HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLN 20-22Report to
Planning & Development Committee
Report Number: Report PLN 20-22
Date: April 4, 2022
From: Kyle Bentley, P. Eng.
Director, City Development & CBO
Subject: Envision Durham – Growth Management Study
- Alternative Land Need Scenarios Summary Report
- File: A-2100-020
Recommendation:
1. That Council endorse the Staff Comments contained in Section 3 of Report PLN 20-22 as
the City’s formal comments on the Envision Durham’s Alternative Land Need Scenarios
Summary Report, prepared by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. and Urban
Strategies Inc., dated March 2022; and
2. That the appropriate City of Pickering staff be authorized to take the necessary actions as
indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: On March 11, 2022, the Region of Durham released the “Alternative
Land Need Scenarios Summary Report”, (the “Scenarios Report”), dated March 2022,
prepared by Watson & Associates and Urban Strategies Inc., and requested comments by
April 14, 2022. A copy of the Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development’s Report
#2022-INFO-19, and the attached Scenarios Report, are provided as Attachment #1 to this
report. The Scenarios Report forms part of the Region’s Growth Management Land Need
Assessment exercise. It provides a summary of 5 Community Area Land Need Scenarios and
2 Employment Area Land Need Scenarios. Further, it outlines the resultant analysis and
assessment of the scenario modelling outcomes, and implications on urban structure and land
need across Durham.
Staff’s comments on the Scenarios Report are outlined in Section 3 of this report. Staff is
seeking Council’s endorsement of the comments, and that a copy of Council’s resolution and
Report PLN 20-22 be forwarded to the Region for consideration. Due to the short comment
period (30 days) for this report, staff will also be providing a copy of Report PLN 20-22, and the
draft minutes of the Planning & Development Committee meeting of April 4, 2022, to the
Region, ahead of Council’s consideration of the matter.
Financial Implications: This report has no financial implications for the City.
Report PLN 20-22 April 4, 2022
Subject: Envision Durham – Growth Management Study Page 2
Discussion:
1. Background
The Region of Durham is undertaking a Growth Management Study (GMS), as part of
Envision Durham, the Region’s Municipal Comprehensive Review process. The first
phase of the GMS consists of a Land Need Assessment (LNA). The purpose of the LNA
is to determine the amount of land required through settlement area boundary expansions,
in order to accommodate the future population and job growth to 2051. The second
phase of the GMS will identify the location of any expansion areas, and allocate
population and employment growth targets for those areas.
During the summer and early fall of 2021, the Region’s Growth Management Project
Team (GMPT) released the following four Technical Reports, that provided an analysis
of the form of growth and resulting land needs in Durham:
• The Region-Wide Growth Analysis;
• The Housing Intensification Study;
• The Employment Strategy; and
• The Community Area Urban Land Needs.
These four reports were presented for public comment. The City of Pickering
provided comments through Correspondence 41-21 (endorsed by Council on
September 27, 2021), Report PLN 40-21 (Resolution #716/21), Report PLN 42-21
(Resolution #737/21), and Report PLN 45-21 (Resolution #750/21).
Certain area municipalities, including the City of Pickering, as well as the development
industry, questioned the proposed housing mix contained in the draft Region Wide
Growth Analysis (47.6% high density, 30.6% medium density and 21.8% low density).
Concerns were expressed that the housing mix was too heavily weighted towards high
density development, and did not adequately represent the market demand for lower
density housing in Durham.
The Region also received correspondence from individual members of the public,
certain organizations, and comments from certain municipalities, agreeing with the
proposed housing mix in the draft Region Wide Growth Analysis LNA targets. Opinions
were expressed that the Region could be more aggressive to limit settlement area
expansions, by giving greater priority to climate change mitigation, the protection of
farmland, and maximizing opportunities for intensification.
In response to comments received on the four Technical Reports noted above, Regional
Planning staff agreed, at the October 5, 2021 Planning and Economic Development
Committee meeting, to undertake additional analysis. Staff would run modelling and
assess a range of alternative land need scenarios, and examine the implications on the
urban structure, and land needs across Durham. Subsequently, the GMPT prepared a
series of five Community Area Land Need Scenarios, and two Employment Area Land
Need Scenarios, and undertook the required analysis.
Report PLN 20-22 April 4, 2022
Subject: Envision Durham – Growth Management Study Page 3
On March 11, 2022, the Region released the Alternative Land Need Scenarios
Summary Report, (the “Scenarios Report”), dated March 2022. The Scenarios Report is
an attachment to the Regional Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development
#2022-INFO-19. The Commissioner’s Report is provided as Attachment #1 to this
report.
Comments are due April 14, 2022. Once input from this consultation is received and
assessed, the Region’s GMPT will provide a Recommended Land Need Scenario to the
Planning and Economic Development Committee on May 3, 2022.
2. The Alternative Land Need Scenarios
To reflect the current context across the Region, prior to undertaking the scenario
modelling and analysis, the GMPT made refinements to the baseline of existing
settlement patterns, and supply of urban, greenfield land available for development. The
refinements included the following:
• Incorporating decisions made by Regional Council, on December 22, 2021,
regarding Employment Area conversion requests, which resulted in increased
Community Area Land supply;
• Revising the base mapping to reflect the ‘updated natural heritage takeout layer’ that
would be used in the Designated Greenfield Area (DGA) land need analysis,
including the reclassification of select sites based on comments received, which
reduced the remaining developable vacant land supply; and
• Reassessing the current active development applications and developable land area
within Seaton, which would result in a change to the overall DGA land needs.
The analysis also took into account the interconnectivity that exists between the
following key factors in the Land Needs Assessment: housing unit mix; intensification
rate; Built Up Area (BUA) unit mix; DGA density; DGA unit mix; Strategic Growth
Area/Major Transit Station Area density targets; and Employment density. Moving or
revising one key factor would impact all the other key factors.
The GMPT developed a spectrum of five Community Area Land Need Scenarios and
two Employment Area Land Need Scenarios, to examine a broader range of options to
accommodate the growth forecast for the Region to 2051. The Scenarios are
summarized below.
2.1 The Community Area Land Need Scenarios (Community Area Scenarios):
The Community Area Scenarios were developed to present a range of development
options, from the lowest density housing mix and highest land need, to the highest
density housing mix and lowest land need. The key variables that have been adjusted
across the scenarios include housing mix, DGA density targets, and intensification
targets.
Report PLN 20-22 April 4, 2022
Subject: Envision Durham – Growth Management Study Page 4
The five Community Area Scenarios and key outcomes, including the implications on
future land needs, are presented in the chart below:
Community Area Land Need Scenarios
Scenario 1
Emphasis on
low-density
housing
(“Hemson”)
Scenario 2
Primarily low-
density
housing
Scenario 3
Shifting the
unit mix
Scenario 4
Balancing the
unit mix
Scenario 5
Emphasis on
higher
densities
Housing Unit
Mix of new units:
Low: 56%
Medium: 23%
High: 19%
Secondary units:
2%
Housing Unit
Mix of new units:
Low: 39%
Medium: 26%
High: 32%
Secondary units:
3%
Housing Unit
Mix of new units:
Low: 34%
Medium: 30%
High: 33%
Secondary units:
3%
Housing Unit
Mix of new units:
Low: 28%
Medium: 28%
High: 41%
Secondary units:
3%
Housing Unit
Mix of new units:
Low: 20%
Medium: 31%
High: 47%
Secondary units:
3%
Intensification
Rate: 35%
Intensification
Rate: 45%
Intensification
Rate: 50%
Intensification
Rate: 50%
Intensification
Rate: 55%
Designated
Greenfield Area
Density: 50
people and jobs
per hectare
Designated
Greenfield Area
Density: 55
people and jobs
per hectare
Designated
Greenfield Area
Density: 57
people and jobs
per hectare
Designated
Greenfield Area
Density: 60
people and jobs
per hectare
Designated
Greenfield Area
Density: 64
people and jobs
per hectare
New Community
Area Land
Need: 5,400
hectares
(13,344 acres)
New Community
Area Land
Need: 2,600
hectares (6,425
acres)
New Community
Area Land
Need: 1,500
hectares (3,707
acres)
New Community
Area Land
Need: 950
hectares (2,348
acres)
New Community
Area Land
Need: 0
• Scenario 1, is based on background technical work completed by Hemson Consulting
for the Province, for A Place to Grow.
• Scenario 4 is an updated version of the initial scenario that formed part of the
Region-Wide Growth Analysis Technical Report, commented on in late Summer 2021.
2.2 Employment Area Land Need Scenarios (Employment Area Scenarios):
The initial Employment Area Land Need Scenario, which was reflected in the Region’s
Employment Strategy Technical Report, was updated primarily to reflect the additional
Employment Area conversions that were recently endorsed by the Regional Council.
This effectively reduced the baseline of available Employment Area lands.
Subsequently, two Employment Area Scenarios were developed.
Report PLN 20-22 April 4, 2022
Subject: Envision Durham – Growth Management Study Page 5
The two Employment Area Scenarios are summarized and presented in the chart
below.
Employment Area Land Need Scenarios
Scenario 1 Scenario 2
Vacant Employment Area Density
Target: 27 Jobs per gross hectare
Vacant Employment Area Density
Target: 27 Jobs per gross hectare
Employment Intensification Target: 15% Employment Intensification Target: 20%
New Employment Area Land Need:
1,350 hectares (3,335 acres)
New Employment Area Land Need:
1,170 hectares (2,891 acres)
• Scenario 1 is an updated version of the Employment Area Land Need contained in
the Employment Strategy Technical Report, commented on in Fall 2021.
The Scenarios Report points out that achieving Scenario 2 means that Employment
Area Lands would be more efficiently used, and the resultant reduction in land need
would have lesser impact on the Region’s agricultural lands and rural systems.
A detailed discussion on the five Community Area Scenarios and the two Employment
Area Scenarios is contained in the Scenarios Report, and also summarized in Section 5.1
(pages 3 to 5) of the Regional Commissioner’s Report #2022-INFO-19.
2.3 The Scenarios Assessment Framework
The following five principles were used by the Region’s GMPT to assess the five
Community Area Scenarios:
Principle 1: Achieving Targets
Does the scenario achieve the minimum targets of the Growth Plan, before advancing
additional settlement area boundary expansion?
