The Ministry is seeking feedback on a proposed section 23 Order for a priority project in Innisfil (Stroud), South Simcoe

Context

The province is advancing work on a coordinated, infrastructure-led approach to planning for long-term growth in South Simcoe. This work responds to rising housing demand, significant economic development activity, and major provincial investments in transportation corridors and municipal servicing across the region. It supports the government’s objectives to attract investment, create jobs, expand housing supply, and deliver infrastructure in a fiscally responsible way. 

An infrastructure-led planning approach for South Simcoe has several significant advantages, particularly given the scale of growth anticipated in municipalities such as New Tecumseth, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Innisfil, Essa, and Adjala-Tosorontio. The South Simcoe Growth Strategy is intended to support coordinated, infrastructure-led growth informed by investments in transportation, water, wastewater, healthcare, and employment lands. Key benefits include: 

1. Housing Growth Can Occur Faster

When water, wastewater and other servicing needs are planned first, municipalities can bring housing online more quickly because development is not delayed by infrastructure shortages. The Province's South Simcoe initiative specifically links growth planning to existing and planned infrastructure capacity. 

2. Better Use of Public Investment

Major provincial investments such as Highway 400 corridor improvements, transportation infrastructure, and municipal servicing can be leveraged to support housing and employment in locations where infrastructure can be delivered most efficiently. 

3. Reduced Financial Risk for Municipalities

Infrastructure-led planning helps avoid approving growth in areas where servicing costs are excessive or uncertain. It allows municipalities to phase growth according to available capacity and may facilitate private-sector contributions toward infrastructure costs. The province has indicated that public benefits and private-sector contributions could form part of implementation agreements.

Identification of Priority Project 

In Fall 2025, through Environmental Registry Posting 025-0930, the province sought public input from interested individuals on the South Simcoe Growth Strategy. At the same time, the posting specifically invited landowners and proponents within South Simcoe to identify potential opportunities for future housing or employment within the five local municipalities (Bradford West Gwillimbury, Innisfil, New Tecumseth, Essa, and Adjala-Tosorontio). 

In Spring 2026, through Environmental Registry Posting 026-0383, 32 proposed projects were identified for further review, with ten priority projects identified for initial focus. The Stroud proposal is one of the ten priority projects.

Through facilitations by the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator (PLDF), the Stroud proposal has progressed to a point where the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is now consulting on a proposed section 23 Order under the Planning Act for this site to help inform the Minister's decision. 

The proposed section 23 Order would amend the County of Simcoe Official Plan and Town of Innisfil Official Plan to enable the development of a complete community on the site, supporting provincial priorities related to housing, jobs and infrastructure, while unlocking significant community benefits. 

Negotiations continue with other priority project proponents (identified in ERO posting 026-0308) regarding terms and conditions of their respective proposed projects. 

Section 23 Orders 

A section 23 Order is an order made by the Minister of Municipal Affairs to amend an official plan. A section 23 Order has the same effect as an amendment to a plan adopted by a municipality and approved by the appropriate approval authority. 

Following the issuing of a section 23 Order, the proponent will continue to work with the PLDF, municipality and other stakeholders as appropriate to implement downstream planning approvals as necessary (e.g., any zoning by-law amendments, block plans, draft plan of subdivision etc.). 

Proposed Section 23 Order for Stroud Project by 1662786 Ontario Inc.

Location: Innisfil – Stroud
• Land Size: ~31 hectares
• Potential Land Use: residential, mixed-use, community amenities, commercial
• Development Potential: Approximately 1,114 homes and 58 jobs, see the map in the supporting material for proposed land use designations 

Summary of Proposed Section 23 Order: 

The proposed section 23 Order would amend the adopted Town of Innisfil Official Plan, subject to approval and come into force on a date identified by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. 

The section 23 Order would apply to lands north of the settlement of Stroud shown in the map in the supporting material and would amend the County of Simcoe Official Plan and Town of Innisfil Official Plan respectively to expand Stroud’s settlement boundary northwards towards the City of Barrie.

To enable the development, the Order would re-designate the subject lands from Countryside to Urban Settlement.

Within the Urban Settlement designation, the Order would amend the Town of Innisfil Official Plan to designate the lands shown in the map in the supporting material to support a mix of commercial and residential uses proposed for the lands. 

Summary of Community Benefits: 

In support of the strategic and coordinated growth in Stroud, the proponent has shown a willingness to provide significant financial contributions toward infrastructure investments to facilitate development, as well as commit funds towards the Stroud Community Centre. These proposed commitments from the proponent will be documented in legal agreements and registered on title, as necessary. 

Environmental Considerations

Prior to any decision on the Stroud development, the province will consider potential environmental effects, including impacts on:

• Natural heritage systems, including wetlands, woodlands, wildlife habitat and corridors.
• Surface water and groundwater resources.
• Species at risk and biodiversity.
• Agricultural lands and agricultural operations.
• Stormwater management requirements.
• Infrastructure requirements.

Any future development of lands brought into a settlement area would remain subject to applicable provincial, municipal and environmental planning requirements, including under the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan and any other required environmental studies, servicing assessments and local development approvals.