HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD 08-09
CiUI ()~
REPORT TO
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE
Report Number: 08-09
Date: January 5, 2009
1 64
From:
Neil Carroll
. Director, Planning & Development
Subject:
Growing the Greenbelt, August 2008 - Final Criteria
Prepared by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Recommendation:
That Report PO 08-09 of the Director, Planning & Development regarding the Final
Criteria for Growing the Greenbelt, August 2008, from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs
and Housing, be received for information.
Executive Summary: Growing the Greenbelt is a document outlining the final
criteria the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) will follow when
considering requests to expand the Greenbelt (see Growing the Greenbelt,
August 2008, Attachment #1). Requests to grow the Greenbelt may only be submitted
from upper- and single-tier municipalities. No deletions are permitted from the current
Greenbelt.
MMAH is not seeking comments on the final criteria. The purpose of this Report to the
Planning & Development Committee is to update Council on the final criteria, and on the
Province's response to the City's earlier comments on the draft criteria.
Several key comments from the City have been addressed in the final criteria including
requiring a resolution in support of any proposed expansion from the "host" local area
. municipality, and requiring landowner notification within a proposed expansion area. In
addition, any request to expand the Greenbelt must demonstrate that it supports the
goals, objectives and targets of both the Gre~nbelt Plan and the Provincial Growth Plan.
Financial Implications: None
Report PO 08-09
January 5, 2009
Subject: Growing the Greenbelt - Final Criteria
165
Page 2
Sustainability Implications: The Final Criteria for Growing the Greenbelt support
protecting environmentally sensitive and agricultural lands around the Greater Golden
Horseshoe. and is complementary to the sustainable objectives of a healthy
environment, society and economy. Further, municipal requests to expand the
Greenbelt that are complementary to approve municipal growth plan initiatives helps to
achieve the objective of responsible development.
1.0 Background:
1.1 The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) has developed criteria
to evaluate requests to add land to the Greenbelt.
In March 2008, MMAH consulted on draft criteria to be used to consider potential
municipal requests to grow the Greenbelt. Based on comments received and in
partnership with other ministries, MMAH has developed the final criteria. Only
regional, county and single-tier municipalities may request the Minister to consider
an expansion to the Greenbelt. A copy of the booklet outlining the final criteria is
provided as Attachment #1 to this Report.
The criteria for growing the Greenbelt do not replace the 10-year review or limit the
ability of the Minister of MAH to propose any other amendments to the Plan. The
first review is to take place by 2015.
1.2 Pickering Council endorsed the recommendations of Report PO 17-08 on the
draft criteria for Growing the Greenbelt.
In April 2008, City Council commented to MMAH on the "draft" criteria for
considering expansions to the Greenbelt. The text of Report PO 17-08 on Growing
the Greenbelt - Consultation 2008, and Council's resolution on the matter are
provided as Attachments #2 and #3 to this Report.
The draft criteria were grouped under six headings, as follows:
. Municipal Request
· Additions to the Greenbelt
· Embraces the Greenbelt Purpose
· Connections to Greenbelt Systems
· Complements the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe
· Timing and Relationship to other Provincial Initiatives
In general, the City's comments were supportive of the draft criteria. The main
comments contained in staff's previous Report to Council, and the Province's
response is discussed in the next section of this Report.
Report PO 08-09
January 5, 2009
Subject: Growing the Greenbelt - Final Criteria
Page 3
166
2.0 Discussion
2.1 The final criteria are a "fine-tuning" of the draft criteria.
The final criteria are grouped under the same six headings as in the draft.
Relatively few but important changes have been made. Explanatory text has been
added under each topic. In general, staff supports the final criteria.
Appendix I to this Report is a table providing more detail on the draft criteria, staff's
comment on the draft criteria, the final criteria and staff's comment on them.
2.2 The City's comments on engaging the area municipality, public and
landowners in a proposed Greenbelt expansion area, and on complementing
Growth Plan conformity have been addressed.
The revised criteria address the City's request to meaningfully engage local
municipalities including the public and affected landowners in the proposed
expansion area. A resolution in support of the proposed expansion is explicitly
required from the local area municipality within which. the expansion area is
located. Also, landowners within the proposed expansion area must be notified.
The revised criteria are stronger with respect to ensuring Greenbelt expansions do
not undermine Growth Plan conformity. The criteria require that the proposed
expansion supports the goals, objectives and targets of both the Greenbelt Plan
and the Growth Plan. Further, the request must demonstrate that the proposed
expansion area will not undermine provincial interests, or the planning and
implementation of complementary provincial initiatives (e.g., Drinking Water
Source Protection Plans, Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan, etc.).
Although the explanatory information with the final criteria provides more
discussion on the importance of the agricultural system in the Greenbelt, there is
no commitment from the Province to take a stronger role in spearheading
agricultural marketing and best management practices. This stronger role for the
Province was advocated by the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Agricultural Action
Plan in partnership with the GT A Agricultural Action Committee.
An expansion to the Greenbelt must demonstrate that it is based on the Provincial-
scale natural heritage and agricultural evaluations prepared for the Greenbelt Plan.