Principle 2: Housing Market Choice
Does the scenario respond to market demand and provide for the development of a
fulsome range of housing types?
Principle 3: Setting up Strategic Growth Areas (SGA) for Success
Does the scenario support the ability of SGAs, including Urban Growth Centres,
MTSAs, Regional Centres, and Regional Corridors, to achieve their planned function as
higher density, mixed-use, and transit supportive urban communities?
Report PLN 20-22 April 4, 2022
Subject: Envision Durham – Growth Management Study Page 6
Principle 4: Protecting Agricultural and Rural Systems, preparing for Climate
Change and Achieving Sustainable Development
To what extent would the scenario negatively impact existing agricultural and rural
areas, provide sustainable development patterns, and respond to the Region’s Climate
Change Emergency declaration?
Principle 5: Competitive Economic and Employment Conditions
To what extent does the scenario capitalize on the Region’s economic and sector
strengths, to ensure Durham remains economically attractive and competitive over the
long term?
The Region’s assessment of the Community Area Scenarios against the above
principles rendered the following results. Scenarios 1 and 2 ranked the weakest in
meeting the principles. Scenario 3 ranked better than Scenarios 1 and 2 in terms of
Principle 1 (Achieving the Growth Plan targets), but it failed, similar to Scenario 1, in
terms of the rest of the principles. Scenarios 4 and 5 ranked the best for meeting the
most principles, with Scenario 5 failing to meet Principle 5 (Housing Market Choice).
A detailed discussion on how the five Community Area Scenarios measured up against
the principles is contained in Section 3.4 of the Scenarios Report.
The Scenarios Report does not contain a Recommended Land Need Scenario. As noted
earlier in this report, the Region’s Growth Management Project Team will consider the
comments on the Scenarios Report and present a Recommended Land Need Scenario
to the Region’s Planning and Economic Development Committee in May 2022.
3. Staff Comments
3.1 Staff is pleased with the fact that Region have incorporated alternative scenarios into
the Land Needs Assessment, although very little time has been granted to stakeholders
to review and comment on such a fundamental component of the Region’s Growth
Management Study. At the onset of the Land Needs Assessment exercise, City staff,
through the Municipal Working Group Sessions, asked whether the Region would be
considering alternative growth scenarios as part of this exercise. It is disconcerting that
the Scenario analysis was not addressed until almost the end of the study, instead of
being addressed earlier.
3.2 Although staff supports the five Principles against which the Land Needs Scenarios
were measured, there does not appear to be any weighting factor associated with these
Principles. Clearly, the principles compete with each other. However, it is staff’s
opinion that Durham, given its attractiveness for families coupled with the
availability of Whitebelt lands, is uniquely positioned to continue to offer an
ample supply of market choice, grade-related, family-friendly housing (including
more affordable housing options) to its residents and newcomers. In Durham’s
current context, the principle of Housing Market Choice, should not be
underplayed but rather accentuated in the selection of a Recommended Land
Need Scenario.
Report PLN 20-22 April 4, 2022
Subject: Envision Durham – Growth Management Study Page 7
3.3 The Scenarios Report presented two of the five Community Area Scenarios as not
meeting the minimum Growth Plan intensification target of 50%. Scenario 1 illustrates
the significant amount of additional urban land that would be required based on the
housing mix identified by the population forecasts prepared by Hemson Consulting Ltd.
However, a Scenario that would have modeled both the Growth Plan targets of 50% for
intensification, and the density target of 50 persons and jobs per hectare, would have
provided a baseline from which to compare Scenarios 3, 4 and 5.
3.4 The Scenarios are presented showing gradual increases in the density of the housing
mix, from lowest to highest, and the corresponding effect of the amount of new
community area land need: the lower the density, the greater the need for new urban
area land; the higher the density, the lower the need for new urban area land.
However, comparison of the different Community Area Lands Need scenarios is difficult,
as more than one variable is being changed. For example, Scenarios 2, 4 and 5
increase both the intensification rate, and the DGA density, relative to the previous
scenario. This makes it impossible to determine a comparison of the effects of an
increase in the rate of intensification, independent of an increase in DGA density. The
same would hold true for an attempt to compare the effects of the increase in DGA
density, independent of increase in the intensification rate.
Similarly, under Scenario 3, there are various statements highlighting the fact that low
and medium-density housing forms require a larger amount of land, but the Scenarios
Report does not highlight the availability of Whitebelt lands in Durham and the
attractiveness of, and qualities associated with, medium and low density housing for
families. Staff requests that the selection of the Recommended Land Need
Scenario for Whitebelt lands in Durham takes into consideration the availability,
attractiveness and qualities associated with medium and low density housing for
families.
The City commented through the Community Area Urban Land Need Technical Report,
questioning the rationale for the DGA density target being higher, at 64 persons and
jobs per hectare, than the mandated DGA density of 50%. The comments pointed out
that DGAs do not contain the same robust, high order transit systems as the built-up
area, to provide the necessary transportation infrastructure and mix of uses needed to
support a significant shift to higher density housing forms. Additionally, we indicated that
the proposed housing mix of 21% low density, 31% medium density, and 48% high
density was basically the reverse of today’s mix.
It is noted that the scenario presented in the Community Area Land Need Assessment
Technical Paper has been refined, reducing the DGA density from 64 to 60 persons and
jobs per hectare (see Scenario 4). Additionally, the total new housing mix has been
refined from 21% to 28% low density; from 31% to 28% medium density; from 48% to
41% high density; and 3% secondary units. In spite of these refinements, staff still holds
the opinion that DGAs won’t be able to provide the necessary higher order transit
transportation infrastructure, and mixed of uses, within the timeframe (to 2051) to
support a DGA density of 60 persons and job per hectare or greater.
Report PLN 20-22 April 4, 2022
Subject: Envision Durham – Growth Management Study Page 8
3.5 The new Community Area Land Need Assessment Scenarios differentiate between the
proposed unit mix for the existing Built Up Area and the DGA. To reflect the lack of
higher order transit in the DGA, and to ensure a supply of market housing to
provide family accommodation, and contribute to a complete community, staff
recommends the Region consider a ‘modified Scenario 3’.
It is staff’s opinion that the New Unit Mix in the BUA from Scenario 3, is most
appropriate, at 9% low density; 34% medium density; 52% high density; and 6%
secondary units. Further, it is staff’s opinion that the DGA density of 57 people
and jobs per ha, from Scenario 3, is most appropriate, but that a modified New
Unit Mix for the DGA be established at 42% low density, 42% medium density,
15% high density, and 1% secondary units, to reflect the attractiveness and
qualities associated with medium and low density housing for families. Staff
recommend that Community Area Land Need Scenario 3, as modified, be used in
preparing the recommended Land Need Assessment.
3.6 Section 2 of the Scenarios Report discusses the implications of increasing the
assumption on the amount of intensification within existing Employment Area, from 15%
to 20%. Using the higher rate (Scenario 2) would reduce the amount of land needed for
Employment Area through urban area boundary expansion. However, the level of
intensification is largely left to the choice of the business owner and is difficult to predict.
If the 20% is not realized, the Region may be left with a shortfall of vacant Employment
Land.
The growing trend of manufacturing industries being exported out of Canada, the
demand for major logistics and warehousing facilities with relatively lower
employees per square metre, the replacement of manual labour with automation
technology, and the lack of incentives to intensify, lead staff to question whether
the Employment Intensification Area target of 20% is attainable. Accordingly, staff
recommends that the Region select Employment Area Land Need Scenario 1, with
the 15% intensification assumption, in establishing the overall Recommended
Land Need Scenario.
4. Staff Recommendations:
It is recommended that the staff comments in Section 3 of this report be endorsed by
Council as the City’s formal comments on the Envision Durham’s Scenarios Report
dated March 2022, and that a copy of Report PLN 20-22 and Council’s resolution be
forwarded to the Region of Durham for consideration.
Report PLN 20-22 April 4, 2022
Subject: Envision Durham – Growth Management Study Page 9
Attachment:
1.Report of the Regional Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development
2022-INFO-19
Prepared By:
Original Signed By
Déan Jacobs, MCIP, RPP
Manager, Policy & Geomatics
Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By
Catherine Rose, MCIP, RPP
Chief Planner
Original Signed By
Kyle Bentley, P. Eng.
Director, City Development & CBO
DJ:ld
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment #1 to Report #PLN 20-22
If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact 1-800-372-1102 ext. 2564
The Regional Municipality of Durham
Information Report
From: Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development
Report: #2022-INFO-19
Date: March 11, 2022
Subject:
Envision Durham – Growth Management Study – Release of Alternative Land Need
Scenarios Assessment Summary Report, File D12-01
Recommendation:
Receive for information
Report:
1.Purpose
1.1 The Growth Management Study (GMS) that is currently being undertaken by the
Planning Division is an integral component of Envision Durham, the Municipal
Comprehensive Review (MCR) of the Regional Official Plan (ROP). The first phase
of the GMS is the preparation of a Land Needs Assessment (LNA) to quantify the
amount of Settlement Area Boundary Expansion that will be required to
accommodate the Region’s population and employment growth forecasts to the year
2051.
1.2 The purpose of this report is to advise Council, agencies, service providers,
stakeholder groups and members of the public that the modelling and assessment
of alternative land need scenarios is now available for review and comment until
April 14th. At the May 3, 2022, Planning and Economic Development Committee,
staff will recommend a preferred scenario, taking into account the input received. A
Council decision on the preferred scenario will enable the second phase of the GMS
to commence.
Page 2 of 9
2. Background
2.1 During the summer and early fall of 2021, four Technical Reports in support of the
Region’s draft LNA were released for public review and comment. These reports
were prepared in conformity with the Provincial Land Needs Assessment
Methodology. The Growth Plan requires upper tier municipalities in the Greater
Golden Horseshoe to use this methodology to assess the quantity of land required
to accommodate forecasted growth.
2.2 The Technical Reports were fulsome and included: an overall recommended growth
forecast; housing unit mix; intensification analysis; designated greenfield area
density analysis; Employment Area density analysis; and the resulting Community
Area and Employment Area land need.
