HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO 15/00, 'Crq o�
REPORT TO COUNCIL
FROM; Thomas J. Quinn DKfG: Septcmber 29, 2000
Chief Administmlivc 011iccr
' REPORTNUMIIGR: CAOIS-00
SUBJECT: GTSD DraR Countryside Stmlegy
- City of Pickcring Commenis
- file: !G 3114
RECOMMENDATION:
I. 'fhat Council rcceive Report to Council CAO IS•00 conceming the G'PSI3 Drafl
Countryside Stmtegy.
2. Thnt Council endorse Reporl lo Council CAO IS-00, nnd fonvard it lo thc GTSD as ihe
Ciry of Pickcring's commcnts on thc Drall Caunlrysidc Slmtegy.
ORIGIN:
On June 30'", 200Q the G'I'SU Jirectcd the discussion pnper cnlilled "A G7A Coun�ryside
5fru�e�,ry — Strulegle Dimcqoi�r" tx� circulnlcd lo mcmber municipalitics nnJ olher GTA
slakcholdcrs fur commcnl. Commcnls nre rcqucslcd by Oclobcr 13", 2000.
AUTI IORITY:
TGeMiu�lcipnlAN, R.SO. l990
PINANCIAL IMI'LICATIONS:
Not applicablc
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The GTSB hos rcleased a Dr�(l Countryside Slmlegy for commenl. 7'hc Strategy outlincs n
vision nnd gonls for lhc countryside thnt nrc consislcnl with lhc position pul fonvnrd by Uic City
of Pickcring in its officinl plan. Moreover, Pickering has becn proactive in protecting 1he rurnl
countryside through recent actions, including ils posilian on lhe Onk Ridgcs Mamine nnd the use
oC agricullural ensements lo help muintain a viable rural community within Pickering's
Agricultural Assembly.
Il is rccommenJcd that Council endorse this Report as qic City of Pickering's commcnts on Uie
DrnR GTSD Countrysidc Slrntegy
047
ti.
� ' Report to Council CAO I 5-00 Datc: Scptembcr 29, 2000
O4 S Subject: Ciry of Pickering Comments on GTSD Drali Counlrysidc 5tmtcgy Pugc 2
BACKdROUND:
Over the past seveml months, the Countryside nnd Cnvironment Working Group of Ihc G7'SU
hus been examining the countrysidc challenges und opportunities fncing GTA municipalitics. In
April of lhis ycnr, terms of referencc werc approved far the prepamtion of a countryside stmtcgy.
In June, n repod entitled "A GTA Cauntryslde Strutebry — DruJJ Struleglc Dlreclfons" was
released by the GTSB for comment (see Attachmcnt No. I).
It is importnnt to note thut the GTSB's countryside stmtcgy is not intended to supercede locul
plunning authority. It is intended to provide a GTA-wide perspectivc on countryside prioritics,
beyond the scope nnd timeGame of municipal olticinl pinns. It is also intended as input to thc
GTA-wide pinnning for lrnnspodntion and infmstrucmrc investment.
The DmR Strategy notes thnt the GTA countryside is nn intrinsic component of lhe Grcater
Taronto Arca's compctiliveness. It points out ihat over thc years, the GTA's urban-rural
boundnry has wntinued lo expand incrementnlly outward into the countryside, and that if trcnds
continuc, significunt arca oFremaining countrysidc will niso bc lost.
About two-thirJs of the land area of the GTA is countryside. This includes ngricultuml Innds,
open space, tourism and recrcational rcsources, environmentally significant landforms,
groundwntcr nnd aggrcgatc resourcc nrcas, and a hicmrchy of sclUcmenl arcns. Thc Dmft
Stmtegy paints n bleak picwre of the "Icgacy" that we could bc Icaving fuwre genemlions if we
fail to takc npproprialc action to protect dic GTA counirysidc.
• incrcoscd iruffic congcstion nnJ air polluliun;
• loss of ugricultural lunds und aggregntc rcsources;
� irtevcrsiblc damagc to groundwatcr rcsuurccs, pinnt nnd wildlife habilots,
woodlols nnd olhcr environmcntaily signilicant arcas;
• lost or dcslroycd o�xn spacc, visual landscapcs and natuml rcsaurccs;
• crosion of thc yuality of lifc and cultural hcritagc altribulcs of rural
communitics;
• thc countrysidc takcn ovcr by incompatiblc ases;
• incrcascd inGustruclurc costs and transportation incfficicncics; and
• to�ms and villages cnguUed by urban spraa�l and rural residcnts forccd ro travcl
outsidc thcir communitics for cmploymcnt and scrvices.
The DraR Stmlegy argucs that wc nceJ to stop and Jecidc if this is the dircction we wunt to go,
and if not, what are our colleciivc priorities for thc counlryside. The DraR Strntegy sets out thc
following ninc goals for thc countrysidc.
I. To prcserve and protcct a permnncnt mral nrea thal retains thc chnmcter nnd
qualiry of life nuributes thnt are intrinsic to thc GTA countryside.
2. To focus lhc majoriry of thc projectcd GTA population growth to thc fully
serviced urban arcn so as to nllevinte the prcssure of urban sprnwl in the
countryside.
3. To protect tl�e significunt natural feuturcs, funetions, processes and
interconncctions of the natural environment in order to mnintain u hculthy,
sustainuble ecosystem and the quulity of thc visual Inndscupc.
4, To rcinforce the ngriculwml industry nnd its nssociatcd scrvices ns un
important cconomic basc of thc GTA und to protcct thc ogricultuml Innd basc
from land usc con0icts. ,
5, To support and promotc a divcrsity of tourism, rccrcationnl nnd opcn spacc
opporlunitics nnd linkagcs thut nrc compntible wilh Ihc charnctcr nnJ
Report lo Council CAO I S•00 Dalc: September 29, 2000 O 4�
Subject: Ciry of Pickering Comments on GTSB Draft Couniryside Strotegy I'uge 3
environmental sensitivity of the countrysidc.
