Chaired by Councillor R. Paterak

1. Declarations of Conflicts of Interest - Nil

 
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION IMPSC-4-2008:

That the agenda for the June 5, 2008, Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee meeting be amended to bring forward Reports – Item 4a, to be dealt with immediately following Approval of Agenda;

And further, that the agenda for the June 5, 2008, Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee meeting be approved, as amended.

See also Reports – Item 4a

Regional Chair Kolb arrived at 9:58 a.m.

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

4. REPORTS

a) Review of Regional Council’s Planning Role, Phase 2
Presentation by Ian C. Smith and Tim Dobbie, Consultants , Oliver Wyman - Delta Organization and Leadership

 Received

RECOMMENDATION IMPSC-5-2008:

That staff be directed to implement the recommendations and follow the operating protocol, outlined in Appendix I to the report of the Commissioner of Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, dated May 9, 2008, titled “Review of Regional Council’s Planning Role, Phase 2”;

And further, that the Terms of Reference of the Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee outlined in Appendix III to the subject report, be reconfirmed;

And further, that the subject report be forwarded to the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga, and the Town of Caledon with a request that area municipal staff adopt the operating protocol and changed procedures.

See also Approval of Agenda

Ian Smith, Consultant , Oliver Wyman - Delta Organization and Leadership provided a brief overview of Phase 1 of Regional Council’s Planning Role. He noted that Oliver Wyman was originally tasked to provide a review of the planning roles and responsibilities of the Region and area municipal councils as well as Conservation Authorities, within the context of provincial legislation. This initial review further recommended that the Region and area municipalities conduct a more detailed analysis of specific areas in Development Review and Transportation Planning in support of the Planning Matrix. As a result, Oliver Wyman was retained to undertake Phase 2 of the project to provide:

1. A detailed review of Development Review and Transportation Planning responsibilities of Regional Council; and
2. Develop a protocol to support the use of the existing Planning Matrix.

Ian Smith provided detailed results from the analysis of the Development Review, which focused on seven areas of interest: noise, traffic impact, traffic impact studies, local/regional road access, landscaping requirements, site plans, and zoning by-law amendments. A key objective of this analysis was for all parties to work collaboratively to avoid duplication. During the Transportation Planning portion of the review, areas of focus included: transit planning, inter-regional transit, high level travel movements, modelling and data collection, and transportation demand management. From the Phase 2 review of Regional Council’s planning role, Ian Smith noted the following conclusions:

• Staff at both the regional and local levels worked very hard in reaching agreement on the proposed operating protocol and the areas of focus;
• There is a renewed and genuine commitment at the staff level to make the proposed protocol and definition of roles work, within the context of the Planning Matrix, in the best interests of all of the municipalities; and
• It is also understood that the Region will report back to Council in 12 months on progress, issues and any opportunities for potential process improvements.

Councillor Mullin commented on the issue of intensification being experienced in Mississauga South and emphasized the need to look at the big picture when considering such projects. She advised that the overall impact needs to be considered, such as the availability of water and sewer services. Councillor Mullin also pointed out the need to ensure that services are available when introducing a new project and cited that the City of Mississauga is incorporating bike facilities into its Master Plan. She reiterated the need to have the appropriate coordination and links to the regional road system and ensure that the services complement the intent of the Master Plan at the municipal level.

Mitch Zamojc, Commissioner of Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, responded that the Region of Peel is committed to integrating with the Mississauga Master Plan and would incorporate bike compatibility within road reconstruction projects. On the issue of intensification, he noted that key areas were being reviewed more strategically at a higher level, with more than a single site or project being analyzed at a time.

Nick Tunnacliffe , Executive Director, Transition and Integration, Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, noted that comments regarding intensification are restricted to the provision of regional services and infrastructure. However, he noted, that a larger analysis will be carried out as part of the Official Plan Review.

Regional Chair Kolb expressed concern that area municipalities would only circulate the traffic impact studies that directly affect regional roads or that could have significant regional implications. Regional Chair Kolb noted that planning staff at all levels should be reviewing the overall impacts because all traffic within smaller roads eventually end up overflowing and impacting regional roads. He indicated that a long term approach and planning is required by both the Region and area municipal levels.