2.3 In response to comments received from the development community and other
stakeholders on the draft LNA, Regional Planning staff agreed at the October 5,
2021, Planning and Economic Development Committee meeting to assess a range
of alternative land need scenarios by applying alternative housing unit mixes,
intensification rates, and densities. In particular, a scenario that models the housing
unit mix used in the Growth Plan 2051 Forecast Background Study, commonly
referred to as the “Hemson scenario”, has been prepared.
3. Previous Reports and Decisions
3.1 Commissioner’s Report #2022-INFO-9 released February 11, 2022 provided an
update on the assessment framework and consultation timelines for the alternative
land need scenarios.
4. The Consultant’s Initial Community Area Land Need Scenario and
Employment Area Land Need Have Been Updated
4.1 Since the release of the Technical Reports, additional work and updates to the
underlying analysis have been undertaken to this initial scenario which had a unit
mix of 22% low density units; 31% medium density units; and 47% high density
units. The updated scenario (identified later in this report as Scenario 4), has been
modelled and assessed along with the other of the other alternative scenarios. The
key changes between the initial land need scenario and the Updated Scenario 4 are
identified below:
Page 3 of 9
Initial Land Need Assessment Scenario
from Technical Reports
Updated Scenario 4: Balancing the Unit
Mix
Unit Mix:
Low density units: 22%
Medium density units: 31%
High density units: 47%
Unit Mix:
Low density units: 28%
Medium density units: 28%
High density units: 41%
Secondary units: 3%
Intensification Rate: 50% Intensification Rate: 50%
Designated Greenfield Area Density
Target:64 people and jobs per hectare
Designated Greenfield Area Density
Target:60 people and jobs per hectare
Community Area Land Need: 737
hectares (1,821 acres)
Community Area Land Need: 950
hectares (2,348 acres)
4.2 The initial Employment Area Land Need was also updated, primarily to reflect
additional Employment Area conversions recently endorsed by Regional Council.
This review has resulted in an increase to the Employment Area Land Need
reported in the Employment Strategy Technical Report, while other key metrics
haver remained the same, as follows:
Employment Strategy Technical Report
Scenario
Updated Employment Scenario
Vacant Employment Area Density Target:
27 jobs per hectare
Vacant Employment Area Density Target:
27 jobs per hectare
Employment Intensification Rate: 20% Employment Intensification Rate: 20%
Employment Area Land Need: 1,164
hectares (2,876 acres)
Employment Area Land Need: 1,351
hectares (3,338 acres)
5. Release of Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment and Planned
Consultation
5.1 The alternative scenario modelling outcomes and assessment is documented in the
“Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary Report” (see Attachment
#1) which was released on March 10 on the Envision Durham website for public
review. A summary of the alternative scenarios is provided below, with additional
details including the scenario assessment found in the attached report. For ease of
review, the five Community Area Land Need Scenarios are arranged in order from
lowest density housing mix and highest land need, to highest density housing mix
and lowest land need. It may be noted that Scenarios 1 and 2 do not conform to the
Page 4 of 9
Growth Plan because they do not achieve the minimum Intensification Rate of 50%
as required under the Growth Plan, but they have been prepared for comparison
purposes. A lower intensification rate than 50% would require special approval from
the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing if sufficient justification could be
provided that the 50% intensification rate cannot be achieved in Durham.
Community Area Land Need Scenarios
Scenario 1
Emphasis on
low-density
housing
(“Hemson”)
Scenario 2
Primarily low-
density
housing
Scenario 3
Shifting the
unit mix
Scenario 4
Balancing the
unit mix
Scenario 5
Emphasis on
higher
densities
Housing Unit
Mix of new
units:
Low: 56%
Medium: 23%
High: 19%
Secondary
units: 2%
Housing Unit
Mix of new
units:
Low: 39%
Medium: 26%
High: 32%
Secondary
units: 3%
Housing Unit
Mix of new
units:
Low: 34%
Medium: 30%
High: 33%
Secondary
units: 3%
Housing Unit
Mix of new
units:
Low: 28%
Medium: 28%
High: 41%
Secondary
units: 3%
Housing Unit
Mix of new
units:
Low: 20%
Medium: 31%
High: 47%
Secondary
units: 3%
Intensification
Rate: 35%
Intensification
Rate: 45%
Intensification
Rate: 50%
Intensification
Rate: 50%
Intensification
Rate: 55%
Designated
Greenfield Area
Density: 50
people and jobs
per hectare
Designated
Greenfield Area
Density: 55
people and jobs
per hectare
Designated
Greenfield Area
Density: 57
people and jobs
per hectare
Designated
Greenfield Area
Density: 60
people and jobs
per hectare
Designated
Greenfield Area
Density: 64
people and jobs
per hectare
New
Community
Area Land
Need: 5,400
hectares
(13,344 acres)
New
Community
Area Land
Need: 2,600
hectares (6,425
acres)
New
Community
Area Land
Need: 1,500
hectares (3,707
acres)
New
Community
Area Land
Need: 950
hectares (2,348
acres)
New
Community
Area Land
Need: 0
Note: Totals may not add due to rounding
Page 5 of 9
Employment Area Land Need Scenarios
Scenario 1 Scenario 2
Vacant Employment Area Density Target:
27 Jobs per gross hectare
Vacant Employment Area Density Target:
27 Jobs per gross hectare
Employment Intensification Target: 15% Employment Intensification Target: 20%
New Employment Area Land Need: 1,350
hectares (3,335 acres)
New Employment Area Land Need: 1,170
hectares (2,891 acres)
5.2 Also on March 10, a feedback survey was posted on the Envision Durham website,
to provide opportunities for public feedback on the alternative land need scenarios.
Survey responses are being accepted until April 14, 2022. A Virtual Public
Information Centre is scheduled for March 24, 2022, at 7pm. Notification of the
Public Information Centre will be advertised via local newspapers, emailed to the
Envision Durham interested parties list, social media channels, and a public service
announcement.
5.3 Barring any unforeseen events, it is expected that a preferred land need scenario for
both Community Areas and Employment Areas will be recommended to Planning
and Economic Development Committee on May 3, 2022.
5.4 Upon Council’s endorsement of a preferred land need scenario, and the associated
quantum of urban land need, the GMS will proceed to evaluate the most suitable
locations for Settlement Area Boundary Expansion (i.e. Phase 2 of the process).
6. Relationship to Strategic Plan
6.1 This report aligns with/addresses the strategic goals and priorities in the Durham
Region Strategic Plan. See Commissioner’s Report #2022-INFO-9 for additional
details.
7. Conclusion
7.1 The release of this report will also be announced by way of:
• Public service announcements;
• Social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn; and
• Email notifications and report circulation.
Page 6 of 9
7.2 A copy of this report will be forwarded to all Envision Durham Interested Parties,
Durham’s area municipalities, Indigenous communities, conservation authorities, the
Building Industry and Land Development (BILD) – Durham Chapter, Durham Region
Homebuilders Association, and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Circulation will also be provided to agencies and service providers that may have an
interest in where and how long-term growth in the Region is being planned for
(school boards, hospitals, utility providers, etc. as specified in Appendix #1).
8. Attachments
Attachment #1: Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary Report,
prepared by Urban Strategies and Watson and Associates
Respectfully submitted,
Original signed by
Brian Bridgeman, MCIP, RPP
Commissioner of Planning and
Economic Development
Page 7 of 9
Appendix 1 – to Report #2022-INFO-19
Circulated Agencies and Service Providers
• Canada Post
• Bell Canada
• Rogers Communications
• Shaw Cable TV
• Compton Communications
• Persona Communications
• Canadian Pacific Railway
• Canadian National Railway
• Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. and Enbridge Pipelines Inc.
• Trans-Northern Pipelines Inc.
• TransCanada Pipelines Inc.
• Hydro One Networks Inc.
• Ontario Power Generation Inc.
• Durham District School Board
• Durham Catholic District School Board
• Conseil Scolaire Viamonde
• MonAvenir Conseil Scolaire Catholique
• Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
• Ministry of Transportation
• Greater Toronto Airports Authority
Page 8 of 9
• Transport Canada
• Metrolinx
• Trent-Severn Waterway
• Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
• Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School
Board
• Durham Region Police Department
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• Elexicon
• Hydro One Networks Inc. (Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge)
• Independent Electricity System Operator
• Ontario Tech University
• Trent University Durham
• Durham College
• Durham Workforce Authority
• General Motors of Canada
• Lakeridge Health
• Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
• Brock Board of Trade
• Clarington Board of Trade
• Newcastle & District Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
• Scugog Chamber of Commerce
Page 9 of 9
• Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce
• Whitby Chamber of Commerce
• Downtown Ajax BIA
• Bowmanville BIA
• Brooklin BIA
• Pickering Village BIA
• Port Perry BIA
• Uxbridge BIA
• Downtown Whitby BIA
• Business Advisory Centre Durham
• Spark Centre
ALTERNATIVE LAND NEED SCENARIOS ASSESSMENT SUMMARY REPORT
Part of the Region of Durham Growth Management Study: Land Needs Assessment
March 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT 4
2. EMPLOYMENT AREA LAND NEED SCENARIOS 6
2.1 Description 6
2.2 Methodology/Analysis 6
2.3 Key Considerations 7
3. COMMUNITY AREA LAND NEED SCENARIOS 8
3.1 A Spectrum of Community Area Land Need Scenarios 9
3.2 Community Area Alternative Land Need Scenario Methodology 10
3.3 Community Area Land Need Scenario Assessment Framework 12
3.4 Community Area Land Need Scenario Outcomes 14
4. RANGE OF LAND NEED 24
5. NEXT STEPS 25
TECHNICAL APPENDIX 26
4 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
1. Introduction and Context
Durham Region is undertaking a Growth
Management Study (GMS) as part of Envision
Durham, the Municipal Comprehensive Review
(MCR) of the Regional Official Plan (ROP).
This is a two-phase study to assess how to
accommodate the Growth Plan for the Greater
Golden Horseshoe forecast growth to 2051
of 1,300,000 people and 460,000 jobs in the
Region of Durham. The first phase of the GMS
is the preparation of a Land Needs Assessment
(LNA) to quantify the amount of Settlement
Area Boundary Expansion that will be required
to accommodate future population and
employment growth to the year 2051.