Staff requested copies of this background work to understand the current
boundaries in the Pickering. area, as well as any potential request for expansion.
The information would be useful for various other land use planning activities.
Staff had requested copies of the background work but to date, it has not been
provided. Staff continues to try and obtain this information from the Province.
Report PD 08-09
January 5, 2009
Subject: Growing the Greenbelt - Final Criteria
I I -i 67
Page 4
Appendix:
Table summarizing the Provincial Draft and Final Criteria for Growing the
Greenbelt, and staff's comments on both the Draft and Final Criteria.
Attachments:
1. Growing the Greenbelt, August 2008 -- Final Criteria Booklet.
2. Text of Report to Council PD 17-08 dated April 21,2008.
3. Council Resolution #81-08 on Report PD 17-08.
Prepared By:
Approved/Endorsed By:
Ne~
Director, Planning & Development
)~k 1t,qp1\
Deepak Bhatt, MCIP, RPP
Planner II - Policy
Catherine Rose, MCIP,
Manager of Policy
DB: cs
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering' nc'
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Ontarians have come to value the Greenbelt since it was created in February 2005. It protects 1.8 million
acres of environmentally sensitive and agricultur.alland around the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Growing
the Greenbelt can do even more to improve Ontarians' quality of life.
In March and April 2008, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing consulted on draft criteria to be
used to consider potential municipal requests to grow the Greenbelt. Based on this advice, the Ontario
government has put in place criteria to assess requests from regional, county and single-tier governments
to expand the Greenbelt.
This booklet provides some background information about the Greenbelt and outlines the criteria and
process that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in consultation with partner ministries, will
use to consider municipal requests to expand the existing Greenbelt.
ITHE GREENBELT ACT AND PLAN
The Greenbelt Plan and Greenbelt boundary were established under the Greenbelt Act, 2005. The act
allows only the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to propose amendments to the plan. Only the
Lieutenant Governor on the recommendation of Cabinet can approve such amendments.
Growing the Greenbelt August 2008
-
Decisions on planning applications must conform with
the Greenbelt Plan. Municipalities are also required to
bring their planning documents (e.g. official plans)
intoconformity with the plan.
The act requires a comprehensive policy review
of the Greenbelt Plan every 10 years. The review
must be co-ordinated with the reviews of the Oak
Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Niagara
Escarpment Plan. The first 10-year review is to take
place by 2015.
What is the Greenbelt?
AllACHMENT · ~15'L-
REPOR11I PI 11-n -
172
The act also required the government to create the
Greenbelt Council, an advisory body to the Minister
on Greenbelt matters. The Greenbelt Council provides
advice to the Minister on both the 10-year review
and any proposed amendments to the plan.
The criteria for growing the Greenbelt do not replace
the 10-year review or limit the ability of the Minister
of Municipal Affairs and Housing to propose any
other amendments to the plan. Amendments to the
plan would follow the process outlined in the act.
Ontario's Greenbelt is an area of permanently protected green space, farmland, communities, forests,
wetlands and watersheds. The Greenbelt protects environmentally sensitive land and farmland in Ontario's
Greater Golden Horseshoe area from urban development. .
In addition to providing agricultural and environmental protection, the Greenbelt contains important natural
resources and supports a wide range of recreational, tourism and cultural opportunities.
The Greenbelt includes the Oak Ridges Moraine, the Niagara Escarpment and land that is known as
"Protected Countryside" that lies at the heart of the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
The Greenbelt is a cornerstone of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Ontario's over-arching
strategy for managing growth for the area. The Greenbelt Plan identifies where major urban growth cannot
take place. The Growth Plan focuses growth where it makes sense to revitalize our urban areas, away from
environmentally sensitive and prime agricultural areas.
Growing the Greenbelt August 2008
1 73
IPROCESS
This booklet outlines the Province's approach to con-
sider requests from regional, county and single-tier
municipalities that want to grow the Greenbelt. The
process provides an opportunity for municipalities to
identify areas that would become protected country-
side by including them in the Greenbelt. The Ministry of
Municipal Affairs and Housing, in partnership with other
ministries, has developed criteria that will be used to
evaluate such municipal requests to grow the Greenbelt.
In preparing a submission to grow the Greenbelt,
municipalities need to demonstrate how they have
addressed each of the criteria. They are encouraged
to build on existing municipal resources and data
such as official plan mapping. A request should include
a detailed proposal and supporting information such
as maps and reports. Municipalities considering pro-
posing an expansion should initiate early discussions
with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
before making a formal submission.
Staff from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and
Housing, and from partner ministries (Ministries
of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Natural
Resources; Energy and Infrastructure; Transportation;
Environment; Tourism; Culture; Health Promotion;
Aboriginal Affairs; Economic Development and
Trade and Northern Development and Mines), are
available to meet with municipalities to discuss their
proposed submission to grow the Greenbelt.
Discussions may help to clarify existing Greenbelt
policies and how those policies may apply to the
proposed expansion area. Discussions could also
include determining data and information needs,
forms of engagement and possible refinements to
the proposal that may be needed to demonstrate
that the municipality has addressed the criteria.
