Chaired by Councillor R. Paterak

1. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - Nil


Additional Item:

Audio Streaming of the April 3, 2008 and June 5, 2008 Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee meetings (Oral)

RECOMMENDATION IMPSC-1-2008:

That audio streaming of the April 3, 2008 and June 5, 2008 meetings of the Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee be broadcast internally and externally on the Region of Peel website.

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION IMPSC-2-2008:

That the agenda for the April 3, 2008, Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee meeting, be approved.

3. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

a) Ian C. Smith, Consultant, Oliver Wyman - Delta Organization and Leadership, Providing a Review of Regional Council’s Planning Role

Received

See also Reports – Item 4a

Ian C. Smith, Consultant, Oliver Wyman - Delta Organization and Leadership, provided a high level overview of the planning roles and responsibilities of the Region and Area Municipal councils as well as Conservation Authorities, within the context of provincial legislation.

Ian Smith indicated that the review undertook a four phase approach: mobilize, diagnose, design and implement, and is currently in the process of completing phase three. He noted that meetings, interviews and focus groups were held with Regional and Area Municipal staff to review and understand the current position as it relates to planning and determine the Regional planning function moving forward.

Councillor Parrish noted that all of the recommendations put forward by the consultant were based on making the two levels of government work together in a cooperative manner. Councillor Parrish commented that for this collaboration to work, it has to be acknowledged that the Region will continue to be in existence. She supported the recommendation on protocol development and suggested that the area municipalities could benefit from undergoing a similar review. Councillor Parrish expressed her support for converting the contract positions to permanent status within the Planning Division.

Councillor Paterak commented on recommendation one that refers to the development of a protocol based on the Planning Matrix. He noted that these were complex documents and suggested the use of a user’s manual to ensure responsibilities were understood and fulfilled. Ian Smith replied that any name or method can be used. The intent of the protocol was for clarity and there were areas that needed to be more clearly defined.

Councillor Moore clarified that the tension felt by the City of Mississauga Council was not one felt within the City of Brampton. She stated that this may have been the case in the past and noted the desire of the City of Brampton to work in a cooperative manner with the Region. She commended Regional and Area Municipal staff for recognizing that the relationship could be improved and that staff was working to resolve issues. Councillor Moore was pleased with the consultant’s recommendation to convert the contract staff to permanent status.

Councillor Mullin noted that many of the issues stemmed from the political agenda, highlighting the perception of duplication and the lack of clarity in defining roles. She requested clarification regarding the second recommendation on development planning and transportation planning, since this was the area that was suggested for further review. Ian Smith replied there were areas that need to be further defined, as they relate to the types of services the local and regional levels would like to provide. He indicated this does not necessarily mean there is duplication, however, he suggested perhaps roles and processes needed to be reviewed and fine-tuned. Ian Smith commented that once the review was completed, the number of resources needed could be confirmed, however, he did not believe that this would result in significant change to the number of positions required. Councillor Mullin inquired into the number of positions identified within the development review group that was the area of most concern. Ian Smith responded that there were approximately 12 people in the group and noted that the layout was reasonable, given the roles and responsibilities, but some refinement may be required.

David Szwarc, Chief Administrative Officer, Region of Peel, clarified that of the 30 staff members in the Planning Policy and Research and Transportation Planning Divisions, 11 positions were contract and of the 12 staff in the Development Planning Division, 2 positions were contract.

Councillor Thompson arrived at 10:07 a.m.

Ian Smith provided an overview regarding key findings and recommendations of the review related to the planning role and Conservation Authorities (CA). He stated that the study included the analysis of the roles of other Regions and their relationship with the Conservation Authorities. The two Conservation Authorities considered in this review were Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVC) and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).

Councillor Mullin addressed the issue of flexibility and stated that the Conservation Authorities were moving in a proactive way to be flexible without compromising their mandate. She noted that the Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVC) held many workshops with the development industry. The workshops clarified what the Conservation Authorities are mandated with and provided good feedback and ideas from the development industry. Councillor Mullin indicated that the City of Mississauga works closely with the Conservation Authorities and they have not seen the issues of concern expressed by municipalities that are reflected in the consultant’s report. Councillor Mullin stated that the recommendations were clear and concise, noting that the Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) require updating and hoped that Brampton would join in developing its own MOU.

Councillor Thompson agreed with the recommendations, especially with regards to the MOUs. He noted that the Conservation Authorities have taken on more responsibilities and expressed the challenges being faced by the authorities in exercising their mandate. Councillor Thompson stated that the Conservation Authorities lacked adequate staff and resources and suggested that some responsibility could be undertaken by the municipalities in sharing the workload.

Rae Horst, Chief Administrative Officer, Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVC), commented that any improvements in working with the municipalities were welcome and agreed with reviewing the Memorandums of Understanding. She stated that a draft Memorandum of Understanding for the City of Brampton was prepared, should the City be interested in pursuing this further.

Councillor Paterak inquired if the MOUs were shared within the municipalities. Rae Horst indicated that the MOUs were very much alike due to the similarity in services provided by the Conservation Authorities.

