The Township of Augusta…

The Township of Augusta respectfully submits the below comments, endorsed by Council Resolution No. 7 on July 10, 2023.

1. What are your thoughts on the policies that have been included from the PPS and A Place to Grow in the proposed policy document, including the proposed approach to implementation?

The Township of Augusta would be appreciative of more specifics/provincial guidance on the implementation of the new Provincial Planning Statement, particularly in relation to timing, where upper-tier and lower-tier municipal Official Plans have not yet been updated and existing policies conflict with new provincial policy directives.

2. What are your thoughts on the proposed policy direction for large and fast-growing municipalities and other municipalities?

The Township of Augusta has not been identified as a large or fast-growing municipality by the Province, so no comment is being offered.

3. What are your thoughts regarding the proposed policies to generate housing supply, including an appropriate range and mix of housing options?

The Township of Augusta appreciates the flexibility provided in the draft policies related to expansions of Settlement Area boundaries. A more streamlined approach to minor boundary adjustments and expansions will provide the Township of Augusta with the ability to direct more growth to areas within, and immediately surrounding, our existing Settlement Areas.

The Township of Augusta is supportive of the Province’s proposal to expand on types of housing uses which may help to encourage appropriate redevelopment and intensification and provide alternative housing solutions. The Township of Augusta is also supportive of the concept of complete communities being introduced in the draft policy document.

4. What are your thoughts on the proposed policies regarding the
conservation of agriculture, aggregates, natural and cultural heritage resources?

The Township of Augusta recognizes the importance of the long-term protection of prime agricultural areas and continues to strive to be supportive of its agricultural community. It is recognized that there are incompatibilities when new residential uses are introduced into the agricultural area. It also may result in creating barriers and restricting the future ability of livestock operators to expand or build new livestock barns and manure storage facilities, while having to meet the Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) setback to new residential uses/severances. While the need for new housing opportunities is recognized and supported, this may be more appropriately achieved through the Province’s proposed policies for expansions to Settlement Areas. The Township of Augusta would respectfully request that the Province give consideration to reducing the proposed policy for new residential lot severances, currently proposed at (3) three on a farmed lot, within the prime agricultural area.

5. What are your thoughts on the proposed policies regarding planning for employment?

Further guidance on permitted uses in employment areas is requested. The Township of Augusta has a large Industrial District and the new provincial policies will result in creating some non-conforming uses in this area, or certain uses may need to be redesignated to an alternate Official Plan designation.

6. Are there any other barriers to, or opportunities for, accelerating development and construction (e.g., federal regulations, infrastructure planning and approvals, private/public partnerships for servicing, provincial permitting, urban design guidelines, technical standards, zoning, etc.)?

The Township of Augusta is pleased by opportunities for new housing, however, a shortage of qualified building inspectors and building officials is an ongoing challenge for municipalities. Provincial assistance/funding is requested for the training of new building inspectors and building officials to ensure timely oversight in implementing Ontario Building Code standards for new construction.