Request for an Amendment to Minister’s Zoning Order, Ontario Regulation 125/25

A Minister’s Zoning Order (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 Minister is considering a request from the Municipality of Prince Edward County to amend the MZO filed as Ontario Regulation 125/25 pursuant to subsection 47(8) of the Planning Act. The area covered by Ontario Regulation 125/25 is approximately 88 hectares in size located at 343 County Road 22 and 204 Kingsley Road in Prince Edward County (known locally as Base31).  See link to location map below.

O. Reg. 125/25 facilitates mixed-use and residential development of 650-1,000 housing units including 120 purpose-built rental units.

The requested amendment will facilitate the implementation of innovative housing forms on the subject lands. The proposed changes are to performance standards, and there are no changes to the permitted land uses or size of the subject lands.  Specifically, the requested amendment seeks to:

• Change the definition of “front lot line” as it applies to corner lots;
• Provide clarity when applying minimum setbacks from lot lines for sills, chimneys, cornices, cantilevers, bay windows, eaves, gutters, parapets, pilasters or other ornamental structures;
• Change the minimum lot size for lots occupying single detached dwellings from 280 square metres to 200 square metres; and
• Change a cross-reference in the Order to stipulate that visitor parking spaces are permitted when associated with uses identified in the Picton Base31 - Core Area Zone, as opposed to the Picton Base31 - Village 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.