EXPL4.NA TORY NOTES EXPLANATORY NOTES

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2 EXPL4.NA TORY NOTES EXPLANATORY NOTES This version of the Official Plan for the Regional Municipality of Halton under The Planning Act is based on The Regional Plan [19951, which was adopted by Council of the Corporation of the Regional Municipality of Halton on March 30, 1994 through By-law It was subsequently approved, with modifications, by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on November 27, Certain parts of the Plan were referred by the Minister to the Ontario Municipal Board for a decision, and certain parts were deferred for further consideration. The Regional Plan [ the predecessor to The Regional Plan [ adopted by Council on September 6, 1978 and approved by the Minister on August 1, 1980, was repealed by Regional Council on November 29, 1995 through By-law , but only to the extent that The Regional Plan [19951 has otherwise been approved by the Minister. In other words, for those parts of this Plan that have been deferred or referred by the Minister, relevant sections of The Regional Plan [19801 will continue to be in effect until such time the deferrals or referrals have been resolved. Between 2001 and 2004, a major review of The Regional Plan [19951 was undertaken in accordance with The Planning Act. This culminated in the adoption of Regional Official Plan Amendment 25 by Regional Council on june 23, The amendment was appealed and subsequently adjudicated by the Ontario Municipal Board in April-August, 2006 with the issuance of a number of decisions. This Office Consolidation of the Official Plan, referred to as Halton Regional Official Plan [ incorporates all modifications, subsequent approvals, and approved amendments to the Plan up to and including the date shown on the cover of this document. This date is referred to as the Consolidation Date. Table A is a list of outstanding deferrals, referrals and appeals on the Official Plan and its amendments as of the Consolidation Date. Those parts of the Plan that are deferred, referred or appealed, hence not yet approved as they relate to certain lands, are indicated respectively by an asterisk (*) followed by a reference to the lands, as shown on Map 1, to which the deferral, referral or appeal applies. In some instances, the reference may be directed to sections of roadways as shown on Map 3 or 4. Table B contains a complete list of amendments to The Regional Plan [19951 considered by Regional Council and their status as of the Consolidation Date. Only approved amendments in their entirety or the approved portions of an amendment have been incorporated into this Office Consolidation. Office Consolidations are prepared for the purpose of convenience. For accurate reference, the reader should consult the legal documents as approved by the Minister,. Halton Region Official Plan [2006} I August I 7, 2006

3 EXPL4NA TORY NOTES relevant decisions of the Ontario Municipal Board, and other pertinent documentation that are lodged in the Planning and Transportation Services Division of the Planning and Public Works Department of the Regional Municipality of Halton, located at 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, Ontario L6M 3L 1. These Explanatory Notes and Part VII, Appendix, do not constitute parts of the Official Plan under The Planning Act... Halton Region Official Plan [2U06/ II 4ugust 17, 2006

4 EX PLANA TOR)' NOTES TABLE A OUTSTANDING DEFERRALS AND REFERRALS Reference D2 Appellant Thomas & Mary Broughton Subject Lands As Shown on Map1 D2 Parts of Plan Affected Designations of lands "02" on Map 1 Status Deferred on OS Meadowvale Christian Reformed Church DS Section B3 excepting B3(5)b) and B3(5)f) as it applies to lands "DS" on Map 1 Deferred on Blue Springs Golf Club D7 Section 100 excepting 1 00(19) and 1 00(22) as it applies to lands "D7" on Map 1 Deferred on DB L Chettle & D. Plouffe DB Designations of lands "DB" on Map 1 & related policies Deferred on Sections 92(2) & 100 excepting 1 00(19) and 1 00(22) as they apply to lands "DB" R15 Paletta International Corporation R15 Sections 92(2) & 100 excepting 1 00(19) and 1 00(22), 1 01 (2)d) as they apply to lands "R15" on Map 1 Deferred on & Referred to OMBby MMAHon D Ontario Ltd. & Mr. & Mrs. George Mraz D11 Designations of lands "D11 " on Map 1 & related policies Deferred on Eduardo Vercillo D12 Designations of lands "01 2" on Map 1 & related policies Deferred on Morista Developments Limited, Ivy Ridge Developments Inc. & Pitagora Management Limited D14 Designations of lands "D14" on Map 1 & related policies Deferred on Partial approval on 199B Esquesing Developments Limited D17 Designations of lands "017" on Map 1 & related policies Deferred on Halton Region Official Plan {2006] Ill August 77, 2006

5 EXPLANATORY NOTES Reference D18 Appellant Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing Subject Lands As Shown on Map1 Parkway Belt West Plan Area Parts of Plan Affected Status Designations of all lands within Deferred on Parkway Belt West Plan Area Following sections as they apply to Partial lands within Parkway Belt West Plan approvals on Area: , 8, 36, 54, 63, 64, 82, 83 excepting , 83(5)b) and 83(5)f), , , , , , , & D21 Paletta International Corporation D21 Sections 66 excepting 66(2), 100(21) & Deferred on 100(23) as they apply to lands "D21 " on & Map D22 Chaparrel Development Limited D22 Section 143(9) as it applies to lands Deferred on "D22" on Map D23 John Holland (Amendment 2) D23 Designations of lands "D23" on Map 1 Deferred on and related policies under Amendment Amd25-D1 Galventure Development Inc. and Mewbrook Developments Inc. Amd25-D1 Designations of lands "Amd25-D1" on Map 1 Deferred on in accordance with Minutes of Settlement dated Amd25-D2 Ozner Corporation and lormel Developments (Georgetown) ltd., and Shelson Properties limited Amd25-D2 Designations of lands "Amd25-D2" on Map 1 Deferred on in accordance with Minutes of Settlement dated Halton Region Official Plan [2006]. IV August 17, 2006