6. To support and reinforcc a stuble and diverse rural economy Ihat is compatible
with the enviranment nnd churnc�er of the countryside.
7. To support a balanced uppronch to existing nnd potcntini nggregate rcsource
arens in order to minimize environmentnl und social impacts while
recogniting the impoAoncc of this resource to economic development ncross
the GTA.
8. To concentmte the limiled growth to be accommodated within the countryside
within the hierurchy of settlement arcas, having regard for environmeninl
impncts and the limited cupacity of the rurul communities to nbsorb growth
before compromising their rurnl chamctcr, lifestyle, values ar cullurnl heriluge
nttributes.
9. To ensurc that rclevnnt transporlation and infrastructurc dccisions are mnde
within thc conlcxt of the counlryside in order to reinforce the countryside
objectives of the GTA.
COMMENTS
Atlnched ns Attnchmcnt No. 2 is a memoranJum Gom Ihe Planning & Dcvclapment Department
nbout thc Dm(i Counlrysidc Stmtegy. 'fhc Dcpanment makes a number of valid comments and
observations, including thc following:
• Thc DmR Stratcgy's vision of thc countrysidc is consistcnt with the policics sct
out in thc Pickcring Official Plun. So loo is thc goal that suggcsts thc GTA
should focus thc majority of ils fulurc �pulation growlh in fully scrviced
urban arcas.
• Thc suggeslion Ihat n"permanenC' rural arca bc protcctcd "in perpcluity"
implies that municipalitics a•ili ngrec to forebo their wrtcnt ability to revisit
and revise officiul pinn palicies. Thc Ciry muy wish ro retain its authoriry lo
chnngc its policics in th. futurc, if opprnpriutc and desirablc.
. in order to reducc or climinatc thr nccd for OMD involvcmcnt in countryside
decisions, eithcr nn amcndment to thc Plun�ring Act would be rcquired, or
much stronger Provincial Policy Stntements.
• The aclivities of peaple visiting or pinying in the countryside cwi o(ten conflict
a�ith farming nctivities and traditional rural community lifc.
In addition to lhe commcnts made by the Planning & Development DepaAment, it should bc
nated that Pickering through its rccent uctions has taken n strong position in support of
countryside proteclion. For example, Pickcring Council has endorsed a GTSB motion urging the
Province of Ontario to eswblish a six•month Gecu on dcvclopment applications and aggrcgntc
exlraction in the Oak Ridges Mominc,
As well, Pickering Council in ossociation with Durhnm Rcgion and the Ontario Rcnity
Cotpomtion, hns establishcd ngriculturul casements in favour of the City to help maintain long-
term agriculturnl vinbility within thc provincinl Agricultuml Asscmbly west of Seaton. To dute,
eusements havc bcen pluccd on ovcr 800 hcctnrcs of land within the Assembly (over 2000 acrcs).
Considemtion shouid bc given by Ihc dTSD to the usc of agriculwml easements as onc of thc
possible implcmcntation toals for prolccting rural countrysidc,
' ' 1 Report to Council CA015•00 Dntc: Scplember 29, 2000
� rj Q SubjecL City of Pickering Comments on dTSEi Drofl Counlrysidc Stratcgy Page 4
1'he dTSB Countryside nnd Environmcnt Working Group plans to hold a workshop in Ihc full to
review the comments received on tha DrnR Cauntryside Strntegy and begin discussion of thc
ection plan needed to implemcnt a collecliva vision. It is recommended that Council cndorsc this
Report os tha Ciry of Pickering's commen�s un the GTSI3's Dmft Countryside Stmtegy.
ATTACHMENTS:
L GTSB DmR Countryside Stmtegy
2. Comments from the Planning nnd Development Department on the Drafl Cauntryside
StrntegY
Prepared By: Approvcd / Endorsed Qy:
P � '
Thomas G. M ym Th mus 1. Quimi
Division Hepd, C rpomte Projects licy ChicfAJminisimtivc Ofticcr
TM:
Auachmcnts
Copy; Dircctor, Planning & Devclopment
Recommcnded for the considcration of Pickcring
City Council
��
�,
' .J I
Th os J. Quinn, icf ministrati ffi cr
�
,
ATTApIMHRN.1...101�PpIT�$,� 1S-oo
R3�� �s 051
A GTA Countryside Strategy
Draft Strategic Directions
Revised June 21, 2000
C�TSB
' 052 , �n��� � TOAEPORTp� �6-00
. R�a � �
Introduction
Thc Grcater Toronto Arca is onc of Nortl� Amcrica's fastcst growing
city-re�ions, cxpccted to reach a population of almost 7.5 million witliin
tl�e next 30 ycars. The prospcct of tliat growtli lias major implications Cor
thc GTA countrysidc, an area trcasurcd for its own uniquc attributcs and
inextricably linked to the econamic liealtli and vitality of tl�e entire GTA.
The countryside is an intrinsic component of the economic
competitivcness of the GTA in the global markctplace. But its continucd
contribution to our economic success and our enviable quality of life
depends on its long-term viability.
The countryside is a special communiry within the GTA. Its open
spaces, agricultural resources, scenic landscapes, Itistoric communities,
rural charactcr and quality of lifc represcnt a placc to livc, work, visit and
play that secros to bc apart from thc normal pressures of modcrn lifc.
As tl�c GTA has grown ovcr thc ��cars, thc countrysidc, by its direct
proximity ro the urban core, I�as been af�'ected by tlie cvolving urban
structurc.