Growing the Greenbelt August 2008
Upon receiving a formal submission, the Ministry
of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with technical
support from partner ministries, will review the
submission to determine how the municipality has
addressed all of the criteria. Based on this review,
t,he Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing may
initiate the process to amend the Greenbelt Plan.
Under the Greenbelt Act, 2005, the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing is required to consult
with affected public bodies including the Greenbelt
Council, affected municipalities and the public on
a proposed amendment before recommending it
to Cabinet for approval. The Ministry of Municipal
Affairs and Housing may use a variety of ways to
consult with key stakeholders and engage with
Aboriginal communities on a proposed amendment to
the Greenbelt Plan. This may include public meetings,
one-on-one meetings, workshops or open house
sessions. Information about a proposed amendment
would be posted on the Environmental Bill of Rights
Registry. Only the Lieutenant Governor, on the recom-
mendation of Cabinet, can approve an amendment
to the Greenbelt Plan.
IPRINCIPLES
The criteria and the process to consider requests to grow
the Greenbelt are based on the following principles:
· Reductions or deletions to the Greenbelt area will
not be considered.
· land in the Greenbelt will not be swapped or
traded for land outside of the Greenbelt.
· Current Greenbelt Plan policies continue to apply
and will not be changed.
· The mandated 1 O-year Greenbelt Plan review is
not replaced. The plan's policies and mapping will
be subject to a comprehensive review by 2015.
· The ability of the Minister to propose other
amendments is not affected.
· The legislated Greenbelt Plan amendment process
remains unchanged. Only the Minister of Municipal
Affairs and Housing can propose amendments,
and only the Lieutenant Governor, on the recom-
mendation of Cabinet, can approve amendments.
-
Al1ACHMEN.l.'f_. L'in-
REPORl # PI ~_ -0 _
1 :7 4
IEXPANSION CRITERIA
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing will
consider municipal requests to grow the Greenbelt
that address the following six criteria. The ultimate
discretion rests with the Minister of Municipal Affairs
and Housing as to whether an expansion proposal
addresses the criteria.
1. Municipal Request
The request is from a regional, county or
single-tier municipal government and is
supported b.lI a council resolution.
In a reHion or county, the lower-tier host
municipality (or municipalities) in the
proposed expansion area supports the
request through a council resolution.
For regions and counties, a council resolution is needed
from the upper-tier council as well as the lower-tier
council of the host municipality (or municipalities)
where the proposed expansion to the Greenbelt would
be located. The submission should consider and build
on existing municipal data and resources such as
official plan mapping and policies. Municipalities
will need to provide documentation and supporting
rationale as to how they have addressed the criteria
and are encourDged to work together in preparing
a submission.
The municipality documenrs how it has
addressed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs
and Housing's expectation.. for:
· Engagement with the public, key stake-
holders, and public lJOdies such as conser-
vation authorities, including notification
of affected landoHlllers.
· Engagement lvith Aboriginal communities.
Growing the Greenbelt August 2008
175
Council will need to demonstrate what measures it
has taken to engage the public, affected landowners,
key stakeholder organizations and public bodies
about growing the Greenbelt in its municipality.
Considerations for engagement should build on the
consultation process municipalities use for a compre-
hensive official plan amendment such as the five-year
review of a municipal official plan.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
expects that engagement will occur early in the
process and will include notifying all affected
landowners, adjacent municipalities and the public.
Engagement would also include notifying and work-
ing with public bodies such as local conservation
authorities, the Niagara Escarpment Commission and
key stakeholder organizations. Notification can be
achieved by mail and supported by ads in local
newspapers. Municipalities are encouraged to hold
public open house(s) or meeting(s) to allow council to
hear all viewpoints on the proposed expansion.
Council will also need to demonstrate how it has
engaged Aboriginal communities. Sharing information
Growing the Greenbelt August 2008
AI "I ACt LViEf'J
REPORl # F'
, I TO
--_._-_..~. -... f".
," 0 -(JCI
~.. ..h.....L...
upfront and early in the process should be part of the
municipality's regular business practices and can help
build co-operative relationships and mutual respect.
Initial considerations should include identifying
Aboriginal communities who may have Aboriginal
or treaty rights or other interests in the area under
consideration for Greenbelt expansion.
There are a number of ways that municipalities can
engage Aboriginal communities. Initial contact could
be made through personal mail delivery with follow-
up phone calls. Council should also work with
Aboriginal communities to determine appropriate
timing, methods and approaches for any proposed
meetings to explain and discuss the process for
growing the Greenbelt.
-
2. Additions to the Greenbelt
The request identi.fies a proposed expansion
area that is adjacent to the Greenbelt or
demonstrates a clear functional relation-
ship to lite Greenbelt area and how the
Greenbelt Plan policies ivill apply.
Proposed additions to the Greenbelt should be
connected to the existing Greenbelt area to add
Protected Countryside areas to the Greenbelt Plan.
However, lands that are not immediately adjacent to
the Greenbelt may also be considered for expansion
where it can be demonstrated that there is a clear
functional relationship to the Greenbelt.
