Dear Minister Calandra, The…

Dear Minister Calandra,

The Township of Ramara has reviewed the proposed Bill 185 Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024) and the Updated Draft Provincial Planning Statement. The Township is submitting the following comments for consideration:

Review of the Proposed Policies for a New Provincial Planning Policy Instrument ERO 019-8462
The Township of Ramara has reviewed the Proposed Provincial Planning Statement and provide the following responses to the discussion topics:

What are your overall thoughts on the updated proposed Provincial Planning Statement?

The Township of Ramara is generally supportive of the new PPS. The concerns regarding lot creation in agriculture have been addressed with the removal of the lot creation. The Township of Ramara already permits additional residential units in the AG zone, and would expect that any surplus farm consolidations would allow for one surplus farm dwelling and any accessory buildings or ARU within the permitted lot. The Township of Ramara understands and supports that the ARU accompany with the surplus farm dwelling on the severed lot or it shall be removed from the remnant parcel.

What are your thoughts on the ability of updated proposed policies to generate appropriate housing supply, such as: intensification policies, including the redevelopment of underutilized, low density shopping malls and plazas; major transit station area policies; housing options, rural housing and affordable housing policies; and student housing policies?

The supportive language regarding intensification, redevelopment of underutilized commercial plazas and housing options is appreciated by the Township of Ramara. Support from a Provincial level on intensification and development that can support the required infrastructure is appreciated.

What are your thoughts on the ability of the updated proposed policies to make land available for development, such as: forecasting, land supply, and planning horizon policies; settlement area boundary expansions policies; and employment area planning policies?

The policies regarding forecasting, land supply and settlement boundary expansions are understood by the Township of Ramara. The Township of Ramara currently has sufficient lands for the future. The policies around the protection of employment lands are supported, however the restriction of offices and other industry such as recreation (gymnastics, trampoline, etc) is concerning. The Township of Ramara is a rural municipality and a mix of land uses in the employment lands is integral for the development based on our location and demographics. Further review into the compatibility or classifications of employment lands is encouraged as the policy as written is likely to cause issues for existing business parks and the viability of the employment lands in the future.

What are your thoughts on updated proposed policies to provide infrastructure to support development?

The Township of Ramara’s largest hurdle for infrastructure to support development is the capital funding to establish the infrastructure. Municipalities need practical, certain, funding sources to establish new infrastructure and minimum densities to support the life of the assets. Asset Management Planning has been a useful tool in how to manage and plan for the expansion of municipal infrastructure and its maintenance.

What are your thoughts on updated proposed policies regarding the conservation and management of resources, such as requirements to use an agricultural systems approach?

The Township of Ramara continues to welcome the ability to establish a local Agricultural System and Natural Heritage System. The Township currently utilizes the coordination of its land use planning documents with the County of Simcoe’s Official Plan to establish the agricultural and natural heritage systems and their refinement.

What are your thoughts on any implementation challenges with the updated proposed Provincial Planning Statement? What are your thoughts on the proposed revocations in O.Reg. 311/06 (Transitional Matters - Growth Plans) and O.Reg. 416/05 (Growth Plan Areas)?

The Rama Road Economic Employment District, as defined by the Growth Plan, is within the Township of Ramara. Ensuring the economic viability of these lands is protected is paramount as this area serves to provide great economic employment for the municipality. It is expected the planned tourist destination policy will continue as the main focal point for this area with updated, locally appropriate compatible uses to serve the needs to tourists, the local community and employment in the area.

Signed,

Walied Zekry
Director of Building and Planning
Chief Building Official
RAMARA TOWNSHIP