Our rcgional and local oflicial plans have becn put in place to
accommodatc thc anticipatcd population growth in dic GTA to 2021.
Thesc implicitly confirm tlu nccd Cor a morc compact urban form bascd
on a scrics of nodcs and conncctcd corridors, supportcd by a linked
grccnspacc framcwork and surroundcJ by strongly protectcd rural and
agricultural arcas. This rccognizcs thc intcr-dcpcndcncc and intcr-
conncction of thc countrysidc and tlic urban arcas of thc GTA, and
assmncs tl�e nccd Cor both to takc a proactivc rolc in making tl�csc plans a
rcality.
Today, wc facc a significant cl�allcngc in undcrstanding tlic rolc of
thc GTA countrysidc and cnsuring tliat tliosc cl�aractcristics of our
countrysidc tl�at we collectively valuc and arc intcgral to its I�ealtl� and
vitality arc not compromiscd as wc grow.
For thc first timc, wc havc thc opportunity to considcr thc issues on
a GTA-wide basis and to take advantage of tliat perspectivc. Now is the
time to cvaluatc, through a GTA-widc Icns, where present trcnds arc
leading us beyond the 2021 timc framc, and whc:thcr tliis reElects our
vision for the countryside as we evolve and grow as a region.
A Countryslde Stretegy Page 1 Drafl Strateg� Dfrectlons
ATTAdMENT�1�10 AEPdITN '�C� 15 •oo
R��o��s
To tl�at ctid, this rcport will scrvc as tl�c first stcp in a process of
examining our countryside and asscssing what thc futurc holds. Such
informatian can help us to identify our priorities and to build a process for
defining a clear GTA-wide vision for tlie countryside...and, ultimately, a
stratcgy that will rcinforcc it.
Background
Ovcr the past sevcral months, thc Countryside and Environmcnt
Working Group has revicwcd thc countrysidc cliallcnges and opportunities
facing GTA municipalitics, dvough municipal prescntations and d�c
revicw of various rcports from organizations sucl� as the Fcdcrations of
Agriculture and the Rural GTA Warking Group. A prescntation by thc
Greater Vancouvcr Rcgional District remindcd us that wc are not alone in
trying to comc ro tcrnts with countrysidc issues in d�c contcxt of rcgional
growd�.
On April 7, dic GTS[i approvcd terms of rcferencc for a countrysidc
stratcbry for the GTA, pursuant to thc autl�oriry provided undcr Scction 22
of thc Grcatcr Toronto Scrviccs Board Act, 1998. Thc GT313 mandate to
prcparc a countrysidc stratcbry rcElccts thc importancc of rural and
agricultural conununitics to tlic cntirc GTA.
It is fundamental to undcrstanJ that a cowitrysidc stratcbry is imr
intendcd to superccdc local planning authoriry. It is intended to provide a
GTA-widc perspcctivc on cotmtrysidc prioritics, bcyond the scope and
timcframc of mtmicipal o[licial plans. lt is intcndcd to providc an
intcgratcd, intcr jurisdictional contcxt in whirl� local and rcgional
municipalitics can co-operativcly co-ordinatc thcir own plans, programs,
serviccs and invcsuncnt dccisious ro cnsurc tl�c long-tcrm rolc and
viability of thc GTA countrysidc.
In addition to providing thc contcxt for long-tcnn planning across
tl�c GTA, a co�.intrysidc strategy will providc vital input to GTA-widc
planning for transportation and infrastructurc invcstmcnt.
A Counlryslde Slrelegy Page 2 DreR Slratepb DlrecUona
053
' � A?TAdM�lRM�.TOREPORT�S'.g"� 15-00
054 � �j4 � �5
What Is The GTA Countryside?
Approximatcly two-tl�irds of the GTA land arca is countrysidc. It is
divcrsc in natural and pliysical fcatures and is cliaractcrized by ric!�
agricultural lands, a stablc rural cconomy, open spacc, tourism and
recrcational resources, environmcnGilly significant landfonns,
groundwatcr and aggrcgatc resource arcas, and a hicrarcl�y of sctticmcnt
areas located beyond the largely contiguous fully-serviced urban area of tlie
GTA.
It is part of the GTA bio-rcgion and includcs numcrous watersheds
and such significant fcatures as thc Niagara Escarpmcnt, which cuts
through portions of thc regions of Halton and Pccl, and thc Oak Ridgcs
Moraine, which cxtcnds across tlic rcgions of Pccl, York and Durliam.
It also includes lakes Ontario, Simcoc and Scugog and tlieir
respectivc watcrfronts and rivcr systcros, including thc Rougc, Don,
Humbcr, Crcdit, Holland and Hlack rivcrs and lluE�ins, Fourtccn Mile,
and Sixteen Mile creeks. This natural system reElects significant inter-
connections and inter-dcpcndencics across adtninistrative boundaries
througl�out thc cntirc GTA.
Thc countrysidc is fi�rthcr dcfincd by a common perccption of
having a uniquc charactcr, lifcsrylc, qualiry of lifc and valucs tliat stand in
contrast to those of the urban com►nunity. To ma�ty, its natural resources,
rccrcational opportunitics, opcn spacc, runl socicty and liistoric
communitics rcprescnt a rctrcat from tlu pressures of modcrn lifc.
Where Have We Come From?
Thc population of thc GTA has grown from 29 tnillion in 1971 to
an cstimatcd 5.2 million by t�cxt ycar, As transportation, watcr and scwcr
infrastructurc wcrc cxtcndcd to mcct thc incrcasing dcmands of growth,
tl�e GTA's urban corc grcw in an cast-wcst dircction along thc Lakc
Ontario corridor and north-south alot�g dic Yonge Strcct corridor.