A functional relationship is based on natural heritage,
water resources or agriculture. For example, this
could include the protection of headwaters, recharge
areas and associated wetlands.
-
ATTACHMENT 11_ / mTO
REPORl IPI.~. .
176
3. Embraces the Greenbelt Purpose
The request demonstrates how the proposed
expansion area meets the intent of the
vision and one or more of the goals of
the Greenbelt Plan.
The Greenbelt Plan establishes its main purpose through
its vision and goals. Municipal submissions to grow
the Greenbelt need to demonstrate how the proposed
expansion area meets the vision of the Greenbelt.
The Greenbelt plan aims to enhance urban and rural
areas and overall quality of life in the Protected
Countryside. While providing permanent agricultural
and environmental protection, and supporting a
strong agricultural and rural economy, the Greenbelt
Plan also provides for a wide range of recreation,
tourism and cultural opportunities. Municipal submis-
sions to grow the Greenbelt need to demonstrate
how the proposed expansion area meets one or
more goals of the Greenbelt Plan.
A commitment to implement and support the existing
policies of the Greenbelt Plan needs to be demon-
strated. Changes to the existing policies of the Greenbelt
will not be considered through this process.
Growing the Greenbelt August 2008
177
Greenbelt Vision
ATTACHMENT /f~
~EPORT # Pi ~
The Greenbelt is a broad band of permanently protected land which:
· Protects against the loss and fragmentation of the agricultural land base and supports agriculture as
the predominant land use.
· Gives permanent protection to the natural heritage and water resource systems that sustain ecological
and human health, and that form the environmental framework around which major urbanization in
south-central Ontario will be organized.
· Provides for a diverse range of economic and social activities associated with rural communities,
agriculture, tourism, recreation and resource uses.
Please refer to the Greenbelt Plan for more information on the Greenbelt's goals, available at
www.greenbelt.ontario.ca
Greenbelt Goals
To enhance our urban and rural areas and overall quality of life
by promoting the following matters within the Protected Countryside:
1. Agricultural protection
2. Environmental protection
3. Culture, recreation and tourism
4. Settlement areas
5. Infrastructure and natural resources
Please refer to the Greenbelt Plan for more information on the Greenbelt's goals.
I
4. Connections to Greenbelt System$'
One or more of the Greenbelt systems (Natural Heritage Systen/. Agricultural System and
Water Resource Sw.tem) is identified and included in the proposed expansion area and their
ftUlctional relationship to the existing Greenbelt system i~ demonstrated.
Municipal requests to grow the Greenbelt need to
identify and include one or more of these systems in
the proposed expansion area. The municipality will
have to demonstrate a functional relationship between
the proposed expansion area and one or more of
the systems of the existing Greenbelt Plan.
The Greenbelt Plan includes a provincial-scale
Agricultural System and Natural System that also
Growing the Greenbelt August 2008
maintain connections to the broader agricultural
and natural systems of southern Ontario. The Natural
System is made up of a Natural Heritage System and
a Water Resource System. The area identified for
Greenbelt expansion must be based on the same
provincial scale systems approach that was used
in the Protected Countryside of the Greenbelt Plan.
-
-
The Agricultural System is made up of specialty
crop areas that include the Holland Marsh and the
Niagara Peninsula tender fruit and grape areas,
prime agricultural areas and rural areas. The
Agricultural System is connected both functionally
and economically to agriculture beyond the
existing Greenbelt.
The Natural Heritage System includes natural heritage
features and areas linked by natural corridors necessary
to maintain biological and geological diversity, natural
functions, viable populations of indigenous species and
ATTACHMENT 1/---1.-, U{TO
REPORl # Pi --115:.-
'j 7 8
ecosystems. The Water Resource System is made up
of both ground and surface water features and their
associated functions, such as primary recharge, head-
water and discharge areas. These provide the water
resources necessary to sustain healthy aquatic and
terrestrial ecosystems and human drinking water sources.
Building the Greenbelt by Layers
The process of building the Greenbelt during 2004 and 2005 involved extensive consultation and
collaboration. The Greenbelt Task Force, on advisory group, conducted public meetings and reported
back to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in August 2004. The Greenbelt Plan was drafted
based on the task force's recommendations and advice. For more information on those recommendations,
please review the task force's report "Toward a Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt" at www.mah.gov.on.ca/
GreenbeltTaskForce.
The provincial Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe was developed at the same time as the
Greenbelt Plan to identify where growth should toke place and to reduce development pressures on
rural and agricultural areas.
The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and Niagara Escarpment Plan form the backbone of the
Greenbelt. The Greenbelt's Natural Heritage System includes and builds on the natural heritage systems
in the moraine and the escarpment.
The final Greenbelt area was determined by identifying a natural heritage system and defining an agri-
cultural system. Together, these components form the Protected Countryside of the Greenbelt. The government
also considered the amount of land required to accommodate anticipated growth.
The Natural Heritage System identifies major core areas containing high concentrations of natural features
and linking areas that ecologically connect the core areas. Major valley corridors ofrivers flowing from
the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment also provide links from the Greenbelt to lake Ontario.
