HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLN 21-19Cfy �t
DICKERING
Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: PLN 21-19
Date: October 7, 2019
From: Kyle Bentley
Director, City Development & CBO
Subject: The Municipal Comprehensive Review of the Durham Regional Official Plan:
Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper, May 2019
File: A-2100-020
Recommendation:
1. That the Region of Durham recognize the following additional sectors as being impacted by
climate change: fisheries; finance and insurance; infrastructure; mental health; vulnerable
populations; organizational risk management and emergency preparedness; summer
recreation; and urban tree canopy health;
2. That the Region of Durham understand that the City's vision for climate change and
adaptation for Durham is a holistic approach based on framework for sustainability, wherein
policies about climate change should address the following objectives: healthy
environment; healthy economy; healthy society; responsible development; and responsible
consumption;
3. That the Region of Durham be advised that it is appropriate to include the Provincial Plan
policy direction for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction in the Durham Regional Official Plan
(ROP), and that those policies should recognize the need for collaboration with upper levels
of government, area municipalities, key stakeholders, and other relevant agencies;
4a. That the Region of Durham be advised it has been observed that in the absence of safe,
continuous sidewalks with a pleasant pedestrian realm, or safe and continuous cycling
networks, or transit service that is frequent and reliable, active transportation modes are not
selected and used as the preferred travel choice as compared to when excellent facilities
and services do exist;
4b. That the Region of Durham include an implementation policy in the ROP identifying the
Regional implementation of active transportation facilities on Regional roads, at the
Region's expense, with an emphasis on connectivity and continuity of the active systems
and transit, both within and between municipalities;
5. That the Region of Durham include a policy in the ROP indicating support for renewable
energy production through public and private partnerships, and pilot and demonstration
projects;
6. That the Region of Durham include a policy in the ROP encouraging the initial design
stages of all development to include a review of the ability of the development to
incorporate small and/or large scale renewable energy systems;
PLN 21-19 October 7, 2019
Subject: Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper Page 2
7 That the Region of Durham be advised that both the Regional and local official plans
should have a role in siting renewable energy projects, such that ROP policies protect
prime agricultural areas, natural heritage systems, and culturally significant landscapes and
buildings; and further, the ROP could identify other criteria for consideration at the local
level such as compatibility with adjacent land uses and proximity to sensitive land uses,
respecting potential noise vibration, or odour impacts;
8. That, in addition to the six potential strategies to address climate mitigation and adaptation
identified in the Discussion Paper, the Region of Durham should also consider the
following: continuing to plan for emergencies related to climate change, in collaboration
with area municipalities; providing informational resources to all who live, work and play in
Durham Region; installing "smart" building controls in any new Regional facilities;
converting all lighting in Regional facilities to LED; installing solar panels on its facilities;
converting the bus and other Regional vehicles fleet to electric; continuing the construction
of BRT and cycling facilities on Kingston Road and expanding to other arterials; recovering
waste heat from (new) trunk sewers and sewage treatment plants; undertaking a risk
assessment of infrastructure to identify ways to improve its resiliency;
9a. That the Region of Durham investigate participation in the Municipal Natural Assets
Initiative to assist in identifying implementation policies respecting a Regional natural
heritage system (NHS) for inclusion in the ROP;
9b. That the Region of Durham include an implementation policy that it will monitor the effects
of climate change on the Regional agricultural producers and local food supply, and identify
potential strategies to adapt to those changes;
9c. That the Region of Durham introduce a policy in the ROP respecting control of invasive
species and pests throughout the Region, and in any Regional NHS that is identified;
9d. That the Region of Durham introduce a policy in the ROP identifying the advocacy role that
it can play in adapting to climate change in collaboration with all levels of government and a
wide variety of stakeholders;
10a. That the Region of Durham be advised that the City of Pickering supports policies being
included in the ROP establishing separate tree canopy targets for urban areas and rural
areas, following the identification of the current baseline; and
10b. Further, that the Region of Durham commence implementation of Regional road tree
planting, at the expense of the Region, to demonstrate their partnership in improving the
tree canopy, thereby helping reduce GHG and heat island effects.