During the summer and early fall 2021, the GMS
Project Team released four Technical Reports
(the “Technical Reports”) providing an analysis
of the form of growth and resulting land needs
in Durham. These four reports were presented
for public comment and Planning and Economic
Development Committee consideration:
1. The Region-Wide Growth Analysis (released
on July 2, 2021) presented region-wide
population and employment forecasts,
various trends in demographics, unit mix,
housing prices, and built form. The Report
included a forecast housing unit mix for
new units to be built during 2021 to 2051
timeframe of 22% low density units, 31%
medium density units, and 47% high density
units.
2. The Housing Intensification Study Technical Report (released on September 3, 2021)
evaluated the supply and demand for
housing within the built-up area, including a
detailed assessment of likely opportunities
and supply potential for intensification1 and
associated population and employment
accommodation. The Report recommended a
regional intensification target of 50%.
3. The Employment Strategy Technical Report
(released on September 24, 2021) provided
an assessment of trends in employment
and analyzed the current state of the
region’s Employment Areas, provided
recommendations on Employment Area
conversions, recommended an overall
Employment Area density target of 26 jobs
per hectare by 2051, and identified an
additional Employment Area land need of
1,164 hectares.
4. The Community Area Land Needs Technical Report (released on October 1, 2021)
evaluated the existing state, current trends,
and long-term development potential of
designated greenfield areas (i.e. lands within
the urban area boundary that are outside
of the built-up area). The Report provided a
recommended overall designated greenfield
areas density target of 64 people and jobs
per hectare and an additional Community
Area land need of 737 hectares.
1 Intensification is defined as the development of a
property, site or area within the Built Up Area at a
higher density than currently exists.
5 March 2022
Through the fall 2021, the Envision Durham
process sought input and comments on the
Technical Reports from stakeholders and
the public. Correspondence from BILD,
other development interests, certain area
municipalities, and others, questioned whether
the proposed housing mix contained in the
draft Region Wide Growth Analysis was too
heavily weighted towards high density forms
of development, and did not adequately
represent the market demand for low density
housing (i.e. single detached dwellings). Other
correspondence, including from individual
members of the public, certain area municipal
comments, and other organizations indicated
that the draft LNA targets were either
appropriate, or could be more aggressive to
limit settlement area expansions by more heavily
prioritizing the protection of farmland, mitigating
climate change, and maximizing higher density
intensification opportunities.
In response to comments received, Regional
Planning staff agreed at the October 5, 2021
Planning and Economic Development Committee
meeting to run modelling and assess a range
of alternative land need scenarios. This report
provides a summary of the land need scenarios,
including 2 Employment Land need scenarios
and 5 Community Area land need scenarios,
and the resultant analysis and assessment of the
scenario modelling outcomes.
Before the Scenario modelling and analysis
was undertaken, adjustments were made to
reflect the current context across the Region to
create a refined baseline of existing settlement
patterns and supply of urban land available
for development (greenfield). Input from
stakeholders and consultation has also informed
the adjustments. These adjustments are as
follows:
a. Decisions made by Regional Council on
December 22, 2021 regarding Employment
Area conversion requests, including some
additional sites that were endorsed for
conversion, which resulted in increased
Community Area Land supply;
b. Revised base mapping to reflect updated
natural heritage takeout layer in the DGA
Community Area land need analysis, and
a reclassification of select sites based on
comments received which reduced the
remaining developable vacant land supply;
and
c. Reassessment of the current active
development applications and developable
land area within Seaton.
The information contained in this report and
the technical appendix are provided in order
to allow for meaningful and informed feedback
through the ongoing consultation process
and engagement survey available at durham.
ca/envisiondurham. Once input from this
consultation is received, a Recommended
Land Needs Scenario will be provided to the
Region’s Planning and Economic Development
Committee in May 2022.
6 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
2. Employment Area Land Need Scenarios
2.1 Description
The Employment Strategy Technical Report
identified an Employment Area forecast of
99,500 jobs, where 15% of employment growth
is expected to be accommodated through the
intensification of existing businesses and sites,
with the remaining growth anticipated to occur
on vacant employment lands at a density of 27
jobs per gross hectare.
In response to feedback on the Durham Region
Employment Strategy Technical Report, an
alternative Employment Area scenario has
been defined and assessed. The alternative
employment scenario examines an alternative
Employment Area intensification target of 20%,
compared to 15% reported in the Durham
Region Employment Strategy Technical Report.
Employment Area intensification represents
opportunities to accommodate job growth on
employment lands which are currently developed
or underutilized through the expansion of
existing businesses, severance of existing parcels
with adequate frontage, or the redevelopment
of existing uses to more employment-intensive
operations.
The Durham Region Employment Strategy
density target of 27 jobs per gross hectare
for the region’s vacant employment lands has
been maintained in the alternative employment
scenario. This is because recent trends in
employment development show a strong
market for more land extensive logistics and
warehousing uses in Durham, which result in
moderate employment densities. The Region
has minimal ability to effectively influence
higher densities on vacant lands and assuming
a higher density beyond what has already been
identified in the Employment Strategy is not
recommended.
2.2 Methodology/Analysis
Based on an updated natural heritage system as
well as Employment Area conversions endorsed
by Durham Regional Council, the land needs
calculation has been revised since the release
of the Durham Region Employment Strategy
Technical Report. Further to these changes,
a potential higher number of forecast jobs
occurring through intensification results in a
greater utilization of Durham Region’s existing
Employment Area land base and infrastructure.
Increasing employment densities on existing
vacant and underutilized sites within Durham
Region encourages the concentration of
economic activity and reduces the amount of
new land and infrastructure needed to promote
job growth. As shown in the graphic on page
7, an increased intensification target of 20% in
the alternative Employment scenario results in
an overall reduction in vacant Employment Area
land needed to accommodate forecast growth
to 2051. With a 20% intensification target, the
overall land need by 2051 would be reduced to
1,170 gross hectares compared to 1,350 hectares
required with a 15% intensification target.
Historical building permit activity over the
past decade indicates that approximately 20%
of gross floor area (G.F.A.) development in
Employment Areas has been achieved through
expansions. This figure does not account for
new building permits on lands which have
been severed or redeveloped. Furthermore,
there are ample opportunities across
Durham Region’s underutilized employment
lands to accommodate job growth through
intensification. For example, through a review
of larger sized underutilized sites with high
potential to accommodate intensification, it
is estimated that approximately 10,000 jobs
could be accommodated on just 25 of the
larger underutilized parcels within Employment
Areas. These parcels represent approximately
one third of the total underutilized land area in
Employment Areas across the Region.
7 March 2022
2.3 Key Considerations
• Achieving a higher Employment Area
intensification target of 20% results in a
more efficient use of land and reduced
Employment Area land need in Durham
Region by 2051. A reduction in new land
required to accommodate job growth has
a lesser impact on the Region’s agricultural
lands and rural systems.
• Intensification of existing Employment
Lands in proximity to major transit station
areas (MTSAs) and other locations served
by Regional Transit would complement
the Region’s priorities related to transit-
oriented development (TOD) and economic
competitiveness.
• The level of intensification achieved
in Durham Region is largely left to the
discretion of business owner choice and it is
therefore difficult to predict future levels of
intensification.
• If a higher intensification target of 20% does
not materialize, it could potentially result in
an insufficient amount of vacant Employment
Area land available for development over
the horizon of the Official Plan. It is noted,
however, that there would be an opportunity
to reassess intensification patterns during the
next Municipal Comprehensive Review and
re-evaluate whether additional employment
land will be required through expansion.
Figure 2-3-1: Employment Area Land Need Methodology Flow Chart
8 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
3. Community Area Land Need Scenarios
Five Community Area Land Need Scenarios have
been framed to test a broader range of options
for accommodating the 2051 forecast growth
across the Region. The five Community Area
Land Need Scenarios create a spectrum ranging
from lowest density housing mix and highest land
need to highest density housing mix and lowest
land need. All scenarios accommodate the
Growth Plan forecast for Durham Region to 2051.
The key variables that have been adjusted across
the scenarios include housing mix (regionally and
by policy area), designated greenfield area (DGA)
density targets, intensification targets, and future
land need.
The five Community Area Land Need Scenarios
are described on page 9 followed by a summary
of the analysis and resultant growth patterns
and an assessment of each Scenario. Each
Scenario has been defined by prioritizing one
or more of the key variables noted above as the
primary driver, with the other variables being
resultant outcomes. For example, prioritizing
a unit mix with a high share of low-density
housing will result in a lower intensification and
DGA density target, while producing a higher
DGA Community Area land need. Conversely,
prioritizing sustainability objectives including
TOD and less need for settlement area boundary
expansions will drive a unit mix with a higher
share of medium and high-density units and
result in a higher intensification target and DGA
density target and a lower DGA Community Area
land need. The following describes each of the
scenarios and key drivers and their position on
the Scenario spectrum.
Figure 3-1: Trends along the spectrum of scenarios
9 March 2022
3.1 A Spectrum of Community Area Land Need Scenarios
1. Scenario 1: Emphasis on low-densityhousing, not meeting the minimum Growth Plan intensification target
This scenario implements the housing unit
mix from the Growth Plan background
technical report entitled: “Greater Golden
Horseshoe: Growth Forecasts to 2051”,
prepared by Hemson Consulting, dated
August 26, 2020. This scenario incorporates
the highest proportion of low-density housing
forms, which will result in the highest amount
of additional Community Area land and the
lowest intensification rate at 35%, well below
the Growth Plan minimum.
2. Scenario 2: Primarily low-density housing, with increased share of medium and high-density housing
Scenario 2 targets a higher intensification rate
than Scenario 1, while maintaining a housing
unit mix that is still predominantly oriented
towards low- and medium-density housing.
The resultant intensification rate is 45%,
lower than the Growth Plan minimum. The
unit mix paired with the lower intensification
rate results in the second highest amount of
additional Community Area land.
