The Township of Ramara was…

The Township of Ramara was consulted during the County of Simcoe’s Official Plan Amendment Number 7 and received no net increase of employment or housing lands. In response to the request for comment regarding this amendment, it is necessary to highlight an approved reconfiguration of the Lagoon City Settlement Area that was supported and adopted by Township Council on May 25, 2015. This Official Plan Amendment is awaiting approval of the County of Simcoe.

While the Township of Ramara understands there is sufficient vacant land for housing and employment to meet the forecasted needs; the development must be relocated north on Ramara Road 47 and east towards Brechin in order for the land area to be utilized in Lagoon City. The Township of Ramara hoped this delineation would be refined within this phase of the MCR. County staff advised this is a reasonable and viable proposal and would be implemented in the next phase of the MCR process. In light of the recent changes to the County of Simcoe’s Planning Authority, it is prudent that this adjustment be highlighted as a need for our community.

The Official Plan Amendment reconfigures the Lagoon City Settlement area to connect the lands with the Brechin settlement area to the east. It also directs development out of environmentally sensitive wetland areas east of the shore of Lake Simcoe. This settlement boundary adjustment does not result in an increase in settlement area and capitalizes on existing infrastructure; intensifying the development along the existing water and sewer mains as opposed to costly expansion to the south. The change also supports complete communities with higher walkability scores.

The Township of Ramara approved Official Plan Amendment 17 and the area of Brechin and Lagoon City in 2015. The adopted amendment can be found at the link provided. Shape files can be provided upon request.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.