Request for a Minister’s Zoning Order for market and affordable housing development in the Town of Midland

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is consulting on a request for a Minister’s Zoning Order received from the Delbrook Group to facilitate a residential development on lands at 565 Balm Beach Road East in the Town of Midland (Town). This MZO request is supported by a resolution passed by the Town Council on April 30, 2025.

An MZO, 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, and prevails over the existing municipal zoning by-law to the extent there is any conflict.

The subject lands are currently vacant and are approximately 20.5 hectares in size; situated on the north-eastern corner of Balm Beach Road and Marshall Road intersection. See link to location map below. 

The subject lands are located within the Settlement Area of the Town of Midland and designated as ‘Rural Area’ and ‘Natural Heritage Area’ under Schedule ‘C’ – Land Use Plan, in the Town of Midland Official Plan and zoned “Rural” in the Town of Midland Zoning By-law 2004-90, Schedule – A, Map 27 which currently permits a detached dwelling unit, additional dwelling unit and accessory building and some other agricultural uses. 

The requested MZO seeks to permit residential development of approximately 475 units with a mix of housing types that include single-detached, semi-detached, townhouses, six-plexes, and apartment buildings. Approximately 10 dwelling units are proposed to be affordable which will be in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity – Ontario Gateway North.

If made, this MZO request would permit “residential use” as a specific use on the subject lands which includes various dwelling types such as, detached, semi-detached, townhouse, and apartments. In addition to these residential uses, it would also permit accessory uses, stormwater management facility, home occupation, and a public park. The request would also provide for site-specific zoning requirements for respective residential housing types. The requested MZO seeks to protect a portion of the subject lands as an “Environmental Protection Zone”. 

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. In particular, any potential environmental risks, financial impacts on the municipality or implications for other approved developments and how these can be mitigated