3. Scenario 3: Shifting the unit mix and adding low density intensification to BUA and SGAs to achieve the minimum Growth Plan intensification target
Scenario 3 aims to meet the Growth Plan
minimum intensification target of 50%,
while maintaining a high share of low-
and medium-density housing forms. To
accommodate increased levels of low- and
medium-density housing forms in the BUA (to
achieve the 50%), intensification within urban
structure will limit higher density growth
with Regional Centres and along Regional
Corridors. Achieving this scenario would
prove challenging, because a high number
of low-density units would be required
within the BUA on sites that may otherwise
be appropriate and desirable for more
intensive forms of development, and through
the redevelopment of larger lots in stable
neighbourhoods. Furthermore, this Scenario
will still result in a considerable amount of
additional Community Area land need.
4. Scenario 4: Balancing the unit mix -with an emphasis on high and medium-density housing, while achieving the minimum 50% intensification target
Scenario 4 reflects the current pipeline
development trend toward high-
density housing forms in the BUA, while
accommodating a sufficient proportion of
low- and medium-density forms in response
to public and stakeholder comments.
The result is a Scenario that achieves the
minimum 50% intensification target, supports
the growth of SGAs, and offers a market-
based choice of housing options that is
adjusted to a more balanced mix of built
form in the region over the 30-year horizon.
A moderate amount of new Community Area
land is anticipated.
5. Scenario 5: Emphasis on higher densitiesand intensification beyond minimum Growth Plan targets
Scenario 5 seeks to achieve an intensification
rate of 55%, primarily though medium- and
high-density housing forms. The forecast unit
mix in the DGA is expected to accommodate
the greatest share of high-density housing
compared to the previous four scenarios.
Based on less overall housing growth forecast
in the DGA and a dense housing mix, no
additional Community Area Land is required.
This represents a “no-urban-expansion”
scenario.
10 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
3.2 Community Area Alternative Land Need Scenario Methodology
The Community Area Alternative Land
Need Scenarios test a range of inputs and
outcomes/implications for how growth can be
accommodated across Durham Region. The
draft LNA outcome from the Technical Reports
represents a reference point, but each of the
Five Scenarios has been defined and analysed
distinct from this departure point. The following
three key steps were undertaken in preparing the
Scenario Analysis:
1. The key drivers from each Scenario were
used to frame the analysis. An initial analysis
of the Scenario was run against the forecast
model and reviewed against the outcomes
(housing mix, intensification rate, greenfield
density, impact on planned regional structure,
and additional land need). If needed,
adjustments were made to the Scenario to
ensure each was coming as close as possible
to conforming with Growth Plan policies
and targets while complementing Regional
priorities (i.e. MTSAs).
2. In order to achieve the Scenario drivers,
in particular an increased proportion of
low- and medium-density housing mix,
some additional assumptions were made.
More specifically, in order to accommodate
complete communities in both the BUA and
Greenfield areas, an increased amount of
low- (single-detached, semi-detached, and
duplexes) and medium-density (townhouse)
housing units need to be accommodated
in both the DGA and BUA policy areas. To
achieve this in the BUA, some underutilized
lands or soft sites were assumed to be
developed as low and medium density rather
than high density units, and intensification
through lot splitting (larger sized single lots
severed into two lots) also was assumed.
3. Secondary units, also referred to as Gentle
Intensification in the Housing Intensification
Technical Report, have been separated into
their own density category for the assessment
of the Five Scenarios. This reflects the
unique form of intensification, where they
are typically located in low-density unit types
but are assigned a high-density people per
unit assumption. Their low-density context
yet high-density residency makes them
sufficiently different for the purpose of the
analysis. The assumption for the absolute
number of secondary units in the region does
not vary by scenario, though the proportion
of these units does fluctuate due to the
varying rates of other unit types.
Final outputs for each scenario varies in terms
of housing mix by type (region wide and within
the BUA and DGA), achievement of the Growth
Plan intensification target, assumed DGA density,
and the resulting land need to accommodate
forecast growth to 2051. Once these outputs
were obtained, an assessment was undertaken of
each scenario.
Figure 3-2-1: Key Variables in the Land Needs
Assessment are interrelated
11 March 2022
Figure 3-2-2: Alternative Scenarios development and assessment flow chart
12 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
3.3 Community Area Land Need Scenario Assessment Framework
To provide Regional Council, stakeholders
and members of the public with additional
information and context, each scenario was
measured against an assessment framework.
The Assessment Framework was developed by
considering the key theme areas of Conformity
with the Growth Plan, Regional Priorities, Future
Forward Planning, and Regional Official Plan
and Envision Durham Planning Objectives, all
of which inform how growth in Durham should
occur over the next 30 years. A review of existing
policies and strategies under each theme was
conducted, which resulted in the following
principles and questions that were uses to
measure and compare the scenarios:
Principle 1:Achieving Targets
1. Does the scenario achieve the minimum
targets of the Growth Plan, before advancing
additional settlement area boundary
expansion?
Principle 2:Housing Market Choice
1. Does the scenario provide for the
development of a fulsome range of housing
types?
2. How does the scenario respond to market
demand?
Principle 3:Setting up Strategic Growth Areas for Success
1. Does the scenario support the ability of
SGAs, including Urban Growth Centres,
MTSAs, Regional Centres, and Regional
Corridors, to achieve their planned function
as higher density, mixed-use, and transit
supportive urban communities?
Principle 4:Protecting Agricultural and Rural Systems, preparing for Climate Change and Achieving Sustainable Development
1. To what extent would the scenario negatively
impact existing agricultural and rural areas?
2. Does the scenario provide efficient and
sustainable development patterns, including
transit-oriented development?
3. Does the scenario respond to the Region’s
Climate Change Emergency declaration?
13 March 2022
Principle 5:Competitive Economic and EmploymentConditions
1. To what extent does the scenario capitalize
on the Region’s economic and sector
strengths, including providing for appropriate
Employment Area land to ensure Durham
remains economically attractive and
competitive over the long term?
The outcomes/implications from each
scenario were then compared and ranked.
The rankings, with the exception of Principle
1, were predominantly based on a qualitative
assessment, recognizing the overlapping and
subjective nature of the principles. Principle 1
is a quantitative assessment based on the 50%
Intensification Rate, and minimum MTSA and
UGC people and jobs per hectare densities
required by the Growth Plan. The Scenario
outcomes and assessment summaries are
contained in the following section.
14 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
3.4 Community Area Land Need Scenario Outcomes
Emphasis on low-density housing,not meeting the minimum Growth Plan intensification target 1.
Scenario 1 implements the housing mix established in the Greater Golden Horseshoe: Growth
Forecasts to 2051 Technical Report, August 26, 2020 (Growth Plan Technical Report). The housing mix
is based on a continuation of historical propensity trends for Durham Region to 2051. This Scenario
explores the implications of a low-density focused growth scenario on the regional urban structure.
The high proportion (56%) of low density units has implications on all metrics, resulting in an
intensification rate of 35%, which is lower than the Growth Plan minimum requirement of 50%. Given
the low percentage of high-density units, this Scenario locates virtually all of the forecast high-density
housing mix within the Built-up Area to best support the Strategic Growth Areas. The DGA Density
meets the Growth Plan target but is lowest of all scenarios. The resultant land need is the greatest of
all of the five scenarios.
4,800
29,400
35,500
4,100
‘0,000 units
110,700
18,220
5,480
460
‘0,000 units
50
Secondary UnitsOutcomes
35%
Low Density Medium Density High Density
Intensification Rate
New Community AreaLand Need (Hectares)
DGA Density (PJH)
DGA New Unit Mix
Durham Total Unit Mix 2051 (Existing + New)
DGA New Units
Durham Total Units 2051 (Existing + New)
BUA New Unit Mix BUA New Units
40%
6% 7%
48%
82%
14%
Durham Total New Unit Mix
18%
4% 1%
40
0
0
8 12
1
10
2
20
3
30
4
‘0,000 units
297,600
78,600
85,200 5,400
56% 23%
19%
63%19%
2%
The intensification rate is 35%. The BUA unit mix is 7% low-density, 40% medium-density, 48% high-
density, and 6% secondary units. The BUA unit amounts are 4,800 low-density, 29,400 medium-density,
35,500 high-density, and 4,100 secondary units. The DGA density is 50 people and jobs per hectare.
The DGA unit mix is 82% low-density, 14% medium-density, 4% high-density, and 1% secondary units.
The DGA unit amounts are 110,700 low-density, 18,220 medium-density, 5,480 high density, and 460
secondary units. The total new unit mix is 56% low-density, 23% medium-density, 19% high-density,
and 2% secondary units. The total new community area land need is 5,400 hectares.
15 March 2022
Scenario 1 Assessment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Achieving Targets
Does the scenario achieve the minimum targets of the
Growth Plan, before advancing additional settlement area
boundary expansion?
Housing Market Choice
Does the scenario provide for the development of a ful-
some range of housing types?
How does the scenario respond to market demand?
Setting-up SGAs for success
Does the scenario support the ability of SGAs, including
Urban Growth Centres, MTSAs, Regional Centres, and
Regional Corridors, to achieve their planned function as
higher density, mixed-use, and transit supportive urban
communities?
Protecting Agricultural and Rural Systems, preparing for Climate Change and Achieving Sustainable Development
To what extent would the scenario negatively impact exist-
ing agricultural and rural areas?
Does the scenario provide efficient and sustainable devel-
opment patterns, including transit-oriented development?
Does the scenario respond to the Region’s Climate
Change Emergency declaration?
Competitive Economic andEmployment Conditions
To what extent does the scenario capitalize on the Region’s
economic and sector strengths, including providing for
appropriate Employment Area land to ensure Durham
remains economically attractive and competitive over the
long term?
• 50% intensification target not met.
• Minimum greenfield density of 50 p&j/
ha met but is below the Category 1
density (currently approved).
• MTSA and UGC minimum densities
difficult to meet
• Implementing the Growth Plan Technical
Report forecasts results in an increased
share of low-density housing types than are
reported in the active development pipeline
• Assumes future housing unit mix would be a
flat line projection of historical patterns (based
on 2016).
• Limited high-density options in DGA.
• Housing forms are generally
ground-oriented, leading to lowest
intensification densities within the BUA.