6 EXPL4NA TORY NOTES Reference Amd25-D3 Appellant (Not applicable, collateral with appeals under Amd25-D1 and Amd25-D2] Subject Lands As Shown on Map1 Amd25-03 Parts of Plan Affected Designations of lands 11 Amd25-D3" on Map 1 Status Deferred on in accordance with Minutes of Settlement dated Amd25-D4 Nelson Aggregate Co. Amd25-D4 Section 277 as it applies to lands Deferred on 11 Amd25-D4 11 on Map in accordance with Minutes of Settlement dated Amd25-DS Dufferin Aggregate (Milton Quarry) Amd25-DS Section 277 as it applies to lands Deferred on 11 Amd25-D5" on Map in accordance with Minutes of Settlement dated Amd25-D6 Dufferin Aggregate (Acton Quarry) Amd25-D6 Section 277 as it applies to lands Deferred on 11 Amd25-D6" on Map in accordance with Minutes of Settlement dated Amd25-D7 Rice & McHarg Quarry Amd25-D7 Section 277 as it applies to lands Deferred on 11 Amd25-D7" on Map in accordance with Minutes of Settlement dated Amd25-D8 Green Ginger Development et a/ (North Oakville landowners) (Not applicable] Right-of-way requirement for road section 11 AMD25-D8" on Map 4 Deferred on in accordance with Minutes of Settlement dated Halton Region Official Plan [2006] v August 1 7, 2006

7 EXPL4.NA TORY NOTES TABLE B AMENDMENTS Number 1 Title Jannock Properties Inc. Lands, West of Forestvale Drive in the City of Burlington Council Adoption N/A Status Approved by the Ontario Municipal Board, North Aldershot Policy Area Approved by the Minister, save and except for designations of lands "023" on Map 1 and related policies. 3 Drive Range, West Half of Lot 18, Concession XI (Esquesing) in the Town of Halton Hills Came into force and effect, Zenon Environmental Inc., Town of Oakville Approved by the Ontario Municipal Board, Croatian Franciscan Centre, East Half of Lot 6, Concession XI (Esquesing) in the Town of Halton Hills Came into force and effect, Ontario Ltd., Golf Course, Part Lot 7, Concession II (Esquesinig), Town of Halton Hills Came into force and effect, Ontario Ltd., Golf Course, East Half Lot 10, Concession X, Town of Halton Hills Came into force and effect, Halton Urban Structure Plan, Region of Halton Partially came into force and effect, Balance approved by the Ontario Municipal Board with modification, Brockton Farms Sandstone Quarry Expansion, Town of Halton Hills Came into force and effect, Ontario Mission for the Deaf, Golf Course and Day Use Facility, East Halt Lot 6, Concession II, Town of Halton Hills Came into force and effect, [Number not used] 12 DeGroote Property, Part of Lot 17, Concession I, NOS, City of Burlington Came into force and effect, [Number not used] Halton Region Official Plan [2006] VI. August 7 7, 2006

8 EXPL4.NATOR\' NOTES Number 14 Title Fishburn Holdings Limited, Part of West Half Lot 1, Concession X (Township of Esquesing), Town of Halton Hills Council Adoption Status Came into force and effect, Halton Golf Course Policies N/A Deferred by Regional Council, Ontario Ltd., Lots 7 and 8, Concession VII (Trafalgar), Town of Milton Came into force and effect, Functional Classification and Right-of-Way Requirements for Trafalgar Road, Dundas Street and Bronte Road/Regional Road Came into force and effect, Dufferin Aggregates Milton Quarry Expansion, Town of Halton Hills and Town of Milton The Joint Board decision approving ROPA 18 with modifications, dated june 8, 2005, has been appealed to the Lieutenant -Governor-i n-counci I. As a result, the approved text changes and land use designations on lands affected by ROPA 18 on Map 1 are subject to the decision of the Lieutenant- Governor-in-Council. 19 Trafalgar Sports Park, Town of Halton Hills Came into force and effect, Beaufort Heights Subdivision, Extension of Municipal Wastewater Services, City of Burlington Came into force and effect, Glencairn Golf Course Came into force and effect, Functional Plan and Right-of-Way Requirements for Bronte Road/Regional Road Came into force and effect, Functional Plan and Right-of-Way Plan of Arterial Roads Came into force and effect, save and except for the right-of-way requirement for Dundas Street (Regional Road 5) in the Town of Oakville, which was subsequently amended and approved through ROPA25 as of Linear Strip of Land between the Eastern Limit of Proposed Niagara Escarpment Plan Amendment No. 71 and Highway 407, in the City of Burlington Halton Region Official Plan [2006].. VII Appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board, to (3 appellants). August I 7, 2006

