I live in the Region of…

I live in the Region of Waterloo and am also a land use planner.

The Region of Waterloo has been a great leader in:
- Due to an extensive tax base they have experts on hydrogeology, archaeology, transportation, land use compatibility. The lower tier municipalities are able to share these experts; individually the lower tiers would not be able to afford such experts. This saves the cost of hiring a peer reviewer, at the expense of the developer
- Protecting the natural environment where the Greenlands System requires permanent protection. This includes woodlands and ANSIs that have weak protection policies under the PPS. In addition, a 10 m buffer is required.
- Drinking water in aquifers is protected through strong policies, watershed planning, and preventing severances in rural lands. Harmful impacts from additional septic systems and wells is avoided.
- They have attracted world class farmers, due to strong policies on protection of agriculture. Consents, including surplus dwelling are not permitted for non-agricultural issues. This prevents MDS constraints and farms are able to expand; they are not restricted from new non-farm residential lots.
- Determining through land use needs where growth should occur. They have done an excellent job and designate just the right amount based on servicing. There is a strong Countryside line.

The Regional government is often less political than lower-tier municipalities. Decisions are made for the greater good, and not based on who knows what politician.

The Region has developed clear policies, which streamline the process. Having clear policies on where an owner can develop and cannot makes the process simple. When policies are vague, extensive studies are required, there is often much debate causing delay, and development is often not in the best interests of the greater good.

Many of the rural municipalities do not have staff resources to create policies. The Region reduces the workload. Shifting responsibilities will not streamline the process, but add an extra burden to small municipalities that do not have a tax base to hire experts.

The Province should learn from the Region of Waterloo. They have done a superior job in all aspects of planning.

Please do not destroy a system that is in the best interests of the public. Find other ways to streamline the process, such as creating clearer policies in the PPS, that mirror those of the Region of Waterloo.