PLN 21-19 October 7, 2019
Subject: Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper Page 3
Executive Summary: On May 7, 2019, the Regional Municipality of Durham released the
Climate Change and Sustainability Paper, the second in a series of discussions papers to be
released as part of "Envision Durham" — The Municipal Comprehensive Review of the Regional
Official Plan. The comments on this discussion paper will be forwarded for consideration in the
"Envision Durham" Municipal Comprehensive Review of the Regional Official Plan (ROP).
Financial Implications: The recommendations of this report do not present any financial
implications to the City of Pickering.
1. Envision Durham — The Municipal Comprehensive Review of the Durham Regional
Official Plan
An Official Plan provides a vision for the future development of a municipality through a set
of policies and maps. The Planning Act, which is provincial legislation governing land use
planning in Ontario, requires that a municipality regularly review and update its Official
Plan. With this in mind, the Region is reviewing the Durham Region Official Plan. Once the
Region has completed its Official Plan review, the City will be in a position to review the
Pickering Official Plan.
The first stage of the Region's Official Plan Review focuses on public engagement, and
includes the preparation of a series of discussion papers. These discussion papers address
the following major areas: agriculture and rural systems, climate change and sustainability,
growth management, the environment and greenlands systems, housing, and
transportation systems (see Overview of the Region of Durham's Municipal Comprehensive
Review of its Official Plan, Attachment #1).
2. The Climate Change & Sustainability Discussion Paper
The Region has released "Climate Change and Sustainability" as its second of six
discussion papers. The Paper provides background on the Federal approach to climate
change through its Sustainable Development Strategy. Similarly, the Paper overviews the
multi -layered Provincial approach to climate change including the current draft "Made -in -
Ontario Environment Plan", and the policy context imbedded in the Provincial land use
plans. The Paper details the numerous Regional initiatives related to climate change, and
its proposed strategic directions provide guidance material on the plans to mitigate and
adapt to climate change. The Paper further discusses the land use planning and climate
change connection through various aspects of urbanization, transportation, energy, natural
environment and the growth management strategies.
The paper can be found online at: https://www.durham.ca/en/regional-
government/resources/Documents/Council/Reports/2019-Committee-Reports/Planning-
Economic-Development/2019-P-26.pdf
The Paper poses ten questions for discussion. City Development staff have undertaken a
detailed review of the Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper (see Appendix 1),
and the response to questions form the recommendations of this Report.
PLN 21-19 October 7, 2019
Subject Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper Page 4
Appendix
Appendix I Staff Review of the Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper
Attachment
1. Overview of the Region of Durham's Municipal Comprehensive Review of its Official Plan
Prepared By:
Deep ark Bhatt, MCIP, RPP, LEED AP ND
Senior Planner, Sustainability
J
an Jacobs, MCIP,RPP
Manager, Policy & Geomatics
DB:DJ:CR:Id
Approved/Endorsed By:
Catherine Rose, MCIP, RPP
Chief Planner
///
Kyle Bentley, P. Eng.
Director, City Development & CBO
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Tony Prevedel, P.Eng.
Chief Administrative Officer
Z3, 2,011
Appendix I to
Report PLN 21-19
Staff Review of the
Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper
Staff Review of the Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper
1. Questions for Consideration
On May 7, 2019, the Region of Durham, as part of the second stage ("Discuss") of the
public engagement program of the Municipal Review of the Durham Regional Official Plan
(ROP), released the Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper.
The Paper provides an overview of the climate change policy framework in the current
ROP, the Regional initiatives related to climate change, and examines its role in climate
change adaptation and mitigation. The Paper also poses the following questions to
leverage discussion and feedback:
1. Are there any other areas or sectors where you have experienced the impacts of
climate change first-hand?
2. What is your vision for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Durham?
3. Should the additional greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction policies that are encouraged
in the Growth Plan and Greenbelt Plan be incorporated into the ROP? How do you
think this topic should be addressed?
4. Do you see bike lanes, transit stops, sidewalks, etc. and other infrastructure in your
own neighbourhood that provide a safe place to cycle, walk, or take transit to your
destinations? Does the availability of this infrastructure impact your travel choices?