As growth pressure continucd, it became more economically viable
and cost � ective to extend services, so tliat tlie large contiguous urban
area of i: GTA has been slowly inching outward and thc urban-rural
boundary has continued to expand incrementally outward into the
countrysidc. {SeeMnp 1.}
A Countryslde Slrategy Page 3 Drafl Streteglc Dlrectlons
, ATTAd�NT��TOREPORT�SAQ 16-oc�
. � s v� �s 055
Many factors liavc sl�apcd thc present urban structurc:
• tl�c prcvailing public valuc placcd on tl�c suburban lifcstylc;
• provincial dccisions on highway and pipc scrvicc systcros;
• municipal plans and infrastructure dccisions, including thc
availability of rapid transir
• Ontario Municipal Board dccisions on a wide rangc of
dcvelopment appeals; and
• applications by privatc devclopers to subdividc and build.
In 1995, Toronto was ranked fourt6 out of 118 cities around the
world widi respect ro quality of lifc and "livability"— a testament to thc
efforts of our local and regional municipalities to balance tlie pressures of
growth ovcr tlic past 30 ycars.
Where Are We Headed?
Currcnt growth projcctions anticipatc a GTA population of
approximatcly 6.9 million pcoplc by 2021 and 7.5 million by 2031, with
cmploymcnt rising to 3.8 million and 4.1 million jobs within thc samc
timc framcs.
OfTicial plans across thc GTA sccm to rcinforcc prescnt pattcrns,
witti d�is projcctcd growth ovcnvhclmingly concentratcd along dic urban-
rural fringc of thc rcgion, forming a continuous band frotn Burlington in
thc west to Clarington in thc cast. A sccun:i nordrsouth axis of
�+,.vclopment cxtcnds along Yongc Strcct w thc southcrn cdgc of Lakc
Simcoc. {SccMnp 1.} Tlicrc arc also significant infrastructurc proposals
wid�in thc Oak Ridgcs Moraiuc in thc rcgions ofYork and llurham.
Wc gaiu a bcttcr undcrstanding of thc impact of growdi on our
countrysiJc whcn wc rcalizc that 150,0O0 acres of farmland wcrc lost ro
urbanization bctwccn 197G and 1996 and that an cqual amount could bc
lost ovcr tl�c ncxt 20 to 30 ycars if tl�csc trends continuc. Tliis is an arca
roughly cquivalcnt i�i sizc to thc ncw City of Toronto.
Dcspite oElicial plan policies tliat seck to concentratc devclopment
into compact urban nodcs at highcr dcnsities and to protcct
cnvironmcntally scnsitivc and countrysidc arcas from cncroachmcnt,
dev�lopment pressure is alrcady thrcatcning these areas.
A Countryslde Strntegy Page 4 Dre(t Strategfc Dlrectlona
�
• ' ATTAGAYIENTN�TO REPORT�� �5•�^-:o
Q56 ' C�j l� o� \5
Tl�c Oak Ridgcs Morainc issuc typifics tt�c incvitablc outcomc of
our present system whcrc infrastructure dccisions aud thc OMB appeal
process can potentially override and undermine a municipaliry's own
vision for its future as cnshrincd in its n�iicial plan.
Without commitmcnts to transit to support our prcfcrred growth
pattcrns and with infrastructurc decisions that arc often counter-
productivc to our goals, it is incvitablc tliat thc urban boundary will just
kecp moving outwards inta thc countrysidc. Ifwc projcct prescnt trcnds
to 2031, we can scc wl�crc tl�e linc wi11 ittevitably movc. {Sce Map 2. }
Those things tliat we value about the GTA countrysidc are slowly
and incremcntally bcing crodcd by a proccss that is dictatcd by
transportation and infrastructurc dccisions and incrcmental planning
resulting from appeals. There is growing concern about tlu legacy that we
arc Icaving futurc gcncrations.
Wc want to prescrvc an idcntifiablc countrysidc and reduce urban
sprawl. Wc no longcr vicw agricultural land as vacant land waiting to bc
devclopcd. Wc worry about thc impact of building witl�in our
cnvironmcntally scnsitive arcas and about dcplcting our non-rcncwablc
resourccs. Wc arc conccrncd tl�at our groundwatcr resourcc areas arc
susccptiblc to incrcasing risls of contamivation. Wc arc rcalizing that wc
have litdc rcal undcrstanJing of thc incrcasing intcr jurisdictional impacts
of paving ovcr our watcrshcds to accoromodatc growtli. Wc arc bccoming
morc awarc of tcrms likc "sustainahlc dcvclopmcnt" and "cco-system
bascd planning" and wc arc Icarning that thc retncdia) costs of continuing
on thc samc path arc high.
What Are The Implications Of Continuing Present Trends?
