2. Adoption of Agenda Recommendation: That the Committee Agenda dated November 15, 2017 be adopted as printed.

Transcription

1 Page 1 of 125 Active Transportation/Recreation Committee Wednesday, November 15, :15 PM Boardroom, Development and Engineering Services, 305 Barrie Street, Bradford Agenda Pages A meeting of the Active Transportation/Recreation Committee of The Corporation of the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury will be held Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 7:15 PM, in the Boardroom, Development and Engineering Services, 305 Barrie Street, Bradford, ON. 1. Call to Order The Chair calls the meeting to order. 2. Adoption of Agenda Recommendation: That the Committee Agenda dated November 15, 2017 be adopted as printed. 3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature 4. Presentations/Deputations 5. Open Forum Members of the public who are in attendance are invited to address the Committee by signing the Open Forum Register. 6. Adoption of Minutes Adoption of Minutes Recommendation: That the minutes of the October 18, 2017 meeting be adopted as printed. 7. Unfinished Business Official Plan Phase 2 Review

2 Active Transportation/Recreation Committee - Agenda 7.2 School Travel Planning Workshop Update SMDHU November 15, 2017 Page 2 of Old Community Centre Master Plan - Update 7.4 Ontario Funding - Well-being Programs for Students 8. New Business 8.1 Chris Hadfield ES - Adjacent Public Park - Maria Benjamins (SMDHU) 8.2 Recap of 2017 Events 8.3 AT/R Committee Membership 9. Announcements 10. Next Meeting 10.1 Meeting Date: December 20, Agenda items 11. Adjourn Recommendation: That the meeting is hereby adjourned at.

3 Page 3 of 125 Active Transportation/Recreation Committee Wednesday, October 18, :30 PM Boardroom, Development and Engineering Services, 305 Barrie Street, Bradford Minutes Members Present: Gary Baynes, Councillor Cyndie Pasquarella Regrets: James Leduc, Deputy Mayor Ranjit Sandhu Rafik Said Sarah Perry John Franco Staff Present: Maria Benjamins, SMDHU Kevin Gale, Manager of Facilities Astrid Vig-Bergsma, Committee Coordinator Call to Order The Chair calls the meeting to order at 6:31pm. Adoption of Agenda AT Said/Pasquarella That the Committee Agenda dated October 18, 2017 be adopted as amended to include 7.4 Carrot Fest 2017 Survey Results, 7.5 Community Centre Revisioning Master Plan, and 8.1 School Travel Planning Workshop CARRIED. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature There are no declarations of pecuniary interest at this or any other time. Presentations/Deputations There are no presentations or deputations. Open Forum There were no requests during Open Forum.

4 Active Transportation/Recreation Committee - Minutes Adoption of Minutes Adoption of Minutes Page 2 of 3 October 18, 2017 Page 4 of 125 AT Perry/Pasquarella That the minutes of the September 20, 2017 meeting be adopted as printed. Unfinished Business CARRIED. OMCC Grant Program - Update The Town did not proceed with the application under the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling (OMCC) Grant Program. In general, grant application criteria require a clear project outline and firm plan, indicating its readiness to have shovels in the ground. The Town however, will consider applying for grants under the OMCC Program in the future for applicable projects meeting the Grant Program criteria and feasibility. Ontario Funding - Well-Being Programs for Students The Province of Ontario is investing in new and expanded well-being programs for students across the province, to ensure that young people can reach their full potential and thrive inside and outside the classroom. The new funding initiatives aim at boosting the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of Ontario students, and help make schools inclusive, safe, and welcoming learning environments. School travel planning is part of the funding. The Committee discussed how it may promote the funding opportunity to local schools, and how it may leverage funding possibilities to sustain events such as Walk 'n Wheel. Walk N Wheel Review The Committee discussed the 4th Walk n Wheel event that took place on October 4 th, and reviewed at length what went well, and what may need improvement, including logistical issues at the school, the handing out of ribbons during the event, etc. The overall impression was that the event went well at all participating schools. The Committee further discussed event frequency going forward, a protocol on the handing out of ribbons, including options on how students can earn a ribbon. Carrot Fest AT/R Survey Results Rafik Said discussed the results of the AT/R survey held at Carrot Fest. The Committee reviewed overall interest in completing the survey, the type of questions and answers, etc. The survey results provide some insight in what people know and don t know about Bradford's parks, parkettes and trail system. Old Community Revisioning Master Plan The Town of BWG is seeking the input of the community to determine how a valuable piece of property, i.e. the Bradford and District Memorial Community Centre, located at

5 Active Transportation/Recreation Committee - Minutes October 18, Simcoe Road, can best meet the needs of BWG. The aim of the visioning session with stakeholders is to create a plan that will maximize the potential of this asset. The Committee discussed member availability to attend the information session on October 30, New Business School Travel Planning Workshop - SMDHU The SMDHU will be hosting a School Travel Planning workshop for municipalities, school boards, teachers, etc., to brainstorm on, and strengthen local commitment to active school travel. While further details, such as date, time and location, have yet to be made available, Town staff dedicated to Transportation and/or members from this Committee may all attend the workshop. After a lengthy discussion, the Committee decided that it will provide feedback on suggested topics, and names of individuals who may be interested to participate in the workshop, at its next meeting on November 15th. Announcements There were no announcements. Next Meeting Meeting Date: November 15, 2017 Page 3 of 3 Agenda items: School Travel Planning Workshop Update Old Community Centre Master Plan - Update Ontario Funding - Well-being Programs for Students Official Plan Phase 2 Review (tentative) Page 5 of 125 Adjourn AT Perry/Pasquarella That the meeting is hereby adjourned at 8:34 p.m. CARRIED. Gary Baynes, Chair

6 Page 6 of 125 Report of Development and Engineering Services REPORT #: DES DATE: 03 Oct 2017 TO: SUBJECT: PREPARED BY: Deputy Mayor and Members of Committee of the Whole Directions Report Phase 2 Official Plan Review Ryan Windle 1. RECOMMENDATIONS: That Staff Report DES entitled "Directions Report - Phase 2 Official Plan Review" be received and That Council endorse the Directions Report provided as Attachment 5.1 to Staff Report DES PREAMBLE: In May of 2016 Town Staff and WSP/MMM embarked on a work plan to review and update the Towns' current 2002 Official Plan. The project is being completed in three (3) phases. Phase 1 included the review and update of the OP in four (4) distinct policy areas including Growth and Population, Employment Lands, Downtown Revitalization and Seniors Housing. On March 21, Town Council approved the four (4) separate OPA's which have been transmitted to the County for final approval. Phase 2 includes a review and update of all other policy areas not included in the Phase 1 review. Phase 3 is simply the consolidation and completion of a new Official Plan document for the Town. A key component of Phase 2 is the completion of a Directions Report. In consultation with Staff, WSP/MMM has prepared the Directions Report. The purpose of the Directions Report is to identify the broad range of issues affecting land use planning in the Town and to provide directions and recommendations to inform the new Official Plan policies, goals and objectives. Generally, the report addresses in detail policies and recommendations for policy areas not addressed in Phase 1. The purpose of this Staff Report is to recommend that Town Council accept and endorse the Directions Report and therefore allow for completion of a Draft Official Plan document that will include new policies, goals and objectives to guide the Town over the next 20 years.

7 DES Directions Report Phase 2 Official Plan Review Page 2 of 120 Page 7 of BASIC DATA PERTAINING TO THE MATTER: Background The Town s Official Plan (OP) provides a policy framework for guiding the physical development and protecting the natural resources of the municipality over a 20-year timeframe. The Planning Act requires that municipalities review its OP every five years to ensure that it is in conformity with all relevant legislation and policies. The Town's current OP was adopted in Portions of the plan have been updated since it was first enacted however, a comprehensive review has not been completed. Over the last 14 years a number of policy documents have come into effect and/or been subsequently updated including the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), Places to Grow - Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (PTG) and the recently approved updated Simcoe County Official Plan. The Town's OP must be in conformity with these policy documents and as such Staff has initiated a complete review and update of the Town's OP. In February of 2014, Town Council passed a resolution directing Staff to undertake a Phase 1 OP review as there were a few critical updates required for the Town s OP that could not wait for resolution of the SCOP that was, at the time, under appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). These policy topics included Population and Growth, Downtown Revitalization, and Employment Lands. Subsequent to this original resolution Staff initiated the review and update of the Towns' OP and the County OP was OMB approved (December 2016). In May of 2016 WSP/MMM Group was hired to undertake the OP review and update which was to be completed in phases, with Phase 1 being review and updates regarding the original three (3) topics including: Growth and Population (Land Needs Analysis); Employment Lands; and Downtown Revitalization. Seniors Housing was added to Phase 1 given its priority with Council. Phase 2 was to be initiated upon completion of Phase 1 and includes the review of all other policy areas not covered in Phase 1 through the preparation of a Directions Report and culminating in the drafting of new Official Plan policies and mapping in a new consolidated Official Plan document (Phase 3). Upon Council direction and with Staff assistance WSP/MMM initiated the required process to review and update the OP. The work plan included background research/study preparation; production of draft OPAs; holding of statutory public meetings/open houses; conducting stakeholder meetings; circulation and solicitations of comments from applicable Town departments and outside agencies and preparation of the final OPAs. Specifically, the following four (4) separate Phase 1 OPAs were prepared for Council's consideration: Official Plan Amendment No Seniors Housing Policy Update; Official Plan Amendment No Growth and Population Review; Official Plan Amendment No Employment Lands Review; and Official Plan Amendment No Downtown Revitalization Strategy. Following extensive review of the amendments and consideration of public input, the Office of Community Planning recommended that the proposed Phase 1 OPA's were in conformity with and address all applicable requirements of Provincial policy, including the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) and Places to Grow - Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (PTG), and the recently approved Simcoe County Official Plan (SCOP). Upon consideration of Staff's recommendation, Town Council approved the OPA's on March 21, The approved OPA's

8 DES Directions Report Phase 2 Official Plan Review Page 3 of 120 Page 8 of 125 were then transmitted to the County for final approval on April 4, On June 27, 2017, County Committee of the Whole approved OPA 24 (Seniors Housing) and OPA 27 (Downtown Revitalization) with approval being ratified by County Council on August 9, OPA 24 and 27 are currently under appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). OPA 25 (Growth and Population) and OPA 26 (Employment Lands) are still with County for consideration of a recommendation to County Council. In the Spring/Summer of 2017 (after Town Council approval of the Phase 1 OPA's), Staff and WSP/MMM embarked on Phase 2 of the OP review. This began with a Community Visioning Workshop on June 8, 2017 whereby participants reviewed display panels and were given comment sheets to answer key questions that included: What is your vision for Bradford West Gwillimbury (BWG)?; What do you think BWG should look like in 20 years?; What issues are most important to you in implementing this vision?; and What goals or objectives are needed to address six (6) key issue areas including: Housing and Residential Areas; the Environment; Agriculture and the Holland Marsh; Open Space, Recreation, and Trails; Community Facilities;, and Getting Around Town. Generally comments received focused on the theme of complete community whereby the Town's existing attributes and beauty would be maintained while providing services and planning for a growing community. Based on these comments and those received through the Phase 1 review, WSP/MMM proposes the following vision to be included in the new OP: In Bradford West Gwillimbury, we are building on our tradition of agriculture and history that will provide opportunity for all who call it home. This vision would be supported through key principles including: 1. Managing growth and development in a sensitive manner; 2. Providing housing options that recognize demographic change; 3. Protecting and enhancing our built, natural and agricultural heritage; 4. Being open and ready for business; and 5. Supporting choice in mobility and movement. Directions Report In addition to the Community Workshop, WSP/MMM prepared the 1st Draft of the OP Directions Report in May 2017 and a 2nd Draft in July The Directions Report was circulated to staff in key departments including Development Engineering, Capital Engineering, Community Services, Finance and the CAO's office. Upon compilation and consideration of Staff Comments WSP/MMM prepared the final report which is provided as Attachment 5.1. As stated by WSP/MMM. The purpose of the Directions Report is to document the broad range of issues affecting land use planning in the Town and to provide directions and recommendations to inform new Official Plan policies. Generally, the report addresses in detail policies and recommendations for policy areas not addressed in Phase 1 such as: Residential and commercial use permissions; Affordable housing;

9 DES Directions Report Phase 2 Official Plan Review Page 4 of 120 Page 9 of 125 Environmental policies; Heritage Planning; Public and community uses; Agricultural and rural lands policies; and Economic development. In addition, WSP/MMM has conducted an extensive review of all applicable provincial policies and directives to identify areas to which the new OP policies must conform. These include: the Planning Act; the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS); the Growth Plan; the Greenbelt Plan; Implementation Procedures for the Agricultural System in the Greater Golden Horseshoe; OMAFRA Guidelines on Permitted Uses in Prime Agricultural Areas; Minimum Distance Separation Document; Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulation; the Clean Water Act; Conservation Authority Regulations; and the Strong communities Through Affordable Housing Act; The County OP and existing Town policies and directives have also been reviewed in detail to inform new policy directions and ensure consistency. With respect to Town policies the following were reviewed: the Economic Development Strategy; the Retail Analysis and Commercial Policy Review; the Capital Infrastructure Plan; Transportation Plans; Urban Design Guidelines (CPA 2 and Downtown); the Leisure Services Master Plan; and the Community Centre Revisioning Exercise. The report identifies a number of general policy issues and options and administrative items that will be addressed in the new OP including: Natural Heritage; Built Heritage Conservation; Engagement and Alternative Notice Procedures (for development applications); Inclusionary Zoning; Consolidation of existing Community Plans; and OP document design and layout.

10 DES Directions Report Phase 2 Official Plan Review Page 5 of 120 Page 10 of 125 Finally, the Directions Report provides specific policy directions for formulating the goals and objectives of the new plan. These directions are organized based on the following themes and sub-themes: Create Healthy and Complete Communities Employment and Employment Lands; Intensification; Housing; Mixed Use Developments; Commercial Designations; Designated Greenfield Areas; Community Design; and Settlement Area Expansions. Promote Economic Development Employment Designations; Investment - Readiness; and Entrepreneurial Opportunities (including home occupations). Promote Food Security Agricultural Designations and the Holland Marsh Specialty Crop Area; and Rural Designations. Conserve and Enhance Natural and Cultural Resources Natural Environment; Built and Cultural Heritage; Aggregate Resources; and Water Resources. Develop Resilient, Sustainable Infrastructure Sustainable Infrastructure; and Transportation. Protect Public Health and Safety Lake Simcoe Protection Plan and South Georgian Bay - Lake Simcoe Source Protection Plan; and Built Form and Urban Design. In Staff's opinion WSP/MMM has produced a comprehensive report that provides appropriate background information and direction that will be used as the basis for and guide for the

11 DES Directions Report Phase 2 Official Plan Review Page 6 of 120 Page 11 of 125 preparation of the policies, goals and objectives of the new OP. As such Staff recommend that Council accept and endorse the Directions Report as submitted. Next Steps Upon Council acceptance and endorsement of the Directions Report, WSP/MMM and Staff will continue to formulate the draft policies of the new OP. Once the Draft OP policies are complete they will be presented to key departments and agencies, key stakeholders and the public for comment through a comprehensive consultation process. This process includes circulation for comments, posting on the Town's OP website for comment, a Public Open House, a Public Meeting and ultimately a Staff Report with a recommendation to Town Council. It should also be noted that the draft OP document will be presented to each of the Committees of Council for input. These committees include: Active Transportation/Recreation Committee, Traffic Committee, Economic Development Advisory Committee, Heritage Committee, and the Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee. It is anticipated that the Draft OP will be posted and available in late October The consultation process is anticipated to occur in late November/early December with a report to Council and adoption of a new OP targeted for the first quarter of EFFECT ON TOWN FINANCES: This report is being provided for information only and, as such, there are no impacts on the Town's finances. The additional review and work undertaken by the Consultant and the associated costs are included within the existing work program and budget for the OP update. 5. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment Directions Report - Phase 2 Official Plan Review and Update 6. APPROVALS: Ryan Windle, Manager of Planning Services Approved - 27 Sep 2017 Peter Loukes, Director of Engineering and Development Services Approved - 27 Sep 2017 Ian Goodfellow, Director of Finance/Treasurer Approved - 27 Sep 2017 Geoff McKnight, Chief Administrative Officer Approved - 28 Sep 2017

12 Page 12 of 125 Page 7 of 120 TOWN OF BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW PHASE 2 DISCUSSION PAPER SEPTEMBER 2017

13 Page 13 of 125 Page 8 of 120

14 Page 14 of 125 Page 9 of 120 Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Official Plan Review WSP Policy Discussion Paper July 2017

