This submission expresses…

This submission expresses support for the Bill's restoration of a modification to the Waterloo Region Official Plan Amendment 6 originally made by the Minister of Municipal Affairs on April 11, 2023, which included the South West Kitchener Planning Area in settlement area. The original modification was properly and appropriately made in accordance with the Minister's obligation under section 3 of the Planning Act to make planning decisions in conformity with the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, including the Land Needs Assessment Methodology, and consistent with the requirements of the Provincial Policy Statement. The original Regional Official Plan Amendment adopted by Waterloo Region Council did not provide for sufficient land to accommodate new housing, as provided in the Growth Plan and Land Needs Assessment Methodology, contrary to section 3 of the Planning Act. As such, the Minister's modification corrected the inappropriate decision of the Region.

Bill 162 appropriately restores the Minister's proper and appropriate Modification adding the South West Kitchener Planning Area to settlement area.