9 EX PLANA TORY NOTES Number Title Council Adoption Status 25 An Amencfment to Incorporate Official Plan Review Directions and Related Matters Appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board, to (26 appellants); all appeals resolved by the Ontario Municipal Board as of [Number not used] 27 York Trafalgar Golf Course, Town of Milton Came into force and effect, Ninth Line Corridor Policy Area Came into force and effect, , save and except for one site specific appeal, which was dismissed by the Ontario Municipal Board with modification on Garden Trail Developments Incorporated Property, Part of Lot 11, Concession I, Township of East Flamborough, City of Burlington N/A Approved by the Ontario Municipal Board, Unnumbered james and Helle Fisher Property, Part Lot 8, Concession I, NOS, City of Burlington (Kilbride) N/A Approved by Minister of Natural Resources Order, Halton Region Official Plan {2006] VIII August I i, 2006

10 CONTENTS PART I INTRODUCTION... ~... 1 PURPOSE... 1 APPROACH... 1 LEGAL STATUS... 2 REVIEW AND AMENDMENT... 3 USES... 3 GUIDE TO THE PLAN... 4 PART II BASIC POSmON... 5 HALTON 1 S PLANNING VISION... 5 PLANNING HORIZON... 7 HALTON AND THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO... 7 HALTON AND ITS SURROUNDING REGION... 8 HALTON AND THE LOCAL MUNICIPAUTIES... 9 HALTON'S REGIONAL STRUCTURE PART III LAND STEWARDSHIP POLICIES DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA THE URBAN SYSTEM Goals Urban Areas Nodes and Corridors Parlavay Belt Areas Housing Urban (Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment) Services THE RURAL SYSTEM Goal and General Policies Escarpment Protection Area Escarpment Rural Area Agricultural Rural Area Hamlets and Rural Clusters Mineral Resource Extraction Areas Protection of Mineral Resources THE GREENLAND$ SYSTEM Goals and General Policies Environmentally Sensitive Areas Escarpment Natural Area Halton Region Official Plan [2006/ IX August I 7, 2006

11 CONTENTS Green lands A Green lands B Regional Waterfront Parks NORTH ALDERSHOT POUCY AREA NINTH UNE CORRIDOR POUCY AREA PART IV HEALTHY COMMUNITIES POLICIES ENVIRONMENTAL Ql.lA.LITY Goal and General Policies Air and the Ambience Water Land Solid Waste Management HUMAN SERVICES Goals and General Policies Basic Material Support Public Safety Social Support Seroices Involvement in Public Decision-Making Cultural and Recreational Seroices Health Seroices HERITAGE RESOURCES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRANSPORTATION ENERGY AND UTILITIES PARTV IMPLEMENTATION PURPOSE PLANS AND THE PLANNING PROCESS Conformity of Plans Planning and Development Approval Planning and Provincial Environmental Assessment GUIDEUNES AND ADVISORY COMMITTEES IMPLEMENTATION OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Regional Waterfront Parks Green lands System Halton Green Fund MONITORING GOVERNANCE AND FISCAL MEASURES Halton Region Official Plan [2006] X August 77, 2006

12 CONTENTS PART VI DEFINITIONS MAPS PART VII APPENDIX... A 1 EVALllA.TED WETLANDS... A 7 WOODLANDS O.SHA OR LARGER... A 7 PERMITTED USES BY land USE DESIGNATION... A 7 FUNCTIONAL ClASSIFICATION AND RIGHT-OF-WAY WIDTHS OF MAJOR HIGHWAYS... A 7 CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATING ENVIRONMENT ALLY SENSITIVE AREAS... A 7 land USES WITH POTENTIAL RISK TO GROUNDWATER QllA.LITY... AS MUNICIPAL WELLHEAD PROTECTION ZONES... AS. Halton Region Official Plan [2006] XI August 17, 2006

13 CONTENTS {Page left blank} Halton Region Official Plan {2006} XII August 17, 2006

14 PART I INTRODUCTION PURPOSE Section 1 PART I INTRODUCTION PURPOSE 1. This Regional Official Plan, or commonly referred to as The Regional Plan, is adopted by the Council of the Regional Municipality of Halton to solidify decisions taken in the past and to give clear direction as to how physical development should take place in Halton to meet the current and future needs of its people. It is also intended to reflect their collective aims and aspirations, as to the character of the landscape and the quality of life to be preserved and fostered within Halton. Finally, the Plan clarifies and assists in the delivery of Regional services and responsibilities as set out in The Regional Municipality of Halton Act. 2. This Plan outlines a long term vision for Halton's physical form and community character. To pursue that vision, it sets forth goals and objectives, describes an urban structure for accommodating growth, states the policies to be followed, and outlines the means for implementing the policies within its property tax base and other financial resources. 3. Policies of this Plan indicate positions to which Regional Council is committed or which Council will work towards attaining. They also describe processes to be followed in arriving at decisions, changes to be sought in Provincial legislation, and policy positions to be required in the Official Plans and Zoning Bylaws of Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills. 4. For the purpose of The Planning Act and The Municipal Act, Parts I to VI of this Plan, inclusive of maps, figures and tables, shall be considered the Official Plan of the Regional Municipality of Halton. 5. The short title of this Plan is Halton Region Official Plan [2006]. APPROACH 6. This Plan is preceded by an earlier version that was adopted by Regional Council in September 1978 and approved, except for certain parts, by the Minister of Housing in August 1980, and which has been amended from time to time since then. This earlier version will hereafter be referred to as the 1980 Regional Plan. Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 1 August 17, 2006

