We have farmed 100 acres in…

We have farmed 100 acres in the Township of Blandford – Blenheim, County of Oxford for over 45 years. We have seen many changes to the rural landscape during that time. We support updating the Provincial Policy Statement in regards Agricultural land use and limited non-farm development. We believe there are opportunities could add to the supply of housing and address the shortage that we are currently experiencing. Growth in rural Ontario has been stagnant due to outdated and overly restrictive land use policies. We feel there are three areas that could allow for expanded residential housing opportunities without upsetting the balance between agricultural and residential development.

1. Permitting the Severance of Existing Surplus dwellings from an agricultural parcel.
There are numerous farm parcels with a surplus dwelling that could be severed to add to the available supply of homes. Often these surplus dwellings sit empty as the farm owner has no desire to be a landlord. These are dwellings that already exist. Allowing a severance and an opportunity for a family to purchase a property outside of the urban areas can be accomplished without conflict.

2. Permitting new Lot creation in areas surrounded by existing residential development.
Within our Township of Blandford - Blenheim, we have rural clusters of residential development adjoining farmland. This is common in most rural municipalities. In these situations, allowing the creation of new lots adjacent to an existing cluster could be done without further restricting any neighbouring agricultural operations.

3. Permitting residential development on undersized or non-productive agricultural parcels.
Throughout rural Ontario, there are parcels of land that are too small to be viable for agriculture yet would be ideal to construct a dwelling. Establishing a new framework to evaluate these types of parcels based on their individual characteristics could also provide opportunities for managed residential growth in rural Ontario.

We support well thought out development in rural Ontario in addition to those urban areas designated for growth. Opening up opportunities for Ontarians to purchase a home and raise a family outside of an urban area or for a retiring farmer to pass down an existing agricultural operation and remain in the community, are good for the province.