• Lowest level density development
potential within the SGAs, challenging
their potential as mixed-use, transit
supportive urban communities.
• Requires the most new land, consuming
existing rural and agricultural land.
• Predominance of low-density form
makes transit oriented redevelopment
difficult and increases car-dependency
• Supply of low-density units encourages
new families to move to Durham.
• Low-density form leads to increasing
traffic congestion long-term.
• Car-dependent urban form is less
physically and economically accessible.
• Low-density form, spread over a larger
settlement area and related infrastructure
is more costly to maintain in the long-
term.
Key Considerations
• Highest proportion of low-density housing forms across all policy areas.
• Strategic Growth Areas planned to achieve lowest level of density
• Development of urban structure as a compact, transit oriented places least supported.
• Highest relative land need of the Five Scenarios.
16 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
2. Primarily low-density housing,with increased share of medium and high-density housing
Scenario 2 represents a Region-wide housing mix forecast that continues to prioritize low- and medium-
density housing, while achieving a higher intensification rate and providing a wider range of market options
in the DGA than Scenario 1.
Based on supply opportunities within the BUA, as well as the housing demand by type, Scenario 2 can
reasonably achieve an intensification target of 45% between 2022 and 2051.
Overall, there are fewer units being allocated into the DGA in Scenario 2, since an increased intensification
target results in more units being provided in the BUA than in Scenario 1. These additional units are
directed towards the Strategic Growth Areas (SGAs). The DGA is higher (55PJH) given the shift in the unit
mix. In total, 2600 ha of new Community Area Land is needed to accommodate the forecast to 2051.
Intensification Rate
DGA Units
45% 31%
6% 5%
57%
66% 22%
11% 1%
39%
26%
32%
3%
4,900
5,870
30,200
55,000
76,600
660
25,300
13,200
DGA New Unit Mix
BUA New Unit Mix BUA New Units
Durham Total New Unit Mix
20
0
4 6 8
2 4 6
‘0,000 units
‘0,000 units
Durham Total Units 2051 Durham Total Unit Mix DGA Density (Existing + New) 2051 (Existing + New) (PJH) 55
0 10 20 30
259,000
96,100
113,000
‘0,000 units
New Community AreaLand Need (Hectares) 2,600
Low Density Medium Density High Density Secondary Units
55%21%
24%
Outcomes
The intensification rate is 45%. The BUA unit mix is 5% low-density, 31% medium-density, 57% high-
density, and 6% secondary units. The BUA unit amounts are 4,900 low-density, 30,200 medium-density,
55,000 high-density, and 5,870 secondary units. The DGA density is 55 people and jobs per hectare.
The DGA unit mix is 66% low-density, 22% medium-density, 11% high-density, and 1% secondary
units. The DGA unit amounts are 76,600 low-density, 25,300 medium-density, 13,200 high density,
and 660 secondary units. The total new unit mix is 39% low-density, 26% medium-density, 32% high-
density, and 3% secondary units. The total new community area land need is 2,600 hectares.
17 March 2022
Scenario 2 Assessment
1. Achieving Targets
Does the scenario achieve the minimum targets of the
Growth Plan, before advancing additional settlement area
boundary expansion?
2. Housing Market Choice
Does the scenario provide for the development of a ful-
some range of housing types?
How does the scenario respond to market demand?
3. Setting-up SGAs for success
Does the scenario support the ability of SGAs, including
Urban Growth Centres, MTSAs, Regional Centres, and
Regional Corridors, to achieve their planned function as
higher density, mixed-use, and transit supportive urban
communities?
Protecting Agricultural and Rural 4. Systems, preparing for Climate Change and Achieving Sustainable Development
To what extent would the scenario negatively impact exist-
ing agricultural and rural areas?
Does the scenario provide efficient and sustainable devel-
opment patterns, including transit-oriented development?
Does the scenario respond to the Region’s Climate
Change Emergency declaration?
Competitive Economic and5. Employment Conditions
To what extent does the scenario capitalize on the Region’s
economic and sector strengths, including providing for
appropriate Employment Area land to ensure Durham
remains economically attractive and competitive over the
long term?
Key Considerations
• Shift towards market-based supply and higher density in DGA
• 50% intensification target not met.
• Minimum greenfield density of 50 p&j/
ha met
• MTSA and UGC minimum densities can
be met.
• The scenario provides a range of
housing types and options in the BUA
and a range of low- and medium-
density housing options in the DGA,
though likely provides less density in
the DGA than there is demand, based
on active development applications.
• Densities within Regional Centres are
elevated to transit-supportive levels,
but densities along Regional Corridors
generally do not meet the same
threshold.
• Requires the second highest amount of
new land, consuming existing rural and
agricultural land.
• Lower density form unlikely to support
viable transit options outside of MTSAs
and UGCs
• Shift to medium density undermines
transit supportive densities along Re-
gional Corridors.
• Supply of low-density units encourages
new families to move to Durham.
• Shift to higher-density forms in BUA
enables Regional Centres to emerge as
economic centres.
• MTSAs are supported as growth centres,
offering mobility choice and competitive
advantage to new employment and
residential uses
• Regional Centres supported for growth although Regional Corridors growth potential is not
optimized
• High relative new land need compared to Scenarios 3, 4 and 5
18 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
3. Shifting the unit mix
and adding low density intensification to BUA and SGAs toachieve the minimum Growth Plan intensification target
This scenario meets the Growth Plan minimum intensification rate of 50%, but uses a high proportion of
low-and medium-density housing forms in the unit mix. Low- and medium-density housing forms require
large amounts of land compared to apartments and condominiums.
Meeting the 50% intensification figure with low- and medium-density housing forms required large
areas within SGAs, including Regional Centres and Corridors, be planned for ground related housing. In
addition, significant amounts of low density intensification within community areas is required, including
within existing stable neighbourhoods. A higher DGA density is achieved, resulting in a lower Community
Land Area need than the previous scenarios.
Intensification Rate BUA New Unit Mix BUA New Units
50%
6% 9%
34%52%
9,300
36,500
55,100
5,870
0 2 4 6 ‘0,000 units
Durham Total New Unit Mix DGA New Unit Mix DGA Units
3% 1%
58%26%
15% 60,800
660
27,500
16,300
34%
30%
33%
New Community AreaLand Need (Hectares)
DGA Density (PJH) 57
247,000
104,900
116,500 1,500 53% 22%
25%
20
0
4 6 8
5 10 15 20 25
‘0,000 units
‘0,000 units
Durham Total Unit Mix 2051 (Existing + New) Durham Total Units 2051 (Existing + New)
Low Density High Density Secondary UnitsMedium Density
Outcomes
The intensification rate is 50%. The BUA unit mix is 6% low-density, 34% medium-density, 52% high-
density, and 6% secondary units. The BUA unit amounts are 9,300 low-density, 36,500 medium-density,
55,100 high-density, and 5,870 secondary units. The DGA density is 57 people and jobs per hectare.
The DGA unit mix is 58% low-density, 26% medium-density, 15% high-density, and 1% secondary
units. The DGA unit amounts are 60,800 low-density, 27,500 medium-density, 16,300 high density,
and 660 secondary units. The total new unit mix is 34% low-density, 30% medium-density, 33% high-
density, and 3% secondary units. The total new community area land need is 1,500 hectares.
19 March 2022
Scenario 3 Assessment
1. Achieving Targets
Does the scenario achieve the minimum targets of the
Growth Plan, before advancing additional settlement area
boundary expansion?
2. Housing Market Choice
Does the scenario provide for the development of a ful-
some range of housing types?
How does the scenario respond to market demand?
3. Setting-up SGAs for success
Does the scenario support the ability of SGAs, including
Urban Growth Centres, MTSAs, Regional Centres, and
Regional Corridors, to achieve their planned function as
higher density, mixed-use, and transit supportive urban
communities?
Protecting Agricultural and Rural 4. Systems, preparing for Climate Change and Achieving Sustainable Development
To what extent would the scenario negatively impact exist-
ing agricultural and rural areas?
Does the scenario provide efficient and sustainable devel-
opment patterns, including transit-oriented development?
Does the scenario respond to the Region’s Climate
Change Emergency declaration?
Competitive Economic and5. Employment Conditions
To what extent does the scenario capitalize on the Region’s
economic and sector strengths, including providing for
appropriate Employment Area land to ensure Durham
remains economically attractive and competitive over the
long term?
Key Considerations
• 50% intensification target met.
• Minimum greenfield density of 50 p&j/
ha met.
• MTSA and UGC minimum densities can
be met
• The scenario provides a range of housing
types and options in both the BUA and
DGA.
• Higher levels of low and medium density
provided in the BUA are accommodated
by growth in stable neighbourhoods and
lower densities in SGAs.
• Highest levels of low-and medium-
density housing forms in BUA
undermines SGA planned function and
transit supportive objectives.
• Requires additional land, consuming
existing rural and agricultural land.
• Focus on low- and medium-density
within BUA limits transit supportive
development opportunities. Return on
public transit investments undermined.
• Supply of low-density units encourages
new families to move to Durham.
• Focus on low-and medium-density
forms within BUA limits long-term
viability of SGAs due to limited
population growth.
• Scenario achieves intensification target using a balanced mix of housing forms
• Use of low- and medium-density housing forms in BUA and SGAs undermines transit oriented development
objectives and regional urban structure by placing a high share of grade-related housing forms in SGAs
• Low- and medium-density housing units in Regional Centres unlikely to align with market conditions
• Assumes highest level of lot splitting/ intensification within Community Area lands including existing
mature and stable neighbourhoods
20 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
4. Balancing the unit mix
with an emphasis on high and medium-density housing, whileachieving the minimum 50% intensification target
Scenario 4 builds from the approach of the Technical Reports with a preference for high-density housing
forms in the BUA, but is adjusted to increase the proportion of low- and medium-density forms in response
to public and stakeholder comments.
This mix is intended to reflect the rapidly growing population of Durham while preserving its capacity to
house new and growing families with a range of housing types and affordable housing options compared
to other Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) regions.
