Protecting Water for Future Generations: Growing the Greenbelt in the Outer Ring

Description of policy

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs is seeking input on a study area for potential Greenbelt expansion to protect water resources in the outer ring of the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH).

The study area is based on locations –with high concentrations of important water features that are under pressure from current or forecasted urban development.

The focus of this consultation is to seek input on:

• The province’s approach to identifying moraines, coldwater streams and wetlands as important features for protecting water in the outer ring of the Greater Golden Horseshoe
• The process followed for mapping a study area based on the locations of these features
• Other factors to be considered when mapping a proposed Greenbelt boundary, such as accommodating forecasted population and employment growth, and other provincial interests including agriculture, natural heritage, mineral aggregates and infrastructure, and any other local considerations.

Study area for potential future Greenbelt expansion

The study area is made up of the following seven features and areas:

1. Waterloo and Paris/Galt Moraine complex in Waterloo Region, Brant County, and Wellington County
2. Orangeville Moraine in Wellington and Dufferin Counties
3. Escarpment area moraines in Dufferin and Simcoe Counties
4. Oro Moraine in northeast Simcoe County
5. Nottawasaga River corridor in Dufferin and Simcoe Counties
6. Important surface water and recharge features in southeast Simcoe County; and
7. Catchment areas and wetlands west of Minesing in Dufferin and Simcoe Counties.

Several river corridors flowing through the study area are also included on the study area map. The urban sections of these corridors may be considered for addition to the Greenbelt under the Urban River Valley (URV) designation.

The study area is not a proposed Greenbelt boundary. The province is not consulting on a proposed Greenbelt boundary at this time.

The study area is conceptual and incorporates additional land around the identified water features. The study area is not a proposed boundary. Input received through this consultation will help inform decisions on how to move from a study area to a proposed Greenbelt boundary.

In keeping with the requirements of the Greenbelt Act, 2005, the province would consult with the public, municipalities, conservation authorities, stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations on a proposed amendment to the Greenbelt Plan and boundary prior to any changes being made.

The province would consult further on a proposed boundary before any changes are made.

Purpose of policy

The Greenbelt Plan was established in 2005, under the Greenbelt Act, 2005, to provide policy direction for the protection of environmentally sensitive and agricultural land and to support a wide range of recreational, tourism and cultural opportunities.

This proposal builds on the recently completed Co-ordinated Land Use Planning Review which resulted in updates to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (EBR Registry #:012-7194), Greenbelt Plan (EBR Registry #:012-7195), Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (EBR Registry#:012-7197), and Niagara Escarpment Plan (EBR Registry #:012-7228). These four plans work together to help guide growth and protect the environment in the GGH.

The Advisory Panel for the Review, chaired by David Crombie, highlighted the importance of protecting water resources in the GGH. The Panel recommended that the province lead a process to grow Ontario’s Greenbelt to protect areas of ecological and hydrological significance where urbanization should not occur.

At the time of launching the updated Greenbelt Plan, 2017, the government committed to undertake a process, including public consultation, to expand the Greenbelt on its outer edge.

Other information

Information on the proposal is available on the Ministry of Municipal Affairs webpage including a consultation document, a map of the study area for potential Greenbelt expansion, and a copy of the Greenbelt Plan.

Other public consultation opportunities

Public open houses will be held throughout the study area. Details on the open house dates and locations will be provided on the Ministry of Municipal Affairs webpage. Notices of the open houses will also appear in local newspapers.

Comments on this proposal can be submitted electronically:

• By e-mail protectingwater@ontario.ca
• By filling out an online web form

Written submissions may be made by writing to the following address:

Protecting Water
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Provincial Planning Policy Branch
777 Bay Street, 13^th Floor
Toronto, ON, M5G 2E5

All comments must be received by March 7, 2018.