• traf�ic gridloek will inerease il iiscr! fo fnke oue 6our loget �o tlie
{Sec Mnps 3 nud 4. } ror�nge, now it �nkcs hvo
• air pollution from vcliielcs, therc arc nlrendy 1,000 premalure
powcr plants and ccrtain dcnrlis per ycnr iit fltc CTA dtic �o
industrics will incrcasc sinog-mla�cd ilh�csscs
• agrieultural land and a�regate in 50 years, rliere nre no ncrive fnn�u
resaurccs will bc lost 6cloiv rlrc Oak Rirlgcs Morninc or dic
Ningarn Estarpmen�
A Countryslde Stretegy Page 5 Draft Streteglc DlrecUons
� : ATTACHMiENT��TO REPORTi� 1S-oo �
`� a� �S 057
• sig►�ificant agricultural and neig6Goius roinplain aborit odo�ns jran�
a�rcgate industrics wiU bc livcsmrk n�id �ioucJrom nr�ck.r
compromiscd by land use
conflicts and growth pressures
• groundwater resourccs, plant some ojourstrenau dry up orberome
and wildlifc l�abitats, woodlots si�bjc�t ro flashJloodii�g
and otl�er cnvironmentally
significant arcas will bc
irrevcrsibly damagcd by
' dcvclopment and natural
rystems will be compromiscd
• open space linkages, visual ive perniaiiently lose o�en space
landscapes and natural roiuirttio�ts Gefween arens of dte GTA
resourccs will bc destroycd
• the quality of life and eultural �hcre is onyoieg pressine m aGsor6 itiorc
heritage attributcs of rural groivd�
communities will be crodcd
• incompatible laud uscs will rHere is n prulifernrion oJurGnn
takc ovcr thc countryside sii6divisioiis d�roiighout rernl nrcns
• infrastructure costs will rise liighwnys nud pives nre exfe�tderl i�iro
nc� rout�rrysirlr
• transportation incfiicicncics Iherc nrc inst�cic�i� hniisit
will bc compoundcd ronuniniicnts
• urban sprawl will cngulf our the daily drivc �o niidJrom work tnkrs
towns and villagcs nvo Imurs enth wny
• pcople will liavc no choicc but thc only bnrtk iit toivn itiov�c out
to travcl outsidc thcir
communities for employment
and scrviccs
A Countryslde Strelegy Pege 8 Draft Straleplc Dlrectlons
',
• ' ATTACNMENIN_LTO REPORTlS� �5 • ao
i g , ' �8 0�` \5
Wc nccd to stop and assess if this is whcrc wc want to bc boing. If
wc dccidc ti�at it is not, then togcthcr we must idcntify a vision that will
dcfinc how wc want tlie GTA countryside to cvolve bcyond 2021. By
getting ahead of the gamc now and defining collectivcly wherc we want to
bc in the longcr term, wc have thc incrediblc opportuniry of working
rogether to cnsure that what we value is protectcd.
Where Do We Go From Here?
We need a cicar definition of our collectivc prioritics for tl�c �
countrysidc, from a GTA-wide perspective, and a corresponding
commitmcnt ro co-ordivatc transportation and infrastructure dccisions
and the planning appcal proccss, so that tl�cy support and mould our vision
of the GTA.
Witliout these, tl�e sprawl of our urban arcas is inevitablc and wc run
the vcry rcal risk of croding tl�osc features of our countrysidc that we value
and tliat contributc, in a sig��ificant way, to our global compctitivcness.
Wc must consciously and co-operatively movc in a ncw dircction
now. We must rccognizc tl�at countrysidc is�ucs arc intcr jurisdictional
and d�at ro succcssfully resolvc them, wc must work togethcr from a co-
ordinatcd GTA-widc perspcctivc. Wc must work togctlicr witl� our
contmunities to dcfinc our prioritics and tl�cn, acting as onc ciry-rc�ion,
develop a countryside stratebry that will reflect and respect diat which wc
collcctivcly value in tlic broadcr GTA co�ttcxt.
Once d�at is accomplishcd, wc must pursuc togcthcr ncw financial
mcchanisms, ncw partncrsl�ips and new tools to makc that vision a rcaliry.
Tlic first stcp in that proccss is to answcr somc basic qucstions:
Is tl�is our vision for tlie countryside?
A perrnnuc�it n�rnl arcn, dislintt nrid physitnllyscpnrntcJranr ►hefidly
scrvired nrbnn nma oJlhc GTA but iiifri�tsic �o ifs crononiic henith ar�d
vilaliry; n�lacc w6crc ngrindn�rc, d�c resoi�rce indas�ncs nnd d�c mral
ecoeoiiiy rnn prosper n�id wltere co�n�lrysrde coninuniities, ►He visan!
laitrlscnpe, r6e delirare erorys�eiu and rlie n�ral c6ararrer and ��ialiry oJlife
are protecred; nn nren wJieregroivtlr nnd developntenl ta�t ocnir �vifliin tbe
confex� of c�ivironnteiifnl profeclio�t, tonipntiGiliry, envirottntciitnl
sustai�rnbiliry nnd eianagedgroiulli; n placc ivl�crc pcovlc livc, ivork, ursif,
piny nnd, jor niairy, n re�rrntJroni tlie presseres of ntodent lifc.
A Cauntryslde Strategy Page 7 Drek Streteg� Dlrecllons
. _ . ,. ,. , r. _., , . _.. . . . . .. . . . , . ,
ATTAI'�iN1ENii�TOREPORT��315•00 059
�� o� �6
Arc thcse thc principles that wc want to scc guidc our dccisions in
crcating our vision of the countryside?
• prescroatioii oJn peromncnr cornirrysi�le, ideiiri inGlc ni��l sepnrnrc jroni tlic
r�rban CTA
• prorer►ion of die nntr�rnl jrntiires, fi�nr�io�is, proresses nnd i�ucr-ro�uiertioiis
oJllte nn�urnl eiiviroiuuenr
• environmen�nl sustnirmbiliry r6n! respetfs die leynty being left �o fr�►em
geucrario�u
• crono�nic vitnlily ojnc� ngrindn�rnl, ngqresn�c n�id rourisni iridusrries nur!
rei� jorre�eeiU oJromilryside coimriuni�ies by mrn�is oJn sclf-siu�niitiiig
nnnl cca�onry
• ninnngedgrowdi so fhnt die proje�ted popidnriaigroivdi jartlie CTA is
predun�inntely dircc�ed fo thc nrGn��ixcd nrens nn�! tl�e toimrryside's qiinliry
of► fe is �rot roinpromrscd
• rmer-regioital ro-ordion�ion niid ro-upernfion
Is each municipaliry prepared to identify specific areas within its
jurisdiction tl�at sl�ould bc protcctcd aud to devclop a framcwork that will
ensurc tlieir prescrvation in perpctuity?
