Guidance to support implementation of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2017: Application of the Intensification and Density Targets & The Municipal Comprehensive Review Process

Description of policy

Draft Technical Guidance on the Application of the Intensification and Density Targets

The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2017 (the “Growth Plan”) sets minimum standards for density and intensification in municipalities. Density is a measure of people and jobs per hectare, or simply jobs per hectare, depending on the type of target. Intensification is a measure of the percentage of residential development added each year to specified parts of existing urbanized areas.

Municipalities are required to plan for five types of targets, where applicable. The targets are key to making more efficient use of land and infrastructure, and help inform infrastructure planning.

The five types of targets are:

1. Intensification;
2. Designated Greenfield Area density;
3. Employment Area density;
4. Urban Growth Centre density;
5. Major Transit Station Area density

Growth Plan targets are meant to slow the outward expansion of settlement areas (areas designated for development). The targets also protect important resources such as farmland, water systems, wetlands and woodlands. Planning for intensification and density targets will have significant impacts on addressing climate change and achieving provincial emission reduction goals.

Draft Technical Guidance on the Municipal Comprehensive Review Process

The municipal comprehensive review ("MCR") is a process that upper- and single-tier municipalities use to ensure their official plans conform with the policies in the Growth Plan. An MCR results in a new official plan or official plan amendment that comprehensively applies all the policies of the plan, and which is then submitted to the province for approval.

During the MCR process, municipalities will carry out background research, public consultation, and policy formulation with input from the province at critical milestones. They are then required to submit an official plan or official plan amendment to the province.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs is now seeking feedback on the two draft technical guidance documents.

Purpose of policy

The Province is seeking feedback on two draft technical guidance documents that help municipalities (1) plan for Growth Plan targets; and (2) bring their official plans into conformity with the Growth Plan.

Other information

More information about the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe

Questions about the Draft Guidance to Support Implementation of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2017: Application of the Intensification and Density Targets & The Municipal Comprehensive Review Process, including the consultation process, collection of information and access to the consultation documents may be directed to: placestogrow@ontario.ca.

Other public consultation opportunities

Feedback can be provided by

• email at placestogrow@ontario.ca
• Environmental Registry online form
• mail to:

  Ontario Growth Secretariat
  c/o Business Management Division
  Ministry of Municipal Affairs
  College Park 17^th Floor
  777 Bay St.
  Toronto ON M5G 2E5

The consultation closes on June 19, 2018.

Notice regarding collection of information

Any collection of personal information will be in accordance with subsection 39(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It will be collected under the authority of the Places to Grow Act, 2005 for the purpose of obtaining input on the Draft Guidance to Support Implementation of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2017.

If you have questions about the collection, use, and disclosure of this information please contact:

Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Senior Information and Privacy Advisor
777 Bay Street, 17^th Floor
Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2E5
416-585-7094

Organizations and businesses

Comments or submissions made on behalf of an organization or business may be shared or disclosed. By submitted comments you are deemed to consent to the sharing of information contained in the comments and your business contact information. Business contact information is the name, title and contact information of anyone submitting comments in a business, professional or official capacity.

Individuals

Personal contact information will only be used to contact you and will not be shared. Please be aware that any comments provided may be shared or disclosed once personal information is removed. Personal information includes your name, home address and personal e-mail address.