15 Page 15 of 125 Page 10 of 120 i TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION PROJECT PROCESS AND SCHEDULE WHAT IS AN OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW? WHY NOW? WHAT IS AN OFFICIAL PLAN? HOW DOES IT RELATE TO THE ZONING BY-LAW? STATUS UPDATE THE OFFICIAL PLAN PROCESS TO DATE (PHASE 1) STRATEGIC DIRECTIVES TOWN OF BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY STRATEGIC PLAN ( ) COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND CONSULTATION CONSULTATION AND THE 2017 VISIONING WORKSHOP PROVINCIAL POLICY FRAMEWORK PLANNING ACT (INCLUDING BILL 51 AND BILL 73 AMENDMENTS) SMART GROWTH FOR OUR COMMUNITIES ACT, 2015 (BILL 73) PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LAND STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 (BILL 51) PROVINCIAL POLICY STATEMENT (2014) GROWTH PLAN FOR THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY STRATEGIC SETTLEMENT EMPLOYMENT AREA (BWG SSEA) GROWTH PLAN FOR THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE, GREENBELT PLAN, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Official Plan Review WSP Policy Discussion Paper July 2017

16 Page 16 of 125 Page 11 of 120 ii 2.5 IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES FOR THE COORDINATED LAND USE PLANNING REVIEW IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM IN ONTARIO S GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE, 2017 (DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION) DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPOSED REGIONAL NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEM FOR THE GROWTH PLAN FOR THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE, OMAFRA GUIDELINES ON PERMITTED USES IN ONTARIO S PRIME AGRICULTURAL AREAS, MINIMUM DISTANCE SEPARATION (MDS) DOCUMENT, ACCESS TO CANNABIS FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES REGULATION (ACMPR) LAKE SIMCOE PROTECTION PLAN, CLEAN WATER ACT, 2006, AND SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PLAN (SOUTH GEORGIAN BAY LAKE SIMCOE SOURCE PROTECTION REGION) CONSERVATION AUTHORITY JURISDICTION AND REGULATIONS (LSRCA AND NVCA) STRONG COMMUNITIES THROUGH AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACT, BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES AND CONSERVING WATERSHEDS ACT, 2017 (BILL 139) COUNTY OF SIMCOE OFFICIAL PLAN (NOW IN EFFECT, CONFORMITY REQUIRED) GROWTH MANAGEMENT LAND USE DESIGNATIONS REMAINING SITE-SPECIFIC APPEALS IN THE TOWN ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION POLICY STATEMENTS Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Official Plan Review WSP Policy Discussion Paper July 2017

17 Page 17 of 125 Page 12 of 120 iii 3.3 SIMCOE COUNTY AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE, SIMCOE COUNTY HOUSING STRATEGY, SIMCOE MUSKOKA HEALTHY COMMUNITY DESIGN: POLICY STATEMENTS FOR OFFICIAL PLANS, TOWN POLICY CONSIDERATIONS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, RETAIL ANALYSIS AND COMMERCIAL POLICY REVIEW, CAPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN AND THE 2012 ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN TRANSPORTATION PLANS URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR COMMUNITY PLAN AREA 2, DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR DOWNTOWN BRADFORD BARRIER-FREE DESIGN LEISURE SERVICES MASTER PLAN (LSMP), COMMUNITY CENTRE REVISIONING EXERCISE GENERAL ISSUES AND OPTIONS DESIGN AND LAYOUT NATURAL HERITAGE BUILT HERITAGE CONSERVATION ENGAGEMENT AND ALTERNATIVE NOTICE PROCEDURES CONSOLIDATION OF THE COMMUNITY PLANS INCLUSIONARY ZONING Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Official Plan Review WSP Policy Discussion Paper July 2017

18 Page 18 of 125 Page 13 of 120 iv 5.7 FUTURE WORK IDENTIFIED THROUGH PHASE DIRECTIONS AND NEXT STEPS CREATE HEALTHY AND COMPLETE COMMUNITIES PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROMOTE FOOD SECURITY CONSERVE AND ENHANCE NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES DEVELOP RESILIENT, SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPLEMENTATION CONSIDERATIONS NEXT STEPS Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Official Plan Review WSP Policy Discussion Paper July 2017

19 Page 19 of 125 Page 14 of 120 v T A B L E S TABLE 1 PERMITTED USES WITHIN THE PROTECTED COUNTRYSIDE TABLE 2 PERMITTED AGRICULTURAL USES TABLE 3 INVENTORY OF CORE ASSETS IN THE TOWN OF BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY TABLE 4 SUMMARY OF POLICIES LOCATED IN THE FOUR COMMUNITY/SECONDARY PLANS M APS MAP 1 GREENBELT PLAN SCHEDULE 1: GREENBELT AREA MAP 2 COUNTY OFFICIAL PLAN SCHEDULE 5.3.3: GREENBELT PLAN MAP 3 GREENBELT PLAN SCHEDULE 3: HOLLAND MARSH MAP 4 EXCERPT FROM THE DRAFT AGRICULTURAL LAND BASE MAP 5 EXCERPT FROM THE PROPOSED REGIONAL NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEM MAP 6 CONSERVATION AUTHORITY JURISDICTION/WATERSHED BOUNDARIES MAP 7 COUNTY OFFICIAL PLAN SCHEDULE 5.1: LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MAP 8 COUNTY OFFICIAL PLAN SCHEDULE 5.1: LAND USE DESIGNATIONS EXCERPT MAP 9 TOWN OF BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY COMMERCIAL AREAS MAP 10 CAPITAL PROJECT PLANS, MAP 11 AREA 2 COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK PLAN Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Official Plan Review WSP Policy Discussion Paper July 2017

20 Page 20 of 125 Page 15 of 120 vi F I G U R E S FIGURE 1 STEPS TO IMPLEMENT AN AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE FIGURE 2 BRADFORD AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE A P P E N D I C E S APPENDIX A HEALTHY COMMUNITY DESIGN: POLICY STATEMENTS FOR OFFICIAL PLANS, 2014 SUMMARY OF POLICY STATEMENTS Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Official Plan Review WSP Policy Discussion Paper July 2017

21 Page 21 of 125 Page 16 of INTRODUCTION The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury (the Town) is undertaking a Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) of its Official Plan. This presents an opportunity to evaluate the Plan s existing policy framework related to managing growth, protecting and enhancing natural heritage features and water resources, improving transportation systems and capitalizing economic development opportunities for a defined time horizon. The project stems from the need for local planning documents to evolve in parallel with the issues and matters of upper-tier and Provincial interests, in order to provide a consistent policy framework that guides growth and development. As a result, the Town s current Official Plan is being reviewed to ensure consistency/conformity with these documents through the eventual repeal of the current Official Plan and adoption of a new Official Plan. The Official Plan Review (OPR) will address the opportunities and challenges of planning and development in the Town and will result in a new Official Plan that conforms to Provincial and County legislation that has been introduced or revised in recent years (e.g. Provincial Policy Statement, 2014 (PPS) and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2017 (the Growth Plan), County of Simcoe Official Plan (County OP)). The purpose of this report is to document the broad range of issues affecting land use planning in the Town, and to provide a number of directions and recommendations to inform the preparation of a new Official Plan for the Town in Phase 3 of this Review. The new Official Plan will address the unique planning issues facing the Town, which will be identified through collaboration with Council, staff, stakeholders, and residents of Bradford West Gwillimbury. 1.1 PROJECT PROCESS AND SCHEDULE The OPR is being undertaken through a three phase process. Phase 1 was implemented through a series of individual Official Plan Amendments (OPA) on four matters reflecting important Council priorities which are unrelated to the ongoing appeals of the County Official Plan. Specifically, this Phase addressed: Seniors Housing Policy (OPA 24); Growth/Population Review, in accordance with Provincial targets (OPA 25); 2016 Employment Lands Review (OPA 26); and Downtown Bradford Revitalization Strategy (OPA 27).

22 Page 22 of 125 Page 17 of The four OPAs went through an iterative public process and were prepared through extensive policy review; outcomes were reported within detailed background studies for each issue. Phase 1 is now complete, as Council adopted the amendments on March 21, Phase 2 the current phase of this project primarily involves preparing a Discussion Paper to address policies and recommendations for topics not covered in Phase 1, including: Residential and commercial use permissions; Affordable housing; Environmental policies; Heritage planning; Public and community uses; Agricultural and rural lands policies; Implementing changes to the Planning Act and conformity with a range of Provincial and County plans; and Economic development. The Strategic Plan and Priorities of Council provides some direction in this regard. The OPR itself will answer these remaining questions and future work to be undertaken. This Discussion Paper identifies key issues, potential policy options and recommendations for the new Official Plan. Phase 3 will proceed with drafting of the new Official Plan policies. This Phase will involve various statutory and non-statutory consultations, with the public, stakeholders and Council to review the draft Official Plan policies, prior to presenting the text and mapping to Council for consideration and adoption. Together, these phases will culminate in the preparation of a new Official Plan document, targeted to be completed by the end of 2017 or early WHAT IS AN OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW? WHY NOW? The Planning Act requires that municipalities review their Official Plan every five years to ensure that it is compliant with all relevant legislation and policies. An OPR is the study and process designed to undertake this work. An OPR investigates and provides analysis into a variety of issues affecting growth and change in the Town in order to provide a policy direction for addressing those issues. The Town s current Official Plan came into effect on February 15, 2002, with a purpose to provide a comprehensive framework for the guidance of land use and

23 Page 23 of 125 Page 18 of physical development in the Town over a 20-year time-frame. Portions of the Town s Official Plan have been updated since it was first enacted however, a full comprehensive review has yet to occur. Over that time, there have been a number of changes to the policy framework for land use planning in Ontario: Two new versions of Provincial Policy Statements, in 2005 (no longer in effect) and 2014 (in effect); The adoption of a new Simcoe County Official Plan in 2013, with approvals for the document given by the Ontario Municipal Board in 2016; The creation of two versions of the Greenbelt Plan (2005, no longer in effect; 2017, in effect) and four versions of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006; 2012; 2013; 2017, in effect); Amendments to a range of Provincial Acts including the Development Charges Act, Ontario Heritage Act, Municipal Act, and, critically, the Planning Act; The passing of Zoning By-law , the Town s first unified zoning framework; and, Considerable economic and demographic change, including growth and development in four of the Town s Community Plan Areas within the Bradford Urban Area and the imminent arrival of municipal water and wastewater services in the Highway 400 Employment Lands and Bond Head. Additionally, no up-to-date consolidation of the Plan exists, meaning all users of the current Official Plan are relying on multiple documents to determine applicable policies. Meanwhile, considerable growth has occurred, and will continue to occur, with new development and built form pressures emerging particularly within the Bradford Urban Area. The new Official Plan will address previous amendments while incorporating the new updates in an efficient and accessible manner. Given the amount of change in both the Town and the broader policy framework for land use planning in Ontario, this Review is appropriate and necessary WHAT IS AN OFFICIAL PLAN? An Official Plan is a policy document adopted by Council under the provisions of the Planning Act. As such, it reflects matters of Provincial interest and applies to all lands within the Town. The Official Plan expresses the vision, goals and objectives for the community, as well as land use planning policies to help guide and direct growth and development over its specified time span. It addresses the location and form of new housing, industry, offices and shops as well as anticipated needs for infrastructure and community amenities.

24 Page 24 of 125 Page 19 of An Official Plan also establishes policies for the protection of agricultural land and the conservation of the natural environment and cultural heritage resources. An Official Plan also establishes the basis for using specific regulatory measures for land division, zoning and site plan control, as well as consultation and engagement processes HOW DOES IT RELATE TO THE ZONING BY-LAW? Upon approval of a new Official Plan, the Town s Zoning By-law must be updated within three years of approval to implement the Official Plan policies. A Zoning Bylaw is a regulatory tool that implements the policies of the Official Plan. The basic purpose of a Zoning By-law is to describe the types of uses permitted and to regulate what can be built on a property, its character and built form, and how it will be configured on the lot STATUS UPDATE THE OFFICIAL PLAN PROCESS TO DATE (PHASE 1) Phase 1 of this OPR pertained to four issue areas that were identified by Council to benefit from priority focus as a separate stage within the overall OPR. As stated previously, Phase 1 is complete and currently under review at the County and at the OMB. The following is a summary of each issue addressed within Phase 1, and the outcomes of their associated OPAs: 1. OPA No. 24 Seniors Housing: providing a diversity of senior s housing has become an increasing and evident need within the municipality to ensure retention of residents as they age. Aligning with the Town s Strategic Plan s priority objective related to seniors and affordable housing, a review of the current policy regime was required to identify any updates, new policies, and/or incentives that could contribute to achieving this objective. The Bradford West Gwillimbury Seniors Housing Assessment identified a mismatch between the Town s demographics and the type of housing supply being provided. The consultation process identified a need to plan for an age-friendly community which allows for aging in place, multi-modal and accessible connections to required services, and universal design features. Cumulatively, the Amendment contains polices which: Direct for the completion of an Age-Friendly Community Plan to support ageing in place and age-friendly design; Introduce the location criteria for seniors housing to be in proximity to essential services/facilities;

25 Page 25 of 125 Page 20 of Require the 20% of dwelling units on any greenfield land in the Bradford Urban Area to be developed in forms that address the Town s changing demographic; and Permit seniors housing in all land use designations, except Industrial and Employment. OPA No. 25 Growth/Population Distribution: The Growth Plan indicates that the County will reach 416,000 residents and 132,000 jobs by 2031, with 50,500 residents and 18,000 jobs allocated to the Town. These targets are above that of the current Official Plan, which forecasted 47,800 residents (38,800 within the Bradford Urban Area) to the year 2026, with no corresponding jobs forecast. The Town s infrastructure master plans were using the 2031 projects from the Growth Plan. This OPA brought the planning documents into conformity. The consultation process identified a desire to promote intensification (e.g. development of future development blocks, changing designations in appropriate locations, strategic employment land conversions) while ensuring compatibility with existing stable neighbourhoods. Cumulatively, the Amendment contains polices which: Anticipate construction of 5,200 dwellings between 2016 and 2031 and delineate areas where this construction will likely occur; Identify density and housing mix targets, with an overall target mix of 69% low density, 16% medium density, and 15% high density dwellings; Enable development applications to be pursued on Future Development Zone blocks and recognize the GO Station as an asset for intensification; Encourage employment growth and protection of employment lands, by only allowing conversions through a municipal comprehensive review, which is measured against policy tests; and Include design criteria for new developments adjacent to stable neighbourhoods and low-density residential communities. 2. OPA No Employment Lands Review: this OPA was designed to address refinements that were required to implement local and Provincial directives for the Highway 400 Employment Lands. This is a strategic employment settlement area which was established through OPA No. 15 and three Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZO) and eventually recognized within the Growth Plan. General applicable policies from the Growth Plan pertain to employment area boundaries, permitted uses and lot sizes. Policies for the Simcoe Sub-area also apply, which were established in January 2012 through Amendment #1. Consultations regarding this OPA discussed the supply of employment lands and resulted desires for site-specific conversions to support residential uses, greater flexibility of employment-related uses, and an expansion of permitted land uses

26 Page 26 of 125 Page 21 of within the Interchange designation. Cumulatively, the Amendment contains polices which: Protect employment lands from conversion outside of a MCR; Support economic growth through the development of policies that align with the 2015 Economic Development Strategy, which sets out a five year outlook for economic activity within the Town; Encourage infill of existing industrial parks and relocation of industrial uses to lands designated for employment uses, and allow for Outdoor Storage as a permitted use within the Industrial/Commercial designation; and Establish a new Schedule G, reflecting land use designations identified by local and Provincial directives. 3. OPA No. 27 Downtown Bradford Revitalization: the Downtown Bradford Revitalization Strategy (DBRS), adopted by Council in April 2011, requires policy implementation through revisions to Official Plan policies required to implement the Strategy s vision, through change in land uses, densities, height allowances, and parking provisions within the subject area. Prior to this Review, there were three different documents used to identify Downtown Bradford, being: The Downtown Bradford Revitalization Strategy (DBRS), 2011 an overall visioning strategy to reinvigorate the Downtown through investment, activity, and population growth; The Downtown Bradford Community Improvement Plan (CIP), updated 2014 provides the financial incentives to help realize the vision of the DBRS; and The Implementation Work Plan ( ) for the Downtown Bradford Revitalization Strategy (IWP) structures a monitoring and implementation scheme to prioritize action items form the DBRS. The Phase 1 Downtown Revitalization Background Paper identified the need for a unified Downtown Bradford boundary which harmonized the various tools and intents defined by these three guiding documents. The consultation process identified a desire to stimulate Downtown growth and activity and increase commercial and employment uses, while remaining sensitive to compatibility issues with existing neighbourhoods surrounding the core. Cumulatively, the Amendment contains polices which: Harmonize a Commercial Core (Downtown Bradford) designation area which aligns with lands addressed within the Revitalization Strategy; Create opportunities for intensification, through a primary intensification and re-development area, bonusing policies, and a new height schedule; and Allow for the development of livable and vibrant communities through the establishment of east and west gateways as Special Policy Areas (SPAs),

27 Page 27 of 125 Page 22 of application of the Design Guidelines for Downtown Bradford within the Commercial Core designation, and creation of a Complete Street policy and Downtown Parking Strategy to consider street design for all users. 1.3 STRATEGIC DIRECTIVES TOWN OF BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY STRATEGIC PLAN ( ) The Town s vision is to become a complete and healthy community inclusive of opportunities for all residents. This is to be achieved through six strategic objectives, being: 1. Promoting sustainable job growth maximizing local job growth in a balanced and efficient manner; 2. Encouraging a range of housing that meets resident needs providing diverse and innovative housing stock for residents of all ages; 3. Improving and expanding recreational and cultural programs and services creating a culture of heritage and recreation within the community; 4. Improving the Town s transportation system providing multi-modal options to increase ease and accessibility of travelling throughout the Town; 5. Providing/facilitating infrastructure that meets the Town s current and future needs efficiently using current technologies and facilities, and proactively replacing assets and planning for redevelopment; and 6. Effectively engaging residents and businesses in the Town s activities, plans, and priorities creating an open and transparent planning system to promote citizen participation. Each objective is associated with a set of actions and outcomes to measure achievement of the objective. The strategic actions revolve around three main aspects, being: Making improvements to what currently exists, whether that be updating plans and strategies, or maximizing existing opportunities (i.e. infrastructure, services); Identifying and creating new opportunities (i.e. programs, events, plans, development potential); and Promoting and prioritizing a strong culture of engagement between Council, City staff, stakeholders, developers, and Bradford West Gwillimbury residents. The Official Plan will be a critical document in promoting these objectives and moving forward with the strategic actions required to achieve the Town s vision of a vibrant and livable community.