Arc wc rcady to dcfinc an urban growdi boundary in thc GTA diat
rcflccts thc arcas tliat wc want to sce protcctcd from urbanization for the
long tcrm?
Arc wc committcd to cncouraging an urban structurc that
maximizcs die usc of c.�isting infrastructurc and intcnsifics devclopment
within growtl� ccntres and nodcs in a morc compact form wid� intcr-
conncctcd grccnspacc?
Can wc devclop a proccss in which transportation and infrastructure
dccisions servc as a tool to implcmcnt our vision, rat6cr than dictatc it?
Arc we prepared to build a GTA-wide conscnsus on t1�c Future shapc
of tlie GTA that will strongly influcncc thc dccisions of tl�c OMB as it
evaluates individual planning appcals...or even climinate thc nccd for
OMB involvement?
A Countryslde Stretegy Page 0 Draft Slrategb Dlrectlona
' � ATTACFIMENT��,TO REPORTNC�15-n�
060 • �.j\c� o�' 15
Are we willing to collcctivcly pursuc new financial arrangctncnts,
partncrsltips and tools to cnsurc thc long-tcrm viabiliry of tl�c GTA
countrysidc?
Are wc rcady to dcvclop a sustainablc watcr tnanagcmcnt stratc�ry for
dte GTA and adopt thc necessary practiccs to support it?
The challcngcs and opportunitics confronting thc countrysidc can
be distillcd into nine goals, Arc these the goals for the countrysiJc that
will hclp us to rcalizc the GTA vision for a.srrongly protected rural and
agricultural arca surrounding thc compact urban arca of thc GTA — and
what are thc action plans d�at will implement diesc goals?
1. To prescruc niid prafer� n penanncnr n�rnl nrcn fGnt retniiis dre diarnr�er
niid qiinliry oJlife n�rriL��res rlrnr nre inrrinsic ro rhe GTA m�uirryside.
2. To fon,s nc� mnjoriry of rhe projecrrd CTA vopulnrion growrG ro rhe frdly
scrviced ��r6nn nren so cu lo allcvinlc �l�c pressim oj�nGn�i sprawl i�� rhe
counrrysidc.
3. Tu pro�ert ►lic si'g�ii irnnt nnfurnl fcn�ures, fimrliaiis, �raresses niid i��ter-
rannafions ojrl�c imterul cuviro�m�eiir in ordcr fo ttiniiifniii a licnl�hy,
sru�niunGlr crorys�cia n�id �lic gunlit�� ojd�c visunl Inndsrnpc.
4. To mii jorrc dic nqrindnuul i�idiisrry niid i1s nssotinlcd sen�i�cs ns nn
i�uportnnf ctonor��ir bnsc �f tlic GTA nnr! fo profcr� flrc ngricrdnirnl larid
Gasc jrom Im�d iur to��itts.
5. To snpport mid ��rontu�c n diversiry oJ�u�uisn�, reacntionnl nnd o�en spnrc
opportunitics nnd liiikngrs tlm� arc coinpn►iblc widi nc� dimncicr a�td
eiwiro�uncnfnl sciisilivity ojdie ro�infr}�sidc,
6. To siq�port n�id reir forre n s�n61c nn�! drucrsc ri�rnl cronunry IHnt is
tontpnfiblc wi�li thc enviroru�rent nrid cliarnr�cr aJflic coo�i(ryside.
7. To support a balnrucd appronrh la cxis�iiig nnrl potenrini nggregafe resoi�rce
mm�s in ordcr ro ntinin�i.zc c�rviromncn�nl and socinl irnpncls wliilc
rcrognixiny d�c iniportanrc ojrhis resornrc m cronoir�ic dcvelopn�ciit across
nc� GTA.
8. Tu cuntcithnrc flic liaiited grow�h �o Gc nrcomniodn►ed wifhie Ihc
cor�ittrysidc u�itliirt tlic hicrarchy of set�lcnicnr nrcns, hnviiig rcgnrd jor
cnviromnental iinpa��; a�id the li�niled tapnciry oJfhc n�rnl ronntn�rtifies to
aGsorbgroivtli Gcjorc cotnpramising �hcir nirnl dinrnc�er, lifistyle, vnlucs or
ndrr�r�l herirage arrrib��res,
A Countryslde Strategy Page 8 DreR Suateplc Dlrectlons
' ATTACHMENT t�_L__TO REPOAT #5:8� l5•0 0
, (�\\ o� \5 �6j
9, To e�uure ll�nf relevanl frausportafiai n�td r� jrns�n�rtnrc deritio�is nre �na�1e
�virl�in rlre co�ucxr of die roun�rysidc srra�rgy in order rn rcir force �lie
roanfrysidc oGjec►ivrs of rHe GTA.
Consultations
Thcse arc thc qucstions tl�at wc tnust answcr to crcatc a GTA
countryside strategy. It will bc important to obtain thc widcst input on
thesc issues from all stakeholdcrs. To this cnd, a comprchcnsivc public
consultation is rccommcndcd througl�out the summcr and fall, with
circulation oFtl�is report to GTSB tnember enunicipalities, stakef�older
organizations and provincial and fcdcral govcrnmcnts. In addition, focus
groups and informatiai scssions will be lield wit1� special intcrest groups
and individuals in order to solicit tlicir input on the issues raiscd.
Following this proccss, a status rcport compiling thc commcnts will
bc prcparcd. A workshop is plamicd for tl�c Working Group to rcview the
issucs raiscd during community consultatious and to bcgin discussion of
tl�e action plan needed to implement our collective vision.
Conclusion
By raising awarcncss of tlic issucs tliat wc nccd to address and by
initiatingpublic dcbatc, wc stand tlu bcst cl�ancc ofaccuratcly idcntifying
tlie public priorities and values tliat wil) form tlie foundation ofa vision for
the long-tcrm viability of thc GTA countrysidc.
