CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE WHITEBELT VISIONING EXERCISE ADDENDUM TO THE GTA WEST LAND USE STUDY 1. Introduction WORK PROGRAM The Town of Caledon is a large, local municipality located in the Greater Toronto Area. Currently the population is about 67,000 with considerable growth expected in the coming years. Caledon comprises the northern half of the Regional Municipality of Peel, and is a predominantly rural municipality which contains extensive natural and cultural heritage features, such as: the Niagara Escarpment, the Oak Ridges Moraine, headwaters of the Credit and Humber Rivers, and significant rural landscapes. About 80% of the Town of Caledon is located within the Greenbelt where growth is strictly limited by the Greenbelt Plan. The remaining 20% is known as the Whitebelt, consisting of about 10,500 hectares of developable land in the southern portion of Caledon. This area will be the focus for the majority of future growth, which will be governed by the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe 2006 (Growth Plan). In 2008 the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) launched a long-range Planning and Environmental Assessment (EA) Study for the GTA West Transportation Corridor which extends from Highway 400 in York Region west through south Caledon to the Highway 401/407 ETR at the Halton-Peel boundary. The new transportation corridor will include: a 400 series highway, a transitway, and potential goods movement priority features. The MTO initiated Stage 2 of the EA study in February, 2014. A short list of three route alternatives for the new transportation corridor was released in May, 2015 and a preferred route is expected to be identified before the end of 2015. The preliminary design for the preferred route will tentatively be presented in March, 2017, with the submission to the Ministry of the Environment tentatively scheduled for May, 2018. The GTA West Transportation Corridor will influence Caledon s land use planning for decades to come. The Growth Plan provides direction on the land uses that should be planned in the vicinity of transportation corridors. The Moving Goods policy 3.2.4.5 directs municipalities to plan for land uses adjacent to or in the vicinity of transportation facilities including major highway interchanges that are compatible with, and supportive of, the primary goods movement function of these facilities. The Employment Lands policy 2.2.6.9 encourages municipalities to designate and preserve lands within settlement areas in the vicinity of major highway interchanges for manufacturing, warehousing, and associated retail, office and ancillary facilities, where appropriate. Employment Areas policy 1.3.2.3 in the PPS 2014 directs planning authorities to protect employment areas in proximity to major goods movement facilities and corridors for employment uses that require those locations. The PPS 2014 also allows for the identification of employment lands to meet long-term needs. Employment Areas policy 1.3.2.4 states that planning authorities may plan beyond 20 years for
the long-term protection of employment areas provided lands are not designated beyond the 20 year planning horizon identified in policy 1.1.2. The Town of Caledon initiated the GTA West Land Use Study in July 2014 in response to these policy directions to determine desirable land uses in the vicinity of the GTA West Transportation Corridor. The study was to provide a basis for the identification and protection of strategic employment lands. Meridian Planning Consultants was retained to complete the study. It is now apparent that a broader scale visioning exercise for the Whitebelt is necessary to address all the needs of a complete community. This includes planning for employment lands, but also residential, commercial, recreational, open space and institutional land uses. The Whitebelt visioning exercise will address the interrelationship of new land uses with existing and planned communities and infrastructure, and examine the implications of the new land uses from a transportation and servicing perspective at a high level. As the GTA West Land Use Study is underway and is already studying the lands in the Whitebelt, it is appropriate and expeditious to include a Whitebelt visioning exercise in the Work Plan for the GTA West Land Use Study and to expand the retainer of Meridian to undertake the additional work. It is also recommended that a facilitator be retained to manage the public consultation. Meridian will be retained on a single source basis to complete the Whitebelt Visioning Exercise. 