5. To what extent should the ROP have policies that support the development of
alternative energy production?
6. Do you see additional opportunities for sustainable energy development in Durham?
7. What role should regional and area municipal planning have in regulating the siting of
renewable energy projects?
8. Have you seen evidence of mitigation and adaptation efforts to climate change in your
community? Moving forward, what are some good examples that you think would be
beneficial if implemented in Durham?
9. In your view, is there anything else that the ROP should do to encourage adaptation to
climate change in Durham?
10. Should a tree canopy target be established? If so should there be separate targets for
urban versus rural areas?
The following sections provide a high level overview of the Paper, and recommendations
(highlighted in bold) on matters which, in staff's opinion, should be addressed through the
MCR.
2.1 Section 1: Introduction
2.1.2 Sectors Affected By Climate Change
The Discussion Paper defines climate change as an alteration to the composition of the
global atmosphere beyond natural climate variability as a direct or indirect result of human
activity. Shifting weather patterns are amplifying the natural risks we already face — floods,
storms, heat and drought — leading to more frequent and extreme events. The Ontario
Climate Change Action Plan highlighted future predictions of increased GHG concentrations,
hotter and dryer summers, and warmer winters with more precipitation.
Staff Review of the Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper Page 2 of 9
The Paper identifies climate change impacts including warmer temperatures, sea level
shifts, storm surges, irregular flooding, heavy precipitation events, waterfront washouts and
basements flooding, prolonged droughts, spreading of diseases, and resource depletion.
In the Region's public opinion survey, "climate change" was identified as being one of the
most important land use planning issues in Durham Region today. Preparing for, and
adapting to, the current and future impacts of climate change is a critical aspect in
managing risk to our communities, businesses and ecosystems.
The Discussion Paper identifies seven economic and social sectors of where and how
climate shifts impacts are being felt, as follows:
• Agriculture: including crop productivity.
• Ecological Integrity: including increased difficulties for species at risk.
• Forestry: including regional changes in timber supply and the increased frequency and
extent of forest fires.
• Power Generation: including higher maximum summer power requirements and
reduced hydroelectric power generation due to lower flow rates and lake levels.
• Public Health: including increased water and air quality issues, and the emergence of
new insect -borne diseases.
• Tourism: including fewer winter outdoor recreation -based economic activities, and
• Transportation: including shipping disruptions and infrastructure fatigue.
Staff have identified other sectors, or subsectors of the above, that are being affected by
climate change:
• Fisheries (a subset of ecological integrity): streams increase in temperature changing
the habitat characteristics, and changing migration and spawning patterns.
• Finance and Insurance: as a result of the risk of flooding, or repeated sewer back-ups
into basements, some individuals can no longer obtain insurance; insurance premiums
increase for others to cover the cost of major incidents.
• Infrastructure: although transportation is identified above, washouts of infrastructure can
occur unexpectedly requiring unanticipated municipal expenditures; warmer winters are
deteriorating paved roads more quickly than past assumptions on maintenance and life
cycle costs budgeted; stormwater management facilities may breach and overflow
causing ecological impacts; hydro wires are susceptible to damage from ice storms.
• Mental Health (a subset of overall public health): the impact of catastrophic events on
the mental and physical stress experienced by individuals, first responders, and
rescue/recovery workers. (The Intact Centre for Climate Adaptation provides good
resources on the mental health impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather
events.
)
• Vulnerable Populations (a subset of overall public health): with extremes in heat and
cold, populations such as homeless persons are at risk.
• Organizational Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness: public and private
corporations are required to put more resources into being prepared for unexpected
severe weather impacts considering both the health of their employees and the ability to
carry on business.
Staff Review of the Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper Page 3 of 9
• Summer Recreation: algae in lakes, or other invasive species (such as zebra mussels)
may prevent regular enjoyment of water-based activities; high water levels may prevent
boats from being launched, delaying or preventing boating activities.
• Urban Tree Canopy Health (a subset of ecological integrity): the continuing loss of
urban tree canopy due to urban development aggravates heat island effects; the
changing (warmer) winters allow new insects to attack urban trees.