This Scenario achieves a focus on high-density units in Strategic Growth Areas (SGAs) with additional
low- and medium-density housing forms along Regional Corridors. The higher DGA density of 60 PJH is
achieved with approximately 50% low-density housing units. This scenario results in a lower Community
Area land need than the three previous scenarios.
Intensification Rate BUA New Unit Mix BUA New Units
50%
6% 5%
29% 61%
5,100
31,000
64,800
5,870
0 2 4 6 8 ‘0,000 units
Durham Total New Unit Mix DGA New Unit Mix DGA Units
3% 1%
51%
27%
21% 53,500
660
28,800
22,600
28%
28%
41%
20 4 6 ‘0,000 units
Durham Total Units 2051 Durham Total Unit Mix DGA Density (Existing + New) 2051 (Existing + New) (PJH) 60
234,900
50%
21%
28% New Community Area 100,500 Land Need (Hectares) 133,000 9500 5 10 15 20 25 ‘0,000 units
Low Density Medium Density High Density Secondary UnitsOutcomes
The intensification rate is 50%. The BUA unit mix is 5% low-density, 29% medium-density, 61% high-
density, and 6% secondary units. The BUA unit amounts are 5,100 low-density, 31,000 medium-density,
64,800 high-density, and 5,870 secondary units. The DGA density is 60 people and jobs per hectare.
The DGA unit mix is 51% low-density, 27% medium-density, 21% high-density, and 1% secondary
units. The DGA unit amounts are 53,500 low-density, 28,800 medium-density, 22,600 high density,
and 660 secondary units. The total new unit mix is 28% low-density, 28% medium-density, 41% high-
density, and 3% secondary units. The total new community area land need is 950 hectares.
21 March 2022
Scenario 4 Assessment
1. Achieving Targets
Does the scenario achieve the minimum targets of the
Growth Plan, before advancing additional settlement area
boundary expansion?
2. Housing Market Choice
Does the scenario provide for the development of a ful-
some range of housing types?
How does the scenario respond to market demand?
3. Setting-up SGAs for success
Does the scenario support the ability of SGAs, including
Urban Growth Centres, MTSAs, Regional Centres, and
Regional Corridors, to achieve their planned function as
higher density, mixed-use, and transit supportive urban
communities?
Protecting Agricultural and Rural 4. Systems, preparing for Climate Change and Achieving Sustainable Development
To what extent would the scenario negatively impact exist-
ing agricultural and rural areas?
Does the scenario provide efficient and sustainable devel-
opment patterns, including transit-oriented development?
Does the scenario respond to the Region’s Climate
Change Emergency declaration?
Competitive Economic and5. Employment Conditions
To what extent does the scenario capitalize on the Region’s
economic and sector strengths, including providing for
appropriate Employment Area land to ensure Durham
remains economically attractive and competitive over the
long term?
Key Considerations
• 50% intensification target met.
• Minimum greenfield density of 50 p&j/
ha met.
• MTSA and UGC minimum densities can
be met
• Shift to housing form and choice
creates balance between low, medium
and high density, providing housing
choice for a broad and changing
demographic.
• Focus on higher-density forms supports
the growth of the SGAs
• Proportion of medium density units in
the SGAs does not optimize the growth
potential in transit supportive areas
• Requires additional land, consuming
existing rural and agricultural land.
• Preference for compact housing forms
supports transit oriented communities.
• Compact form can align with efficient
building design and travel modes,
reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Supply of low- and medium-density
forms in BUA attracts new families.
• Supply of high-density units in DGA
supports new planned Centres.
• Higher-density focus in BUA supports
planned urban structure.
• Transit oriented development limits
future traffic congestion.
• Scenario achieves intensification target using a balanced mix of housing forms in the DGA and a
higher proportion of high-density housing forms in the BUA
• Supports compact, transit oriented communities and regional urban structure
• Moderate additional Community Area land required
22 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
and intensification beyond minimum Growth Plan targets
Emphasis on higher densities5.
Scenario 5 tests the growth pattern required to exceed the minimum intensification target (55%) and
require no new Community Land to accommodate the 2051 growth forecast. The Region-wide unit mix
is established by meeting these requirements. The Built-up Area (BUA) is forecast to contain the highest
amount of high-density housing units, and the DGA housing forecast results in a mix which is more oriented
towards high-density units than reported in active development applications.
The resultant output is a DGA unit mix which provides the lowest proportion of low-density and greatest
proportion of high-density units - a significant shift from past and recent development trends. The DGA
density of 64 pjh is the highest overall DGA density by 2051 and results in a no expansion scenario.
Intensification Rate BUA New Unit Mix BUA New Units
5% 4%
DGA Units
27% 63%
5,200
5,870
32,000
74,300
38%
35%
27%
1%
36,000
660
33,100
25,500
20%
31%
47%
3%
55%
Low Density Medium Density High Density Secondary Units
New Community AreaLand Need (Hectares)
DGA Density (PJH) 64
216,700
106,500
145,700 0 46%
23%
31%
DGA New Unit MixDurham Total New Unit Mix
10
0
2 3 4
2 4 6 8
‘0,000 units
‘0,000 units
‘0,000 units
0 5 10 15 20 25
Durham Total Unit Mix 2051 (Existing + New) Durham Total Units 2051 (Existing + New)
Outcomes
The intensification rate is 55%. The BUA unit mix is 5% low-density, 27% medium-density, 63% high-
density, and 5% secondary units. The BUA unit amounts are 5,200 low-density, 32,000 medium-density,
74,300 high-density, and 5,870 secondary units. The DGA density is 64 people and jobs per hectare.
The DGA unit mix is 38% low-density, 35% medium-density, 27% high-density, and 1% secondary units.
The DGA unit amounts are 36,000 low-density, 33,100 medium-density, 25,500 high density, and 660
secondary units. The total new unit mix is 20% low-density, 31% medium-density, 47% high-density,
and 3% secondary units. No additional Community Area land is required.
23 March 2022
Scenario 5 Assessment
1. Achieving Targets
Does the scenario achieve the minimum targets of the
Growth Plan, before advancing additional settlement area
boundary expansion?
2. Housing Market Choice
Does the scenario provide for the development of a ful-
some range of housing types?
How does the scenario respond to market demand?
3. Setting-up SGAs for success
Does the scenario support the ability of SGAs, including
Urban Growth Centres, MTSAs, Regional Centres, and
Regional Corridors, to achieve their planned function as
higher density, mixed-use, and transit supportive urban
communities?
Protecting Agricultural and Rural 4. Systems, preparing for Climate Change and Achieving Sustainable Development
To what extent would the scenario negatively impact exist-
ing agricultural and rural areas?
Does the scenario provide efficient and sustainable devel-
opment patterns, including transit-oriented development?
Does the scenario respond to the Region’s Climate
Change Emergency declaration?
Competitive Economic and5. Employment Conditions
To what extent does the scenario capitalize on the Region’s
economic and sector strengths, including providing for
appropriate Employment Area land to ensure Durham
remains economically attractive and competitive over the
long term?
Key Considerations
• 50% intensification target met.
• Minimum greenfield density of 50 p&j/
ha exceed.
• MTSA and UGC minimum densities can
be met
• Significant emphasis on high-density
forms across the Region results in a DGA
that potentially provides an oversupply
of apartment units compared to active
development applications.
• The highest level of intensification and
high density units within the BUA are not
likely to be absorbed even over the long
term
• Focus on higher-density forms
optimizes the planned growth of the
SGAs across the Region.
• Requires no new Community Area
expansion.
• Focus on compact housing forms sup-
ports transit oriented communities.
• Compact form can align with efficient
building design and travel modes,
reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Lack of market supply of low-and
medium-density units in DGA limits
growth of new families.
• Supply of high-density units in DGA
supports new planned centres, but may
not be absorbed by market demand
• Transit oriented development limits
future traffic congestion.
• Supports and optimizes regional urban structure and compact, transit oriented communities
• No additional Community Area land required
• Scenario exceeds intensification target as a result of focus on high-density housing forms in BUA
• Results in a DGA unit mix which is too oriented towards high-density housing forms and is not
representative of DGA market demand.
24 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
4. Range of Land Need
The five scenarios result in a range of Land
Need based on unit mix, DGA density and
intensification rates. As the intensification target
increases and the unit mix shifts more towards
high-density dwellings, the total Community Area
land need decreases. The range of land need
for both Community Areas and Employment
Areas is demonstrated in Figure 5-1 below. The
Figure below illustrates the Community Area
and Employment Land Need for each Scenario.
The resulting land need ranges from 1,171
ha (Scenario 5 + Revised Employment Area
Intensification Target) to 6,751 ha (Scenario
1 + Employment Strategy Technical Report).
At the scale of Land Need of Scenario 1, with
either employment scenario, there may not be
sufficient land in the whitebelt to accommodate
the forecast without putting lands that should be
protected under pressure.
Figure 4-1: Summary range of total regional new land need combining Community Area and Employment Land Need by Scenario
25 March 2022
5. Next Steps
The Region will be launching a public survey
to solicit feedback on the Scenario modelling
outcomes and assessment. The comment period
for this report and the survey will close on April
14th, 2022. The Project Team will review the
public feedback received and use this as input
along with the Scenario Assessment to prepare
a Recommended Land Need Scenario, including
both Community Area and Employment Area
land needs. A final recommendations package
will be presented to the Planning and Economic
Development Committee in May 2022. This
package will contain recommendations on the
Preferred Land Need Scenario, supporting
technical figures and tables and other
recommendations related to Phase 2 of the
Growth Management Study. This presentation
will represent the culmination of Phase One
of the Envision Durham: Growth Management
Study.
Following Regional Council’s decision, the
Growth Management Study will move into
Phase 2 to determine Local Area Allocations and
preferred locations for Settlement Area Boundary
Expansion(s), which will focus on determining
the share and form of growth attributed to the
Area Municipalities. Phase 2 will culminate with
a Regional Official Plan and demonstration of
Growth Plan conformity.
The next steps and project schedule is outlined
below:
• March 10 – scenario modelling outcomes
and assessment posted for public review.
Response survey opens – visit www.durham.
ca/envisiondurham
• March 24 – Virtual Public Information Centre
scheduled for 7pm. Notification of Public
Information Centre will be advertised via
local Newspapers, e-mailed to the Envision
Durham interested parties list, social media
channels and a public service announcement.
