Current development plans in New Tec not hampered by ‘Simcoe Vision’

New Tecumseth Free Press Online January 11 2011
There was relief in the air for one councillor at least last night, after learning that the Beeton Secondary Plan and its residential development proposals, will not fall prey to the provincial directive that pushes dense development in New Tecumseth to Alliston, one of  six ‘urban growth nodes’ designated in the provincial government’s Places to Grow Simcoe Vision.

This also goes for planned development in Tottenham which is held up for a myriad of reasons, none the least of which is money – to pay for the service upgrades, and the economy, which has hampered new home sales.
Tanzeel Merchant, Manager of Planning and Analysis, and Tija Dirks, Director Growth Policy, Planning and Analysis for the Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure, delivered a quick overview of the Simcoe Vision – a planning policy designed to help grow the County to a population of 667,000 people and employment for 254,000, by 2031.
The “25 year plan aims to revitalize downtowns; create complete communities; provide housing options; curb sprawl, protect farmland and green spaces; and reduce traffic gridlock.” It’s Amendment 1 to the Places to Grow plan for the Golden Horseshoe presented in 2005. And it’s specifically for Simcoe County. There’s a deadline of January 31, 2011 for comments and feedback on the plan.
It’s anticipated that the Simcoe Vision could be adopted by the Province this spring, and then Simcoe County’s and all lower tiers would have three years from that date to bring their official plans into conformity.
Innisfil mayor Barb Baguley attended the session and told the Ministry reps of their concern that they were left out as an urban growth node.
“We find ourselves wondering what the difference is between Alliston and Alcona?” said Ms. Baguley.
Councillors were also told that while the bulk of growth is intended to be located in the built-up areas, it does not preclude a municipality from allowing growth to occur in Beeton, Tottenham or Cookstown.
“There’s enough growth to go around, but there isn’t enough to make everyone happy,” said Mr. Merchant. “There is growth to move around, but the majority of that growth goes to the fully serviced areas.”
The Ministry reps were also asked about the looming OMB appeal by Mattamy Homes and the 15,000 unit subdivision proposal between Alliston and Beeton.
The development proponents are arguing that their plan was posted with the Town pre Places to Grow, but Ms. Dirks noted that plans that encompass land greater than 300 hectares will have to conform to the “new framework.” Mattamy/Ontario Potato Distributing plans cover 1,700 hectares.
“We’re monitoring that one as well,” is all Ms. Dirks had to say on that.