The Agricultural System was identified based on a number of factors, including the Greenbelt land Evaluation
Area Review study, the existing pattern of agriculturally protected lands set out in municipal official plans and
a consideration of projected future growth patterns. This method uses a scoring system and considers a
number of potential factors such as soils, climate, productivity and land fragmentation. Studies were also
done to identify two Specialty Crop Areas: the Niagara Peninsula tender fruit and grape area, and the
Holland Marsh.
Growing the Greenbelt August 2008
i ,.
1 '7 9
A""f' .'IC'''i'r-rl"r J
.", i :,~;C ,. 't ---1-.~_,.qO
r.:EPORl # p, --1l.1rO
5. C01nplements the Growth Plan j(Jr the Greater Golden Horseshoe
A municipality's request to expand the Greenbelt may fJe considered by the Ministry of
Jirlunicipal Affairs and Housing while the municipality is engaged in its associated Growth
Phm conformity exercise. The proposed area for expansion cannot impede the implementation
of the Growth Plan. The municipality must demonstrate how the expansion area supports
the goals, objectives and ta1;qets of both the Greenbelt Plan and the Growth Plan.
Expansions to the GreenfJelt u;fll be considered for areas that are outside of existing urban
settlement areas. An exception ma,V be considered for major natural heritage systems that
are located within existing urban settlement areas. The natural heritage system must be
designated within the municipal oIndal plan.
The Growth Plan sets out a framework for managing
growth and revitalizing existing urban communities
in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. It also steers growth
away from environmentally sensitive and prime agri-
cultural areas. The Greenbelt Plan identifies where
major urban growth cannot take place.
Municipalities are required to bring their official
plans into conformity with the Growth Plan by June,
2009. A municipality may initiate a request to grow
the Greenbelt at the some time os it is undertaking
its Growth Plan conformity exercise. However, it must
demonstrate that the Greenbelt expansion area sup-
ports the goals, objectives and targets of both the
Growth Plan and the Greenbelt Plan. This includes
Growing the Greenbelt August 2008
addressing how its future growth needs will be met
and how the Greenbelt expansion complements the
municipality's Growth Plan conformity exercise.
Proposed expansions to the Greenbelt should be out-
side of urban settlement areas designated in municipal
official plans. An exception may be considered for
major natural heritage systems that ore designated
as part of an urban settlement area and 0 significant
connection to the Greenbelt area con be demonstrated.
This would not include lands that hove been designated
for public parks, or active recreation uses (e.9. sports
fields) that hove been approved as port of on urban
community.
-
-
ATTACHMENT'
REPORT I PD
i TO
()~-{)q
-- 1 80
6. TiminH and Relationship to Other Provincial Initiatives
A municipali~y's request to expand the Greenbelt may be considered by the Ministry of
lHunicipal AJf'airs and Housing while complementary provincial initiatives are being developed.
The request has to demon..trate that the propmied expansion area will not undermine
provincial interests, or the planninH or implementation of complementary provincial
initiatives (e.g. Source Protection PlaJlS under the Clean Water Act. 2006. /Hetrolillx\' Regional
Transportation Plan, propo...'ed Lake Simcoe Protection Strmegy.)
There are a number of provincial initiatives currently
affecting the Greater Golden Horseshoe, including
broader transportation/transit planning and protection
of water resources, Some of these provincial initiatives
include Source Protection Plans under the Clean Water
Act, 2006, Metrolinx's Regional Transportation Plan,
the Ministry of Transportation's planning, design and
construction projects and the proposed lake Simcoe
Protection Strategy.
Municipal requests to grow the Greenbelt will need
to identify the relationship to relevant provincial ini-
tiatives and demonstrate that the proposed expansion
would complement and support them, and would not
impede their planning or implementation,
Growing the Greenbelt August 2008
, '.
'1 8 'I
ATTACHMENT I~ "
REPORT I PD~
Greater Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt
H"L1BURTON
tUr~f'lt1!rS
Growing the Greenbelt August 2008
-
-
Greenbelt Facts
· Total area of protected land in the Golden
Horseshoe Greenbelt is 1.8 million acres -
an area larger than Prince Edward Island.
· Includes about 1 million acres of protected
land, known as the Protected Countryside, in
addition to the land protected by the Niagara
Escarpment Plan and the Oak Ridges Moraine
Plan.
· Extends 325 kilometres from the eastern end of
the Oak Ridges Moraine near Rice lake, to the
Niagara River in the west. This is almost the
direct distance between New York City and
Washington D.C., 328 km (204 miles).
· Reaches 80 kilometres at its widest point from
the mouth of the Rouge River to the northern tip
of Durham Region.
· Includes about 535,000 acres in the Protected
Countryside's natural system and provides
full protection for about three-quarters of the
Greenbelt's lakes, wetlands and forests. The
rest of the natural heritage system within the
Greenbelt is protected by the Oak Ridges
Moraine and Niagara Escarpment Plans.
· Protects the headwaters of all major water-
sheds in the western Greater Toronto Area that
were not protected by the Niagara Escarpment
or Oak Ridges Moraine plans.
