PDF focuses on growth distribution, oversupply of development land and intensification targets

Memorandum to AWARE Simcoe from Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli November 9 2011

As you know, in March 2011, I asked Paula Dill, the Provincial Development Facilitator (PDF), to carry out additional focused consultations with Simcoe County and its lower-tier municipalities regarding Proposed Amendment 1 to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. 

The PDF has completed a comprehensive process, listened to the specific concerns of a wide range of stakeholders and explored several options with respect to Proposed Amendment 1.  The PDF conducted 59 individual and group meetings with municipal politicians and staff from Simcoe County and its 16 lower-tier municipalities.  Several groups, representing land owners and environmental interests, also requested meetings, which were arranged with the consent of the affected municipality.  Consultations were also held with representatives of the cities of Barrie and Orillia.  In addition, the PDF reviewed written submissions on Proposed Amendment 1 that were sent to the Ministry of Infrastructure as well as 17 direct submissions to the Office of the PDF. 

The PDF has provided her advice to me on Proposed Amendment 1.  The recommendations focused on addressing three issues in particular:

-the distribution of growth forecasts among the lower-tier municipalities in Simcoe County

-alternative approaches to manage the oversupply of land designated for urban development in the County

-appropriate targets for intensification and greenfield density for the lower-tier municipalities in Simcoe County.

Ministry staff and I are currently reviewing the recommendations.  We will respond in due course to ensure the Simcoe area benefits from sustainable, planned growth.  The input of the PDF — along with the input from residents and other stakeholders that was gathered during the consultations — will ensure a well-informed decision.

I am confident we can create a framework that allows for more certainty in Simcoe County, so we can move forward to support our collective vision to create jobs, curb sprawl and improve the quality of life for communities in the Simcoe area.