By Pepper Parr
April 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Region is asking residents to share feedback on how and where our community should plan for provincially mandated growth over the next 30 years.
We know where the people of Burlington don’t want the growth to be.
The Regional consultation period will run until May 28, 2021, and presents Growth Concepts outlining different ways our community could accommodate new residents and jobs. Comments will help inform a review of the Regional Official Plan, which guides land-use decisions in the community to meet the needs of residents and businesses today and in the future.
“From new housing to transit networks and business areas, we are planning for mandated growth as more residents and businesses choose to call Halton home,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “By asking for the public’s feedback on what our community may look like in 10, 20 or 30 years, we can ensure planning decisions preserve our high quality of life and keep Halton a great place to live for our children and grandchildren.”
The Province’s Growth Plan requires that Halton plan to accommodate 1.1 million people and 500,000 jobs by the year 2051.
The Region currently has a population of 595,000
Halton’s review of its Regional Official Plan will ensure it aligns with Provincial policies and remains responsive to changing social, economic, environmental and demographic conditions.
Among the concepts set out in a hefty 618 page document are:
DEVELOPMENT OF GROWTH CONCEPTS
A. Climate Change Lens
B. Land Needs Assessment and Municipal Allocation
C.1 Employment Area Conversion Request Inventory
C.2 Employment Area Conversions: Initial Assessment Summary
GROWTH CONCEPTS TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT
D. Transportation Assessment
E. Water & Wastewater Assessment
F. Fiscal Impact Assessment
SETTLEMENT AREA BOUNDARY EXPANSION STUDIES
G. Agricultural Area Assessment
H. Natural Heritage System and Water Resources Assessment
I. Mineral Aggregate Resources Assessment
J. North Aldershot Policy Area Urban Expansion Assessment
J.1 North Aldershot Water and Wastewater Constraints and Opportunities
Each Growth Concept helps answer questions about the future of the region: How quickly will our community grow and where will growth take place? Will there be more apartments and condos or more single-family homes? Where will the majority of new jobs be?
To help residents learn more about the concepts under review, Halton has created a summary webpage and posted a discussion paper on its website. Residents can view maps, charts and other information for each concept that outlines how and where growth would take place. Based on the feedback received, the Region will develop a final preferred Growth Concept for the community.
The survey can be found HERE.
The Region is asking the community to provide feedback by May 28, 2021:
1. Take the online questionnaire: Residents and stakeholders can provide high-level feedback on the Growth Concepts and the factors considered in guiding regional growth.
2. Join a virtual Public Information Centre: Community members will listen to a presentation on the Growth Concepts from planning staff, take part in interactive polls and participate in a question and answer period. More information on the virtual Public Information Centres will be available on the Region’s website in the coming weeks.
To learn more about the Growth Concepts and sign up to receive email updates on the Regional Official Plan review process, visit www.halton.ca/ropr.
The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 595,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region delivers quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; paramedic services; waste management; public health; social assistance; children’s and seniors’ services; housing services; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development.
The Gazette will follow the development of this plan – there is a lot at stake. The challenge is to ensure that Halton doesn’t become a Mississauga – a place that former Toronto Mayor David Crombie once said was not much more than a collection of postal codes.