· Permanently protects about 100,000 acres
of Niagara Peninsula tender fruit and grape
specialty crop areas and the entire Holland
Marsh specialty crop area of over 15,000
acres, located in York Region and Simcoe
County. This is more than twice the size of
the agricultural lands in California protected
by the Napa Valley land Trust.
An ACHMENT , t TO
REPORT # PI, (iq- -('f1
'182
Ie 0 N T ACT I N FOR MAT ION: I
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
14th Floor, 777 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M5G 2E5
Phone: 416-585-6014
Fax: 416-585-6870
IMORE INFORMATION:
For more information on the Greenbelt and how it
was built, visit:
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing - Greenbelt
www.greenbelt.ontario.ca
Greenbelt Council
www.mah.gov.on.ca/greenbeltcouncil
IOTHER RESOURCES
For more information on supporting and complementary
programs and initiatives, visit:
Ministry of Natural Resources
www.mnr.gov.on.ca
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure - Places to Grow
www.plocestogrow.ca
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
www.omafro.gov.on.ca
Ministry of the Environment
www.ene.gov.on.ca
Ministry of Transportation
www.mto.gov.on.co
Ministry of Tourism
www.tourism.gov.on.co
Ministry of Culture
www.culture.gov.on.ca
Metrolinx - Greater Toronto Transportation Authority
www.metrolinx.com
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
iSr3l'~ 978-1-4249-75303 (I'DFI
ISBN 978- 1424975297 (PClnll
Oueen" Printer for Ontario, 2008
5IVv' 08/08
Dlsponlble en fron~(Jis sous Ie litre
Line ceinture de verdure ([oisscnte
Growing the Greenbelt August 2008
'1 8 3
Citlf o~
J
0<l--09
REPORT TO
COUNCIL
Report Number: PO 17-08
Date: April 21,2008
From:
Neil Carroll
Director, Planning & Development
Subject:
Growing the Greenbelt - Consultation 2008
February 2008
Recommendation:
1. That Pickering Council receive Report PO 17-08 as its comments on the draft
critieria outlined in the Growing the Greenbelt - Consultation 2008, dated
February 2008, EBR Registry Number: PF08E1 001;
2. That Pickering Council advise the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, that
Pickering Council generally supports the draft criteria for assessing municipal
requests to expand the Greenbelt provided that the following criteria are added:
(a) upper-tier municipalities are required to meaningfully engage affected
local municipalities including the public and affected landowners in any
proposed Greenbelt expansion; and
(b) upper or single-tier municipal requests to expand the Greenbelt are required
to complement approved municipal Growth Plan conformity amendments;
3. That the Province take the lead role in implementing the marketing strategies
and best management practices advocated by the GTA Agricultural Action Plan,
in partnership with the GTA Agricultural Action Committee;
4. That the Province release the provincial-scale 'systems approach' data used to
support the existing Greenbelt for municipal use; and
5. Further, that the City Clerk forward a copy of Report PO 17-08 to the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Region of Durham; Durham Region Area
Municipalities; and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
Executive Summary: In February 2005, the Province approved the Greenbelt
Plan. In Pickering, the Oak Ridges Moraine, the entire Agricultural Assembly and other
lands generally south of Highway 7 to Urban Ajax, and parts of the Rosebank,
Rougemount and Rouge Park Neighbourhoods are included in the Greenbelt Plan.
In February 2008, the Province released draft criteria that, once finalized, would be
used to evaluate municipal requests to expand the Greenbelt. Requests to reduce the
size or remove areas from the Greenbelt are not being considered.
Report PO 17-08
AHACH,,('::; d
REPORT # P~cr:g--Oq
April 21, 2008
Subject: Growing the Greenbelt - Consultation 2008
'184
Page 2
The Province's draft criteria have been reviewed and are generally supported as they
provide an opportunity for municipalities to secure enhanced protection to
environmentally sensitive and agricultural lands currently not in the Greenbelt.
To enhance the draft criteria, it is recommended that upper-tier municipalities be
required to meaningfully consult with local municipalities when considering expansion
opportunities. The consultation should include the public and affected landowners.
Municipal requests to expand the Greenbelt should also be required to complement
approved municipal growth plan conformity amendments. Further, to assist farmers
residing near the urban edge, it is recommended that the Province take the lead role in
implementing the marketing strategies and best management practices advocated by
the GTA Agricultural Action Plan, in partnership with the GTA Agricultural Action
Committee. To assist municipalities in proposing Greenbelt requests, the early release
of provincial-scale natural heritage and agricultural systems used to support the existing
Greenbelt is encouraged.
It is therefore recommended that the Province incorporate the comments provided in
Report PO 17-08 and that Report PO 17-08 also be forwarded to the Ministry of Public
Infrastructure Renewal for consideration.
Financial Implications: None
Sustainability Implications: The draft Greenbelt expansion criteria supports the
sustainable principles of protecting environmentally sensitive and agricultural lands
around the Greater Golden Horseshoe and is complementary to the City's sustainable
objectives of a healthy environment, society and economy. Further, municipal requests
to expand the Greenbelt that are complementary to approved municipal growth plan
initiatives helps to achieve another City objective of responsible development.
