We represent Far Sight…

We represent Far Sight Investments Limited, owner of the property legally described as Part of Lot 13 and 14, Concession 5, Geographic Township of Tosorontio, within the Settlement of Everett (“Subject Lands”). The Subject Lands are approximately 96.6 hectares, located between County Road 13 on the west and Concession Road 6 on the east.

We are writing to provide submissions on the County of Simcoe’s Official Plan Amendment No. 7 (“OPA 7”), which is the culmination of “Phase 1” of the County’s most recent municipal comprehensive review: the growth management strategy. We are requesting that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (“MMAH”) use its powers to ensure that the Subject Lands can be developed at a minimum density of 61 people and jobs per hectare (“pjph”) and a minimum of 1,211 residential units, as expeditiously as possible.

Residential uses have been permitted on the Subject Lands since 2016, when Amendment No. 8 to the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio Official Plan (“OPA 8”) was approved by the Ontario Municipal Board. OPA 8 redesignates the Subject Lands to permit residential development at a minimum population of 1,952 persons and a minimum density of 32 pjph.

The Subject Lands are appropriate for residential development and should be permitted to move forward:

1. The lands are designated for residential development and have been since 2016. Their efficient use and buildout should be prioritized over adding new land to the settlement boundary.

2. The development of these lands would meet all applicable provincial and county policies and would constitute good planning. The full buildout of these lands would contribute to the development of Everett as a complete community.

3. The lands can be fully serviced. Their full development will ensure that existing and planned infrastructure is optimized, and land is used efficiently.

4. There is significant market demand for housing in the Township and a potential shortage of supply.

5. The early approval of the Applications would assist in alleviating the ongoing housing crises. The Province is calling for a significant number of new residential units over the next ten years and is imposing targets on individual municipalities. These lands are ready to proceed to development in the immediate future and will assist in meeting the Province’s lofty targets.

Far Sight is willing to immediately provide the residential units needed, but is being delayed on account of the Township and County’s narrow interpretation of a single numerical reference, which interpretation does not accord with the purpose and intent of the current planning regime in Ontario.

We are requesting that the MMAH exercise its powers by modifying OPA 7 to add a site-specific policy, clarifying that the Subject Lands will be developed with residential uses at a minimum density of 61 people and jobs per hectare and with a minimum of 1,211 residential units. The proposed wording for such a modification is included in the attached submission package.