15 PART I INTRODUCTION LEGAL STATUS Section 7 7. To arrive at this new version of The Regional Plan, the following major steps were taken: 7(1) 1989 A comprehensive review of the effectiveness of existing policies in the 1980 Plan. 7(2) 1990 A public and agency consultation program on planning issues and concerns as they affect Halton; analysis of the comments received; and direction by Council as to the general thrust to revise the Plan. 7(3) 1991 Publication of a vision document under the title Report B4: Land Stewardship and Healthy Communities, A Vision for the 90's and Beyond (Draft); a public and agency consultation program on Report B4; analysis of the comments received; and Council adoption of Report B4 with minor modifications as the basis for rewriting The Regional Plan. 7(4) 1992 Preparation of a draft of the new Plan. 7(5) 1993 A public and agency consultation program on the draft Plan; analysis of the comments received; and adoption by Council of this Plan. 7(6) A major review, including an extensive public and agency consultation program, of this Plan as required by The Planning Act. 8. This Plan has included the provisions of two principal Provincial planning documents, The Parkway Belt West Plan and The Niagara Escarpment Plan, as they affect Halton and in a manner as Regional Council considers appropriate for Halton. *Parkway Belt West Plan Area 9. In June 1994, Regional Council adopted the Halton Urban Structure Plan (April 1994), which has been incorporated into this Plan by amendment. LEGAL STATUS 10. The official portion of this Plan has been prepared and adopted pursuant to The Planning Act and The Regional Municipality of Halton Act. These provide, among other things, that no public work be undertaken and no municipal bylaw passed which does not conform to The Regional Plan and, furthermore, that all Official Plans and Zoning Bylaws of the Local Municipalities be amended to conform. Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 2 August 17, 2006

16 PART I INTRODUCTION REVIEW AND AMENDMENT Section Where parts of this Plan are pending approval by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing or the Ontario Municipal Board, those relevant parts of the 1980 Regional Plan and its amendments will remain in full force and effect. REVIEW AND AMENDMENT 12. This Plan will be reviewed and amended as required in the opinion of Regional Council to meet the changing needs of the people of Halton, and to reflect responses prompted by new issues, information and societal values. 13. Amendments to this Plan can be initiated by Regional Council, or in response to an application by an individual or the Council of a Local Municipality. 14. As Part VII, the Appendix, is not an official part of this Plan, any modifications to the Appendix by Regional Council will not require an amendment to the Plan. 15. The process for amending this Plan will be in accordance with the provisions of The Planning Act and generally consists of the following steps: 15(1) An application is made to Regional Council for the amendment. 15(2) Council may refuse to process the application, upon which the applicant may refer the matter to the Ontario Municipal Board, or Council may prepare an amendment document and circulate it to public agencies and interested parties for comment. 15(3) Council will give, at least 20 days in advance, public notice of and hold a public meeting to receive comments on the proposed amendment. 15(4) After considering all comments received, Council will adopt, with the necessary modifications, or refuse to adopt the proposed amendment. 15(5) If adopted, the amendment will come into effect provided that the amendment is not appealed within 20 days of Council giving notice of its adoption of the amendment. 15(6) The applicant may, within 20 days after Council giving notice of its adoption of the amendment, or upon Council's refusal to process the application under Section 15(2), or failure to make a decision within 90 days from the date of the application, or refusal to adopt the amendment under Section 15(4), make a request to the Ontario Municipal Board for a hearing and decision. Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 3 August 17, 2006

17 PART I INTRODUCTION USES Section 16 USES 16. This Plan will be used: 16(1) By Regional Council as the basis for decisions and actions on municipal projects, facilities and programs, on proposals submitted for approval or comment, and in the formulation of recommendations to the Provincial and Federal governments, 16(2) By the four Local Municipalities in the preparation of their own Official Plans, amendments, and Zoning Bylaws, 16(3) By other government agencies and departments in preparing plans and programs affecting Halton, and 16(4) By business, industry and private citizens in considering and preparing their own plans and programs. GUIDE TO THE PLAN 17. Part II explains the general philosophy and planning vision of the Plan, leading to the two planning concepts of land stewardship and healthy communities. These concepts form the basis for the development of policies in this Plan. Part II also describes how Halton relates to other planning jurisdictions and introduces the Regional Structure map showing different land use designations in Halton. 18. Part III describes policies that promote land stewardship, including goals, objectives, permitted uses, and general policies for each land use designation on the Regional Structure map. 19. Part IV details policies contributing to healthy communities, which may apply to any land use designation. 20. Part V indicates how the Plan is intended to be carried out to achieve the overall planning vision. 21. Part VI is a glossary of terms used by this Plan. 22. Part VII does not form part of this Plan but provides accessory information to assist in understanding this Plan. In the event of conflict between the Appendix and the Plan proper, the latter shall prevail. 23. For users interested in what policies govern a specific parcel of land, they should review in detail the relevant parts of Part III and the whole of Part IV. They are Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 4 August 17, 2006

18 PART I INTRODUCTION GUIDE TO THE PLAN Section 23 also encouraged to refer to Part II to understand the basis for the policies and to Part V to see how the policies will be applied. 24. Throughout this Plan, a notation such as "Section 65(3)a)" is used to refer to "Section 65, Subsection (3) a)" of the Plan. Terms that are defined in Part IV, Definitions, of the Plan are italicised. Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 5 August 17, 2006