2. Purpose of the Study The goal of the Whitebelt visioning exercise is to develop an innovative, sustainable and conceptual land use vision for the Whitebelt. This vision will serve the following purposes: Provide a framework for the long-term planning and development of the Whitebelt for all needed land uses including, but not limited to, agriculture, environmental protection and strategic employment lands pursuant to policy 1.3.2.4 of the PPS 2014; Examine the connectivity between future settlement areas and the GTA West Transportation Corridor; Visualize how the lands in the Whitebelt can be best developed over time and how they would relate to and enhance the existing and planned settlement pattern, the local transportation system, natural and cultural heritage resources, and the agricultural areas in Caledon. Objectives of the Whitebelt visioning exercise include: Engage the public, stakeholders, business interests, Council, staff, neighboring municipalities, the Region, the Province and regulatory agencies in a discussion of how land uses in the Whitebelt can be planned to create complete, sustainable communities in Caledon Identify opportunities and constraints for locating land uses in the Whitebelt Identify a future structure for development of the Whitebelt as a whole Define locational criteria for all proposed land uses Identify opportunities for environmental enhancement through land use change Determine how future land uses would be integrated with the existing road pattern and natural system
Identify the opportunities provided by the public transportation facilities to be located within the GTA West Transportation corridor and the integration of these facilities with existing and planned local public transportation systems Identify land uses compatible with the GTA West Transportation Corridor at the interchanges and along its length Identify the relationship and connectivity of the desirable land uses with existing, proposed and future settlements in the Whitebelt Identify at a high level, impacts of the desirable Whitebelt land uses on traffic, agriculture, heritage and the natural environment Ensure that the land use vision for the Whitebelt is consistent with the PPS 2014 and conforms with the Growth Plan, the Greenbelt Plan, the Region of Peel Official Plan and the Town of Caledon Official Plan Ensure that the land use vision for the Whitebelt is consistent with the Transportation and Land Use plans/studies of Caledon, Peel, Brampton and other adjacent municipalities including, but not limited to: the Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan, the 427 Transportation Corridor, the Bolton Residential Expansion Study (BRES) process, the Mayfield West Secondary Plan process, the Bolton Transportation Master Plan Study, the Regional Long Range Transportation Plan, the Regional Strategic Goods Movement Network Study and the Regional Road Characterization Study.
3. Study Area The proposed primary study area will be bounded by the Greenbelt on the north, the Caledon boundary on the east and west, and Mayfield Road on the south. The study area is shown below. External transportation, servicing and environmental connections beyond the study area will also be considered.
4. Scope of Work The Whitebelt visioning exercise will identify potential land use structures and land uses within the study area and the sequence of development, taking into account the relevant factors identified in the Growth Plan, the PPS 2014, the Region of Peel Official Plan and the Town of Caledon Official Plan that must be addressed when managing growth. These include: the directions on how to accommodate population and employment growth to achieve compact greenfield communities in the Managing Growth policy 2.2.2.1 in the Growth Plan; the description of the characteristics of healthy, livable and safe communities in policy 1.1.1 of the PPS 2014; and the directions for determining land use patterns in Settlement Areas policy 1.1.3.2 of the PPS 2014. In addition, the study will consider the following planning criteria: The protection and enhancement of natural and cultural heritage; The function and character of the community; The contextual fit with and connectivity of existing and proposed land uses, including the relationship with existing and proposed land uses in the City of Brampton; Servicing and infrastructure 4.1 PROJECT TASKS The project will follow a five phase process. Portions of Phase 1 have already been completed. 4.1.1 Study Phases Phase 1: Review of Applicable Policy and Existing Conditions The Consultant will review the following background information, which will be made available to the Consultant: GTA West Corridor Planning and Environmental Assessment (EA) Study Final Transportation Development Strategy Report November 2012 Provincial plans and policies including the Growth Plan, the PPS 2014, and the Greenbelt Plan and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan policies regarding adjacent development; The Region of Peel Official Plan and Town of Caledon Official Plan; Caledon Community Based Strategic Plan The City of Brampton Official Plan The approved population and employment growth forecasts for 2021 and 2031 and the Council endorsed growth forecasts for 2031 and 2041;