28 Page 28 of 125 Page 23 of COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND CONSULTATION Fostering an interactive, visual and meaningful environment for engagement is vital in executing a successful consultation process. Due to the magnitude of an Official Plan, there will always be an array of interested parties when undertaking the Plan s review. Engagement activities will be to present planning policy in simple and approachable terms, acknowledging that input from the stakeholders and residents will enhance the OPR. Identifying effective means for communicating with these various groups will ensure concerns are appropriately addressed and result in directions in the new Plan which stem from input from the Project Team and community at large. The integration of local experience and knowledge will ultimately lead to an implementable product that is supported by Council, stakeholders (e.g. agencies, landowners and business groups, community groups) and the community at large. The public will be engaged at various points throughout the OPR process. These public meetings will take various formats, including public open houses, statutory public meetings, and a community workshop. Since commencement of this OPR, the public was engaged for each OPA within Phase 1. Additionally, the community workshop was held during Phase 2; the findings from this workshop are described in Section Online engagement will primarily take the form of awareness building, which will occur through the use of a project webpage and social media posts. The project webpage ( contains all project information and updates, providing access to preliminary materials, upcoming public hearings and progress updates, including draft and final reports and amendments throughout the entire process. Social media is another effective means for raising awareness. The Town currently has a Facebook page and a dedicated project Twitter handle (@PlanBWG), which will be used to share project-specific information with the community as it is released and to solicit input CONSULTATION AND THE 2017 VISIONING WORKSHOP To date, the Official Plan Review has included a varied and extensive public consultation process. This has included the project website and social media campaign, four issues-oriented workshops for the Phase 1 issue groups (employment lands, growth management, housing for older persons, and downtown revitalization), and open houses and statutory public meetings for the Phase 1 issue groups. As part of the overall engagement strategy, a visioning workshop was coordinated at the Bradford and District Community Centre (125 Simcoe Road) for June 8, The workshop was conducted in a drop-in manner. Participants will be able to self-

29 Page 29 of 125 Page 24 of facilitate visioning activities and provide input on their ideas for a vision for Bradford West Gwillimbury, and supporting goals, that will guide the Official Plan Review for Bradford West Gwillimbury Along with a number of display panels, participants were given comment sheets to answer three main questions: 1. Tell us about your vision for Bradford West Gwillimbury. What do you think it should look like in 20 years? 2. What issues are most important to you in implementing this vision? 3. What goals, targets, or objectives are needed for each of six issue areas: a. Housing and Residential Areas; b. The Environment; c. Agriculture and the Holland Marsh; d. Open Space, Recreation, and Trails; e. Community Facilities; and f. Getting around Town. Overall, comments received revolve around the theme of complete community ensuring that the Town s growth maintains its current attributes and beauty while providing the services desired and necessary for a growing community. Aspects of each of these comments appear throughout this report, the Phase 1 OPAs, and previous staff reports on land use planning policy. Chiefly, the comments all carry local as a central tenet. As this project has been focussed on building on tradition, a strong vision will recognize the strength of the key elements of community in Bradford West Gwillimbury. It is proposed to enshrine the following proposed vision in the new Official Plan: In Bradford West Gwillimbury, we are building on our tradition of agriculture and history within a growing community that will provide opportunity for all who call it home. This vision would be supported through key principles, including: 1. Managing growth and development in a sensitive manner; 2. Providing housing options that recognizes demographic change; 3. Protecting and enhancing our built, natural, and agricultural heritage; 4. Being open and ready for business; and 5. Supporting choice in mobility and movement.

30 Page 30 of 125 Page 25 of PROVINCIAL POLICY FRAMEWORK Planning at the Official Plan level is undertaken within a framework established by the Province of Ontario, specifically the Planning Act, the PPS and the Growth Plan. Local land use policy is required to be consistent with the policies of the PPS. It is also influenced through other Provincial initiatives, such as Bill 73 (The Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015), which is the latest in a long line of significant amendments to the Planning Act. Furthermore, the Province has recently completed a coordinated review of four Provincial plans, resulting in revisions to the Greenbelt Plan and Growth Plan. Therefore, it is the intent of the OPR to ensure that the Official Plan is consistent with applicable Provincial policies and legislation and the County Official Plan, and sets out the appropriate framework for land use planning in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury. In cases where there is an upper-tier government, like the County of Simcoe (the County), Provincial policy is first implemented at the upper-tier; the County OP provides that direction to the Town, implemented at a local and more specific level by the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Official Plan. The Town s Official Plan enables a number of planning tools for use in implementing the policies of the Plan including, but not limited to, secondary plans, community improvement plans, plans of subdivision and zoning By-laws. 2.1 PLANNING ACT (INCLUDING BILL 51 AND BILL 73 AMENDMENTS) The Planning Act provides the fundamental land use planning framework in Ontario. It governs the overall content and direction of official plans through S.16(1) and S.16(2), which state: An official plan shall contain, a) goals, objectives and policies established primarily to manage and direct physical change and the effects on the social, economic, built and natural environment of the municipality or part of it, or an area that is without municipal organization; and b) a description of the measures and procedures for informing and obtaining the views of the public in respect of, a. proposed amendments to the official plan or proposed revision of the plan, b. proposed zoning By-laws, c. proposed plans of subdivision, and

31 Page 31 of 125 Page 26 of And: d. proposed consents under S.53. an official plan may contain, a) a description of the measures and procedures proposed to attain the objectives of the plan; and b) a description of the measures and procedures for informing and obtaining the views of the public in respect of planning matters not mentioned in clause (1)(b). The Planning Act also identifies 19 Matters of Provincial Interest which municipal councils shall have regard to when carrying out their responsibilities under the Act (S.2), including the preparation and adoption of an official plan. These matters are: 1. The protection of ecological systems, including natural areas, features and functions; 2. The protection of agricultural resources of the Province; 3. The conservation and management of natural resources and the mineral resource base; 4. The conservation of features of significant architectural, cultural, historical, archaeological or scientific interest; 5. The supply, efficient use and conservation of energy and water; 6. The adequate provision and efficient use of communication, transportation, sewage and water services and waste management systems; 7. The minimization of waste; 8. The orderly development of safe and healthy communities; 9. The accessibility for persons with disabilities to all facilities, services and matters to which this Act applies; 10. The adequate provision and distribution of educational, health, social, cultural and recreational facilities; 11. The adequate provision of a full range of housing, including affordable housing; 12. The adequate provision of employment opportunities; 13. The protection of the financial and economic well-being of the Province and its municipalities; 14. The co-ordination of planning activities of public bodies; 15. The resolution of planning conflicts involving public and private conflicts; 16. The protection of public health and safety;

32 Page 32 of 125 Page 27 of The appropriate location of growth and development; 18. The promotion of development that is designed to be sustainable, to support public transit and to be pedestrian-oriented; and 19. The promotion of built form that, a. is well designed b. encourages a sense of place, and c. provides for public spaces that are of high quality, safe, accessible, attractive and vibrant. The Matters of Provincial Interest are presented in no particular order and are not intended to indicate that Provincial interests have varying levels of importance. The Official Plan is the primary tool in implementing these Provincial interests in a manner that is appropriate and meaningful to the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury SMART GROWTH FOR OUR COMMUNITIES ACT, 2015 (BILL 73) The Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015, largely took effect on June 1, 2016, and made significant amendments to the Planning Act, along with the Development Charges Act. In broad terms, the reforms introduced by Bill 73 are intended to give citizens a greater, more meaningful say in determining how their communities will grow, and to give municipalities more tools to fund community services and growth. The following list summarizes the key amendments to the Planning Act applicable to the Town: The OMB must have regard to all information received from the municipality when adjudicating non-decision appeals. The OMB and approval authorities must have regard to both written and oral submissions received at the municipal level. Official plans are now required to contain a description of the measures and procedures for consulting and informing the public with regard to proposed amendments to official plans, proposed zoning By-laws and amendments, plans of subdivision and proposed consents. Decision makers must now explain what effect, if any, a written or oral submission from the public relating to a planning matter had on the decision that they made. The PPS review cycle changed from five to 10 years for bringing official plans into conformity with the PPS.

33 Page 33 of 125 Page 28 of Certain approvals and appeals of lower-tier official plans and S.26 conformity update official plan amendments may not occur unless they conform with uppertier in effect/adopted official plans. New official plans must be reviewed and revised, as necessary, within 10 years of a new Official Plan coming into effect. No privately-initiated applications to amend a new official plan or zoning By-law are permitted within 2 years of a new Official Plan or Zoning By-law coming into force and effect, unless the amendment is supported by the municipality through a resolution of Council. In addition to existing matters of Provincial interest, planning decisions must have regard to the promotion of built form that is well designed, encourages a sense of place and provides for public spaces that are of high quality, accessible, attractive, vibrant and safe. Municipalities are no longer required to revise their employment land policies and designations at the time of an official plan update. This provides municipalities with greater control over the preservation of their employment lands, as these policies are no longer required to be opened as part of an Official Plan update, and accordingly, would no longer be subject to appeals. However, municipalities are encouraged to keep their employment policies and land designations up-todate and amendments may be considered through this review. In addition to the 180-day decision timeline for approving Official Plan / Official Plan Amendments, the approval authority and adopting municipality or applicant can agree to an extension of up to 90 days. (Bill 139, summarized in Section 2.12 of this Report, proposes to extend this deadline to 210 days.) Development Permit System (DPS) name changed to Community Planning Permit System (CPPS). The CPPS allows municipalities to pass By-laws to establish concurrent permitting requirements for zoning, site plan and minor variance processes into one application and approval process. No privatelyinitiated amendments to Community Planning Permit System are permitted for five years, unless supported by municipality. New authority authorizing the Minister of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MMA) or upper-tier municipality to require the use of Community Planning Permit System for specific purposes (requires an implementing regulation not yet in effect). Changed transition requirements for clarity- applications for Official Plan Amendments are subject to previous policies / legislation only if the complete application was made prior to transition date. No appeals of official plans are permitted that implement Provincially-approved matters, including forecasted population and employment growth policies passed down by the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

34 Page 34 of 125 Page 29 of Removed the ability to appeal second unit policies at the time of an official plan update. Global appeals of an official plan are not permitted. In other words, an entire official plan document cannot be appealed, and appeals must target specific policies. Decision makers can now employ dispute resolution techniques in the event of an appeal. Municipalities are entitled to an additional 60 days to engage in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to resolve appeals prior to forwarding the matter to the OMB. Appellants need to explain the reasons for an appeal in respect of Provincial/local policies. Failure to do so means that the appellant may not be able to argue the issue before the OMB. Removed the ability to apply for a minor variance for two years following the passing of an applicant-initiated zoning By-law amendment, unless the application is permitted by Council through resolution. New authority to establish additional criteria for the review of minor variance applications through Provincial regulation, and new authority for municipalities to establish additional criteria through municipal By-laws. Municipal treasurers are required to provide council with an annual financial statement related to density bonusing and parkland monies (S.37) that is available to the public. Enabling payment in lieu of parkland dedication policies now requires the municipality to prepare a Parks Plan in conjunction with schoolboards, as appropriate. The intent is to ensure the municipalities are only accepting cash-inlieu if there is no need for additional parkland. In addition, the calculation of the cash-in-lieu or parkland is now based on a ratio of 1 hectare for every 500 dwelling units, rather than 1 hectare for every 300 dwelling units. The Official Plan for the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury will contemplate and reflect the new Provincial direction in a locally appropriate manner insofar as: Official Plan reviews; Matters of Provincial interest; Consultation and public input on planning applications; Official Plan appeals and the timing thereof; and Tools for the implementation of a Community Planning Permit Systems, if desired by the Town.

35 Page 35 of 125 Page 30 of PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LAND STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 (BILL 51) On October 19, 2006, Bill 51, the Planning and Conservation Land Statute Law Amendment Act received Royal Assent from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Bill 51 is a continuation of, and complementary to earlier planning framework reforms. The following list summarizes the key amendments Bill 51 made to the Planning Act that are applicable to the Town: A series of new powers and tools were provided to municipalities, including: The ability to control the external design of buildings and sustainable design elements on an adjoining highway through Site Plan Control; Confirming that minimum and maximum densities and heights could be regulated in a zoning By-law; Broadening the scope of Community Improvement Plans; Removing appeals to policies for second units (as expanded upon in S.2.10 of this report); Exemptions from Site Plan Control for placing portables on a school site; Exempting energy projects from Planning Act approvals (further expanded by the Green Energy and Green Economy Act in 2009); and Adding new tools such as zoning with conditions (though still not yet enabled through regulation) and use of the development permit system. Requiring applications to be deemed complete prior to the commencement of any review timeline. Requiring municipalities to update planning documents every five years (now 10 years for the first review only through Bill 73). Permitting municipalities to require pre-application meetings in advance of a proponent filing a development application. Requiring additional consultation (consulting with approval authorities and other bodies as identified and statutory open houses) for municipal comprehensive reviews. Removal of appeal rights to the OMB for refusals to convert employment lands to other uses. Enabling municipalities to establish Local Appeal Boards to handle appeals to Committee of Adjustment decisions in lieu of the OMB.

36 Page 36 of 125 Page 31 of A number of these matters were captured in Phase 1. The Official Plan for the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury will contemplate and reflect the new Provincial direction in a locally appropriate manner insofar as: Urban design guidelines; Matters related to consultation and alternative notice procedures; Update and review requirements; and Incorporation of enabling language for new tools and planning powers. 2.2 PROVINCIAL POLICY STATEMENT (2014) The 2014 PPS came into effect on April 30, 2014, issued under the authority of S.3 of the Planning Act. The PPS provides direction on key Provincial interests related to land use planning and development in Ontario. The Town s Official Plan and subsequent land use planning decisions shall be consistent with the PPS. The shall be consistent with rule requires that Council ensure that PPS policies are applied within the land use planning decision-making process. The 2014 PPS provides policy direction related to three key themes: Building Strong Healthy Communities (S.1), to promote efficient land use and development patterns; promote strong, liveable, healthy, and resilient communities; and ensure appropriate opportunities for employment and residential development. The Wise Use and Management of Resources (S.2), to protect natural heritage, water, agricultural, mineral and cultural heritage and archaeological resources for their economic, environmental and social benefits. Protecting Public Health and Safety (S.3), to reduce the potential for public cost or risk to Ontario s residents from natural or human-made hazards. Since the original release of the PPS in 2005, changes involved modest modifications to existing policies as well as the introduction of new policies. In effect, the 2014 PPS builds upon the previous 2005 PPS policy framework. Key themes addressed by the changes to the PPS include: Incorporation of the interests of Aboriginal communities through improved coordination and protection of cultural and archaeological interests; Improved recognition of the needs and diversity of rural and northern communities, including recognition of the diversity of Ontario s communities; More explicit consideration and planning for the impacts of climate change;

37 Page 37 of 125 Page 32 of More explicit consideration and promotion of healthy communities and active modes of transportation; Recognition and protection of goods movement corridors; and Requirements for prime agricultural areas and provision for further diversification of on-farm diversified uses such as agri-tourism, and flexibility for larger-scale agricultural uses to support farming communities. The PPS further elaborates these themes and the aforementioned principles in associated detailed policies. S in the 2014 Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) states, Sufficient land shall be made available to accommodate an appropriate range and mix of land uses to meet projected needs for a time horizon of up to 20 years. However, where an alternate time period has been established for specific areas of the Province as a result of a provincial planning exercise or a provincial plan, that time frame may be used for municipalities within the area. Within settlement areas, sufficient land shall be made available through intensification and redevelopment, and, if necessary, designated growth areas. Nothing in policy limits the planning for infrastructure and public service facilities beyond a 20-year time horizon. 2.3 GROWTH PLAN FOR THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) is a long-term plan that in conjunction with the Greenbelt Plan, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Niagara Escarpment Plan sets out policies to manage growth, build complete communities, curb sprawl and protect the natural environment. The Growth Plan builds on the PPS and establishes a more detailed Provincial policy framework for implementing Ontario's vision for building stronger, prosperous communities in the GGH by better managing growth and establishing a long-term framework for where and how the Region will grow. The following guiding policies direct how the Growth Plan manages the development of land, management and protection of resources and investment of public money: Design complete communities to meet people s needs for daily living throughout an entire lifetime, and support healthy and active living.