19 PART II BASIC POSITION HALTON'S PLANNING VISION Section 25 PART II BASIC POSITION HALTON'S PLANNING VISION 25. Regional Council supports the notion of sustainable development, which "meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own need." (Our Common Future, The World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987) Planning decisions in Halton will be made based on a proper balance among the following factors: protecting the natural environment, enhancing its economic competitiveness, and fostering a healthy, equitable society. The overall goal is to enhance the quality of life for all people of Halton. 26. Halton recognizes its strategic location within the Greater Toronto Area and the importance of population and employment growth to the social and economic life of its residents. Halton expects further urbanization and major changes to its landscape in the next decades. In this regard, Halton will undertake the necessary steps to ensure that growth will be accommodated in a fashion that is orderly, manageable, yet sensitive to its natural environment, heritage and culture. To maintain Halton as a desirable and identifiable place for this and future generations, certain landforms within Halton must be preserved permanently. This concept of landform permanence represents Halton's fundamental value in land use planning and will guide its decisions and actions on proposed land use changes accordingly. 27. In Halton s vision, its future landscape will have, outside the settlement areas, two classes of permanent landforms. The first class, which is meant to be maintained in their current form and extent with no or as little displacement or encroachment as possible, consists of the following: the Niagara Escarpment, environmentally sensitive areas, wetlands, streams and valley systems, and Ontario and Burlington Bay shoreline. 28. The second class of permanent landforms, to be preserved in large measures so that they will always form part of Halton's landscape, consists of the following: farms, Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 6 August 17, 2006

20 PART II BASIC POSITION HALTON'S PLANNING VISION Section 29 countryside, forested areas, and other open space. 29. The concept of landform permanence will be reflected in the goals, objectives, and policies of this Plan. In pursuit of this concept, Regional Council will exercise its powers and authority, as permitted by legislation, and deploy its resources accordingly. Other government agencies, as well as individuals or corporations, making decisions affecting Halton's landscape are also encouraged to incorporate this concept. 30. Although the best means of preserving landforms is by public ownership, the Region believes that this is impractical or unnecessary in most cases. Instead, the preservation should be a shared value among Halton's residents, land owners, business sector, development industry and government agencies. Regional Council therefore advocates the principle of land stewardship--that all land owners are entitled to reasonable use and enjoyment of their land but they are also stewards of the land and should give proper regard to the long term environmental interests in proposing any land use change to their land. In its approach to making planning decisions, Council will refer to the principle of sustainable development, i.e., seeking a balance among the environmental, economic and social interests. 31. In its vision of planning for Halton's future, Halton believes in the development of healthy communities. A healthy community is one: 31(1) that fosters among the residents a state of physical, mental, social and economic well-being; 31(2) where residents take part in, and have a sense of control over, decisions that affect them; 31(3) that is physically so designed to minimize the stress of daily living and meet the life-long needs of its residents; and 31(4) where employment, social, health, educational, recreational and cultural opportunities are accessible for all segments of the community. 32. Finally, Halton recognizes the importance of a sustainable and prosperous economy and the need for its businesses and employers to compete in a world economy. Towards this end, Halton will actively maintain, develop and expand its economic and assessment base through economic development strategies, timely provision of infrastructure, cost-effective delivery of services, strong fiscal management, proactive planning policies, and support for development Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 7 August 17, 2006

21 PART II BASIC POSITION PLANNING HORIZON Section 32 opportunities that respond to the vision and policies of this Plan. 33. In summary, Halton will use the principle of sustainable development in making its land use decisions and it advocates the concepts of land stewardship and healthy communities, with the vision to preserve for this and future generations a landscape that is rich, diverse, balanced and sustainable, and a society that is economically strong, equitable and caring. PLANNING HORIZON 34. For certain physical elements of this Plan for which incremental decision-making is practical and desirable, e.g. population forecasts and urban envelopes, the planning horizon is the year For other more durable elements and the planning vision of this Plan, the horizon is far beyond the year Regional Council is cognizant of the fact that land use decisions have a permanent impact on the landscape and should be made in the context of a time frame well beyond 20 years. HALTON AND THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO 36. In preparing and adopting this Plan, the Region has recognized and considered carefully those Provincial plans and policies affecting Halton. To the extent Regional Council deems appropriate for Halton and on the premise that Halton can adopt positions and policies more restrictive than the Province, this Plan has incorporated those Provincial plans and policies currently in effect. The approval of this Plan by the Province represents its endorsement of Halton's approach in reflecting the Province's direction. *Parkway Belt West Plan Area 37. The Region views its relationship with the Province of Ontario as encompassing the following: 37(1) effecting Provincial plans and policies in the context appropriate for Halton and its Local Municipalities and within the Region's financial capability; 37(2) acting as the Province in planning approvals, application reviews and matters that have been delegated to the Region under The Planning Act or other Provincial legislation; 37(3) coordinating plans, programs and activities among Provincial ministries, the Region and the Local Municipalities; and Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 8 August 17, 2006