• April 14 – response survey closes.
• May 3 – Present the Preferred Land
Need Scenario to Planning and Economic
Development Committee.
26 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
Technical Appendix
Appendix A: Land Needs Calculation for Each Scenario
The following tables provide details on the land needs calculation for each Scenario. For additional details regarding the methodology, please refer to the Community Area Urban Land Needs Technical Report.
Figure A-1: Durham Region DGA Community Area Developable Land Supply
Land Area
Total DGA Community Area Supply (Net of Growth Plan Take-Outs)
(developable ha) A 6,142
Total Employment Area Conversions (Net of Growth Plan Take-Outs)
(developable ha) B 308
Total DGA Community Area Supply (Including Employment Area
Conversions), developable ha C = A + B 6,450
Vacant Land Contingency (gross ha) (1.5%)1 D = C * 1.5% 97
Total DGA Community Area Supply (Including Employment Area Conversions
and Land Contingency factor), developable ha E = C - D 6,353
Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2022.
1 Land Contingency factor accounts for Employment Area conversions that may not redevelop during the planning horizon, as w ell as other DGA Community
Area w hich may not develop by 2051.
27 March 2022
Figure A-2: Scenario 1 – DGA Community Area Land Need Calculation, 2051
Land Area
(ha)
People
and Jobs
People and Jobs Per
Developable ha
Total Existing DGA 6,353
Developed 1,496 71,950 48
Category 11 2,490 155,630 63
Category 22 2,367 108,900 46
Forecast, 2019 to 2051 10,244 512,320
Total DGA at 2051 11,740 584,270 50
Expansion Requirement 5,387 247,790 46
Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2022.
1 Category 1 - Approved (registered but unbuilt or in the process of being built out), Draft
Approved and Applications Under Review . The Category 1 density of 63 people and jobs per
hectare is upw ardly affected by a density of 83 w ithin the Seaton Community Area.
2 Category 2 - Remaining Vacant DGA Lands: includes all lands outside of Category 1 that
could become available for Community Area development.
28 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
Figure A-3: Scenario 2 – DGA Community Area Land Need Calculation, 2051
Land Area
(ha)
People
and Jobs
People and Jobs Per
Developable ha
Total Existing DGA 6,353
Developed 1,496 71,950 48
Category 11 2,490 155,630 63
Category 22 2,367 127,840 54
Forecast, 2019 to 2051 7,471 424,610
Total DGA at 2051 8,967 496,560 55
Expansion Requirement 2,614 141,140 54
Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2022.
1 Category 1 - Approved (registered but unbuilt or in the process of being built out), Draft
Approved and Applications Under Review . The Category 1 density of 63 people and jobs per
hectare is upw ardly affected by a density of 83 w ithin the Seaton Community Area.
2 Category 2 - Remaining Vacant DGA Lands: includes all lands outside of Category 1 that
could become available for Community Area development.
29 March 2022
Figure A-4: Scenario 3 – DGA Community Area Land Need Calculation, 2051
Land Area
(ha)
People
and Jobs
People and Jobs Per
Developable ha
Total Existing DGA 6,353
Developed 1,496 71,950 48
Category 11 2,490 155,630 63
Category 22 2,367 136,600 58
Forecast, 2019 to 2051 6,362 379,070
Total DGA at 2051 7,858 451,020 57
Expansion Requirement 1,505 86,840 58
Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2022.
1 Category 1 - Approved (registered but unbuilt or in the process of being built out), Draft
Approved and Applications Under Review . The Category 1 density of 63 people and jobs per
hectare is upw ardly affected by a density of 83 w ithin the Seaton Community Area.
2 Category 2 - Remaining Vacant DGA Lands: includes all lands outside of Category 1 that
could become available for Community Area development.
30 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
Figure A-5: Scenario 4 – DGA Community Area Land Need Calculation, 2051
Land Area
(ha)
People
and Jobs
People and Jobs Per
Developable ha
Total Existing DGA 6,353
Developed 1,496 71,950 48
Category 11 2,490 155,630 63
Category 22 2,367 152,820 65
Forecast, 2019 to 2051 5,812 370,100
Total DGA at 2051 7,308 442,050 60
Expansion Requirement 955 61,650 65
Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2022.
1 Category 1 - Approved (registered but unbuilt or in the process of being built out), Draft
Approved and Applications Under Review . The Category 1 density of 63 people and jobs per
hectare is upw ardly affected by a density of 83 w ithin the Seaton Community Area.
2 Category 2 - Remaining Vacant DGA Lands: includes all lands outside of Category 1 that
could become available for Community Area development.
31 March 2022
Figure A-6: Scenario 5 – DGA Community Area Land Need Calculation, 2051
Land Area
(ha)
People
and Jobs
People and Jobs Per
Developable ha
Total Existing DGA 6,353
Developed 1,496 71,950 48
Category 11 2,490 155,630 63
Category 22 2,367 177,560 75
Forecast, 2019 to 2051 4,760 325,890
Total DGA at 2051 6,256 397,840 64
Expansion Requirement -97 -7,300 75
Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2022.
1 Category 1 - Approved (registered but unbuilt or in the process of being built out), Draft
Approved and Applications Under Review . The Category 1 density of 63 people and jobs per
hectare is upw ardly affected by a density of 83 w ithin the Seaton Community Area.
2 Category 2 - Remaining Vacant DGA Lands: includes all lands outside of Category 1 that
could become available for Community Area development.
32 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
Appendix B: Land Needs Calculation for Each Scenario
A housing propensity analysis by population age and housing structure type is a common approach used to assess future housing demand by structure type. This approach uses current Census data, in this case 2016 Statistics Canada Census data, as a starting point to derive housing propensity rates by structure type to the Durham Region population by age group. From this data, assumptions regarding shifting patterns in propensity are assumed for each growth scenario, to determine housing growth by structure type for each age group.
It is important to note that if propensities are flat-lined to derive future housing needs, this would result in an significant amount of low-density. It is not appropriate to flat-line propensity rates because there are a multitude of factors which influence them and their volatility, such as housing affordability and changing housing preferences (e.g. aging of the population which will put upward pressure on high-density units). The 2021 to 2051 housing forecast by age group (age of primary household maintainer) and housing type for all five residential growth scenarios is provided below.
Figure B-1: Scenario 1: Growth Plan Background Report – Total Housing Forecast by Propensity and Type, 2021 to 2051
Age
Grou
p
75+ 56,000
65-74
55-64
45-54
35-44
25-34
Under 25
19%
Low Density¹
35% 30% 35%
52%
66%
73%
65%
44%
12%
31%
28%
17%
17%
69%
16%
17%
6%
10%
18%
40%
0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000
17,500
2,000
41,300
42,500
34,600
25,700
Medium Density² High Density³
Total Housing Growth, 2021-2051
1 Low density represents singles and semi-detached.
2 Medium density includes townhouses (including back -to-back and stacked townhouses) and duplexes.
3 High density includes all apartments.
Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2022.
33 March 2022
Figure B-2: Scenario 2: Higher Proportion of Low-Density Housing – Not Meeting Intensification Target – Total Housing Forecast by Propensity
and Type, 2021 to 2051
Age
Grou
p
75+
65-74
55-64
45-54
35-44
25-34
-3%
Under 25
-10,000
Low Density¹ Medium Density² High Density³
Total Housing Growth, 2021-2051
1 Low density represents singles and semi-detached.
2 Medium density includes townhouses (including back -to-back and stacked townhouses) and duplexes.
3 High density includes all apartments.
Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2022.
11%
28%
51%
68%
48%
27%
13%
30%
32%
35%
22%
23%
18%
90%
59%
40%
14%
11%
28%
55%
0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000
56,000
17,500
2,000
41,300
42,500
34,600
25,700
34 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
Figure B-3: Scenario 3: Higher Proportion of Low-Density – Testing Impact of Meeting Intensification Target– Total Housing Forecast by
Propensity and Type, 2021 to 2051
Age
Grou
p
75+
65-74
55-64
45-54
35-44
25-34
-7%
Under 25
-10,000
Low Density¹ Medium Density² High Density³
Total Housing Growth, 2021-2051
1 Low density represents singles and semi-detached.
2 Medium density includes townhouses (including back -to-back and stacked townhouses) and duplexes.
3 High density includes all apartments.
Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2022.
4%
20%
45%
62%
43%
23%
16%
36%
37%
40%
26%
27%
20%
91%
60%
43%
15%
13%
30%
57%
0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000
56,000
17,500
2,000
41,300
42,500
34,600
25,700
35 March 2022
-
Figure B-4: Scenario 4: Modified Mix Meeting Targets – Total Housing Forecast by Propensity and Type, 2021 to 2051
Age
Grou
p
75+
65-74
55-64
45-54
35-44
25-34
Under 25
-9%
3%
17%
43%
53%
37%
16%
14%
34%
34%
38%
24%
25%
19%
94%
69%
48%
19%
23%
37%
66% 56,000
17,500
2,000
41,300
42,500
34,600
25,700
-10,000 0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000
Low Density¹ Medium Density² High Density³
Total Housing Growth, 2021-2051
1 Low density represents singles and semi-detached.
2 Medium density includes townhouses (including back -to-back and stacked townhouses) and duplexes.
3 High density includes all apartments.
Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2022.
36 Alternative Land Need Scenarios Assessment Summary
-
Figure B-5: Scenario 5: Exceeding Targets – No Additional Land Need – Focus on Higher-Density – Total Housing Forecast by Propensity and
Type, 2021 to 2051
75+
65-74
55-64
45-54
35-44
25-34
-13%
Under 25
-10,000
Low Density¹ Medium Density² High Density³
Total Housing Growth, 2021-2051
1 Low density represents singles and semi-detached.
2 Medium density includes townhouses (including back-to-back and stacked townhouses) and duplexes.
3 High density includes all apartments.
Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2022.
10%
6%
31%
48%
25%
11%
17%
38%
37%
41%
26%
28%
20%
97%
72%
57%
28%
26%
48%
68%
0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000
56,000
17,500
2,000
41,300
42,500
34,600
25,700
Age
Grou
p
37 March 2022