Wc must rccognize tliat thc issucs atlecting thc countrysidc cross
municipal boundarics and that wc arc an intcgratcd, intcr-dcpcndcnt
regional conununity. Our challcngc is to providc thc contcxt for thc GTA
to fulfill its rolc as a vita) city-rc�ion witl�out comprotnising tl�c valucs and
quality of lifc attributcs tliat thc countrysidc cotuributcs. Togctlicr wc
must crcatc thc vision to makc tl�at l�appen and wc must formulatc a
process d�at wil! guarantee its success.
J�uie, 2000
Greater Toronro Serviccs Board
�000 Murray Ross Parkway
Toronto, Ontario M3J"2P3
Toll Free 1-877-335-3319
A Countryslde Stretegy Page f0 Dreft Streteg� OlrecUons
062 ,
C�TA
Urban, Ac
8� Green
ATTAqNMB1TNi.TO AEP0111�5� 1S• od
�j�a o� �5
�
u�rs� ,� o ,� � �,.
Gre�wr Toronw S�rvices Doud
Mep 1
�1
ATTACHMENTN 1 Tpp�T�'�p 15•c�o
R�\'3Q�\5 063
GTA �,,
Urban Expansior�-�,--� ��,,
Past, Present � "�� � � , "
� ,�....
,r v ._i ` tJ'
& Future"" " �
.5�� �� : �, r;
.�•+, �r �
DRAFT , ' '
, ,�� �; ��
: ��' ;C~ � Y. . � T .
�` : �`` � , �
a�;� ���� � �'s�. �. ,�; ,
,. ��` � � ,,�, �s �,���, �� .,�,,
�. , , ;��, ; ' ;;_; ...'?" '�( ; � '`.
� t r T
✓...._... � �4'� ���i p�.
.t... ".'1!r♦ `l} '�.��� . tr'�w;hG�� .. ' r.._ � ���...i. � . .
�
��\:'{�.����r
'....,�v��.:.,
.i ' r; •
i � .3� r�. . . .
: ,�:<:.�,- - T�
:�� v;>`:ti:: ��
.,\` ' `�• .:,
^a'\1
. af
; � ; . .��
ti
���� +` I.
..�� .� *,\r.•
'J �
`V r'�"�.
t f,.
1�. . .,tiC:�.
`� i �
\``�� .. -�. /
».:
�':_ •��
�� V L
Grcatcr Toronto Scrviccs BoarJ
GTA Ur6an E,ponyon
Poit Pm�anl and Furow
�pwl Mun1uM�
'i(J 1.4��
'`C'" �h�r�
o �:,..,..,.,.�
II�tiJM Yw
O O.Y�IIy��MNw�
� V�O��IwN�
a'� (t«�«.N.n.w4.�rys.M�q
. ��1 I�rMMNn14M�
�, ; �.,�,.�,,.�.,
.���.
f�:, � u�.,e...�.iw.
� uA.,...n �vm
_ u,`.,�...�iroti
_ M��.IVrMn4w�
� n.n�.�r..ua.a..�.
4�1]oft
YiI�Ri� o�:���� �
...'T'..".......... �....�
��'^..��.'..� ���
....�...._.�J.'.�:•
�" Map 2
N
O
C
'1
n
�
s
H
O
7
H
Y
�i
M
m
0
N
�
h
K
4L
K
r•
0
�
�
r
a
'
C1
a
�
,
o�
�y
o�
��
a
�
�
9
d
Y�O
N
O
C
N
n
�
3
H
O
�
H
b
H
M
p
7
W
b
O
M
rr
n
n
�
7
ro
r
n
�
G1
�
�
�
0�
��s
��
�
�
a
� �
9
w� -
990
• ' ATTACHMENTi.a1_TOAEPOAT#SB.015-c�o
, 066• 0.�\0�` �4
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
Septcmber 28, 2000
To; Tom Melymuk
Division Hcad
Cotporate Projects & Policy Divisioi
From: Cathcrine L. Rose
Manager, Policy
Subject: Thc GTSB Dra(t GTA CountrysiJe
Wc arc providing commcnts on thc GTSk3 Discussion Paper, "A GTA Countrysidc Stralegy —
SUalcgic Dircclions" lo assist in thc prcparalion of your Report to Cowicil, Durham Region
Planning Dcpartmcnt invitcd us to commenl dircctty to thcm an this discussion paper for
inclusion in Iheir rcport to thc Rcgional Plnnning Cammittce, but we adviscd thcm that Pickering
Council would be commcnling JirceUy to thc Grcatcr Toronto Scrvices Board.
Consisleucv Wilh Pickcring Official Plan:
Thc visian und goals in thc dratt GTA CounlrysiJc Stmlegy nrc consistcnt wilh Pickcring's
policics for its Ruml'Systcm containcd in lhc Pickcring OlTicial Plun. Thc Pickcring Ofiicinl
Plan scls out policics for thrce intcrtclaled systcros: the Gcological Syslcm, the Urban System
anJ thc Rurol Systcm. Pickcring's vision Cor its Rurol System is to: prescrvc agricuiturnl
capability for futurc gcncrations; encouragc fartns and relatcd busincsscs; accommodate
controllcd growth; support thc cultural hcritngc nnd intcgriry oC rural liCcslyles; protccl unJ
cnhancc thc diversily of natural urcas; minimizc thc dcgrcc of conpict nmong a diversity of
intcrrclnted usr; providc rccreational opportunilics for pcoplc to enjoy the countryside; and give
rural residents an nctivc role in dctcrmining Cuwrc plans for hamlels and rural lands, Rurul
goals, policics for nual population and cmployment, rurul Innd usc policy and rural selllement
policies for rural hamlcts, rural clusters and counlry residcntial uscs provide grcater detail lo lhe
gencral policies for thc Rural Systcm, nnd arc nttachcd to this mcmo ns Appendix A.