The technical studies completed to support the Bolton Employment Land and North Hill Supermarket settlement expansion, the Bolton Residential Expansion Study (BRES) and the Mayfield West Phase 2 Secondary Plan; Applicable watershed/subwatershed plans/studies within the study area, notably the Etobicoke Creek Headwaters Subwatershed Study, the Humber River Watershed Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report, and the Fletcher s Creek Subwatershed Study Report; The Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan, the 427 Transportation Corridor, the Bolton Transportation Master Plan Study, the Regional Long Range Transportation Plan, the Regional Strategic Goods Movement Network Study and the Regional Road Characterization Study. Phase 2: Land Use Alternatives The Consultant will identify potential land use and growth sequencing alternatives in the study area. The Consultant will prepare an evaluation matrix with input from the public, stakeholders, business interests, Caledon Council and staff, Regional staff and regulatory agencies. The evaluation matrix will be based on the policy frameworks and requirements of the Province, the Region, the Conservation Authorities and the Town of Caledon. Phase 3: Impact Assessment The land use and growth sequencing alternatives will be examined at a high level with respect to impacts on the existing and proposed settlement pattern, transportation network, servicing requirements, environmental and agricultural impact, built heritage and archaeological impacts, fiscal impacts and economic feasibility. Phase 4: Evaluation The Consultant shall evaluate the land use and growth sequencing alternatives using the evaluation matrix developed in Phase 2. A preferred long-term land use and growth alternative will be identified. Opportunities will be provided for all interested parties and individuals to participate and contribute to the evaluation, and the preferred alternative will be provided to the Province, the Region and regulatory agencies for comment. Phase 5: Final Land Use Concept Based on the comments received, the Consultant will refine the preferred land use concept and present it to Council for endorsement. The Consultant will prepare a report outlining the background information, the planning process, the preferred land use concept and justification. The report will serve as the basis for the identification and protection of strategic employment lands in the Caledon Official Plan. 4.1.2 Schedule of Meetings
The majority of the following meetings were specified in the Terms of Reference for the GTA West Land Use Study. Two additional Public Open Houses, one additional Council presentation and a staff meeting with Meridian and the facilitator have been added specific to the Whitebelt visioning exercise: Meeting with Town s Project Manager Project Initiation Meeting. Meeting with the Facilitator: The successful Consultant must provide the proposed work plan. This meeting was held on July 24, 2014. Staff will meet with Meridian and the facilitator to plan the approach to public consultation Meetings with Technical Staff: The consultant will liaise with a Technical Advisory Team set up for the Study which will include the Town s Senior Transportation Planner and Heritage Resource Officer, and representatives of MTO, the Region of Peel, the City of Brampton, Credit Valley Conservation and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. Meeting #1 Project start-up meeting This meeting was held on September 12, 2014. Meeting #1a Meeting #2 Meeting #3 Meeting #4 Introduction of Whitebelt Visioning Exercise Review of Background Information and Land Use Alternatives Review of Impact Assessment and Evaluation of Land Use Alternatives Review of Preferred Land Use Concept Council Presentations: The Consultant will lead and provide expertise during Council presentations to update Council on public consultation results, review important issues, reviewing technical studies, community design and planning principles, evaluation criteria, and selection of land use alternatives. Council presentations are held in advance of the Public Open Houses. Council Presentation #1: Council Presentation #1a Council Presentation #2: Council Presentation #3: Council Presentation #4: Council Presentation #5: Introduce the Study and its process to Council This presentation was given to Council on March 10, 2015 Review the broader issues pertaining to planning in the Whitebelt Review of Land Use Alternatives and Impact Assessment Review of Evaluation and Preferred Land Use Concept Draft Final Land Use Concept Final Land Use Concept
Public Open Houses: The Consultant will engage the public to seek their input and participation at key milestones in the project cycle. The Consultant shall make presentations and answer the public s questions. A minimum of four Open Houses are proposed and will be held in the evening hours: Open House #1: Open House #1a: Open House #2a: Open House #2: Open House #3a: Open House #3: Open House #3b: Open House #4 Introduce the Study and its process to the public, stakeholders and other interested parties This Open House was held on June 29, 2015. Introduce the broader issues around planning in the Whitebelt and the proposed criteria for locating land uses Design Charrette for developing Land Use Alternatives Review of Land Use Alternatives Review Impact Assessment Review of Evaluation and Preferred Land Use Concept Refine Preferred Land Use Concept Final Land Use Concept Meetings with Stakeholders: Meeting #1 Meeting #2 Meeting with the Farm community Meeting with the Chamber of Commerce The Work Plan shall include up to two (2) additional meetings.