Staff advises the Region that Pickering has identified the following sectors as being
impacted by climate change: fisheries; finance and insurance; infrastructure; mental
health; vulnerable populations; organizational risk management and emergency
preparedness; summer recreation; and urban tree canopy health.
2.2 Section 2: Land Use Planning Policy Context
2.2.1 The City's Vision for Climate Change and Adaptation in Durham
Recent amendments to the Growth Plan, 2017 and the Greenbelt Plan, 2017 provide a new
direction on climate change mitigation and adaptation, and also encourage municipalities to
reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by including policies in their official plans that
support:
• Creating GHG reduction strategies
• Developing GHG inventories
• Creating interim and long-term GHG reduction targets
The Envision Durham exercise provides an opportunity to explore various considerations,
including:
• A lens for considering specific climate change adaptation and mitigation measures
• Provincial requirements that can be incorporated in the ROP; and
• Appropriate land use planning -related recommendations from Regionally -led climate
change plans and reports
The City has been participating in various Regional climate change initiatives, including the
preparation of The Durham Community Climate Adaptation Plan and the Durham
Community Energy Plan. Additionally, through Amendment 23 to the Pickering Official
Plan, the City included a number of policies addressing energy conservation, climate
change, use of green technologies and renewable energy systems, the urban forest,
designing for resiliency, heat islands, and climate adaptation.
Staff supports the concept of a climate changes lens for policy setting and decision making,
and believe that mitigation measures should include both regulatory measures, and
incentives that encourage eco -friendly practices.
The City's vision for climate change and adaptation for Durham is a holistic
approach based on a framework for sustainability. Policies about climate change
should address the following objectives: healthy environment; healthy economy;
healthy society; responsible development; and responsible consumption.
Staff Review of the Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper Page 4 of 9
Although the Discussion Paper has "sustainability" in the title, the Paper primarily focuses
on climate change. Little is stated on the topic of sustainability. A sustainable community
not only deals with the environment but also with economic, social/cultural aspects —
creating a better live -work balance; having cultural richness and diversity; creating livability
in the communities. The Paper does not address the connection between land use
planning, transportation systems, the built environment and its direct connection to health.
Policies directed at the health connection are also consistent with the policies that help
address climate change. The York Regional Official Plan provides good examples of the
types of policies that can be considered in the ROP.
2.2.2 Incorporating Provincial Plan Policies on Climate Change
The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2017 encourages municipalities to
reduce GHG emissions by including policies in their official plans through: creating
GHG reduction strategies; developing GHG inventories; and creating interim and long term
GHG reduction targets.
The Greenbelt Plan, 2017, requires municipalities to develop official plan polices identifying
actions that will reduce GHG emissions and address climate change adaption goals, while
also providing further direction for municipalities to meet these goals.
To a certain extent, the Provincial Plans are catching up with policy language that many
municipalities already include in their official plans, and are directing initiatives that many
municipalities are undertaking. For example, Durham Region has set GHG emission
reduction targets at 20 percent by 2020 and at 80 percent by 2050.
Nevertheless, it is appropriate to include the Provincial Plan policy direction for GHG
reduction in the ROP. The policies in the ROP should recognize the need for
collaboration with upper levels of government, area municipalities, key stakeholders,
and other relevant agencies.
2.3 Section 3: Land Use Planning and Climate Change Connection
2.3.1 Transportation — Are the Active Transportation Options being used?
Throughout Pickering, there are many sections along Type A and B arterials with no cycling
lanes or shared roadways, and cyclists are forced to use sidewalks or roadways. Similarly,
many collector and local roads have no cycling facilities or sidewalks. The gaps within the
current cycling and pedestrian network impede active transportation from being a
commuter choice. Also, there are many transit stops with no bicycle parking facilities, and
others with no shelters for protection, leaving transit users vulnerable and exposed to
weather conditions.
In the absence of safe, continuous sidewalks with a pleasant pedestrian realm; or
safe and continuous cycling networks, or transit service that is frequent and reliable,
active transportation modes are not selected and used as the preferred travel choice
as compared to when excellent facilities and services do exist.
