Re: ERO 019-6425 Approval of…

Re: ERO 019-6425 Approval of an Amendment to the Niagara Escarpment Plan

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the above noted proposed amendments to agricultural policies in the Niagara Escarpment Plan (NEP). The following comments are provided by the Town of Caledon’s Business Attraction and Investment Division

The NEC’s proposed review of the NEP to expand permission for agriculture-related and on-farm diversified uses in the Escarpment Protection Area designation is supported. It addresses comments previously provided to the Province during the Coordinated Plans Review of the NEP, Greenbelt Plan and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP) that land use designation policies for permitted uses should be consistent across provincial plans to provide better flexibility for permitted uses aligned to the policy framework of the Provincial Policy Statement.

Understanding the NEC Plan is its own Plan and is separate from other Provincial Plan’s, we would however request that similar amendments be made to the ORMCP to achieve full harmonization across the Greenbelt Plans.

Detailed Comments

In general, Business Attraction and Investment Staff are in support of the direction proposed to better harmonize the NEP’s agricultural policies with similar policies in the Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan and Greenbelt Plan.

We request however that the NEC consider including additional clarification in the following proposed amendments:

1. Proposed Amendment Part 1 Land Use Policies, Subsection 1.3.3.15 - Permissions related to new maple sugar harvesting

The proposed amendment will provide permissions related to maple sugar harvesting in significant woodlands but not permit the development of buildings or facilities related to maple syrup production. We would like to suggest that permission be provided for maple sugar harvesting to include the location or construction of small-scale ancillary structures to house equipment that may be required components of the maple sugar harvesting collection system (e.g., pump house).

2. Proposed Amendment Part 2.7 Development Affecting Natural Heritage, Subsection 2.7.2 f) – Permissions related to the Expansion of Existing Agricultural Uses, Agricultural-Related Uses and On-Farm Diversified Uses

Town of Caledon Business Attraction and Investment staff are supportive of the NEC’s proposal to clarify and provide flexibility to permit the limited expansion of existing agricultural uses, agricultural-related uses and on-farm diversified uses into natural heritage features. However, it is recommended that the NEC consider using the Growth Plan (Policy 4.2.3.1 f)) and Greenbelt Plan’s (Policy 4.5.5) policy language to permit the limited expansion of these uses into Key Natural Heritage Features in the proposed Amendment.

Business Attraction and Investment staff suggest the wording in the above referenced Growth Plan and Greenbelt Plan sections to achieve better harmonization and clarity in the policy.

Conclusion

We trust that the Town of Caledon’s Business Attraction and Investment Division comments will be helpful as the NEC considers the proposed amendments to the agricultural policies in the Niagara Escarpment Plan.