22 PART II BASIC POSITION HALTON AND ITS SURROUNDING REGION Section 37(4) 37(4) responding to Provincial initiatives and proposed policies, plans and legislation after consulting its Local Municipalities and public agencies in Halton. 38. The Region will encourage the Province to: 38(1) provide clear Provincial direction on planning issues; 38(2) streamline Provincial legislation and the land use planning process, especially regarding The Planning Act and The Environmental Assessment Act; 38(3) increase coordination and set priorities of mandate among Provincial ministries and agencies; and 38(4) sort out and assign responsibilities to the appropriate level of government based on the principle of direct accountability supported by appropriate fiscal resources. HALTON AND ITS SURROUNDING REGION 39. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA), as currently defined, comprises the City of Toronto and the Regional Municipalities of Halton, Peel, York and Durham (see Figure 1). Extending this area southwards to the border with the United States would encompass the Golden Horseshoe region, the most populous and economically active part of Ontario. Surrounding this region and not too far away is a ring of urban centres including the Cities of London, Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, and Barrie. Some of these centres are the fastest growing areas within the Province. Halton is remarkably well situated within this conurbation of settlement. 40. Halton Region acknowledges the need to consider its own planning area as part of a larger physical, social and economic entity such as the GTA and the Golden Horseshoe. The natural environment traverses political boundaries and environmental problems can only be dealt with effectively on a multijurisdictional, cooperative basis. Many social and economic issues that face Halton result from forces over which the Region has little control. Particular attention must be paid by Regional Council to inter-regional issues and forces affecting the GTA and the surrounding area in an effort to apply Regional resources strategically to those matters over which it does have some control. 41. Halton Region views its role within the GTA and its participation on GTA issues as one of partnership with the other regions or cities and the Province to promote understanding of issues, to exchange openly information and views, and to seek Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 9 August 17, 2006

23 PART II BASIC POSITION HALTON AND THE LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES Section 41 FIGURE 1 THE GREATER TORONTO AREA solutions to common problems. In so doing, Regional Council will express and pursue its planning vision and objectives with vigour, firmly believing that the strength of the GTA or the Province is founded on the diversity and individuality of its municipalities. Therefore, it is Regional Council's opinion that the GTA partnership is an association of common interest and expediency and should remain as such. 42. Halton also recognizes its historical relationship and association with the neighbouring City of Hamilton, Regional Municipality of Peel, County of Wellington, and their respective member municipalities and will continue to coordinate with them its planning efforts and pursue common interests. HALTON AND THE LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES 43. This Plan recognizes and is based on the following framework of roles and Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 10 August 17, 2006

24 PART II BASIC POSITION HALTON AND THE LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES Section 43 responsibilities for the Region and its four Local Municipalities: the City of Burlington and the Towns of Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills (see Figure 2). 44. The Region's primary role is to provide broad policy directions on strategic matters such as management of land and natural resources, growth strategies, housing, economic development, water and wastewater services, solid waste management, transportation, and health and social services. Recognizing the above, the Local Municipalities are to deal with their local environments to best express their own individualities. The structuring of communities and neighbourhoods and the internal configuration of each of the Local Municipalities, for instance, are the responsibilities of the Municipalities as long as the overall planning vision for Halton and policies of this Plan are adhered to. Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 11 August 17, 2006

25 PART II BASIC POSITION HALTON AND THE LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES Section 45 FIGURE 2 LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES IN HALTON 45. The Planning Act requires that Local Municipalities' Official Plans and Zoning Bylaws be amended to conform with this Plan, when approved. 46. The Regional Plan is a strategy for development of the entire Region, with sufficient detail to permit the achievement of Halton's planning vision and objectives. 47. Local Official Plans, covering the whole of each Local Municipality, are necessary extensions of The Regional Plan, and are intended to direct development in accordance with local desires. They will contain development phasing and land use distributions and standards at a level of detail sufficient for Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 12 August 17, 2006

26 PART II BASIC POSITION HALTON S REGIONAL STRUCTURE Section 47 the implementation of both Regional and local policies, and for the preparation of Zoning Bylaws and specific development proposals. 48. Secondary Plans are to be prepared by the Local Municipalities for new communities, Nodes, Corridors and Hamlets in accordance with Sections 77(5) and 106(1). A new community may contain solely employment lands without residential uses. 49. Secondary Plans shall be in conformity with Regional and Local Official Plans and be incorporated as amendments to the Local Official Plan. HALTON S REGIONAL STRUCTURE 50. The Regional Structure, as shown on Map 1, represents Halton's basic position on the use of land and natural resources within its planning area and is the framework within which Local Official Plans, amendments and bylaws shall be prepared. 51. The Regional Structure consists of a number of mutually exclusive designations categorized into the following three functional systems, the North Aldershot Policy Area and the Ninth Line Corridor Policy Area: 51(1) The Urban System, for accommodating growth of population and related activities. The designations are: Urban Areas, Nodes, Corridors and Parkway Belt Areas. 51(2) The Rural System, within which the primary activities are agricultural operations and resource management and where the agricultural landscape and character are to be preserved. The designations are: Escarpment Protection Area, Escarpment Rural Area, Agricultural Rural Area, Hamlets (shown by symbol), Mineral Resource Extraction Areas, and the Halton Waste Management Site. 51(3) The Greenlands System, a system of connected natural areas and open space to preserve the more sensitive parts of our natural environment while offering some opportunities for recreation. The designations are: Escarpment Natural Area, Greenlands A, Greenlands B, and Regional Waterfront Parks. Shown within the Greenlands System as an overlay, but not as a land use designation, are Environmentally Sensitive Areas, which are land or water areas that contain significant natural features or ecological functions to warrant their identification and special protection. 51(4) The North Aldershot Policy Area, which implements the North Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 13 August 17, 2006