38 Page 38 of 125 Page 33 of Prioritize intensification and higher densities to make efficient use of land and infrastructure and support transit viability. Provide flexibility to capitalize on new economic opportunities and employment as they emerge, while providing certainty for traditional industries, including resource-based sectors. Provide for a mix and range of housing types to serve all sizes, incomes and ages of households. Improve the integration of land use planning with planning and investment in infrastructure and public service facilities, including integrated service delivery through community hubs, by all levels of government. Provide for different approaches to manage growth to recognize the diversity of communities in the GGH. Protect and enhance natural heritage, hydrologic and landform features and functions. Support and enhance the long-term viability of the agricultural sector by protecting prime agricultural areas and the agricultural support network. Conserve and promote cultural heritage resources to support the social, economic, and cultural well-being of all communities, including First Nations and Métis communities. Integrate climate change considerations into planning and management of growth such as planning for more resilient infrastructure and moving towards netzero communities by incorporating techniques to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The 2017 Growth Plan is the version currently in effect. However, there are three documents related to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe that are of interest to this study: the 2006 Growth Plan; the Bradford West Gwillimbury Strategic Settlement Area White Paper; and the 2017 Growth Plan. The 2017 Growth Plan builds upon the 2006 Growth Plan and accounts for the Bradford West Gwillimbury Strategic Settlement Area. The Town is only able to implement Provincial growth targets which have been projected to To address this situation, S of the PPS allows municipalities to plan for alternative time periods, given they ve been established as a result of a provincial planning exercise. As such, OPA 25 provided for growth management policies for a 14 year period (to 2031). Planning for infrastructure can still extend through the entire 20 year period or alternate period specified in a Provincial plan (the recommendation is to use 2041 as the policy basis), and beyond, if desired. The Town may wish to currently only plan to 2031 on all fronts, and update and extend Official Plan policies in their entirety when new population and employment targets are provided through the next County MCR.

39 Page 39 of 125 Page 34 of BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY STRATEGIC SETTLEMENT EMPLOYMENT AREA (BWG SSEA) The 2006 Growth Plan was previously amended twice, by Amendment 1 on January 19, 2012, and Amendment 2 on June 17, Amendment 1 was in response to growth and development pressures in the Simcoe Sub-Area, which is comprised of the County of Simcoe, lower-tier municipalities and the cities of Barrie and Orillia. The Amendment established municipally-specific population and employment forecasts to 2031 for municipalities within the Simcoe Sub-Area, including the Town. It also created employment lands policies and identified specific primary settlement areas, specifically regarding the Bradford West Gwillimbury Strategic Settlement Employment Area (BWG SSEA). The BWG SSEA has an ideal location, straddling Highway 400 between Line 9 in the north and Line 5 in the south. It has excellent visibility and access to Highway 400, and is a potential future interchange for the Connecting Link; these are important considerations when businesses ultimately decide where to locate A White Paper was prepared to provide an overview on details regarding specific use permissions and development policies within the BWG SSEA. The intent for this area was to create a location for strategic industrial employment to support uses requiring large contiguous blocks of land and efficient goods movement and access by way of the Highway 400 transportation corridor. The priorities and related policies discussed in the White Paper and implemented through Amendment 1 have been implemented through OPA No. 24 during Phase 1 of this OPR GROWTH PLAN FOR THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE, 2017 On May 18, 2017, the Government of Ontario released the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Resulting from two years of consultation and draft policy development, the Plan works to support the achievement of complete communities through support for economic development, protection of the natural environment, and preservation of land for forecasted population and employment growth over the Plan s horizon. The updated Growth Plan contains more detail in its policies than its predecessor, while also covering a wider range of topics. New overarching themes, which are reiterated in policies throughout the entire plan, relate to: Complete communities this concept has been more clearly defined, and is very much the driver behind the goals and objectives of the updated Plan. Protection and conservation of ecological, cultural and hydrological natural environments the updated Plan incorporates planning for the protection of these environments through a multitude of new policies and definitions, taking direction from the various other Provincial plans. Updated policies regarding the

40 Page 40 of 125 Page 35 of natural environment represent a shift from a Plan solely associated with growth, to a Plan centred on creating complete communities, which requires acknowledgement of these elements. Climate change the updated Plan gives consideration to Ontario s Climate Change Strategy, 2015, and Ontario s Climate Change Action Plan, 2016, outlining a range of actions related to fighting climate change that can also assist in achieving the goals of this Plan. Agriculture and local food production recognizing the importance of supporting and enhancing the agri-food network, for both economic benefits and community health, is a guiding principle of the updated Plan. Intensification and density targets all intensification and density targets have been increased within the updated Plan, and methods in which these targets are calculated have slightly changed. Strategic Growth Areas this is an update to what was previously recognized in the Plan as Intensification Areas ; similar in scope, but Strategic Growth Areas are also meant for accommodating higher-density mixed uses in a more compact built form, which is a key component to their implementation. Land Needs Assessment and Excess Lands based on land needs assessment that will be conducted per the Minister s established methodology, municipalities in the outer ring may determine that they have excess lands. In this case, the updated Plan requires these municipalities to identify this excess land and prohibits development on these lands to the horizon of the Growth Plan. Employment lands protection of employment lands is a key objective of the updated Plan, with new policies regarding office parks, employment areas which cross a municipal boundary, certain prohibited uses on employment lands and the development of an employment strategy that establishes a minimum density target for all employment areas. Station Areas and Corridors the updated Plan has introduced terms such as Planned Corridors and Priority Transit Corridors, associated with specific development objectives. Effective July 1, 2017, the updated Plan will replace the original 2006 Growth Plan. Once in effect, all decisions on planning matters must conform to the updated Plan, which includes direction regarding which policies first require completion by upperand single-tier municipalities. Upper- and single-tier municipalities conformity work is to be completed by This will require upper- and single-tier municipalities to initiate their own MCRs that comprehensively apply the policies and schedules of the Growth Plan. Lower-tier municipalities may only conduct their MCRs following the completion of the upper-tier MCR, but can at this time implement design-driven and strategic policies.

41 Page 41 of 125 Page 36 of The targets for Bradford West Gwillimbury as identified by Amendment 1 (2012) to the 2006 Growth Plan were a minimum residential intensification target of 40% of development within the designated built up area and a density target of 35 jobs and people per hectare for designated greenfield areas. This was implemented into the County OP and the current Town OP by OPA No. 25 in Phase 1. Although the Province has increased these targets for upper-tier and single-tier municipalities through the update, the currently approved alternative targets within the County Official Plan will apply until the County conducts their next MCR. As such, the conformity exercise to meet the current targets set by the County was completed through OPA No. 25 during Phase 1 of the OPR. Targets set by the updated Plan will be implemented through a subsequent Town MCR. Phase 1 of the OPR was completed under the auspices of the 2006 Growth Plan, as amended. The main policies related to density targets and intensification are intended to apply in the next MCR, and must first be considered by Simcoe County. General policies related to integrated approaches to planning for complete communities, alongside infrastructure can and shall be implemented Town-wide in the new OP. 2.4 GREENBELT PLAN, 2017 On May 18, 2017, the Government of Ontario also released the Greenbelt Plan (2017), being an update to the original Greenbelt Plan dating back to Resulting from two years of consultation and draft policy development through the co-ordinated land use planning review, updates to the Greenbelt Plan largely maintain the intent and effect of its predecessor. The Plan has, and continues to, work in tandem with the Growth Plan and identify where urbanization should not occur in order to provide permanent protection to the agricultural land base and the ecological features and functions. S.5.1 of the 2017 Greenbelt Plan states that, The Greenbelt Act, 2005 also requires that all decisions on planning applications shall conform with the policies in the Greenbelt Plan. As such, the new Official Plan is required to conform to the 2017 Greenbelt Plan and implement its refined directives through Official Plan policy. From a policy standpoint, this update has marginal effects on applicability of the Greenbelt Plan within the Town. The 2017 Plan remains focused agricultural and environmental protection, but with a stronger recognition of important natural resources and support for a wide range of recreational and tourism uses, areas and opportunities, and a drive to foster a vibrant agricultural and rural economy. For example, there are new goals with regard to agriculture, planning for local food and near-urban agriculture, and more consideration for impacts of development with a

42 Page 42 of 125 Page 37 of focus on climate change has also been added to the Plan; planning and managing natural heritage systems to improve resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are also goals of the Plan. In line with the 2005 Plan, lands subject to the Greenbelt Plan in the Town are located in the southeastern portion of the County, including lands within Bradford Urban Area; the entirety of these lands are designated Protected Countryside within both renditions of the Greenbelt Plan (Map 1). Map 1 Greenbelt Plan Schedule 1: Greenbelt Area ++ Policies in S.3 set out three spatially-defined areas in the Protected Countryside, being the Agricultural System, Natural System, and Settlement areas. The first two

43 Page 43 of 125 Page 38 of areas are found within the Greenbelt lands in Bradford West Gwillimbury (Map 2) and consist of the following: Agricultural System (S.3.1) comprised of the agricultural land base and the agri-food network which is a new component of the 2017 Greenbelt Plan, and includes infrastructure, services and assets important to the viability of the agrifood sector. The Agricultural Land Base is made up of: Prime Agricultural areas: Speciality crop areas and/or Canada Land Inventory Class 1, 2 and 3 lands, in order of priority for protection. Speciality Crop areas: the Plan defines these as areas designated using guidelines developed by the Province, where speciality crops and crops from agriculturally developed organic soil lands are predominantly grown, resulting from: a) Soils that have suitability to produce speciality crops, or lands that are subject to special climatic conditions, or a combination of both; b) Farmers skilled in production of speciality crops; and c) A long-term investment of capital in areas such as crops, drainage, infrastructure and related facilities and services to produce, store, or process speciality crops. (PPS, 2014). Rural lands: located outside of settlement areas and prime agricultural areas. Natural Heritage System (NHS) (S.3.2) identifies lands that support both natural heritage and hydrological functions, building upon and connecting to other natural systems as identified in the Niagara Escarpment Plan (NEP) and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP). This system is not a designation in and of itself, but instead an overlay on top of the Agricultural System. Thus, permitted uses are defined by the underlying designation, but S and S establish policies to guide new development and site alteration particularly in relation to key natural heritage features and key hydrologic features. Although the Greenbelt Plan identifies boundaries for Speciality Crop Areas, municipal official plans must delineate those for prime agricultural areas and rural lands. As such, these elements have been delineated in Schedule of the County OP. The new OP shall conform to and implement these boundaries.

44 Page 44 of 125 Page 39 of Map 2 County Official Plan Schedule 5.3.3: Greenbelt Plan The Holland Marsh is one of the two specialty crop areas in the Greenbelt Plan, partially located along the eastern edge of the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury (Map 3). The Greenbelt Plan aims to protect Speciality Crop Areas (S ), prohibiting their re-designation in municipal official plans for non-agricultural uses outlined in S.4.2 through 4.6 (S ). Settlement area expansions are also prohibited in these areas (S c).

45 Page 45 of 125 Page 40 of Map 3 Greenbelt Plan Schedule 3: Holland Marsh Agriculture, rural and natural heritage resources are principal land uses within these designated areas. Long-term growth planning must respect and adequately reflect these uses to allow for sustainable growth; Table 1 identifies the permitted uses under these applicable designations within the Town.

46 Page 46 of 125 Page 41 of Table 1 Permitted Uses within the Protected Countryside SUB-AREA PERMITTED USE Prime Agricultural area (Agricultural System) Speciality Crop area (S.3.1.2) (Agricultural System) Rural lands area (Agricultural System) Natural Heritage System 1. All types, sizes and intensities of agricultural uses and normal farming practices shall be promoted and protected 2. Full range of agricultural uses, agriculturerelated uses and on-farm diversified uses 1. All types, sizes and intensities of agricultural uses and normal farming practices shall be promoted and protected 2. Full range of agricultural uses, agriculturerelated uses and on-farm diversified uses 1. Existing agricultural operations 2. Normal farm practices 3. Full range of agricultural uses, agriculturerelated uses and on-farm diversified uses 1. Full range of agricultural uses, agriculturerelated uses and on-farm diversified uses (subject to alternate development policies) 2. Limitations on new development and site alteration As mentioned, new inclusions within the 2017 Greenbelt Plan all attempt to further the protection of key resources and ecological environments, while strengthening the agri-food network. The following summarizes key changes which may be relevant to the OPR: Agri-food Network (S3.1.5): this is a new component of the Agricultural System which permits infrastructure, services and assets which are important to functionality of the network. Municipalities are encouraged to implement regional Agri-food Strategies to plan for opportunities to support and enhance the Agricultural System while establishing these components as a formal network (S.3.1.5). This network does not require land use designations in official plans, but must be identified to assist with planning for agriculture and the rural economy (S.5.3). Natural System (S.3.2): Towns and villages can no longer expand into the Natural Heritage System, per S.3.2.2(6). Additionally, S now speaks to key hydrologic areas, inserting specific policies which is to guide development within a key hydrologic area.

47 Page 47 of 125 Page 42 of Settlement Areas (S.3.4): a new section was inserted to address general settlement area policies, which incorporate elements from the updated Growth Plan (i.e. community hubs, public service facilities). Furthermore, the 2017 Greenbelt Plan does not include Shoreline Area policies; instead, these areas are now guided by S of the updated Growth Plan (S.4.1.3). Infrastructure (S.4.2): the updated policies of this section state that that new or expanding infrastructure should avoid Speciality Crop Areas and other Prime Agricultural Areas, unless there is no other alternative, in which case an agricultural impact assessment must be conducted as part of an environmental assessment (S.4.2.1). Lot Creation (S.4.6): there are new limits placed on how lots are created and placed a minimum lot size requirement on severances to ensure the lots can accommodate their intended use and the required sewage/water. The new Official Plan must contain policies that reflect the requirements of the Greenbelt Plan and mapping which indicates the boundaries of the various areas, as outlined in S.5.3: Until the Province has completed mapping and the Agricultural System implementation procedures, municipalities shall continue to retain existing designations for prime agricultural areas within the Protected Countryside. This Review should be cognizant of this mapping and implementation process. A cursory review of Schedules 1 and 4 of the updated Greenbelt Plan and Schedule of the County OP suggests that there have not been any changes made to Greenbelt and Natural Heritage System boundaries within the Town. As such, the Town shall implement and conform to the boundaries indicated in the County s OP, until such time that the Province completes their implementation measures. 2.5 IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES FOR THE COORDINATED LAND USE PLANNING REVIEW On July 6, 2017, the Province posted two proposals to the Environmental Registry for a 90 day review (to October 4): 1. Draft Agricultural System mapping and Implementation Procedures (EBR ); and 2. Criteria, methods, and mapping of the proposed regional Natural Heritage System for the Growth Plan (EBR ). These documents are intended to implement the updated Provincial plans in regards to new Agricultural Systems references and policies and the development of a Natural Heritage System (NHS) for the Growth Plan, beyond that of the Greenbelt

48 Page 48 of 125 Page 43 of Plan. These are both draft regulations open for comment until October 4, 2017, and will likely not be ready for incorporation into the Official Plan at this time. However, the Town should be mindful of these approaches when developing policy that conforms to Provincial and County policy IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM IN ONTARIO S GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE, 2017 (DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION) The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) have released a draft Implementation Procedures document for public comment. This is intended to provide policy direction and guidance on the implementation of Agricultural System policies across the GGH. This approach was recommended by the advisory panel for the coordinated review due to recurring public feedback. Figure 1 Steps to Implement an Agricultural System in the Greater Golden Horseshoe The document outlines Ontario s new innovative approach to agricultural planning, referred to as the Agricultural System approach, which recognizes the needs for an agricultural land base and agri-food infrastructure and services to co-existing along growing communities (Figure 1). This framework recognizes that Agricultural Systems are dependent on a variety of interrelated factors, one being land use planning and infrastructure with the intent of such a system being identified in municipal official plans to reach beyond the current state of farmland protection, to create conditions under which the agri-food sector can prosper. The desired outcomes of this System are:

49 Page 49 of 125 Page 44 of Active planning for agriculture and rural economic development based on reliable mapping, data and tools; Improved viability of agriculture and growth of the agri-food sector; Better protection of the agricultural land base; Increased consistency and certainty across municipalities; Reinforcement of the synergies between agricultural, natural heritage and water systems, as outlined in provincial policy; and Collaboration between the Province, municipalities, farmers and businesses with a common interest in a strong agri-food sector. The Agricultural System approach broadens the current concept of farmland protection by recognizing the importance of rural lands in the agri-food network. The document suggests incorporating these lands into the prime agricultural area to create a more continuous agricultural land base; this would remain consistent with the definition of Prime Agricultural Lands within the PPS. Map 4 Excerpt from the Draft Agricultural Land Base Along with the document, Draft provincial mapping of the agricultural land base, which applies the methodology above, was also released (Map 4). OMAFRA carried forward existing prime agricultural areas and specialty crop areas and also conducted a Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) to identify additional lands which should come under this designation; the final map will also identify the agrifood network. From the preliminary mapping, the Town s agricultural land base

50 Page 50 of 125 Page 45 of contains prime agricultural areas and the Holland Marsh Specialty Crop Area (surrounding the Town s three settlement areas, but including the Highway 400 Employment Lands), with a small portion of land toward the northern limit identified as a candidate area for adding to the agricultural land base as existing farmland. The document outlines planning measures for lands within the Agricultural System, and provides a list of policies required within municipal Official Plans to conform to the Agricultural System through an MCR. It also suggests unifying nomenclature used to reference these lands to achieve consistency across municipalities. The proposed policies suggest: Protection of prime agricultural areas, including specialty crop areas, for longterm use in agriculture. The agricultural land base, including the need to maintain and improve the continuity of the agricultural land base and respect the important role of rural lands in the Agricultural System. This is partially achieved by identifying the agricultural land base, but also requires policies on avoidance of non-agricultural uses A set of permitted uses for prime agricultural areas and rural lands, consistent with the PPS and OMAFRA s Guidelines on Permitted Uses in Ontario s Prime Agricultural Areas. Identifying when Agricultural Impact Assessments (AIAs) are required and what needs to be considered, consistent with Provincial guidance on AIAs. This includes addressing non-agricultural uses in proximity to prime agricultural areas. Priority for expansion should be given to land outside of prime agricultural areas, where settlement area expansions are being considered as part of an MCR. Strengthening the functional and economic connections between local elements of the Agricultural System and the broader Agricultural System of southern Ontario. Implementing strategies to sustain and enhance the Agricultural System and the long-term prosperity and viability of the agri-food sector. The natural heritage system and mapping the NHS using the overlay approach over the agricultural land base. The water resource systems mapping and designations to provide for the longterm protection of key hydrologic features and key hydrologic areas and their functions. Including policies and mapping for rural lands within the agricultural land base and rural lands outside of the agricultural land base which are consistent with these implementation procedures.

51 Page 51 of 125 Page 46 of Referencing an appendix in the Official Plan which identifies (by listing and/or mapping) assets listed in section 2.2.1, as well as infrastructure and services in the agri-food network. It must be clear when an AIA would be required because of potential impacts to the agri-food network. Other maps and lists of the agrifood network may be useful for economic development purposes, either in the official plan or an accompanying economic development strategy. In addition to policies pertaining to the Agricultural System, the document suggests policies on lot creation, minimum distance separation, permitted uses, and normal farm practices are needed to ensure agricultural activity is supported DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPOSED REGIONAL NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEM FOR THE GROWTH PLAN FOR THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE, 2017 The purpose of this proposal is to provide a summary of the criteria and methods developed by the Province to create a regional landscape NHS beyond that of the Greenbelt Plan. The criteria and mapping were not intended to identify or connect all natural areas and features; smaller features and areas could be incorporated into a local NHS that complements and connects to this regional NHS. Seven principles were considered during the development of the Proposed Regional NHS, as outlined below: 1. Well-documented and clearly explained criteria, rationale and methods are to be used; 2. Scientific and empirical evidence are to be used to support decisions where possible; 3. Consistency with current provincial NHS planning criteria and guidance (e.g., Natural Heritage Reference Manual and Greenbelt Natural Heritage System) is to be maintained; 4. Defendable and repeatable methodology is to be used (i.e., the same map would result from someone else using the same criteria and methods); 5. Scale of the regional system is to focus on identifying larger core areas and broader linkages within a regional landscape context; 6. Connection of the NHS mapping to existing regional mapping in adjacent areas is to be made as much as reasonably possible (i.e., connect to other natural heritage systems in adjacent planning areas); and 7. The criteria and methods are to have potential for application in another similar geography (i.e., could potentially be applied to other areas of southern Ontario).

52 Page 52 of 125 Page 47 of The document outlines all the criteria controls that were used in determining core area and linkages in the regional NHS, being the composition and size of core areas, and the composition, connectivity, length and width of linkages. The outcome was a draft NHS at approximately 1.18 million hectares, being 45% of the Growth Plan area, excluding settlement areas (Map 5). A portion of land within the Town was identified under this proposed NHS, primarily toward the northern boundary, with some corridors traversing through the Town. Map 5 Excerpt from the Proposed Regional Natural Heritage System 2.6 OMAFRA GUIDELINES ON PERMITTED USES IN ONTARIO S PRIME AGRICULTURAL AREAS, 2016 OMAFRA developed the Guidelines on Permitted Uses in Ontario s Prime Agricultural Areas (Publication 851), 2016, as a guide to assist in interpreting the PPS and outline the range of uses that are allowed in prime agricultural areas. The PPS permits a range of uses in Ontario's prime agricultural areas, categorized as agricultural uses, agriculture-related uses and on-farm diversified uses. S states that municipal official plan policies under the Planning Act must explicitly state that agricultural uses, agriculture-related uses and on-farm diversified uses are permitted in prime agricultural areas. Criteria for these uses may be based

53 Page 53 of 125 Page 48 of on these Provincial guidelines or municipal approaches that achieve the same objectives. The PPS specifically defines the permitted uses, and establishes criteria for considering what uses may be permitted as identified in Table 2. The Guidelines further identify specific examples of permitted uses which may be considered under the three types of permitted uses, as well as direction on determining the size and scale of an on-farm diversified use, for example. The intent of the Guidelines is to allow uses in prime agricultural areas that ensure settlement areas remain the focus of growth and development and support a thriving agricultural industry and rural economy. The new Official Plan will need to consider these Guidelines seeing as a large portion of the Town s land is comprised of prime agricultural lands and establish policies to permit the broadest range of agricultural, agricultural-related, and on-farm diversified uses in prime agricultural areas with appropriate criteria to accommodate agricultural-related and on-farm diversified uses.

54 34 Table 2 TYPE OF USE AND DEFINITION Permitted Agricultural Uses CRITERIA AS PROVIDED BY PPS POLICES AND DEFINITION EXAMPLE USES EXAMPLE NON-USES Agricultural uses: means the growing of crops, including nursery, biomass, and horticultural crops; raising of livestock; raising of other animals for food, fur or fibre, including poultry and fish; aquaculture; apiaries; agro-forestry; maple syrup production; and associated on-farm buildings and structures, including, but not limited to livestock facilities, manure storages, value-retaining facilities, and accommodation for full-time farm labour when the size and nature of the operation requires additional employment. 1. The growing of crops, raising of livestock and raising of other animals for food, fur or fibre. 2. Includes associated on-farm buildings and structures, including, but not limited to livestock facilities, manure storages, value-retaining facilities, and accommodation for full-time farm labour when the size and nature of the operation requires additional employment. 3. All types, sizes and intensities of agricultural uses shall be promoted and protected in accordance with Provincial standards. Normal farm practices shall be promoted and protected in accordance with Provincial standards. Cropland Pastureland Feedlot Aquaculture Barns, manure storages and other associated structures Grain dryers and feed storages Greenhouse for growing plants Dog kennels Grain dryers or mechanical garages serving several producers/customers Retail operations Landscape businesses Off-season vehicle storages Recreational facilities Restaurants Agriculture-related uses: means those farm- related commercial and farm-related industrial uses that are directly related to farm operations in the area, support agriculture, benefit from being in close proximity to farm operations, and provide direct products and/or services to farm operations as a primary activity. 1. Farm-related commercial and farm-related industrial uses. 2. Shall be compatible with and shall not hinder surrounding agricultural operations. 3. Directly related to farm operations in the area. 4. Supports agriculture. 5. Provides direct products and/or services to farm operations as a primary activity. 6. Benefits from being in close proximity to farm operations. For uses occurring in the area and items grown in the area: Apple storage and distribution centre Farmers market Processing of produce Grain dryer Agricultural research centre Winery Abattoir processing and selling meat Flour mill Farm equipment repair shop Livestock assembly yard or stockyard Large food processing plants, large wineries and other uses that are high-water use or effluent generators and are better suited to locations with full municipal services Micro-breweries Trucking yard Sewage biosolids storage and composting facilities for non-agricultural source material Veterinary clinics Page 49 of 120 Page 54 of 125

55 35 TYPE OF USE AND DEFINITION CRITERIA AS PROVIDED BY PPS POLICES AND DEFINITION EXAMPLE USES EXAMPLE NON-USES On-farm diversified uses: means uses that are secondary to the principal agricultural use of the property, and are limited in area. On-farm diversified uses include, but are not limited to, home occupations, home industries, agritourism uses, and uses that produce value-added agricultural products. 1. Located on a farm. 2. Secondary to the principal agricultural use of the property. 3. Limited in area. 4. Includes, but is not limited to, home occupations, home industries, agri-tourism uses and uses that produce value-added agricultural products. 5. Shall be compatible with, and shall not hinder, surrounding agricultural operations. Value-added uses that could use feedstock from outside surrounding agricultural area Home occupations Home industries Agri-tourism and recreation uses Retail uses Café/small restaurant, cooking classes, food store Large-scale equipment or vehicle dealerships, hotels, landscape businesses, manufacturing plants, trucking yards Uses with high water and sewage needs and/or that generate significant traffic (i.e. large food processors, distribution centres, full-scale restaurants, banquet halls) Large-scale recurring events with permanent structures Institutional uses Large-scale recreational facilities Page 55 of 125 Page 50 of 120

56 Page 56 of 125 Page 51 of MINIMUM DISTANCE SEPARATION (MDS) DOCUMENT, 2017 On March 1, 2017, the OMAFRA Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) Document Formulae and Guidelines for Livestock Facility and Anaerobic Digester Odour Setbacks, took effect. The Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) Formulae are land use planning tools that determine a recommended separation distance between a livestock barn, manure storage or anaerobic digester and another land use. The objective of MDS is to prevent land use conflicts and minimize nuisance complaints related to odour. MDS does not account for other nuisances such as noise or dust. MDS is a two-way approach that is made up of two separate, but related, formulae. MDS I provides the minimum distance separation between proposed new development and any existing livestock barns, manure storages and/or anaerobic digesters located in areas where the keeping of livestock is permitted. MDS II provides the minimum distance separation between proposed new, enlarged, or remodelled livestock barns, manure storages and/or anaerobic digester and existing or approved development located in areas where the keeping of livestock is permitted. The MDS Formulae consider five factors to determine an appropriate setback: The type of livestock housed; The number of livestock housed (based on barn capacity or tillable hectares); The percentage increase in the size of the operation (if expanding); The type of manure system and storage; and The type of encroaching land use. The calculated setback distances vary based on these five factors, resulting in unique distances for different types of operations in different circumstances and locations. In rural and prime agricultural areas, the PPS requires that new land uses, including the creation of lots and new or expanding livestock facilities, comply with the MDS Formulae. References to MDS are to be included in municipal planning documents such as official plans. Before a land use planning approval can be given, or a building permit can be issued, conformity with MDS setbacks must be demonstrated. In many instances, the changes found in the 2017 version of the MDS Formulae are not much different from the original 2006 document. Mostly, the changes to the MDS Formulae are minor and technical in nature, aligning the document with the updated PPS and clarifying or elaborating on existing MDS guidelines and provisions through improved language and text. In many instances, the 2017

57 Page 57 of 125 Page 52 of revisions effect when and how an MDS is applied, and from where it is measured. The 2017 revisions to the values associated with the various factors in MDS are relatively minor, and the changes in the calculated MDS setbacks required between most land uses and livestock facilities are not extensive. The one significant exception to this statement is changes to MDS I setbacks related to the elimination of tillable hectares as an input to calculated setbacks and its replacement with a percentage increase based on livestock operation size and lot size. The Town s new Official Plan will need to ensure that planning decisions are consistent with the PPS, and appropriately implement the Province s MDS Formulae to comply MDS requirements. Additionally, the rise of urban agricultural practices warrants a further look into agricultural permissions within the urban area based on context-specific matters within the Town. In this regard, a presentation regarding Backyard Chickens in Residential Zones was received at a Regular Council meeting on August 22, The presentation included a survey which indicated the majority of residents were open to backyard chickens within residential zones. On a broader policy level which aligns with the findings above, urban food production on an individual basis shall be considered and encouraged throughout the Town. A detailed Urban Agriculture Study may be of benefit to the Town, to gain thorough understanding and pioneer solutions for an emerging issue across Southern Ontario. 2.8 ACCESS TO CANNABIS FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES REGULATION (ACMPR) In August 2016, the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulation was released to legislate the way in which individuals access marihuana for medical purposes. This regulatory framework replaces the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR), which originally created conditions for commercial industry production and distribution of marihuana for medical purposes. These regulations required updates to respond to matters addressed at the Federal Court of Canada which found that reasonable access was not available for those who needed to purchase marihuana for medical purposes. As such, the ACMPR sets out a framework for commercial production by licensed producers and individual producers. S.48(1) requires the applicant to provide written notice to their local government prior to submitting an application, which must outline the address of the site, amongst other things. The ACMPR does not allow a producer to operate within a dwelling place (S.22(8)), and production must not be adjacent to a school, public playground, daycare facility, or other public place frequented mainly by persons under 18 years of age, if there is any outdoor production involved (S.177(4)). Little direction in terms of facility operations is provided beyond this.

58 Page 58 of 125 Page 53 of The ACMPR directs Health Canada to accept and process applications for becoming a licensed producer; approval of these applications are contingent on compliance with all other applicable regulations, thus requiring development approvals to be in place. A municipality cannot prohibit a license issuance, but municipal laws such as zoning By-laws need to be respected in the license application process. As such, it is necessary that the new Official Plan accounts for these facilities to provide a basis and direction for the Zoning By-law, ensure compatibility and avoid unnecessary amendments. The Official Plan will outline key development criteria to avoid nuisance and compatibility issues, such as: Designations under which these facilities are a permitted use; Building configuration; Odour; Separation distance; and Any other areas of concern which can be addressed through site design. Based on the nature of medical marihuana production facilities, and given the ACMPR requirements, these facilities operate as industrial uses that would be appropriate within an employment designation. There have been appeals at the OMB in regards to allowing marihuana production facilities in agricultural zones. However, requirements as outlined in the ACMPR for extensive production, testing, packaging and indoor distribution facilities which are under a rigorous security protocol, do not allow these facilities to be appropriate within the realm of normal farming practices; however, in addition to employment lands, these facilities can be considered in the rural area in locations where stand-alone employment uses are permitted. 2.9 LAKE SIMCOE PROTECTION PLAN, 2009 The majority of Bradford West Gwillimbury is located within the Lake Simcoe Watershed, with only the northwestern corner falling outside of the watershed area. S.7.1 of the Lake Simcoe Protection Act notes that the Council of a municipality that has jurisdiction in the Lake Simcoe watershed shall amend its official plan to conform to the designated policies set out in the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, The Plan addresses long term environmental issues in Lake Simcoe and it s watershed by: promoting immediate action to address threats to the ecosystem, such as excessive phosphorus; targeting new and emerging causes of stress such as invasive species and climate change; protecting and restoring important natural areas such as shorelines and wetlands; and restoring the health of the fish and other aquatic life.