1.0 Background:
1.1 The Province approved the Greenbelt Plan on February 25, 2005
A significant portion of Pickering, approximately 43% of the City's land area, is
included in the Greenbelt Plan. Besides the Oak Ridges Moraine in north
Pickering, the entire Agricultural Assembly and other lands generally south of
Highway 7 to Urban Ajax, and parts of the Rosebank, Rougemount and Rouge
Park Neighbourhoods are included (see Attachment #1 - Greenbelt Plan Map).
1.2 Recent Provincial Greenbelt Initiative
In February 2008, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing released draft
criteria to consider municipal requests to expand the Greenbelt. Municipal requests to
reduce the size of the Greenbelt or remove areas from it are not part of the Ministry's
Report PD 17-08
AnACd:V;[; J
REPORT # p. _..C>~ -09
April 21,2008
Subject: Growing the Greenbelt - Consultation 2008
1 85
Page 3
proposal. The consultation paper has also been posted on the Environmental Bill of
Rights (EBR) Registry with a deadline for comments of April 30, 2008.
1.3 The draft proposal consists of the following six criteria:
. Municipal Request
· Embraces Greenbelt
· Addditions to Greenbelt
· Connections to Greenbelt systems
· Complement Greater Golden Horsehoe Growth Plan
· Timing and relationship to other Provincial initiatives
A copy of the Provincial Growing the Greenbelt - Consultation 2008 document
that outlines the six draft critieria is attached (see Attachment #2).
2.0 Discussion
2.1 Staff comments on the six draft critieria are provided below
a) Criteria 1 - Municipal Request
· Only requests from Regional, County and single-tier munciaplies will be
considered.
· The municipal request to expand the Greenbelt must:
identify the geographic area to be considered;
identify the specific measures taken to engage the public, key
stakeholder organizations and aboriginal communities about the
proposed expansion;
confirm that there is consensus among the Region and affected local
municipalities, through Council resolutions; and
provide supporting rationale as how the criteria have been met.
Only regional, county and single-tier municipal Councils can request expansions
to the Greenbelt. However, confirmation from the affected local municipal
Councils are required. To ensure that local municipal issues are brought forward
for consideration, it is recommended that the Province revise the draft
criteria to require upper-tier municipalities to meaningfully engage affected
local municipalities including the public and affected landowners in any
proposed greenbelt expansion.
b) Criteria 2 - Embrace Greenbelt Purpose
· The proposed expansion must:
protect environmentally sensitive and agricultural lands, while meeting
the needs of the growing communities; and
be consistent with the vision and goal of the Greenbelt Plan.
Report PD 17-08
An 40tn1FW I d
REPORT Ie -r' ^-- :-r
..-O"2.-cq
April 21, 2008
Subject: Growing the Greenbelt - Consultation 2008
Page 4
'186
In its comments on the draft Greenbelt Plan, Council supported a permanent
Greenbelt including a request that the Province financially support.the ongoing
viability of agriculture in the Greenbelt Area.
The Province has been providing financial support to assist in the
implementation of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Agricultural Action Plan. The
Action Plan is the result of the collaborative efforts of the Regions of Durham,
Halton, Peel and York, the City of Toronto, the Regional Federations of
Agriculture, and the Ontario Ministries of Agriculture and Food and Municipal
Affairs and Housing. To assist in the implementation of the GTA Agricultural
Action Plan, a GTA Agricultural Action Committee was established with
representation from the four GTA Regional Municipalities, the City of Toronto,
provincial and federal Governments, and the agricultural inpustry.
The GTA Agricultural Action Plan document advocates for the coordination of
education and new marketing strategies for local farmers, along with the
promotion of better agricultural practices for near-urban areas. This is especially
relevant in Pickering where a large Greenbelt area abuts the Seaton urban area.
However, staff is unaware of any such strategies that have been implemented to
enable farmers to take advantage of the marketing opportunities an urban fringe
offers. It is recommended that the Province take the lead role in
implementing the marketing strategies and best management practices
advocated by the GTA Agricultural Action Plan, in partnership with the GTA
Agricultural Action Committee.
c) Criteria 3 - Additions to the Greenbelt
· Additions should be logical extensions to the existing Greenbelt Plan Area
(i.e. next to the existing greenbelt, not creating isolated patches).
· The proposed expansion may consist of additions only and cannot include
any deletions.
The Province has indicated that it is only considering municipal requests to
expand the Greenbelt, not to reduce the size or remove areas from the
Greenbelt. However, staff is unclear as to why the Province is considering
criteria to expand the Greenbelt in advance of the 10-year review of the
Greenbelt Plan. No rationale is provided in the document justifying the need to
move forward at this time.
Staff concurs with the draft criteria that any expansions to the Greenbelt should
not create isolated Greenbelt patches.
d) Criteria 4 - Connections to Greenbelt Systems
· The proposed Greenbelt expansion must:
be based on a provincial-scale systems approach that formed the
original Greenbelt, as opposed to a local or regional scale appr6ach;
and
Report PO 17-08
AnACfa8tI" d
REPORT I --J)'i.;--dI'
April 21, 2008
Subject: Growing the Greenbelt - Consultation 2008
1 87
Page 5
build upon the Greenbelt's natural heritage, agricultural and water
resource systems.