Councillor Paterak asked if there was a difference between the proposed Brampton draft MOU and the old MOUs established with Mississauga and Caledon.

Gary Murphy, Director, Planning, CVC, indicated there were very minor differences. He did highlight that the Mississauga and Peel MOUs were very current. However, the Caledon MOU, dating back to the late 1990’s would require updating.

Rae Horst indicated that the Conservation Authority would be working with the area municipalities in the Region to address the fourth recommendation regarding the Service Strategy Business Plan (SSBP). David Szwarc clarified that a small working group that includes representation from area municipalities would be formed to tackle and review the issue of potential duplication. He stated that the SSBP document would be used as a guide, but an extensive business planning process was not planned or anticipated at this point in time.

Brian Denney, Chief Administrative Officer, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), stated that they concur with the recommendations put forward by the consultants and look forward to the dialogue that this process would generate. He noted that a review of the MOUs would be a great opportunity to address the issues of climate change as well as to re-evaluate the joint programming that needs to take place with the area municipalities.

Regional Chair Kolb inquired if the issue of the removal of surplus topsoil and fill from urbanizing areas and importing it to rural areas can be addressed through a Memorandum of Understanding. Brian Denney sated that this was a very complex and serious issue. He informed that the Conservation Authorities were anxious to work with the municipalities to address this issue through the MOU process. Councillor Paterak suggested that the Conservation Authorities organize a summit with everyone present to deal with the matter. Brian Denney noted that TRCA would be happy to host the event and would try to encourage staff from the Ministry of the Environment to participate.

Regional Chair Kolb commented that he is pleased with the work being carried out by the area municipalities and Regional staff. He noted that the area municipalities have been very cooperative and supportive during the process. Chair Kolb was looking forward to working with the Conservation Authorities to address the future growth issues of the Region of Peel.

Items Related to Reports – Item 4a was dealt with.


4. REPORTS

Councillor Paterak requested a friendly amendment to the recommendation contained in the report titled “Review of Regional Council’s Planning Role”, which was accepted:

That the words “Final Report” be deleted from the first line of the recommendation and replaced with the words “Interim Report”.

a) Review of Regional Council’s Planning Role

RECOMMENDATION IMPSC-3-2008:

That the Interim Report, attached as Appendix II, to the report of the Commissioner of Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, dated March 24, 2008, titled “Review of Regional Council’s Planning Role,” be received;

And further, that Regional staff be directed to implement the recommendations in the subject report;

And further, that Oliver Wyman be retained to undertake 1) the detailed reviews of the Development Review and Transportation Planning responsibilities of Regional Council and 2) the development of a protocol to support the use of the existing Planning matrix;

And further, that the existing contract staff be converted to permanent status;

And further, that the subject report be forwarded to the area municipalities, for information.

See also Delegations/Presentations – Item 3a

Regional Chair Kolb suggested that the Consultant’s presentation on the Review of Regional Council’s Planning Role be circulated to the rest of Regional Council for their information.

b) Tom AppaRao, Director, Transportation Planning; Arvin Prasad, Director, Planning Policy and Research and Naheeda Jamal, Principal Planner, Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, Region of Peel, Providing a Status Update on the Peel Region Official Plan Review (PROPR)

Received

Arvin Prasad, Director, Planning Policy and Research, Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, Region of Peel provided an update of the work carried out thus far on the Peel Region Official Plan Review. He stated that the Peel Region Official Plan Review is half way through its process, striving toward the June 2009 deadline.

Naheeda Jamal, Principal Planner and Project Manager of the Peel Region Official Plan Review, provided an overview on the process involved in the PROPR. She stated that there has been significant collaboration and consultation with area municipal staff through various technical working groups; this collaboration is expected to be ongoing.

Councillor Mullin suggested that the Managing Growth incentive should take precedence indicating that every project coming forward in Mississauga South were intensification projects. She commented that none of these projects address best intensification practices. Councillor Mullin noted that perhaps this can be dealt with through a zoning by-law that requires an intensification project to show how it would bring value to the community and in terms of meeting environmental concerns. Councillor Mullin advised that more thought had to be placed on the ramifications on over-intensification, such as the issue of storm water, where there was very little land to store the water. She concluded that by the time process and review are finalized, it may be too late.

Arvin Prasad commented that he was aware of what was happening across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. He indicated that the developers aggressively moving forward with project proposals through the Places to Grow program, in established communities, without any Provincial direction. On a positive note, Arvin Prasad advised that the Province released the “Delineation of the Urban Growth Centres” study. Arvin Prasad noted that the Region was working closely with the area municipalities to try to address some of these issues. He emphasized that this was one of the lead studies under the Official Plan Review and since the Urban Growth Centres have been defined, specific strategies for directing growth can be put in place.

Councillor Mullin requested that staff comment on the plans being provided to the Region, because by not doing so it may appear that there are no issues or problems.