59 Page 59 of 125 Page 54 of The new Official Plan will need to ensure that the proposed polices of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, in accordance with the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, are implemented CLEAN WATER ACT, 2006, AND SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PLAN (SOUTH GEORGIAN BAY LAKE SIMCOE SOURCE PROTECTION REGION) The Ontario government has passed the Clean Water Act to protect the sources of municipal drinking water supply throughout Ontario. This will take place through the implementation of source water protection plans, which: identify sources of drinking water (including municipal wells, river and lake intakes); outline threats to the quality and quantity of water in source areas; and propose actions needed to reduce those threats and protect source water. The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury is located within the South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Protection Region and thus requires implementation of the South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Protection Plan. The Source Protection Plan identifies four different types of vulnerable areas that affect drinking water quality including: Wellhead Protection Areas (WHPA), which are areas on the land around a municipal well, the size of which is determined by how quickly water travels underground to the well, measured in years; Intake Protection Zones (IPZ), which are the areas on the water and land surrounding a municipal surface water intake; Highly Vulnerable Aquifers (HVA), which are areas underground that are highly saturated with water enough water that it can be drawn for human use; and Significant Groundwater Recharge Areas (SGRA), which are areas on the landscape that are characterized by porous soils, such as sand or gravel, that allows the water to seep easily into the ground and flow to an aquifer. The Town accounts for two wells in the Lake Simcoe Protection Area, thus requiring protection for associated wellhead protection areas requiring protection. It also falls within the Nottawasaga Source Protection Area, but does not have any wells within this region. The Source Protection Plan was approved on July 1, 2015, and is now currently in effect. The new Official Plan will need to consider the proposed polices for designated vulnerable areas in order to ensure the protection of municipal drinking water supplies. To ensure that decisions on planning matters meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act, they must conform to significant threat policies and have regard to moderate low threat policies that apply to Planning Act decisions on the

60 Page 60 of 125 Page 55 of day the source protection plan takes effect. Official Plans are required to be updated within five years of the source protection plan coming into effect, or at the time of the municipality s comprehensive five year review CONSERVATION AUTHORITY JURISDICTION AND REGULATIONS (LSRCA AND NVCA) The Conservation Authorities Act in 1946 established Conservation Authorities as local agencies, in response to flooding and erosion problems and the management of natural resources. Geographic jurisdictions are watershed-based ecological systems. The ability and powers for Conservation Authorities to become involved in natural resource and water management is established in the Act. The Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation affects what and where a Conservation Authority can regulate. Specifically, this regulation allows Conservation Authorities to: Prohibit, regulate or provide permission for straightening, changing, diverting or interfering in any way with the existing channel of a river, creek, stream, watercourse or changing or interfering with a wetland; and Prohibit, regulate or provide permission for development of the control of flooding, erosion, dynamic beaches, pollution or the conservation of land. Two Conservation Authorities have jurisdiction within the Town: Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Ontario Regulation 172/06, and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, Ontario Regulation 179/06. Map 6 illustrates the boundaries for the Conservation Authority jurisdictions and associated watersheds.

61 Page 61 of 125 Page 56 of Map 6 Conservation Authority Jurisdictions / Watershed Boundaries The Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation, made under the Conservation Authorities Act, also complements implementation activities related to the Planning Act. Conservation authorities have been delegated responsibilities from the Minister of Natural Resources to represent the Provincial interests regarding natural hazards

62 Page 62 of 125 Page 57 of encompassed by S.3.1 of the PPS. These delegated responsibilities require conservation authorities to review and provide comments on municipal policy documents (official plans and zoning By-laws) and applications submitted under the Planning Act. Using the guidance provided by the PPS, natural hazards are identified in the planning process and appropriate restrictions can be implemented. In cases where a Planning Act application is not required, the PPS cannot be applied, and in these cases, the Province's natural hazard management program can be implemented through the Conservation Authorities Act. In this way, the Planning Act is a tool to proactively identify and regulate hazards while the Conservation Authorities Act can regulate activities in those cases where municipal plans have not been updated and in those cases where the municipal plan may allow the activity subject to certain requirements which can be addressed through the Conservation Authorities Act approval process. Furthermore, conservation authorities also function as resource management agencies in accordance with S.20 and S.21 of the Conservation Authorities Act. Conservation authorities are local watershed-based natural resource management agencies that develop programs that reflect local resource management needs within their jurisdiction. Any management needs identified by the two conservation authorities should be considered for incorporation in the new OP STRONG COMMUNITIES THROUGH AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACT, 2011 The Strong Communities through Affordable Housing Act, 2011 includes a wide range of actions to improve the affordable housing system, including amendments to the Planning Act. The amendments provide municipalities with enhanced land use planning tools to support the creation of second units and garden suites. Official Plans and Zoning By-laws are required to contain policies and regulations to accommodate the development of secondary units which consist of a separate and self-contained dwelling unit which may be permitted in detached, semi-detached and townhouse dwellings, or accessory buildings, subject to established criteria. The Town Official Plan notes that the Town should encourage a broader mix of housing types and price ranges (S.3.4.3(2)) and that a variety of housing forms and opportunities should be provided to respond to needs for different types of accommodation (S.3.4.3(1)). Phase 1 of the OPR introduced these permissions into the Town s Official Plan. Any further harmonization would occur in Phase BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES AND CONSERVING WATERSHEDS ACT, 2017 (BILL 139) On May 30, Bill 139 (Building Better Communities and Conserving Watersheds Act) received First Reading, which proposed a number of amendments related to

63 Page 63 of 125 Page 58 of Ontario s planning system through: the replacement of the OMB with the Local Appeal Tribunal, changes to Planning Act approval processes, and revisions to the Conservation Authorities Act. Although finalized legislation and associated implications on municipalities are unclear, the proposed changes that would have an impact on an Official Plan are as follows: 1. The First and Second Appeal Process: the introduction of two new Tests will guide Councils reconsideration of decisions by restructuring the pursuit of an appeal. The New Test on appeal of a municipally-adopted/approved Official Plan, Zoning By-law, or amendment to either document, the appellant would have to explain how the document or part thereof is either inconsistent with the PPS, fails to conform with or conflicts with a Provincial plan, or fails to conform with the applicable upper-tier official plan. The Joint Test on an appeal from a refusal of a privately-initiated OPA or Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBLA), the applicant/appellant would have to explain how the existing policies/regulations of the Official Plan or Zoning Bylaw sought to be amended do not satisfy the New Test and how the proposed OPA or ZBLA does satisfy the New Test. The Tribunal will first determine if the appellant has met the applicable test. If they have, the Tribunal will issue a notice to the municipality to reconsider their decision on the matter. If there is a non-decision on the municipality s part in 90 days, it may be appealed to the Tribunal. If the municipality does render a decision, the new decision could be appealed again. On second appeal, if the tribunal finds the appellant has again met the applicable test, then they may amend the appealed instrument to resolve the matter. 2. Major Transit Station Areas: upper and single-tier municipalities will be able to include policies in their Official Plan which identify and protect Major Transit Station Areas through prescribed land uses, heights and minimum employment/residential densities. Lower-tier municipalities would have to amend their Official Plan to give effect to these policies, which would not be appealable or amendable through private application without municipal permission. 3. Secondary Plan Appeal Freeze: unless under municipal permission, amendments to a new Secondary Plan would not be permitted within two years of the Plan coming into force. Note that this provision already exists in regards to OPAs, ZBLAs and variances to a newly-enacted Official Plan and/or Zoning Bylaw. Although the enactment process for Bill 139 will extend beyond this Review, the process should be monitored over the time span of the project due to its implications on Official Plans and the planning process at large.

64 Page 64 of 125 Page 59 of Care should be taken, in the new OP, to ensure policies reflect existing permissions as best as possible while ensuring conformity to and consistency with Provincial and County policy is paramount and implemented.

65 Page 65 of 125 Page 60 of COUNTY OF SIMCOE 3.1 OFFICIAL PLAN (NOW IN EFFECT, CONFORMITY REQUIRED) The County OP was adopted by the Council of Simcoe County on November 25, 2008, and was subsequently appealed to the OMB. On April 19, 2013 the OMB granted partial approval of the County of Simcoe Official Plan. As of June 2016, the majority of the County OP has been approved, with outstanding appeals being sitespecific matters; these will be monitored throughout the Review for potential inclusion within the new Plan, if resolved within the duration of the OPR. The County OP sets out goals and objectives and further outlines the policies that govern how land in the County will be used on a broad level. The policies of the County OP provide a framework for local municipalities to undertake more detailed planning that implements its requirements. The over-arching goals of the County OP are: To protect, conserve, and enhance the County's natural and cultural heritage; To achieve wise management and use of the County s resources; To implement growth management to achieve lifestyle quality and efficient and cost effective municipal servicing, development and land use; To achieve coordinated land use planning among the County's local municipalities and with neighbouring counties, districts, regions, and separated cities, and First Nations lands; To further community economic development which promotes economic sustainability in Simcoe County communities, providing employment and business opportunities; and To promote, protect and enhance public health and safety GROWTH MANAGEMENT The County OP also directs how and where growth should occur through a Countywide Growth Management Strategy (GMS), which informed the preparation of the Official Plan. The County s GMS is based on the following four themes: Direct a significant portion of growth and development to settlements where it can be effectively serviced, with a particular emphasis on primary settlement areas;

66 Page 66 of 125 Page 61 of Enable and manage resource-based development including agriculture, forestry, aggregates, and tourism and recreation; Protect and enhance the County's natural heritage system and cultural features and heritage resources, including water resources; and Develop communities with diversified economic functions and opportunities, and a diverse range of housing options. The County OP directs population and employment growth and development to designated settlements, with a particular focus on primary settlement areas. Policies stimulate a compact, mixed use built form that promotes settlements as strong, healthy and vibrant places. To achieve the compact development of settlements, the County OP provides specific density and intensification targets, in keeping with the approved alternative targets for the Town. There are three settlement areas within the Town the Bradford Urban Area, Bond Head, and Newton Robinson, in addition to the Highway 400 Employment Lands SSEA. The delineated settlement area boundaries shown in the County OP must be identified in local Official Plans. County and local official plan amendments are required to amend settlement area boundaries in accordance with a municipal comprehensive review. The establishment and/or recognition of new settlement areas is prohibited. Settlement areas shall be the focus of population and employment growth and their vitality and regeneration shall be promoted. Lands may only be redesignated from lands not for urban uses to lands for urban uses in accordance with S or S of the County OP. Residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and recreational land uses shall be developed within settlement area boundaries on land appropriately designated in a local Official Plan for the use. Land use designation changes within settlement area boundaries do not require a County official plan amendment. S of the County OP requires that local municipalities with more than one settlement area undertake growth management studies to identify the hierarchy of settlements within the municipality, and the distribution of population and employment among the identified settlements and rural areas based on criteria including but not limited to type of sewage and water servicing available and capacity of that servicing, density and intensification targets, range and mix of uses within each settlement area and the settlement area role in providing services to a broader area. Considerations for undertaking a GMS are set out in the County OP and based on the forecasts for each local municipality. The settlement identification, and the allocations, are to be incorporated into local Official Plan. The planning horizon to determine requirements for urban development is a maximum of 20 years, notwithstanding S

67 Page 67 of 125 Page 62 of In accordance with S.3.5.9, development may be approved in settlement areas in excess of what is needed to accommodate the forecasts in Table 1, provided the development: a) Contributes to the achievement of the density targets or intensification targets as applicable; b) Is on lands for urban uses as of January 19, 2012; c) Can be serviced in accordance with applicable Provincial plans, policies and S.4.7 of this Plan; and d) Is in accordance with the requirements of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, 2009, if applicable. This work was undertaken as part of the Phase 1 OPA No. 25 for Growth/ Population Distribution LAND USE DESIGNATIONS The County OP establishes seven land use designations which provide a framework for the designation of land uses in the Town s Official Plan. The following land use designations are applicable to the Town: Settlements Intended to be the focus of growth and development for compact, mixed-use urban forms which promote the efficient use of land and provision of water, sewer, transportation, and other services. Agricultural Intended to protect prime agricultural lands and prime agricultural areas, while recognizing the interrelationship with natural heritage features and areas and ecological functions. The County OP directs development that does not satisfy the Agricultural policies of the Plan to Settlement and Rural Lands. The designation also enables the agricultural industry to function effectively in prime agricultural areas by minimizing conflicting and competing uses while accommodating uses and facilities which support the agricultural economy. Prime agricultural areas are identified by the Agricultural designation on Schedule 5.1 and shall be protected for long-term agricultural use. All types, sizes and intensities of agricultural uses and normal farm practices shall be promoted and protected in accordance with Provincial standards. Rural Intended to recognize, preserve and protect the rural character and promote long-term diversity and availability of rural economic activities, as well as encourage the maintenance, protection, and restoration of significant natural heritage features and functions and to conserve the built heritage resources and cultural heritage landscapes associated with rural and agricultural areas. The Rural designation is more permissive than the Agricultural designation, in terms of the types of uses which may be permitted.

68 Page 68 of 125 Page 63 of Greenlands Intended to protect and restore the natural character, form, function and connectivity of the natural heritage system, and sustain the natural heritage features and ecological functions of the Greenlands designation and local natural heritage systems for future generations. The designation also provides opportunities for natural heritage enjoyment and for recreational and tourism uses to promote healthy and liveable communities and enhance the sense of place and quality of life that characterize the County. The County OP establishes the types of natural heritage features and areas that are included in the County s natural heritage system, which is supported by the 1996 background report prepared for the County of Simcoe Official Plan titled Development of a Natural Heritage System for the County of Simcoe (and revised in 2008 to reflect more accurate and complete information). Local Official Plan may contain policies and mapping that implement local natural heritage systems that identify local natural heritage features and areas in addition to the County s natural heritage system. Strategic Settlement Employment Areas and Economic Employment District Intended to maximize economic benefits and long-term viability of these areas. Developments within these areas are reviewed and monitored by the Minister of Infrastructure. S of the County OP directs municipalities to delineate the location and boundaries of these areas in their official plans and develop polices to implement matters detailed in the directive issued by the Minister of Infrastructure, issued on September 24, Lands within this designation are considered designated greenfield areas for the purpose of calculating density targets. Local municipalities are responsible for identifying and protecting natural heritage features in these areas. Greenbelt Protected Countryside Intended to preserve and enhance natural and cultural heritage features within the Greenbelt Plan area. New land uses, the creation of lots and new or expanded livestock facilities within the Protected Countryside must comply with the MDS formulae. Holland Marsh Speciality Crop Area Intended to protect lands within the Holland Marsh for only agricultural, agricultural-related and/or secondary uses, in accordance with the Greenbelt Plan. Lands within this designation cannot be redesignated in municipal official plans for non-agricultural uses, except for those permitted in S.4.2 through S.4.6 of the Greenbelt Plan. However, infrastructure is permitted if it demonstrates compliance with these sections. The County Official Plan has provided designations within its 2013 Official Plan, as shown above in Map 6, and has embedded policies from the 2005 Plan regarding applicable designations and permitted uses within them. These policy references are denoting the 2005 Plan and must be reviewed by the County in light of the 2017 Plan. Per Table 1, the 2017 Plan allows for on-farm diversified uses, and all types, sizes and intensities of agricultural uses, whereas the 2005 Plan did not contain this language. The County will have to consider amendments to their Official Plan to account for these additional use permissions, and can choose to

69 Page 69 of 125 Page 64 of adopt policies that are more stringent than the requirements of the Greenbelt Plan. The Town shall consult with the County to understand their position on use permissions within the Greenbelt Plan, so they can determine appropriate policy direction. Additionally, infrastructure is permitted if it demonstrates compliance with these sections. The Land Use Schedule for the County OP is shown in Map 7 and 8. Map 7 County Official Plan Schedule 5.1: Land Use Designations

70 Page 70 of 125 Page 65 of Map 8 County Official Plan Schedule 5.1: Land Use Designations Excerpt Note that the majority of the Town is recognized as being Prime Agricultural lands. Section of the County OP states, Prime agricultural areas are identified by the Agricultural designation on Schedule 5.1 and shall be protected for long-term use for agriculture. All types, sizes and intensities of agricultural uses and normal farm practices shall be promoted and protected in accordance with provincial standards. The new Official Plan shall carry forward this direction from the County OP through appropriate designations and policies which respect the intent to protect these lands.