The release of the Province's analysis would assist City staff in tracing the
rationale for the original Greenbelt boundary in Pickering and support for any
proposed expansions.
e) Criteria 5 - Complement the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe
(GGH)
· The proposed expansion must complement the Provincial Growth Plan.
· The proposed expansion must not interfere with affected municipalities
bringing their Official Plan into conformity with the Growth Plan.
For those municipalities north of the Greenbelt, expanding the existing Greenbelt
boundary to protect sensitive ecological areas or high quality farmland is
appropriate. In Durham Region, the Greenbelt Plan boundary and policies were
implemented as part of Amendment #114 to the Regional Official Plan. Regional
staff is now addressing the population and employment forecasts and associated
urban land needs as part of Durham's Growth Plan Implementation Study. In
this regard, initial findings of the Phase 1 & 2 report of the Implementation Study
indicate a shortfall of employment and residential lands at the year 2029.
The results of the Durham's Implementation Study and subsequent detailed
analysis at the local municipal level may confirm the need to consider the 'white
areas' within the Region in order to meet the Growth Plan's population and
employment targets. It is therefore premature for Durham to be considering any
greenbelt expansions until the completion and subsequent approval of the
Region's Growth Plan Implementation initiative. It is recommended that upper
or single-tier municipal requests to expand the Greenbelt must
complement approved municipal Growth Plan conformity amendments.
f) Criteria 6 - Timing and Relationship to Other Provincial Initiatives
· The proposed expansion must complement and support ongoing
initiatives related to transportation, transit planning, water resources and
growth planning.
Staff supports the principle that expansions must complement ongoing provincial
initiatives. However, there are a number of ongoing provincial initiatives in the
Greater Golden Horseshoe that may affect a municipal request to expand the
Greenbelt (e.g. Source Water Protection Plans under the Clean Water Act,
2006). Early consultation by the upper or single-tier municipalities with the
Province to identify all potential provincial initiatives is encouraged.
3.0 Next Steps
Report PD 17-08
i"'i ilCHMENT # J I(
,l..F'()Rl # R). ().:Z'~ 01
April 21, 2008
Page 6 1 8 8
Subject: Growing the Greenbelt - Consultation 2008.
The Province will be holding evening workshops in April to discuss and provide
feedback on the draft criteria that will be used, once approved, to consider
municipal requests to expand the Greenbelt.
ATTACHMENT'. _ ;:)_____ TO
REPORl , PD_~--:D.!i..
f~~rt PO 17-08
Subject: Growing the Greenbelt - Consultation 2008
April 21, 2008
Page 6
, .
Attachments:
1. Greenbelt Plan Map
2. Growing the Greenbe~t - Consultation 2008
Prepared By:
~"
Grant McGregor, MCI ,RPP
Principal Planner-Polley
. .
Approved I Endorsed By:
~
Neil Car , P, RPP - .
Director, Planning & Development
Catherine Rose, MCIP,
Manager of Policy
GM:jf
Copy: . Chief Administrative Officer
Recommended for the consideration
:~fPickering City Council
r ,/.:~{ji::~':"''':'~~''
,..S> j!J..-= '\ .
r"- -~~~.:~~:$.!!~?;;:' . ~_" ,
Thomas J. QUinn, RDMR, CMM m'"",c""""
Chief Administrative Officer "'-"',
'{;..f
.I:. HCHMENT# 3 I{
H..I'Okl # PD. ()~ -09
CORPORATE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
CLERKS DIVISION
190
April 22, 2008
DIRECTIVE MEMORANDUM
RECEIVED
To:
Neil Carroll
Director, Planning & Development
APR 2 5 2008
CITY OF PICKERING
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT
From:
Debi A. Wilcox
City Clerk
Subject:
Direction as per Minutes of the Meeting of City Council
held on April 21,2008
Director, Planning & Development, Report PO 17-08
Growing the Greenbelt - 2008
February 2008
COUNCIL DECISION
RESOLUTION # 81/08
1. That Pickering Council receive Report PO 17-08 as its comments on the draft
criteria outlined in the Growing the Greenbelt - Consultation 2008, dated February
2008, EBR Registry Number: PF08E1001;
2. That Pickering Council advise the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, that
Pickering Council generally supports the draft criteria for assessing municipal
requests to expand the Greenbelt provided that the following criteria are added:
a) upper-tier municipalities are required to meaningfully engage affected local
municipalities including the public and affected landowners in any proposed
Greenbelt expansion; and
b) upper or single-tier municipal requests to expand the Greenbelt are required to
complement approved municipal Growth Plan conformity amendments;
3. That the Province take the lead role in implementing the marketing strategies and
best management practices advocated by the GTA Agricultural Action Plan, in
partnership with the GTA Agricultural Action Committee;
4. That the Province release the provincial-scale 'systems approach' data used to
support the existing Greenbelt for municipal use; and
5. Further, that the City Clerk forward a copy of Report PO 17-08 to the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Region of Durham; Durham Region Area
Municipalities; and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.