27 PART II BASIC POSITION HALTON S REGIONAL STRUCTURE Section 51(4) Aldershot Inter-Agency Review, permitting a limited amount of development while protecting natural areas. 51(5) The Ninth Line Corridor Policy Area, which reflects the direction in the Final Report, Ninth Line Corridor Protection and Land Use Study (May 2005), as amended, to protect the land base within the Ninth Line Corridor for future transit uses and related facilities, while permitting development that is complementary to and supportive of the 407 transitway. 52. The boundaries of the land use designations, as shown on Map 1, are to be interpreted as follows: 52(1) Where the boundaries between two designations appear to coincide with such facilities as roads, railways, and electrical transmission lines, it is intended that the rights-of-way of such facilities will fall under the more restrictive of the two designations, unless otherwise indicated by specific policies of this Plan. 52(2) Where the boundaries are formed by a combination of such welldefined features as roads, railways, electrical transmission lines, municipal and property boundaries, original township lot or concession lines, streams, and topographic features, they are firm and fixed and can only be changed by a formal amendment to this Plan, unless otherwise exempted by specific policies of this Plan. 52(3) The interpretation of other boundaries that are not so well-defined, including those for the Greenlands System and the Municipal Wellhead Protection Zones, will be the responsibility of the Region, in consultation with appropriate agencies and their agents, based on the general intent of this Plan and utilizing the most detailed and up-todate information available and/or site inspection. 52(4) Where the boundaries of an Urban Area do not coincide with original township lot or concession lines, or identifiable physical features, and where a portion of an urban development proposal extends beyond those boundaries, the Region may deem the proposal to be within the Urban Area provided that the portion of the development proposal extending beyond the boundaries is considered minor and is required for proper site or subdivision design. 53. Boundaries of the following areas are also outlined on Map 1, to provide information and assist in the application of policies: 53(1) Niagara Escarpment Plan Area, as defined in The Niagara Escarpment Plan. Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 14 August 17, 2006

28 PART II BASIC POSITION HALTON S REGIONAL STRUCTURE Section 53(2) 53(2) Parkway Belt West Plan Area, as defined in The Parkway Belt West Plan. 53(3) Milton West Special Study Area, an area within which the land use designations may change as a result of decisions by the Joint Board. Until any new designations are incorporated into this Plan by amendment, the current policies and designations with the exception of Section 77(7), will apply. 53(4) Parkway Belt Special Study Areas, the land use designations within which may change as a result of studies by the Niagara Escarpment Commission. Until the new designations are incorporated into this Plan by amendment to this Plan, policies and designations of The Parkway Belt West Plan will apply. 54. The Regional Structure also takes into consideration the provisions of two principal Provincial plans: The Niagara Escarpment Plan and The Parkway Belt West Plan. The goals, objectives, policies and land designations of these documents have been incorporated into this Plan and, in some cases, made more restrictive, as permitted by the Provincial plans. The approval of this Plan by the Province is an endorsement by the Province that this Plan adequately reflects the direction and requirements of the two Provincial plans. *Parkway Belt West Plan Area 55. The Regional Structure is accompanied by a growth strategy for Halton based on the population and employment distribution for the planning horizon of year 2021 as contained in Table 1 and Regional population and employment growth targets as shown in Table 2, as well as by other infrastructure elements such as transportation systems and urban services. 56. Guided by Halton's planning vision, policies in this Plan are developed to ensure the integrity, maintenance and enhancement of the Regional Structure. Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 15 August 17, 2006

29 HALTON S REGIONAL STRUCTURE Section 56 TABLE 1 POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT DISTRIBUTION Population Employment Municipality Burlington 150, ,500 77, ,400 Oakville 144, ,800 74, ,800 Milton 31, ,000 21,900 53,400 Halton Hills 48,200 70,000 15,900 29,400 Halton Region 375, , , ,000 TABLE 2 REGIONAL POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT GROWTH TARGETS FOR 2021 Population Employment , ,900 Increases within designated Urban Areas prior to urban expansion under Amendment 8 106,200 53,700 Increases outside Urban Areas 5,200 3,400 Increases on urban expansion areas introduced through Amendment 8 105,700 62, , ,000 Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 16 August 17, 2006

30 PART III LAND STEWARDSHIP POLICIES DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA Section 57 PART III LAND STEWARDSHIP POLICIES DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA 57. Development is encouraged in environmentally suitable areas and is directed to appropriate land use designations in accordance with the goals and objectives of each designation. 58. Uses are permitted as specified for each land use designation provided that: 58(1) the site is not considered hazardous to life or property due to conditions such as soil contamination, unstable ground or soil, erosion, or possible flooding; and 58(2) development meets all applicable statutory requirements, including regulations, Official Plan policies, zoning bylaws, and municipal bylaws. 59. No building permits should be issued by a Local Municipality until Section 58 has been complied with. 60. Where a lot is located in more than one land use designation, development, if permitted, should be located on that portion of the lot within the least restrictive designation. 61. In addition to those policies governing the land use designation(s) where it is located, development may be affected by, and therefore shall have regard to: 61(1) objectives and policies relating to the protection of mineral resources, as described in Sections 111 and 112; 61(2) all goals, objectives and policies under Part IV of this Plan; 61(3) areas regulated by the appropriate Conservation Authority, within which development including the placement and removal of any fill material is strictly regulated through regulations made under The Conservation Authorities Act. 61(4) Municipal Wellhead Protection Zones, within which certain land uses, may be prohibited or restricted, as described under Sections 145(2) through 145(4). Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 17 August 17, 2006