71 Page 71 of 125 Page 66 of REMAINING SITE-SPECIFIC APPEALS IN THE TOWN Although the majority of the County OP was approved in 2016, there are still a handful of site-specific appeals, two of which are within the Town (Map 8): 3078 and 2912 Line 11, th Sideroad (#10 on Map 8); and 5584, 5618, and 5650 Highway 9 (#11 on Map 8). The first appeal is regarding a proposed development, while the second speaks to existing uses on site. In both instances, the appeals are related directly to uses and permissions which the appellants would like to recognize on their land. These appeals shall be monitored throughout the Review for potential inclusion within the new Plan, if timing permits ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION The County OP provides direction for municipalities to plan for active transportation as a mode that supports healthy living, economic development, and tourism opportunities (S.4.8.4). The County OP defines active transportation as humanpowered travel, including but not limited to, walking, cycling, in-line skating and movements with mobility aids, including motorized wheelchairs and other powerassisted devices moving at comparable speed (S.5.8). There is direct instruction for municipalities to reduce traffic congestion and minimize the length and number of vehicle trips through official plan policies which promote active transportation means (S ). Additionally, S requires the County to adopt a Mobility Plan, which, amongst other things, supports local municipalities in developing their active transportation systems, and mapping them in their respective official plans to identify existing and planned facilities. This mapping is to be further implemented through municipal Active Transportation Plans, which contain requirements outlined in S This concept will introduce many new elements into the Town s Official Plan in order to address all requirements and effectively implement this new network. The Official Plan shall contain policies requiring AT to be considered in development. The Town will incorporate this work through a future Transportation Master Plan, including an ATP, to be identified as a future study in the new Official Plan. 3.2 POLICY STATEMENTS The County OP provides further policy direction on a number of matters which must be addressed in the Towns Official Plan. These matters are identified as Policy Statements in the County OP, which include, but are not limited to:

72 Page 72 of 125 Page 67 of Healthy Communities and Housing Development (S.4.1) The development of complete and healthy communities is a priority of the County OP, to be achieved through: The integration of arts, cultural and recreational facilities; Accessibility to education, health, human services, culture and recreational facilities; Provision of a full range of publicly accessible built and natural settings for recreation; Accessibility for persons with disabilities or seniors; design of streetscapes, building orientation to provide safe access and movement; and An appropriate range and quantity of housing types and densities. Community Facilities and Services (S.4.2) Community facilities and services except public service facilities shall be directed to Settlements. Public service facilities should be directed to Settlements, but may be located outside of Settlements. Community facilities and public service facilities should be colocated in community hubs, where appropriate, to promote cost-effectiveness and facilitate service integration, access to transit and active transportation. Affordable Housing (S.4.3) The development of affordable housing is important to the County and the local municipalities to ensure individual health and long term community vitality. The County encourages local municipalities to permit, wherever possible, individual lot intensification such as secondary or accessory suites in residential buildings. The County has a target for a minimum of ten percent (10%) of all new housing units created each year will be affordable housing units, which will be achieved with the support of the local municipalities. The County assists municipalities in meeting that target through their 10-Year Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy, which was adopted in 2014 to develop and implement creative solutions for increasing affordable housing for County residents. Aggregate Developments (S.4.4) The County Official Plan identifies areas of High Potential Mineral Aggregate Resources (Schedule 5.2.1), which includes Sand and Gravel Resources in the Town. High potential mineral aggregate resource areas shall be protected for potential long-term use. The Plan also identifies Licensed Pits and Quarries. Licensed mineral aggregate operations shall be protected from development and uses which would preclude or hinder their expansion or continued use. Proposed new and/or expansions to existing mineral aggregate operations require a local Official Plan Amendment, unless otherwise permitted. Resource Conservation (S.4.5) Land use planning and development within the County shall protect, improve or restore the quality and quantity of water and related resources and aquatic ecosystems on an integrated watershed

73 Page 73 of 125 Page 68 of management basis. The Plan provides policies for directing development to areas outside of flood plains and hazard lands and human made hazards, protecting fish habitat, significant woodlands and regionally significant land form features. Furthermore, it promotes improved air quality and the promotion of renewable energy and energy conservation. Cultural Heritage Conservation (S.4.6) Significant built heritage resources and significant cultural heritage landscapes are to be conserved. The County will work with local municipalities and heritage committees to create and maintain an inventory of local and significant cultural features. Local municipalities are encouraged to establish policies within their official plans that promote and encourage the designation of heritage properties under the Ontario Heritage Act. With over 400 listed properties, an update is needed to the Town s heritage policies to present the Heritage Committee with the proper tools and directions to preserve Bradford West Gwillimbury s unique heritage. An outline for these policies updates is provided within Section 5 of this report. Infrastructure: Sewage and Water Services (S.4.7) The Plan promotes the development of sewage and water service systems that facilitate the conservation and protection of ground and surface water quality and quantity and natural heritage features and ecological functions. The preferred method of servicing settlement areas and other multi-lot developments is full municipal sewage services and full municipal water services. A local municipality may direct growth towards a particular settlement area to achieve this policy. The County encourages local municipalities to undertake comprehensive master servicing plans for development within settlement areas. Transportation (S.4.8) It is an objective of the Plan to maintain and improve the County s multimodal transportation system to provide efficient automobile, truck, transit, and where feasible, bicycle and pedestrian routes which link settlement areas and other activity nodes throughout the region, and provide for the movement of goods. Waste Management (S.4.9) It is an objective of the Plan to provide waste management systems that are of appropriate size and type to accommodate present and future requirements and to facilitate, encourage, and promote reduction, reuse, and recycling objectives. The locations of County owned and operated waste disposal sites are shown on Schedule 5.6.1, and the locations of private and local municipality owned or operated waste disposal sites are shown on Schedule The locations of all waste disposal sites within each local municipality are to be mapped in the respective local Official Plan. S.4.10 of the County OP identifies general guidelines and requirements that are to be addressed in the local Official Plan to implement the policies of the County OP. The County of Simcoe is the approval authority for the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Official Plan, and amendments thereto. As such, consultation will be

74 Page 74 of 125 Page 69 of undertaken with the County on an ongoing basis through the development of the Town s new Official Plan. 3.3 SIMCOE COUNTY AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE, 2016 In 2015, the County received $50,000 in funding through Ontario s Age-Friendly Community Planning Grant Program; which aims to assist governments and community organizations in developing local plans that will address aging demographics and support older populations. Over the past year, the County has been engaging the public to conduct a needs assessment, which consisted of: A comprehensive public survey; 12 one-on-one interviews with key informants; 16 focus groups; and Eight public consultations in four of the County s municipalities. The intent of these engagement exercises was to identify priorities and develop strategic actions for establishing an age-friendly community. The exercises identified eight interconnected dimensions which present a barrier to reducing agefriendliness within a community, being: 1. Transportation barriers to mobility, with a predominant focus on public transportation available to support residents after they can no longer drive themselves. 2. Communication and Information lack of communication and information sharing of community services, events and opportunities. 3. Housing unaffordable home costs (i.e. rent, mortgage) and home-related costs (e.g. utility payments, in-home-care supports). 4. Community and Health Services: challenges accessing healthcare professionals and senior-specific health services. 5. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings: accessibility challenges in public buildings (e.g. ramps and elevators, accessible washrooms) and throughout the community (e.g. sidewalk maintenance, snow removal) all pose a threat to how long older populations can remain in their communities. 6. Civic Participation and Employment: older populations face challenges in accessing opportunities for continual contribution within the community, due to lack of opportunities or information on the opportunities that do exist, and/or mobility barriers in reaching these opportunities. 7. Social Participation: the accessibility of venues and facilities, degree of inclusiveness, types of programs and services, timing and location of events, and

75 Page 75 of 125 Page 70 of financial requirements of these activities all impact the ability of older residents to stay active and social within their communities. 8. Respect and Social Inclusion: a lack of intergenerational interactions, through engagement, programming, or even daily tasks allows for misconceptions and misunderstandings about aging and furthers segregation of these generations. These findings were used to derive priorities and future considerations in regards to age-friendly community planning, which will feed into a detailed planning framework to support building and strengthening age-friendly communities within the County. This framework, known as the Positive Aging Strategy: Older Adults Strengthening Our Communities, is expected to be released in fall Considerations in this framework may require implementation through OP policies, such as: Accessible parking spaces near buildings; Frequency and location of bus stops; Means of communication used to spread awareness regarding planning matters within the Town; Affordable housing development; Development of diverse and age-friendly housing developments with accessible amenities; Development of healthcare services which meet the medical needs of aging populations; Accessible design standards within buildings and the public realm, including sidewalk safety, ease of access to pubic washrooms, seating throughout the community, and planning for pedestrian safety; and Opportunities for intergenerational employment. The timing of the release of this framework shall be monitored, as it may occur toward the end of this Review. If so, the Town shall be cognizant of outcomes from this framework and implement applicable actions through policy within the new Official Plan, if required. 3.4 SIMCOE COUNTY HOUSING STRATEGY, 2014 The 10-Year Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy outlines the strategic opportunities and priority activities to be implemented by the County of Simcoe and its municipal partners between January 1, 2014 and January 1, The document outlines approaches and a shared community vision of what actions are needed to effectively address housing and homelessness needs across the County. The following identifies the strategic opportunities required to meet the

76 Page 76 of 125 Page 71 of vision of achieving adequate, appropriate, and affordable housing for all Simcoe County residents: 1. Establish strong leadership and governance; 2. Achieve the affordable housing target; 3. Protect existing public assets; 4. Plan for the public good; and 5. Create an integrated model for housing and supports. The Strategy also identifies priority activities and timelines needed to implement the strategic opportunities. This includes a long term commitment to achieve a minimum of 2,685 new affordable housing units throughout the Region by Additionally, the County will initiate a Sub-Committee to explore the creation of culturally appropriate off-reserve Aboriginal housing, with a goal of creating a minimum of 66 units of affordable home ownership dwellings specifically for off-reserve persons included in the minimum target of 2,685 units. The implementation of the Community 10-Year Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy requires strong leadership from the County of Simcoe and its partner municipalities. The Strategy identifies that creation of a Working Group will ensure the implementation of and monitoring for the strategic opportunities and priority activities outlined in this Strategy. 3.5 SIMCOE MUSKOKA HEALTHY COMMUNITY DESIGN: POLICY STATEMENTS FOR OFFICIAL PLANS, 2014 Elements within the built environment influence the health of residents and visitors within a municipality. As such, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit prepared the Healthy Community Design Policy Statements for Official Plans as a resource to provide local municipalities with health-related suggestions for Official Plan policies and implementation activities. Municipalities may adapt, amend or revise the wording of these concepts to suit their context-specific needs and circumstances. The study found six ways in which the built environment affects the overall health of the community: 1. Environment The design and layout of built environments, in regards to both the transportation network and neighbourhood design, can negatively impact air and water quality, through vehicular emissions and conversions of greenspace and/or lands from their natural state.

77 Page 77 of 125 Page 72 of Injury and Safety Traffic injuries are related to distance travelled, automobile speed, traffic volumes, and roadway designs, which are linked to the distribution of land uses. 3. Physical Activity Built form influences the ability of residents to be physically active (auto-dependent neighbourhoods), which may in turn contribute to increased rates of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and mental health illnesses. 4. Sun Safety Communities lacking natural and manmade structures for shelter from sun place their residents and visitors at risk of skin cancer from overexposure to UV radiation. 5. Food Access Land use planning can largely impact a resident s ability to access safe and healthy foods, and thus must consider the protection and conservation of local food production capacity for long-term sustainability of local food systems. 6. Social Cohesion and Well-being: Housing types and proximity to neighbours and inclusive public space can influence how residents connect to their community, influencing social cohesion, with identifiable impacts on mental health and capacity to age in place. Appendix A provides a comprehensive summary of the relevant goals, objectives, polices and implementation activities for each key health issue, many of which overlap with general good planning and design principles. The following key themes that should be considered and addressed within this OPR: Compatibility of land use designations; Protection of agricultural land and environmentally sensitive areas for environmental protection and food access needs; Requiring low impact development techniques and consideration of energy efficiency and water conservation strategies for sustainable building practices within existing, proposed and future developments; Use of the complete streets design framework for road design, transportation planning, and land use development, to consider all users; Compact, transit-oriented urban form, which promotes transit use and trip reduction through developments which maximize active transportation opportunities; Use of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies; and Implement a community-wide signage and wayfinding program for improved access to recreation facilities, recreational areas, parks, greenspaces and trails.

78 Page 78 of 125 Page 73 of TOWN POLICY CONSIDERATIONS While a comprehensive review of the Official Plan has not occurred, the Town has been active in undertaking a number of independent policy and strategic studies to help guide and shape growth to the year All public works and By-laws need to conform to a municipality s official plan, in accordance with s.24(1) of the Planning Act. It is important to ensure the directions and recommendations of these many documents are captured within the Town s primary planning tool. 4.1 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, 2015 The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury undertook the preparation of an Economic Development Strategy in The purpose of the Strategy is to develop an understanding of the Town s economic strengths, and to translate those strengths into growth opportunities. The aim is to optimize the Town s economic development capacity by prioritizing and supporting opportunities through a clear action plan. The Study identified current strengths and shortcomings of the Town s economic development capacity. The interplay between favourable assets and rapidly increasing population growth was found to produce an advantageous economic climate with abundant optimization opportunities. With the Holland Marsh providing valuable land for agricultural and food processing, and the benefits that the state of current macro-economic forces will have on the Town s largest industrial sectors, growth in existing industries will be induced externally. Furthermore, the Highway 400 Employment Area being the Town s largest district of employment lands is well-positioned for private investment due to its optimal location along Simcoe County s most significant goods movement corridor. On the other hand, there appears to be a difficulty balancing the demands of supporting the Town s existing businesses with pro-active investment attraction activities. These clashing efforts have resulted in underutilized investment opportunities in existing major industries, a lack of a knowledge-based entrepreneurial economy, local youth out-migration, and a promising Downtown core in need of investment and improvements. The Strategy outlined the following six principles to guide setting priorities, which directly support the objectives outlined in Council s Strategic Plan, being: Provide quality employment opportunities; Develop, attract, and retain a well trained workforce; Provide community amenities to support a high quality of life;

79 Page 79 of 125 Page 74 of Be ready to support business investment; Foster positive relationships with businesses, residents and new-comers; and Pursue inter-municipal and organizational collaboration. These principles come together to form The Critical Path for economic success within the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury. The Path is comprised of five steps: 1. Economic Development Capacity become investment ready by implementing processes to ensure excellence in client management and customer service for new investors and existing businesses undertaking the development process (e.g. finding efficiencies in processing site plan approvals to expedite client business plans). 2. Tools and Resources introduce means to improve effectiveness of the Town s operations. 3. Local Business and Entrepreneur Growth foster a supportive business environment and cultivate an entrepreneurial lifestyle in which businesses can grow and thrive. 4. Strategic Development optimize potential within underutilized areas and sectors through specific programs and tactics; be cognizant of the Highway Link and a new post-secondary bricks and mortar institution as potential long-range development opportunities; reserve a large parcel of land for future development of the post-secondary school. 5. Investment Attraction create competitive infrastructure, services and policies to support economic investment, with a specific focus on agri-business and food processing opportunities. Each step is associated with a subset of the 54 items within the Strategy s Action Plan. Items pertaining to revitalization of Downtown Bradford have been addressed through OPA No. 27. Other action items that are noteworthy for this Review include: Action Item 6 Work towards the gold standard of investment readiness Appendix G of the Strategy provides an Investment Readiness Checklist, which includes items related to land use planning matters. In particular, it suggests ensuring the Official Plan should have appropriate designations and clear policy direction regarding permitted uses for each land use category. It also recommends that Official Plan policies should remain general, to avoid tedious amendments to accommodate development proposals. Furthermore, the Checklist stresses the importance of addressing economic development in the Official Plan by permitting a wide range of businesses in employment areas, and permitting the establishment of home occupations throughout the community. In relation to this, Staff presented a report regarding

80 Page 80 of 125 Page 75 of Home Occupation Review (DES ) at the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 16, Council directed Staff to initiate a general review of the Home Occupation section of the Zoning Bylaw and report back to Council on nay recommended amendments that may broaden the choice of home based businesses in the Zoning By-law including the following specific uses for consideration: private backyard swim lessons/schools and music lessons, pursuant to Resolution These various directions will also be considered by, and enabled through, new Official Plan policies. Action Item 25 Examine the feasibility of a small business incubator or business accelerator in Bradford West Gwillimbury Step 3 in The Critical Path identified the desire of including provisions for local incubation facilities for entrepreneurs to attract a knowledge-based economy. Encouraging incubators or business accelerators will be a stated intent within. Action Item 33 Undertake a comprehensive cultural resources mapping exercise guided by the new definitions of cultural resources As part of a broader policy basis for cultural heritage planning, this shall be identified as a future project within the Official Plan to be undertaken to recognize the importance of these resources. Action Item Introduce minimum density requirements for large scale developments, encourage mixed use commercial and residential developments within the Official Plan, and community walkability between residential and commercial/retail developments through rigid site plan guidelines Some of these issues have already been addressed through OPA No. 25 and 27, but require consideration in all districts/under all designations within the new Official Plan. This Review presents numerous opportunities to support the goals and actions of the Town s Economic Development Strategy as they pertain to the promotion of the Town s agricultural and tourism sectors, and overall economic development objectives and strategies. 4.2 RETAIL ANALYSIS AND COMMERCIAL POLICY REVIEW, 2010 The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury conducted a review of their retail and commercial policies in 2010 to derive a strategy for future growth. The primary objectives of the Study were to: Analyze existing inventory of commercial uses and evaluate suitability of use based on identified long-term demand;