Staff Review of the Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper Page 5 of 9
There is an important link between land uses and transportation and social equity. Creating
social inequity undermines the overall sustainability of a community. Many low income
families or individuals, due to the lack of alternative transportation options, are forced to
spend a disproportionate share of their income on automobile use. Alternatively, low
income families may not have access to a car and relying on public transit may exclude
them from being able to take jobs in locations poorly served by transit. Considering the
objective of a healthy society, the case for the provision of robust pedestrian, cycling and
transit networks together with compact, mixed use communities, is even stronger.
Staff recommends that the ROP include an implementation policy identifying the
Regional implementation of active transportation facilities on Regional roads, at the
Region's expense, with an emphasis on connectivity and continuity of active
systems and transit, both within and between municipalities.
2.3.2 Energy
(a) Supporting Renewable Energy Production
The Discussion Paper highlights sustainable energy and energy efficiency/conservation
practices and their importance to mitigate climate change impacts. Some of the key
considerations to incorporate in the ROP are:
• enabling clean energy development and incentives
• establishing policies, criteria, processes, and incentives to encourage green
development
• developing and implementing community energy plans
• encouraging active transportation through programs such as Smart Commute
• encouraging "net -zero", "passive house", and LEED standard buildings
The current ROP has a policy supporting alternative and renewable energy sources and
green technology. Staff suggests another policy could be added supporting
renewable energy production through public and private partnerships, and pilot and
demonstration projects.
(b) Identifying Opportunities for Renewable Energy Development
There are various large scale greenfield development and intensification projects that
provide opportunities for more and improved sustainable energy development in Durham.
Greenfield developments, for example, could employ heat -recovery from trunk sanitary
sewers; solar panels could be installed on all roofs with micro -grid energy production.
Intensification projects could include district energy, waste heat recovery, and use of solar
power.
A further policy could be added to the ROP encouraging the initial design stages of
all development to include a review of the ability of the development to incorporate
small and/or large scale renewable energy systems.
Staff Review of the Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper Page 6 of 9
(c) Role of the ROP in the Siting of Renewable Energy Projects
The Province of Ontario's repeal of the Green Energy Act may imply that the Region and
area municipalities have a greater say in the approval and siting of alternative energy
projects. Envision Durham creates an opportunity to provide high level direction in the ROP
regarding the review and siting of alternative energy proposals. For example, the Region
may consider introducing a policy to restrict the location of large solar farms on prime
agricultural areas, and from sensitive natural areas, and direct them to marginal agricultural
lands. Area municipalities may be required to include more detailed policies regarding the
criteria to be considered in the review and siting of renewable energy projects, and should
have the final decision.
Both the Regional and local official plans should have a role in siting renewable
energy projects. Regional Plan policies should ensure protection of prime
agricultural areas, natural heritage systems, culturally significant landscapes and
buildings. Regional plan policies could also identify other matters for the local
municipalities to consider, such as compatibility with adjacent land uses and
proximity to sensitive land uses, respecting potential noise or odour impacts.
2.3.3 Natural Environment
(a) Good Examples of Climate Mitigation and Adaption for Durham
Many climate change and adaptation efforts have occurred in Pickering. In addition to
Pickering's efforts to provide on-going education and community engagement about
sustainability and climate change, Pickering and other stakeholders have undertaken, or
are engaged in, a wide range of initiatives:
• Built Environment: developers participating in the Enbridge Savings By Design
Program; innovative developers building solar ready homes, micro -grid energy projects,
and installing grey -water recycling systems in homes; installing "smart" building controls
in the new Operations Centre; holding Sustainable Building Workshops; opening City
facilities as cooling stations; installing a green roof on our recreation complex;
• Energy: converting the City's vehicle fleet to electric; converting City streetlights to LED;
converting lights in City facilities to LED; joint venturing on a solar panel installation on
one of our community centres; large industrial and residential developments installing
solar panels; installation of electric vehicle charging stations in municipal and private
parking facilities; holding Sustainable Pickering Days;
• Food System: increasing the number of community gardens and operating the Farmers'
Market; investigating food hubs; investigating greenhouse technology;
• Natural Systems: restoration planting through developer contributions, and community
initiatives; adding policies on preparing an Urban Forest Strategy; establishing a City
tree removal compensation policy; learning from the unfortunate effects of high water
levels in Lake Ontario and flash floods in various locations through the City; holding our
Sustainable Neighbourhoods Program;
• Transportation: the on-going implementation of bus -rapid transit and buffered cycling
lanes on Kingston Road; Durham Pulse bus service; increased frequency of GO train
service; preparing an Integrated Transportation Master Plan on the basis of building
complete streets, and enhancing the City's cycling facilities;
Staff Review of the Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper Page 7 of 9
• Waste: partnering in holding special waste pick-up events; requiring to the extent
possible that developments be designed to enable Regional waste and recycling
collection.
