Please find the resolution…

Please find the resolution below (item#4) and attached report for comments to the Planning Act.

That the Council of the Township of Woolwich, considering Report DS14-2024 respecting ERO postings related to various planning regulations – April 2024 pass the following resolution:
1. WHEREAS the Province of Ontario’s has proposed a revised Provincial Policy Statement, 2024 (PPS) for review and comment on the Environmental Registry until May 10, 2024 (ERO-8462);
WHEREAS the proposed PPS changes will impact local planning and the development of the Township of Woolwich;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Township of Woolwich, considering Report DS14-2024 respecting the draft new Provincial Policy Statement:
a. Advise the Government of Ontario of the Township’s support for staging and phasing policies as per Section 2.3.1.6 and the inclusion of policies relating to staging of growth with focus on achieving complete communities;
b. Request the Government of Ontario continue to maintain population projections for growth and implement stronger policies and associated justification of settlement boundary expansions only through Municipal Comprehensive Review;
c. Request the Government of Ontario to continue to limit and restrict lot creation in the prime agricultural areas;
d. That the Government of Ontario not provide for individuals to make requests to alter settlement boundaries/create new settlements;
e. Request the Government of Ontario not alter the policies as they apply to alternative evaluations for mineral aggregate extraction rehabilitation; and,
f. Request the Government of Ontario continue to require site plan approval for hospitals, long-term care facilities and schools.
2. WHEREAS the Province of Ontario’s has proposed Planning Act changes for review and comment on the Environmental Registry until May 10, 2024 (ERO-8369);
WHEREAS the proposed changes will impact local planning and the development of the Township of Woolwich;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Township of Woolwich, considering Report DS14-2024 respecting the Planning Act Changes:
a. Advise the Government of Ontario that the Township supports the removal of the refund of planning fees and the Use it or Lose it tool.
b. Request that the Government of Ontario:
i. allow local municipalities to determine if pre-consultation is required and not leave it to the determination of the applicant;
ii. not amend the regulations for ARU’s;
iii. not exempt community facilities from planning approvals, but consider an expedited processes; and
iv. recommend the Province consider amending the Planning Act to allow incentivizing sustainable developments.
3. Direct staff to send a copy of this resolution and staff Report DS14-2024 as a response to the appropriated ERO postings.
4. Advise the Government of Ontario that the Township does not support the proposal to limit third party appeals.