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Chaired by Councillor R. Paterak


1. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST – Nil

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION IMPSC-1-2009:

That the agenda for the May 14, 2009, Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee meeting be approved.

3. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

Received

Arvin Prasad, Director, Planning and Policy Research, Environment, Transportation and Planning Services provided a status review of the Peel Regional Official Plan Review (PROPR) process including work on growth management.

The PROPR is about conformity to Provincial Places to Grow Plan, Provincial Policy Statement, the Greenbelt Plan and the Planning Act. The process includes 15 focus areas, grouped by seven amendments:

• ROPA 20 which addresses sustainability and energy;
• ROPA 21 which addresses natural heritage, agriculture, air quality and integrated waste management;
• ROPA 22 which addresses transportation policies;
• ROPA 23 which addresses housing;
• ROPA 24 which addresses managing growth, employment lands and greenbelt conformity;
• ROPA 25 which address monitoring, planning tools and updates and transportation schedules; and
• Possible future amendment on water resources.

The review also covers significant consultation, communication and engagement throughout the process. The fifteen focus areas reflect the Council approved work plan for the Official Plan Review.

Arvin Prasad informed Committee members that a draft amendment related to growth management will be presented to Council in June 2009. Future activities planned are: Open Houses, a Public Meeting, a report recommending adoption, a Notice of Council adoption and submission to the Province for approval in the Fall of 2009.

Councillor Thompson commented on Greenbelt Conformity and the significant impact on agriculture, especially in the Town of Caledon.

Arvin Prasad commented on the highlights of the Managing Growth Workshop held on April 30, 2009 which was attended by 80 stakeholder groups. In attendance were representatives from Regional Council; the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure; the Ministry of Transportation; area municipal staff and representatives from community groups and the development industry. The workshop covered six subject areas: Growth Plan Targets, Water and Wastewater, Transportation, Human Services including Health, Finance, Employment and Employment Lands.
Detailed tables on regional forecasts for each area municipality for 2011-2031 covering the Municipal Option, Higher Intensification Option and Meeting the Places to Grow Targets were presented.

The major findings of the workshop included:

• Intensification of existing built-up areas over Greenfield development;
• Intensification that exceeds the 2031 Places to Grow targets;
• A tailored (rather than a blanket) approach to intensification that recognises the character of existing communities;
• A growth management strategy that is equitable to all lower tier municipalities that yields the greatest net benefit for Peel Region residents and businesses; and
• Options that result in higher intensification (Municipal Option and Higher Intensification Option).

Chair Kolb commented on the emphasis made by representatives from Brampton and Mississauga on the existing infrastructure and whether they can support any intensification than what already exists or will that become another expense. Chair Kolb suggested that this point should be added to the above points. We need to look at budget provisions for what is expected to be done over the next 10 years. Chair Kolb commented on the amenities that are provided in high-rise apartment buildings e.g. swimming pools, etc. and enquired about bicycle trails and the like to promote healthy lifestyles in the community, which has not been included in the intensification program.

Arvin Prasad informed that the findings of the workshop have been provided in a report circulated to the Committee. The financial implications will be reported to Council at a future meeting.

Councillor McFadden inquired that considering the 4.2% population figure in 2001, was any consideration given for adjustment of secondary suites in most of the homes in the population figures, and if not, whether that could be adjusted considering that all residences have secondary suites?

Arvin Prasad informed that the persons per unit (PPU) includes secondary suites with the assumption that the information provide is honest when the census is done. This issue will be addressed through the Housing Strategy, but it is a difficult process.

The following possible ROPA policies have been proposed:

• The area municipalities undertake a study on achievability of density targets;
• Development contributes to creating complete communities;
• Direct higher density and mixed uses to appropriate locations including urban growth centres, corridors, nodes and major transit station areas;
• Designated Greenfield areas to achieve the intensification and density targets;
• Address employment land needs in collaboration with the area municipalities; and
• Implement monitoring systems to ensure the achievability of Places to Grow targets.

It is proposed to move the review through the legislative process; continue communication and consultation on proposed policies with stakeholders; continue working with the three area municipalities in the Region through the Planning Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and the Transportation Working Group.

An update will be provided in the next edition of the PROPR newsletter in June 2009 and details of the entire review process are also posted on the Region’s website at: www.peelregion.ca/planning.

4. REPORTS - Nil

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 11, 2009 at 9:30 a.m., Regional Administrative Headquarters, Council Chamber, 5th floor, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A, Brampton, ON.

Please forward regrets to John Britto, Legislative Specialist, (905) 791-7800, extension 4502 or john.britto@peelregion.ca

9. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.