4.1.3 Deliverables Note: The Phase 1 Deliverables have been completed. Phase Deliverables and Activity 1 - Meeting with the Town s Project Manager: Project Initiation Meeting - Conduct Technical Advisory Team Meeting #1 Project Start-up Meeting - Prepare Opportunities and Constraints mapping of the Study Area - Prepare Policy Analysis - Council Presentation #1 - Open House #1 - Technical Advisory Team Meeting #1a Introduce Whitebelt Visioning - Council Presentation #1a - Meeting with Facilitator - Stakeholder Meeting #1 Meeting with Farm community - Stakeholder Meeting #2 Meeting with Chamber of Commerce - Open House #1a 2 - Open House #2a - Prepare Draft Land Use Alternatives and Draft Evaluation Matrix - Technical Advisory Team Meeting #2 3 - Prepare Impact Assessment of Draft Land Use Alternatives - Technical Advisory Team Meeting #3 - Council Presentation #2 - Open House #2 4 - Open House #3a Review Impact Assessment - Evaluate the Draft Land Use Alternatives - Select the Preferred Land Use Concept - Technical Advisory Team Meeting #4 - Council Presentation #3 - Open House #3 5 - Refine the Preferred Land Use Concept to create a Draft Final Land Use Concept - Open House #3b Refine Preferred Land Use Concept - Council Presentation #4 - Open House #4 Final Land Use Concept - Council Presentation #5 to present the Final Land Use Concept - Preparation of Report 4.1.4 Project Schedule The Project shall be completed within one year beginning from the date of awarding of the contract. The anticipated start date of the project is October 21, 2015, subject to Council endorsement. The Consultant shall prepare a timeline outlining the tasks and events noted above The Consultant shall amend the detailed work plan for the GTA West Land Use Study to include the Whitebelt visioning exercise within two weeks of the project initiation that includes: - Refinement and confirmation of the approach to be followed and timeline for the project including the Tasks and deliverables outlined above
The Consultant shall keep Town Project Manager, or designate, informed on the project s status on a biweekly basis. The Project Schedule shall also be updated as required to show project progress. Any changes made to the Project Schedule must be approved by the Town s Project Manager. Any reasonable steps proposed by the Consultant that will advance the completion of the project may be considered.
5. Project Management The Consultant shall appoint one person as Project Manager, who shall report to the Town s Project Manager. This Consultant Project Manager will liaise with the Technical Advisory Team for the purpose of completing specific tasks. The Consultant Project Manager shall be responsible to initiate, lead and present at public Open Houses, Council Workshops and Council Meeting. The Technical Advisory Team shall consist of the Town s Project Manager and Consultant Project Manager and may be comprised of representatives from relevant department/divisions of the Town, the Region of Peel, the City of Brampton, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Credit Valley Conservation Authority. The consultant Project Manager shall: a) Keep the Town s Project Manager informed of progress on a bi-weekly basis; b) Provide the Town s Project Manager with copies of all correspondence; c) Consult with the Town s Project Manager on potentially significant or controversial issues, options considered and solutions adopted; d) Consult with the Town s Project Manager prior to any significant schedule changes; All changes to the schedule must be approved in writing by the Town s Project Manager. e) Facilitate meetings as required; f) Prepare minutes of Technical Advisory Team meetings in a timely manner with copy provided to those in attendance for review and acceptance. 4. Budget The budget for the Whitebelt Visioning Exercise is $90,000 (including HST). This is in addition to Meridian s budget for the GTA West Land Use Study of $80,000 (including HST), for a total project budget of $170,000 (including HST). End of Section