Public info session in works to promote Simcoe County’s Official Plan

By Andrew Philip Barrie Examiner

Simcoe County residents will soon get a chance to learn more about the lengthy process surrounding the adoption of the county’s Official Plan.

After a lengthy discussion during their bi-monthly meeting this week, Simcoe County councillors voted to host a public information session in the not-too-distant future to outline what stage the plan is now at and to answer questions from citizens.

Springwater Township Mayor Bill French, who said he’s worried the general public isn’t fully engaged in the process as it stands right now, brought forward the motion to host the meeting.

“We want to set an example of transparency,” French said.

Although the county’s Official Plan was adopted by council in 2008, it has been under appeal to the OMB with the OMB granting partial approval of the plan including specified texts and schedules in April 2013.

The formal OMB hearing process began a month prior to partial approval with the first pre-hearing conference. To date, there have been about 10 pre-hearing conferences. Three more meeting dates are scheduled so far for this year with two in March (5 and 6) and another on May 8.

Councillors debated whether the upcoming meeting between ratepayers and county officials should be dubbed a “public information session” or a “public meeting” with Tay Township Mayor Scott Warnock pointing out that calling it a “public meeting” may create the false impression that the public can actually have its say in the ongoing process, which according to OMB rules isn’t the case.

County CAO Mark Aitken agreed.

“There’s a feeling and connotation of a public meeting that you’re looking for public input,” he said. “But this process can’t really be that.

“We might be setting up a false expectation. We have to be very clear that while there can be questions and answers, there are limitations to what our staff can respond to.”

But Ramara Township Mayor Basil Clarke said that while the public may not have official party status with the OMB, the county does, and as such could present public concerns that are voiced to elected officials.

However, some, including Adjala-Tosorontio Township Deputy Mayor Doug Little, wondered whether the meeting’s estimated $12,000 cost, which includes about $6,500 to advertise in area newspapers, is money well-spent since the public can simply call the county to gather any needed information.

But Aitken said the funds, which would come from county reserves, is “immaterial when looking at the bigger picture” given the significance of the process.

Warden Gerry Marshall agreed.

“I think the reward outweighs the risk,” he said.

David Park is director of planning, development and tourism for the county.

“Because of the scale and extent of the parties and partners involved it does take a lot of time,” Parks said during an interview last month, noting the 135 appellants, who have appealed certain sections of the plan since the process began have run the gamut from individual landowners to large corporations.

“It all depends on who comes to the table. We’re down to about 80 (appellants) right now.”

An official plan describes municipal council policies on how land should be used and helps to ensure that future planning and development will meet specific needs of each member community. Municipalities are required by the Provincial Municipal Act to review their official plans regularly.

The document deals mainly with where new housing, industry, offices and shops will be located, and what services, including roads, watermains, sewers, parks and schools, will be needed.