Councillor Paterak inquired if the City of Mississauga had taken any steps in the form of establishing design criteria for the intensification projects. Councillor Mullin responded that this has been before Mississauga City Council, however, the Province has not provided the tools to address such issues. Councillor Paterak asked Arvin Prasad if the area municipalities have the authority to impose design standards. Arvin Prasad responded that design standards are currently in place. Councillor Mullin commented that this was not sufficient.

Councillor Paterak departed at 10:50 a.m., due to other municipal business.

Councillor Parrish, Vice-Chair, presided.

David Szwarc suggested that this issue could be tackled as part of Recommendation Four under Regional Council’s Planning Role listed as Item 4 a) in the April 3, 2008 IMPSC agenda. The recommendation proposes a more detailed review of selected areas in development planning and transportation planning, to be completed by June 2008.

Councillor Parrish commented that when the public start complaining about aesthetics and other particulars of a building, it will be because they are not receptive to the in-fill or intensification. She indicated this to be a process where the public needs to be educated, this was a Provincial Policy that cannot be changed and involvement in aspects that can be changed such as the overall aesthetics and presentation of a building, could be encouraged.

Councillor Palleschi expressed concern regarding the length of time it would take to review the Official Plan every five years. He noted that the review period of the Official Plan overlap and suggested such issues need to be addressed.

Councillor Moore stated that the City of Brampton has a Community Improvement Plan which identifies a list of tools that can leverage the type of intensification product through incentives and encourage the type of development or product desired. She suggested that managing growth and incentives was more than just offering opportunities to encourage intensification. The Region should have its own Community Improvement Plan that supplements or enhances the areas of jurisdiction that the municipalities have.

Arvin Prasad noted that since the Urban Growth Centres have been defined, the Region would be working with area municipalities to review the specific tools to be used and would be reporting back to the Committee.

Councillor Thompson suggested the Region issue development charges discounts for lead certification buildings. He stated that the Town of Caledon pursued this option and generated significant interest from a number of companies wanting to build in Caledon. Councillor Thompson stated that Town of Caledon staff undertook extensive research in this aspect and would be willing to share this information.

Tom AppaRao, Director, Transportation Planning and Arvin Prasad, Director, Planning Policy, Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, Region of Peel, continued with the presentation and described the work being carried out in the Transportation Focus Area. He noted that Peel has an extensive multi-modal transportation network which has contributed to its economic vitality, however, this network will be under increasing pressure as a result of the projected rapid population and employment growth. The overall focus was to bring the Regional transportation policies in conformity with the provincial policies as well as developing a Regional transportation plan in line with Metrolinx. Tom AppaRao made reference to the “Transportation Background and Challenges” paper developed to encourage discussion and input from stakeholders and the public. It presents the issues and challenges faced by the Region, which formed the basis for discussion at the Transportation Stakeholder Workshop. Tom AppaRao noted there is still a lot of work to be done. Some of this work will include: additional workshops or information sessions for Area Municipal and Regional staff; a review of ongoing Metrolinx and Area Municipal transportation planning studies; technical analysis to identify road improvements; preparation of draft transportation policies; and, facilitation of a second workshop scheduled for late 2008. A list of upcoming consultations was provided by Arvin Prasad, noting two large workshops to be held in the fall; one on managing growth and the second, to be an environment-themed workshop.

Councillor Palleschi departed at 11:09 a.m.

Councillor Parrish commented that the people most amenable to using public transportation were young adults and suggested that more focus be given to this age group by providing programs and education in schools and ensuring the transportation corridors around high schools, community colleges and universities be well serviced by public transit.

Councillor Thompson commended staff on a well written report. He noted that a key challenge was the movement of goods and services and requested that more emphasis be placed in addressing this issue.

Tom AppaRao agreed with Councillor Thompson indicating that the Region of Peel was a major hub for transportation, adding that 14 per cent of employment was in the transportation movement and warehousing area. He stated that Metrolinx issued a green paper on the goods and movement services, however, goods movement planning was not at the same stage of development as people movement planning, therefore, there is a lot of work to be undertaken. A small workshop was facilitated with the goods movement sector in Peel Region and all comments will be submitted in the next meeting with Metrolinx. Comments and input have also been requested from the private sector through the Boards of Trade and Chamber of Commerce. Since this was primarily a private sector business, they require the private sector to become more fully engaged. With regards to the comments received by Councillor Parrish on public transportation, Tom AppaRao advised that this was being addressed through the Smart Commute Program and by getting the educational institutions to form part of the transportation management associations. He noted that schools and school boards would be addressed in requesting assistance on how to change travel habits and encourage young people to take public transit since they seem to be more environmentally cautious.


4. REPORTS

a) Review of Regional Council’s Planning Role

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

See also Delegations/Presentations – Item 3a

5. COMMUNICATIONS - Nil


6. IN CAMERA MATTERS - Nil


7. OTHER BUSINESS - Nil


8. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting date of the Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee is scheduled for June 5, 2008 at 9:30 a.m.

Please forward regrets to Veronica Montesdeoca, Acting Committee Clerk, (905) 791-7800, extension 4134 or veronica.montesdeoca@peelregion.ca.


9. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 11:17 a.m.