Staff recommends that the Region of Durham consider the following strategies to
address climate mitigation and adaptation: continuing to plan for emergencies
related to climate change, in collaboration with area municipalities; providing
informational resources to all who live, work and play in Durham Region; installing
"smart" building controls in any new Regional facilities; converting all lighting in
Regional facilities to LED; installing solar panels on its facilities; converting the bus
and other Regional vehicles fleet to electric; continuing the construction of BRT and
cycling facilities on Kingston Road and expanding to other arterials; recovering
waste heat from (new) trunk sewers and sewage treatment plant; undertaking a risk
assessment of infrastructure to identify ways to improve its resiliency.
(b) Other Matters the ROP should address to Adapt to Climate Change
The Discussion Paper indicates the following potential policy matters will be discussed with
stakeholders:
• Green infrastructure and low impact development practices
• Climate resilience standards
• Less land consumptive roads and parking areas
• A Regional natural heritage system (NHS)
• Policies that consider cumulative impacts to the NHS
• Updated Regional climate projections
In considering a Regional NHS, staff note that the Municipal Natural Assets Initiative
provides expertise to support and guide local governments in identifying, valuing and
accounting for natural assets in their financial planning and asset management programs.
The Initiative also provides direction in developing leading edge, sustainable and climate
resilient infrastructure. The Region of Peel and many municipalities have participated in this
initiative. Staff recommends that the Region investigate participation in the Municipal
Natural Assets Initiative to assist in identifying implementation policies respecting
the NHS for inclusion in the ROP.
The current ROP contains an overall direction to support food security for all residents, and
has as a goal that residents have access to fresh local food from farm markets, community
gardens and grocery stores. While the Region has a general policy acknowledging the
effects of climate change and committing to investigate and implement mitigation strategies
where appropriate, staff recommends that the Region include an implementation
policy that it will monitor the effects of climate change on the Regional agricultural
producers and local food supply, and identify potential strategies to adapt to those
changes.
Staff Review of the Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper Page 8 of 9
Identification of a Regional NHS would be an important part of improving climate change
resiliency. However, the system must be restored where necessary, and managed to
prevent the spread of invasive species and pests being introduced to the area because of
climate change. Management will be challenging where the system is located on
privately -owned lands. Staff recommends that policies be introduced in the ROP
respecting control of invasive species and pests throughout the Region, and in any
Regional NHS that is identified.
The Region, together with its area municipalities, can play a key educational role in working
with all facets of the development industry to stress the importance of improving overall
water and energy efficiencies, resiliency of new buildings, the importance of recycling and
re -using construction material. Additionally, the Region and area municipalities across the
Province have a chance to influence the Province to continually improve Ontario Building
Code standards with respect to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Staff
recommends that a policy be added to the ROP identifying the advocacy role that it
can play in adapting to climate change with all levels of government and a wide
variety of stakeholders.
(c) Establishment of Tree Canopy Target for the Urban and or Rural Areas
The ROP currently has a policy promoting tree planting by establishing a tree planting
program, in cooperation with area municipalities and other stakeholders. Our experience is
that the local municipality is responsible for the tree planting on Regional Roads. The ROP
establishes a woodland target for the entire Region of 30 percent, and encourages local
municipalities to prepare Urban Tree Strategies.