Mitch Zamojc clarified that the objective is for both levels of government to work in a collaborative manner. He noted that at the strategic level, the role of the Region and area municipalities are clearly identified. Mitch Zamojc indicated that the findings speak more specifically to site plan applications and how these are processed. The intention is to avoid all parties getting involved in all site plan approvals and that the proper process is followed, thus improving efficiency. He expressed his confidence in the expertise of staff at the area municipal and regional levels to work in a collaborative manner.

Councillor Paterak suggested that the Region and area municipalities establish standard noise policies. Mitch Zamojc indicated that there are slight technical differences in this regard between the area municipalities, but work is underway to creating more common standards and an implementation policy for noise attenuation.

3. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

a) Stephen Garrod, Solicitor, Garrod Pickfield, LLP, Providing an Update Regarding the Rockfort Quarry Application

Received

Stephen Garrod, Solicitor, Garrod Pickfield, LLP, provided a high level overview regarding the Rockfort Quarry Application. He noted that it has been four and a half years since the last review, and that significant issues remained unresolved. He indicated that the applicant will be providing updated site specific studies by July 2008 and shortly thereafter the third round of peer reviews will be conducted by the Region and the Town of Caledon. The Region will undertake to review areas of hydrogeology, environment and traffic, while The Town of Caledon will undertake to review cultural heritage, social impact, noise, air quality and mining plans/barriers. The peer reviews are expected to be completed by November 2008. Stephen Garrod anticipates that the Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVC) and the Town of Caledon would indicate their position by early 2009. The Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearings will commence in May 2009, therefore, it is anticipated that the Region would be making its final determination by March 2009. Stephen Garrod provided the committee with a proposed schedule of future meetings to present further information as events unfold and requested feedback from the Committee in this regard.

Councillor Mullin indicated that she preferred to meet when final information from the organizations involved has been compiled and the Region is in a position to make its final determination. Councillor Mullin noted that she did not see the benefit in coming back to review portions of information since there are many stakeholders involved that would be providing very technical information.

Stephen Garrod noted that he is prepared to act upon direction from the Committee and suggested that Committee engagement throughout the process would be beneficial due to the complexity and importance of the issue. He indicated that if any questions or concerns should arise they would be addressed in a timely manner. Stephen Garrod reiterated that the OMB will start their hearings in May 2009, whether or not the parties are prepared.

Councillor Thompson agreed that all the information must be provided however, the Committee must be made aware of what is going on throughout the process. He expressed concern the hydrogeology, transportation and traffic studies would not focus enough upon the cost implications. Councillor Thompson requested a thorough analysis of the long range impact to the Region and the Town of Caledon should the application be approved.

Councillor Moore indicated the issues to be very complex and significant, one that all members of Council should be involved in. She indicated that the best forum to present the findings would be at General Committee meetings.

Nick Tunnacliffe suggested that the presentations and discussions were too lengthy to be dealt with during General Committee meetings and would take the focus away from other Regional business. He noted Council had directed that these discussions be held within the Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee meetings.

Councillor Paterak indicated that it is more important to have a smaller group that is fully aware of the issues and agreed that a subcommittee forum was preferable. He emphasized the complexity of the issue and cited the reconstruction of service roads as one example in which cost implications need to be determined.

A discussion occurred as to what approach the committee would take, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of bringing back information to General Committee versus reviewing the information in a subcommittee setting. All members agreed that it was a priority that information regarding costs implications be provided. David Szwarc, Chief Administrative Officer, undertook to provide the information to the Committee members and will report back to the October 16, 2008 Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee meeting that will subsequently be approved at the October 23, 2008 General Committee meeting. He noted that further meetings could be set for the month of November should further information be required.

4. REPORTS

a) Review of Regional Council’s Planning Role, Phase 2
Presentation by Ian C. Smith and Tim Dobbie, Consultants , Oliver Wyman - Delta Organization and Leadership

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

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 September 25, 2008 at 9:30 a.m.

Please forward regrets to Stephanie Jurrius, Committee Clerk, (905) 791-7800, extension 4502 or stephanie.jurrius@peelregion.ca.


9. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.