October 18, 2019 Planning…

October 18, 2019
Planning Consultation
Provincial Planning Policy Branch
777 Bay Street 13th floor
Toronto, ON
M5G 2E5
Canada
Sent via email planningconsultation@ontario.ca
Subject: Comments ERO# 019-0279 - Proposed Amendment to the Provincial Policy Statement.
I am pleased to submit the following comments and questions with regard to the Proposed Amendment to the Provincial Policy Statement 2019. The Township of Tay recognizes the importance of this document as is impacts not just the Greater Toronto Area, but all of Ontario.
Increasing Housing Supply and Mix
Staff are seeking clarification and a definition of the proposed term “market based needs”. It can be difficult for a municipality such as Tay to predict what the market need of housing is and how it could be subject to many influences outside of municipal control. By providing this clarification it would allow the Township enough of a policy background to ensure that both existing and proposed policy documents are flexible enough to respond to market changes.
Protecting the Environment and Public Safety
Much of the proposed changes are supported by staff and in line with the Township policies to protect the natural environment. The new policy which permits municipalities to consider protection and management of locally significant wetlands, while in the opinion of staff a useful new tool, would be difficult for a municipality the size of Tay with the current resources to implement.
Reducing Barriers and Cost
Staff are suggesting that the new policies regarding the fast tracking of priority applications, be given additional clarity on both the “fast tracking” term and what applications are to be identified as “priority”. Generally staff support improvements to the process where efficiencies and elimination of unnecessary costs can occur; however, staff are concerned with variations on how this proposed policy will be implemented, locally, regionally or Province wide.

Supporting Rural, Northern and Indigenous Communities
The Township does not have any comments in opposition to the proposed change; however, would note to the Province that this policy change should also be aligned with additional financial resources from the Province in order to truly meet the intent and abide by the Provincial interest to assist with Indigenous communities are engage in the Planning processes.
Supporting Certainty and Economic Growth

Township does not have any comments with respect to the above policy changes of the PPS.
CONCLUSION:

Many of the proposed changes to the PPS are similar and in line with changes to the Growth Plan and Bill 108. As these are proposed changes only, the Township appreciates the Province giving the opportunity to comment of this policy review.
The Township has identified a few key areas where questions and clarification is required by the Province, and are noted below:
1. Provide a definition of “market based needs” to ensure the municipality understands the intent and how to implement the policy;
2. Clarity regarding the term “fast tracking” given the statutory requirements of the Planning Act and direction on how municipalities should amend processes to comply with the policy;
3. Clarity regarding the term “priority application” and how municipalities should be identifying them;
4. Note that fast tracking and priority applications will require Provincial assistance during the decision making process;
5. Suggest that Province consider additional financial resources to assist Indigenous Communities’ capacity to participate and be engaged in planning processes.

If you have any further questions, please contact me at (705) 594- 7248 Ext. 225 or by email at sfarquharson@tay.ca

Sincerely,
The Corporation of the Township of Tay

Steven Farquharson, B.URPL MCIP RPP
Director of Planning and Development