be a global digital supercluster, but the region needs a more cohesive strategy to bring municipalities together. Liberal leader Justin Trudeau is elected as Prime Minister with a majority government. Hamilton finalizes its plan to reduce non-industrial GHG emissions to mitigate impacts of climate change. Through the provincial review of the Conservation Authorities Act municipalities ask for consistency when it comes to oversight, function and funding of conservation authorities.

Development and OMB News-The board approves a settlement concerning the Durham Region OPA which converts employment lands and permits retailing of goods and services. Mississauga streamlines its application process for building permits and site plan applications with an online service. The board approves a settlement regarding Scugog’s OPA concerning lands at the south end of Port Perry Urban Area. Committed funding for Hurontario-Main LRT changes attitudes about density proposed through new developments. The board approves a settlement for a Clarington subdivision proposal, which includes 234 residential units, a stormwater management block, open space, parkland and related roads. Caledon consults residents and stakeholders on the future development of whitebelt lands.

NOVEMBER

Through a review of the Municipal Act, municipalities seek more authority to generate revenue to address anticipated growth-related infrastructure challenges. The Ontario environment commissioner’s report says action is needed to protect the province’s parkland and water supply. Mississauga seeks a creative, urban solution to address its downtown parkland deficiency. Caledon seeks to revitalize and beautify its six villages with a community improvement plan that recognizes each community’s character. East Gwillimbury staff proposes new streetscape and public realm design guidelines to strengthen the identity of its local centres and corridors. The CIP board of directors select a new governance model for members to consider in March 2016, which focuses on renewed emphasis on being a member focused
organization.

Development and OMB News-Mississauga approves Port Credit Mobility Hub Master Plan, which envisions the two hectare site as a mixed-used, transit-supportive hub. York Region Committee of the Whole rejects staff ’s preferred growth scenario and asks for more detailed analysis on a scenario with a lower intensification rate. The final vision for Port Whitby, a revitalized and vibrant new waterfront community, is presented to town council. The OMB allows an appeal supporting a townhouse development in Milton.

DECEMBER

Barrie considers tools needed to address the spectrum of housing needs in the city. A new provincial bill seeks to increase diversion rates by requiring producers to take full responsibility for waste generated by their products and packaging. The 407 East extension is expected to improve access to employment and services in the GTA. The Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis develops a new model to better determine the long-term economic impacts of government investment in infrastructure. Oshawa considers an amended community improvement plan and financial tools for its downtown as a way to attract more residential and economic growth. The province releases the Crombie report on the coordinated review which recommends increasing density targets, improving alignment between transportation planning and growth forecasting and better coordination among provincial planning legislation.

Development and OMB news-Hamilton seeks authority to request changes to Greenbelt Plan designations and boundaries outside of the 10-year review period. Halton Hills considers a ZBA to implement revisions to an approved subdivision draft plan. Mississauga creates a master planning framework to guide future development of the Imperial Oil site along its waterfront. The board approves a settlement for mixed use development along Highway 7 in Vaughan following an addition of live-work units to the proposal.