81 Page 81 of 125 Page 76 of Evaluate the Official Plan to determine if the structure and designations are appropriate; and Recommend retail and commercial uses that would best thrive within Downtown Bradford and the Highway 400/County Road 88 Interchange. The last objective has already been reached through Phase 1 Employment Lands Review, which harmonized the Official Plan with current zoning and Growth Plan directions for employment lands. Market analysis found opportunities and constrains within current trends and forecasted demand. It is evident that existing retail does not satisfy resident needs, as there is a clear trend of commuting to neighbouring communities in this regard. This clearly signalizes the need for the Town to increase their level of retail service and improve their market position as a regional service centre. Specifically, the Study found there to be opportunity for 2 million sq.ft. of additional retail and service/commercial space within Bradford West Gwillimbury by Furthermore, the study recognized emerging trends in commercial development, being: Shift of mass retailers from traditional locations to clusters outside of community focal points; Changing form, role and function of supermarkets from local or neighbourhood commercial in focus, to a community/district scale; Preference for mixed-use developments within commercial cores and along arterial streets, tailored to pedestrian traffic; and Emergence of live/work development preferences. This is a critical consideration when designating commercial/retail lands within the Official Plan. The Study identified four existing nodes within the Town s commercial structure, being the Commercial Core, North Bradford Square, Holland Street West, and the Bridge Street Corridor (Map 9). This structure was found to lack differentiation of roles/functions for varying retail/commercial facilities. Similarly, analysis of policies found that the current Official Plan lacks clear intent, roles, and functions for each commercial area and does not adequately address future growth; policies are narrow in the number and type of commercial designations they provide for. It was recommended that policies be adjusted to either broaden the way they address uses (i.e. size, type, role, function), or add other designations to ensure policies do not hinder commercial growth. The Study identified that three commercial designations exist within the current Official Plan:

82 Page 82 of 125 Page 77 of Commercial Core: mixed-use multi-functional area, serving as a local and regional focal point. The role and function of the Commercial Core should be clearly expressed in the Official Plan and a full range of uses should be provided for and encouraged, with the predominant form of development being geared to pedestrian traffic (i.e. main floor retail and service commercial uses). Service Commercial: applies to three main commercial areas which vary largely in roles and functions. It was recommended that the Official Plan be updated to either articulate and differentiate the role and function of each area under this designation, or separately recognize these areas under different designations. Industrial Commercial: this designation accurately captures the roles and functions of uses within it, and should remain consistent with current policies when carried forward to the new Official Plan. (Note that in Phase 1, these permissions were deleted and replaced as part of the Employment Lands Review. The lands are now treated as an employment designation). Given the recommendation of subsequent studies and changes in Provincial Policy, the new Official Plan is recommending three designations: Downtown Bradford Neighbourhood Commercial Community Commercial All designations will include some form of residential use permissions. The Bond Head Village Core designation in the Bond Head Secondary Plan shall at most receive technical or clerical edits, with no substantive changes recommended. It is important to note that many of the policy recommendations of this study have been superseded by Provincial initiatives out of the Town s control; in particular, the Growth Plan and MZOs applying direction to the Highway 400 Employment Lands. OPA No. 27 also updated the mixed use permissions associated with an expanded Downtown Bradford. That leaves only three commercial designation left untouched by Phase 1 of the OPR: Service Commercial designation, Neighbourhood Commercial (CPA 4), and Village Core (Bond Head Secondary Plan); however, the Bond Head Village Core will not be updated through this Review. Incorporating updated commercial land use designations within the Official Plan will ensure that the planned character and function of each area is appropriately defined. Distinction between community- and neighbourhood-level commercial lands will allow for appropriate commercial development that is compatible within adjacent stable residential neighbourhoods. It can also establish a policy basis for permitting small-scale uses with minimal disruption in predominantly residential areas, while directing mixed use developments into appropriate locations.

83 Page 83 of 125 Page 78 of Considering these findings will allow for an improved level of service and completeness to the Town s urban areas that recognize emerging commercial trends while protecting and enhancing existing planned commercial functions. Map 9 Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Commercial Areas

84 Page 84 of 125 Page 79 of CAPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN AND THE 2012 ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN S.24(1) of the Planning Act states, Despite any other general or special Act, where an official plan is in effect, no public work shall be undertaken and, except as provided in subsections (2) and (4), no By-law shall be passed for any purpose that does not conform therewith. Thus, the new Official Plan must align with Map 10, to ensure the Town s planned infrastructure improvements are appropriately recognized. In terms of proposed roads, this will require creating new or updated Official Plan schedules which illustrate proposed roads. All other future infrastructure should be recognized with a general policy which states infrastructure shall be permitted broadly in all land use designations, subject to appropriate criteria and with adequate regard to environmental concerns.

85 65 Map 10 Capital Plans Page 85 of 125 Page 80 of 120

86 Page 86 of 125 Page 81 of In March 2012, the Town retained GHD to prepare an Asset Management Plan (AMP) and Strategy document to address the delivery and maintenance of core services, such as roads, water, wastewater, pumping stations and bridges. The objectives of the AMP were to understand the current and long-term costs of sustaining the Town s infrastructure, to be able to define a vision for asset management and identify the actions/resources required to achieve and manage this vision. The study took an inventory of the Town s core assets (Table 3) and reflected on the current system conditions, rehabilitation needs, replacement costs, financial strategy and funding gaps of these assets. Table 3 Inventory of Core Assets in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury The Asset Management Policy is quite clear on its intent to maximize current resources to ensure efficiency and financial sustainability of its existing assets; the asset base should not be increased without considering the impact on the ability to fund future maintenance and rehabilitation. This policy objective shall be carried forward into the new Official Plan to ensure future development is situated in locations which maximize the use of current assets or warrant the need for the addition of assets. Several initiatives were suggested to meet this intent, being: Development of a Town-wide Asset Management Framework to guide ongoing asset development;

87 Page 87 of 125 Page 82 of Development of Asset Management Plans by major asset class; Development and implementation of a standard project management process; and Redesign of all business processes based on leading practices, which identifies desired roles/responsibilities, technology and performance management requirements. The new Official Plan must integrate these various plans and processes. 4.4 TRANSPORTATION PLANS The Town s transportation network shall be planned to focus on active and pedestrian-oriented transportation, while still providing functionality for automobiles. Most of the roads will be local roads, with a few collector roads connecting to the external arterial road network which bounds the development. As the existing transportation network evolves and attitudes and behavioural patterns regarding vehicle travel change, improvements to the active transportation network through planning coupled with behaviour may induce change in the planning the modal split to shift away from single occupant vehicle travel. In 2009, OPA 17 was passed to amend the policies of the Official Plan to revise the Town s planned transportation network to There have been no updates to the Town s transportation policies since OPA 17. The transportation schedule and assigned right-of-way widths will be updated to match associated widenings, if identified. The quality of the Town s active transportation network is tied to its ability to become a complete community; the vision depends on adequate facilities and transitsupportive land uses to ensure its success. The County OP requires all municipalities within its jurisdiction to create an Active Transportation Plan (ATP) for their respective jurisdictions. A component of active transportation is complete street design. Policies regarding complete streets design were introduced through OPA 27. New OP shall expand these policies Town-wide and include design criteria covering but not limited to paved widths of roads, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, street furniture, lighting and general place-making enhancements. The Official Plan shall contain policies requiring active transportation to be considered in development. The Town will incorporate this work through a future Transportation Master Plan, including an ATP, to be identified as a future study in the new Official Plan.

88 Page 88 of 125 Page 83 of URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES There will be numerous opportunities in the Official Plan to support community revitalization and implement streetscape and built form parameters to address the objectives of the Town s urban design policies and program. Urban design policies that apply throughout the entire urban area shall become part of the new Official Plan, based on the objectives and principles of the design guidelines outlined below. These guidelines are already applied Town-wide as a matter of practice, but Townwide policies need to be provided in the new Official Plan to confirm. The Official Plan will contain detailed policies intended to be applied Town-wide and supplemented through the preparation of urban design guidelines at a later date. The policies will form around these overarching headings: 1. General objectives and policies; 2. Public Realm design elements for accessible street networks and public spaces (e.g. furnishing, trees, landscaping, wayfinding, public art); 3. Complete Streets attributes for the design and enhancement of streets (e.g. multi-modal, pedestrian oriented, barrier-free, ecologically sustainable); 4. Streetscapes development guidelines to strengthen streetscapes (e.g. building orientation and configuration, façade articulations, active uses, sustainable design elements, visibility); and 5. Street Design/Layout guidelines to establish a preferred street pattern URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR COMMUNITY PLAN AREA 2, 2005 The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury prepared Urban Design Guidelines for the Area 2 Community Plan in 2005 (CPA 2). The design guidelines are intended to provide an exemplary standard for development within this area, including built form, open space and streetscapes. While intended to apply specifically to CPA 2, they are presently applied Town-wide by resolution of Council. The Guidelines propose a series of low-density pedestrian scaled neighbourhoods in close proximity to schools and parks, a linked open space system, and mixed-use and service commercial uses along high traffic roads. The natural environment is the primary focus of this framework, as the green network bisects the Plan area. The Guidelines are underpinned by four design principles, being: 1. Create a Strong Community Framework: through access and visibility, hierarchy of community elements and street design treatment, concentrated mixed use and commercial uses along the village Main Street, a variety of building types, gateway identification techniques and flexible site planning.

89 Page 89 of 125 Page 84 of Create Neighbourhood Enclaves: through a modified, walkable street grid with block lengths no longer than metres, high proportion of single loaded streets, and neighbourhoods which are centred around parks, schools, and public uses. 3. Create Interface with Natural Features: by expanding the open space system and linking it to the system that currently exists, providing appropriate buffers, ensuring access and visibility, and introducing sustainable design elements into all developments, when applicable (e.g. low impact development). 4. Create a Diverse Community Framework: through a mix of lot sizes, building types and styles, deliberate variations in block and streets design around natural elements, and a consistent/identifiable community image. Guidelines are provided for both the public and private realm. The former focuses on the street and open space systems, along with community entrance features. It suggests a green network linked to travel and framed around public roads, which are to be oriented and designed to enhance experience of travel and maintain visual and physical connections to natural heritage features. It also contains direction for creating a unique street character, by varying the lengths of blocks and streets, housing types, setbacks, and parks. A Concept Plan (Map 11) was created to illustrate the vision for Area 2, consisting of five major community elements, being: 1. Neighbourhoods: walkable, with public uses at the centre. 2. Road connections: grid pattern, with shorter block dimensions, limited through traffic, and on-street parking to optimize pedestrian and vehicular interconnections. 3. Major Arterial: establishing Holland Street West, Gateway Street through emphasis on enhanced street treatment, lined with active, at-grade commercial first storey treatments. 4. Character Roads: designated as Line 6 and Sideroad 10, which form the urban boundary, and should provide opportunities for walking and cycling, and retain existing trees and vegetation. 5. Public Open Space Network and Natural Elements: preservation and integration of existing woodlots and watercourses. The key policies and guidelines of this document should be implemented in the development of new Town-wide urban design policies in the Official Plan.

90 Page 90 of 125 Page 85 of Map 11 Area 2 Community Framework Plan DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR DOWNTOWN BRADFORD The 2011 Downtown Bradford Design Guidelines were created to further support the DBRS in attaining its objectives. The Guidelines are intended to provide a flexible design structure and vision for (re)development within the area, serving as an analysis tool for By-law updates, implementation and development, as well as community discussions and reviews. Providing direction with respect to architecture, site planning and landscaping, they are structured by three categories: 1. Public Realm Guidelines not directly related to the design of buildings, this section focuses on the relationship between public spaces and built form, through streetscapes, parks, plazas and public open spaces and circulation and public views. 2. Private Realm Guidelines related to both new and historical developments, this section focuses on the actual orientation and massing of buildings, through site design, building form and character, parking and circulation, lighting and servicing. 3. General Guidelines related to elements of site design which are relevant to both the public and private realm, being landscaping, accessibility, and

91 Page 91 of 125 Page 86 of sustainable design; guidelines in this section are made to supplement and complement the directives of the previous sections. This document was considered by and embedded into OPA No. 27 in Phase 1 of this Review. However, the directives and guidelines of this tool may serve as inspiration for design guidelines throughout the rest of the Town, especially within areas of higher densities and a mix of uses. These Guidelines, in conjunction with the CPA2 Area Guidelines, shall be heavily considered when creating Town-wide urban design policies within the new Official Plan BARRIER-FREE DESIGN Planning for accessibility means creating a barrier-free community that presents all individuals greater mobility. A barrier-free community identifies, prevents and eliminates physical barriers to ensure there are equal opportunities for all citizens, including people with disabilities, seniors, children and youth, as well parents with strollers. Barriers might include things such as stairs or curbs, inadequate drop-off and pick-up areas for transit users, sidewalk width, or even inadequate lighting for safety. As the population ages, the need to create and maintain an accessible community will increase as a growing number of people will develop mobility challenges. In an effort to address this challenge the Provincial government passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The AODA establishes, among other things, Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment which focus on removing barriers in buildings and public spaces. Municipalities are required to come into compliance with the Act by January 1, 2013, with the entirety of the Province to be AODA compliant by January 1, These design expectations need to be recognized in the Official Plan s new design policies. 4.6 LEISURE SERVICES MASTER PLAN (LSMP), 2017 The LSMP was established to define the Town s parks and recreational needs to the year The Plan attempts to reinforce the importance of the Town s local parks and the recreation system, by reflecting on local values and characteristics which are unique to the Town, while also aligning with the Framework for Recreation in Canada. The Plan is led by five guiding principles, being active living, inclusion and access, connecting people and nature, supportive environments, and recreation capacity. These principles shall also guide the development of appropriate and applicable Official Plan policies to implement these recommendations. The Plan concludes with 66 recommendations spanning the short, medium, and long term, which require coordination between different departments and policy tools in order to reach implementation. The following recommendations are relevant to this review, requiring coordination with the new Official Plan:

92 Page 92 of 125 Page 87 of Recommendation 14: Integrate a Parkland Classification System through the Update process currently underway for the Town of BWG Official Plan. The Plan suggests that the Official Plan adopt a classification system to designate Community Parks, Neighbourhood Parks, and Parkettes, defined by tableland characteristics. Recommendation 15: A parkland service ratio of 2.0 hectares per 1,000 population should be integrated into the Update process currently underway for the Town of BWG Official Plan; having both Community Parks and Neighbourhood Parks at 1.0 hectares per 1,000 population. This direction ensures there is a certain amount of parkland serving everyone within a population, and shall be integrated into the Official Plan as a general design guideline. Recommendation 16: Target a total parkland supply of 95 hectares by the year 2026, provided population growth is attained as envisioned through the Master Plan. This target will require the Town to secure an additional 15 hectares of Community Parkland and 26 hectares of Neighbourhood Parkland at a minimum. Recommendation 17: Proceed with implementation of the Henderson Community Park Master Plan using a phased approach. The Official Plan should explicitly state that directions for planning and development in this area will be provided by the Master Plan, which reflects the Bond Head Secondary Plan; if desired, the Master Plan can be incorporated into the Official Plan. Recommendation 18: Initiate a site-specific master plan for Centennial Park in tandem with the future use study for Bradford & District Community Centre as advanced through Recommendation #39. Similar to recommendation 17, the Official Plan shall also direct development and planning in these areas as identified by these studies and plans. Recommendation 25: As Henderson Park development proceeds for Phase 2, consider the development of a second Community Garden; further, remind residents of the strength of the agricultural community in BWG. The importance of the agricultural community, along with specific agriculturalinitiatives and urban food production, shall be embedded in the policies and directions of the new Official Plan. Recommendation 30: Engage major public and private landholders of open space to increase public access and exposure to areas to facilitate greater exposure to outdoor activities and appreciation of the natural environment. This direction can be further implemented through trail and parkland development policies outlined in the new Official Plan.

93 Page 93 of 125 Page 88 of Recommendation 47: Undertake a feasibility and site selection process to explore the creation of a smaller-scale community centre in Bond Head that is based upon a community hub model. Potential sites shall be reserved and properly designated within the new Official Plan to allow for this development to occur. Principles of the community hub model shall be incorporated into the design guidelines of the Official Plan. Recommendation 58: Playground equipment within future parks should be targets within 800 metres of newly developing residential areas located within the Bradford and Bond Head settlement boundaries (generally a 10 minute walking distance of residences). Consider park features of a more natural design. This requirement shall be included as a site design policy for any new residential development. 4.7 COMMUNITY CENTRE REVISIONING EXERCISE In May 2017, the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury commenced a master planning process for the Bradford and District Community Centre at 125 Simcoe Road; bordered by Simcoe Road to the west, Marshview Boulevard to the east and south and mainly residential to the north (Figure 2). The centre was built in 1956, with additions to the facility in 1967 and It contains an arena surface, which was decommissioned in 2012, community program space and administration offices, along with multiple sports fields and a skate park. Adjacent to the South side of the facility is the Bradford District Curling Rink, which is privately-owned. Figure 2 Bradford and District Community Centre The master planning process is intended to present a community engagement exercise for creating a vision for the Community Centre. The outcome of this exercise will be a concept plan that accommodates future activities of the site while