31 PART III LAND STEWARDSHIP POLICIES DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA Section 61(5) 61(5) the protection from surface contamination of Halton s groundwater system, whereby certain land uses outside the Burlington and Oakville Urban Areas may be prohibited or restricted, as described under Section 145(5) of this Plan. 62. All development within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area is subject to the provisions of The Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act and The Niagara Escarpment Plan, as well as applicable policies of this Plan, Local Official Plan, and Local Zoning Bylaws. 63. All development within the Parkway Belt West Plan Area is subject to the provisions of The Ontario Planning and Development Act, applicable Provincial Land Use Regulations, The Parkway Belt West Plan, as well as policies of this Plan and Local Official Plan, and Local Zoning Bylaws. 64. In the event of conflict between provisions of this Plan and those of The Niagara Escarpment Plan or The Parkway Belt West Plan, the Provincial plan shall prevail. Provisions of this Plan that are more restrictive than those of the Provincial plans, however, shall apply. *Parkway Belt West Plan Area (last sentence only) 65. The creation of new lots in any land use designation is permitted only by specific policies of this Plan. 66. Subject to other policies of this Plan, applicable Local Official Plan policies and Zoning Bylaws, and policies of The Niagara Escarpment Plan for lands located within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area, new lots may be created: *D21 66(1) for the purpose of acquisition by a public body; *D21 66(2) for the purpose of consolidating lots or re-configurating lot lines provided that the proposal does not result in additional building lots; 66(3) on or before July 15, 2005 by decision of a Local Land Division Committee and granted to a farmer for retirement purposes provided that all the following conditions are met: *D21 a) the applicant has never been granted a severance creating a new building lot in Halton before; *D21 b) the subject property is not the severed or remnant of a severance that created a new building lot after January 1, 1974; *D21 c) the applicant is a bona fide farmer who has farmed in Ontario for at least 20 years; and *D21 d) the applicant has owned and resided on the subject property for Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 18 August 17, 2006

32 PART III LAND STEWARDSHIP POLICIES THE URBAN SYSTEM Goals Section 66(3)d) the last 10 years. *D The creation of new building lots on private services and the approval of private septic systems by the Local Municipalities must meet minimum criteria set forth by the Regional Medical Officer of Health. 68. Single detached dwellings, where permitted by policies of this Plan, are limited to one permanent dwelling per lot unless the residential use is accessory to agriculture in which case objectives and policies relating to the Agricultural Rural Area designation apply. 69. An existing agricultural operation is a permitted use in all land use designations outside the Urban Areas. Within the Urban Areas, agricultural uses are encouraged and permitted as interim uses until the lands are required for the orderly phasing of urban development. 70. Uses may be permitted within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area provided that, among other things: 70(1) The long-term capacity of the site can support the use without a substantial negative impact on Escarpment environmental features such as water quality, natural vegetation, soil, wildlife population and visual attractiveness. 70(2) The cumulative impact of development will not have serious detrimental effects on the Escarpment environment (e.g., water quality, vegetation, soil, wildlife, and landscape). 70(3) Any development permitted should be designed and located in such a manner as to preserve the natural and visual characteristics of the area while maintaining the long term viability of existing agricultural operations. 70(4) Where development involves new roads, road improvements or service corridors, their design and alignment should be in harmony with the Escarpment landscape. THE URBAN SYSTEM Goals 71. The Urban System consists of the designations of Urban Areas, Nodes, Corridors and Parkway Belt Areas, as shown on Map 1. Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 19 August 17, 2006

33 PART III LAND STEWARDSHIP POLICIES THE URBAN SYSTEM Urban Areas Section The goals of the Urban System are: 72(1) To manage growth in accordance with the Region's desire to improve and maintain regional unity, retain local community identity, create healthy communities, promote economic prosperity, maintain a high quality, sustainable natural environment, and preserve certain landforms permanently. 72(2) To support a form of growth that is compact and supportive of transit usage, makes efficient use of space and services and promotes livework relationships. 72(3) To provide a range of identifiable communities of various sizes, types and characters, which afford maximum choices for residence, work and leisure. Urban Areas 73. The objectives of the Urban Areas are: 73(1) To establish a rate and phasing of growth that is consistent with the attainment of Regional objectives. 73(2) To identify an urban structure that supports the development of Nodes and strategically located mixed-use corridors. 73(3) To prescribe urban development boundaries. 74. Urban Areas are areas where urban (water supply and wastewater treatment) services are or will be made available to accommodate existing and future urban development and amenities. Future growth of the Region will be directed to the six defined Urban Areas as shown on Map 1: Burlington Oakville Milton Georgetown Acton Halton Hills 401 Corridor. 75. The distribution of population and employment among the four Local Municipalities is shown in Table 1 under Section 55. Halton Region Official Plan [2006] 20 August 17, 2006