The Pickering Official Plan also contains policies regarding the importance of maintaining
and expanding our urban tree canopy. It plays an important part in reducing the heat island
effect of development. Staff note, however, that with rising land values and higher levels of
intensification, the City's urban tree canopy is disappearing, and most new development
has little area for meaningful tree planting. Additionally, the ability to obtain larger green
park spaces in the intensifying areas is becoming increasingly challenging.
Low development impact techniques for stormwater management is promoted as the new
way to address stormwater in urbanizing areas. It is important to also consider that a
robust urban natural heritage system, with larger forested areas, are an important aspect to
managing stormwater runoff.
Staff supports policies being included in the ROP establishing separate tree canopy
targets for urban areas and rural areas, following the identification of the current
baseline. Further staff recommends that the implementation of Regional road tree
planting be assumed by the Region to demonstrate their partnership in improving
the tree canopy, thereby helping reduce GHG and heat island effect.
3.0 Conclusion
The above review provides a synopsis of the Region's Climate Change and Sustainability
Discussion Paper, and highlights key recommendations for consideration. As with any goal,
there should be tangible or measurable objectives, which would inform decisions regarding
budgeting, implementation, and enable benchmarking and evidence -based decision
making. The targets should be monitored and updated regularly.
Staff Review of the Climate Change and Sustainability Discussion Paper Page 9 of 9
Significant opportunity exists for collaborative mitigation and adaptation efforts. Many areas
have experienced the negative impacts of climate change, including infrastructure failure or
damage; (roads, stormwater, and hydro), loss of forest canopy; need for increased risk
management; insurance loss, instability and increase cost of coverage; loss of tourism and
recreation opportunities; and adverse impacts on mental and physical stress and health.
Adaptation and mitigation are key to managing risks associated with climate change.
Official plans are one of many documents for addressing climate change in Durham
Region. Integrating climate change considerations into the ROP will provide broad vision
statements and goals related to adaptation and mitigation, encompassing broad land use
planning activities, increasing awareness of climate change, while providing high level
governance.
Attachment #1 to Report #PLN 21-19
Overview of the Region of Durham's Municipal Comprehensive
Review of its Official Plan
1.0 Background
The Planning Act requires that municipal official plans be reviewed every five years to ensure
that the plans have regard to matters of Provincial interest, are consistent with Provincial
Policy Statement (PPS), and conform to Provincial Land Use Plans.
The current Durham Regional Official Plan (ROP) was approved in 1993 and has over
150 amendments to keep it up-to-date with changing provincial plans and policies. On
May 2, 2018, Regional Council authorized staff to proceed with the Municipal Comprehensive
Review (MCR) of the ROP titled "Envision Durham, 2041 Our Region, Our Plan, Our Future"
(or "Envision Durham"). "Envision Durham" offers a strategic opportunity to create a completely
new plan with an advanced planning vision for the Region to 2041.
1.1 What are the key components of the Region's MCR?
The MCR is structured around the following strategic planning themes:
• The Agriculture and Rural System (Discussion Paper released March 5, 2019; Pickering
Council commented through Council Resolution #94/19, dated May 27, 2019)
• Climate Change and Sustainability (Discussion Paper released May 7, 2019; subject of this
Report; to be considered at the October 7, 2019 Executive Committee)
• Growth Management (Urban System Discussion Paper released June 4, 2019; to be
considered at the November 4, 2019 Planning & Development Committee)
• Environment and Greenlands System (released September 3, 2019; under review)
• Housing (Discussion Paper to be released November 2019), and
• Transportation System
1.2 The MCR and Public Engagement
The public engagement program and its timeline associated with the MCR consists of four
stages: Discover (2019), Discuss (2019), Direct (2020), and Draft (2021-2022).
On February 5, 2019, the Region initiated the first stage ("Discover") of the "Envision Durham"
public engagement program by launching the project website: durham.ca/Envision Durham, as
well as a public opinion survey, which closed on April 6, 2019. The Region also created an
introductory video on the project, which can be viewed on the project website. In addition, the
Region set up "pop-up" information kiosks in various locations, as part of their public
engagement launch.
In accordance with the public engagement program, each stage of the project will be promoted
through news releases, the project website, social media platforms, and public service
announcements.