Thank you for providing the…

Thank you for providing the opportunity to comment on ERO 025-1101: Consultation on Enhanced Development Standards – Lot Level (outside of buildings). Town of Halton Hills staff have reviewed the posting and wish to provide the following responses to the discussion questions:

1. What is your interest in and/or experience with the implementation of enhanced development standards at the lot level (outside of buildings)? For example, are you a municipal staff member, homebuilder, planner, Indigenous representative, or member of the public?

A: Lower tier municipality with a Green Development Standard.

2. In your experience, are enhanced development standards applied consistently across municipalities? Please provide examples where possible.

A: Our understanding is that a number of municipalities in Ontario currently have Green Development Standards, some of which are structured differently and have varying initiatives and standards that are encouraged to be incorporated into applicable development. However, it is our experience that Green Development Standards that provide a variety of options for the developer to choose from that fit within their budget, experience and development goals is better than rigid standardized municipal requirements.

3. What types of standards, should municipalities be allowed to apply outside of buildings and how do these requirements maintain the health and safety of the site if at all?

A: Municipalities should be allowed to apply standards relating to green infrastructure and climate resilience outside of the building as they are critical to maintaining community well-being. They contribute to mitigating extreme heat and weather events, providing shade/protection from UV, filtering air and water pollutions, flood mitigation, source water protection, carbon storage & sequestration, and supporting overall human health and well-being.

4. Do you / your organization have information about the short- and long-term costs of enhanced development standards at the lot level?

A: No, we do not currently have any information regarding short- and long-term costs. However, our experience is that the development community seems to prefer to focus on green infrastructure and climate resilience standards at the lot level, rather than those related to the construction of a building, as they find them to fit within their budget, contain a broader variety of options to implement and in many cases contribute to a more attractive streetscape/lot design.

5. Do you have any additional comments or suggestions relating to site plan control or other related subjects?

A: It is our opinion that applying voluntary Green Development Standards at the lot level has a lot of benefits to the developer, future occupants of the development, the community and environment. They should continue to be allowed to be implemented through the Site Plan Control process.