Request for a Minister’s Zoning Order for residential development for seniors in the Town of Whitchurch Stouffville

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is consulting on a request for a Minister’s Zoning Order. This request has written support from the Minister of Seniors and Accessibility and the Mayor of the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville.

A Minister’s Zoning Order, made pursuant to clause 47(1)(a) of the Planning Act, regulates the use of land and the erection, location and use of any building or structure on the land.

The Ministry is in receipt of a request for a Minister’s Zoning Order from the Mon Sheong Foundation for an apartment building with approximately 900 units in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, on lands municipally known as 162-176 Sandiford Drive.

The Subject Lands are approximately 4.09 hectares bound by Sandiford Drive to the north and east, and Hoover Park Drive to the south. The Subject Lands contain an existing 320 long-term bed care facility in operation since 2021, as well as a continuum of care campus currently under construction. See location map below.

If made, the requested Minister’s Zoning Order would permit:

• a long-term care home up to a maximum height of 70m
• a senior’s care facility up to a maximum height of 70m
• an apartment building up to a maximum height of 70m

To help ensure decisions are made in a transparent manner and support government priorities, the Ministry is seeking feedback on whether this request should be considered and any additional information that may help inform a decision.