1. Updated Growth Forecasts…

1. Updated Growth Forecasts and an Extended Planning Horizon

• Given most municipalities have planned to a 2041 horizon, staff request that the new 2051 planning horizon be introduced as part of the next Municipal Comprehensive Review process. This will allow for ample time for municipalities to allocate growth from 2041 to 2051 and determine the optimal locations to direct this additional growth.

• Staff recommend that the Province adopt either the reference scenario or the low scenario for the Region of Peel. The Region’s approved growth forecasts align most with the growth trajectory of the low and reference growth scenarios suggested in Proposed Amendment 1.

• Staff further suggest that the Province not treat its growth forecasts as minimums. These forecasts provide certainty for the City’s land-use and infrastructure planning processes and allows for more accurate projection of Development Charges. Treating these growth forecasts as minimums risks the over consumption of greenfield land leading to disjointed growth and increased servicing obligations. If the minimums are maintained, it is recommended that guidelines be provided on when municipalities may consider forecasting above the minimums and by how much.

2. Major Transit Station Areas in Provincially Significant Employment Zones

• City staff support that any conversions must be municipally initiated. It is suggested further clarity be provided on the timing of when this policy would apply (e.g. pre or post the Municipal Comprehensive Review in 2022).

• In line with the policies of the new PPS, it is suggested that the Province include additional policies in the Growth Plan that consider land use compatibility and incorporating high density employment as part of the employment land use conversion criteria.

3. Mineral Aggregate Operations

• Removing protections for species at risk to accommodate growth could impede the efforts to retain and recover species that are already impacted by the effects of habitat loss and degradation caused by humans and development. City staff encourage the Province to prioritize recovery of species at risk.

4. Alignment with Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 (PPS)

• Staff have no comments on this proposal.