GTA CounWside Strategy discussion paper: �
Thc GTA Countryside Strategy discussion paper was written to examine thc countryside,
forecast whnt the future holds, and commence a process to first establish n vision for n prcCerrcd
, ' ATTACHMENT*�LTO HEPORT6i� 15�00
' , Z Raao� �y 067
type of countryside, end then devolop a GTA•wide atrategy to roinforce the vieion. The stralegy
is inlended to provide an inlcgrated cantext in which local und regionel municipaliliea can co-
operatively co-ordineto plans end decisions lo ensure the long•lerm viability of the countryside
without superceding local planning authority.
The discussion paper explains that the countrysidc has a unique charactcr, lifcsryle, quality of liCe
and values that stands in contras► to those of the urban community, Thc paper indicates lhat thc
counUyside churucter is thrculened by growth pressures, provincial and municipal policies and
infrast[ucture decisions, Ontario Municiple Bourd (OMB) decisions, and a prevailing altilude
favouring a suburban Iifestyle realizcd through subdivision of lands within thc countryside. The
paper seeks to have present trcnds, values and attitudes revcrsed in ordcr to prescrve thc
countryside in pe�pctuity and reducc urban spruwl. [n slriving to idcntify an appropriate new
direction, lhe paper nsks a number of basic questions to which lhe expected answer is
(presumubly) to be n"yes". The paper asks whethcr our vision for thc wuntryside is:
"A permanent rural erea, distinct and physically sepnrale Gom lhe fully scrviccd urban
nrca but intrinsic to ils cwnomic vitnlity; a placc where agriculture, the resource
induslries and lhe rural economy cun prosper und where counUyside communitics, thc
visunl landscapc, thc Jclicale ecosystcm and thc rural charactcr and quality of lifc arc
prolected; an arca whcre growth and Jcvclopment can occur within Utc context of
cnvironmental protection, compatibilily, environmenlal sustainabilily and managcd
growth; a place where peopic livc, work, visit, play and find u rclrcat from the pressures
ofmodcm lifc7"
Othcr questions are nskcd about: appropriate principles lo guide decisions; whcther
municipalilics arc prcparcd to idcntify arcas lo bc prescrvcd as counlrysidc in perpetuity; U�c
cstnblishmcnt of a GTA•widc wnscnsus to strongly in(lucncc dccisians of llic OMB in ils
cvulualion of planning nppcals or lo climinalc thc nccd for OMB involvcmenh and to
callcclivcly pursuc ncw ways of ansuring lang•tcrm viability of thc GTA countrysidc.
Assuming lhut the qucstions all wcrc unswcrcci with a"ycs", thc paper thcn presents a serics of
proposed goals necdcd lo rcalizc tlic vision of slrongly protccicd rural und ngricultural areas
surtounding thc compact urban arca of thc GTA.
The paper thcn culls for a comprchcnsivc public consultation on this dra(t "GTA Countryside
Stratcgy" of stakcholdcrs incluJing GTSE3 mcmbcr municipalilics, tiic provincial and fcdcrul
govemments. Subscqucnlly, a slatus rcport is to bc compilcd far rcvicw with later ucccplancc
of a vision nnd Cormulation of a proccss to guarantec succcss for Ihat vision,
Commcnts on Countrvsidc paper:
The suggcstion in the "vision" that n pertnunent tural arca bc protected, and lhc qucstion asking
whelher municipnlilics nrc prepnrcd lo prcservc countryside nreas in pemeluity, would appenr lo
suggcst lhat municipaliGcs shoulJ bc prcpared to first ndopt policies protcctive of nual urcas and
then forego their currcnt ability to revisit and revisc thcir policies for ruml areas in the future.
While Pickering's current policies tvc supporlive of thc intcnt of lhc proposnis in lhe discussion
' �1AdiNIEM1l.�i0 AEPORT#�o IS-cx�
osa . 3 �ao��y
paper, the City muy wish to rclain its authorily to changa ita policics in lhc fulure, if appropriate
end desirable,
Tho diacussion paper notcs that OMB appeals can ovcrtide nnd undcrmine a municipalily's
vision as enshrined in its official plan. In uddition, ane of the queations aaka whcther wc arc
prcptued to build a GTA-wida consensus on thc fulure ahapc of the GTA lhet can atrongly
influence OMD decisions on individual planning appcals or eliminate lhc necd for OMD
involvemcnt.
Since il is the Planning Act Ihat ullows for privule land owners lo apply for nmendments to
municipal oticiul plans and to appeal municipal dccisions to thc OMB, it would requirc
amendmcnt to the Planning Act or thc adoption oFmuch strongcr Provincial Policy Statemcnts
(Agriculturul Land or Growth and Sclqement policies) to atrongly inDuence or ovemde curtent
OMB approval powers. Adoption of much e:.ro7gc� Frovincia3 Policy Statcmcnls would
strenghen u municipal council's ability lo protcct rural Innds whilc niso reducing a council's
discrction to allow for grcatcr developmcnl righis on rural Innds, wherc appropriatc und
desirablc.
Thc sinlcd vision for Uw countrysidc is consistcnl with Pickcring Official Plan policics and
sounds attractivc. Howcvcr, it should bc kcpt in minJ thut activitics of pcople visiling and
playing in thc countryside, and retrcaiing from the pressures of modem life (presumably in
isolaled counlry estata), can oIlcn con0ict with famiing activities nnd tradilional rural
cominuniry lifc. In addition, if urbanitcs who visit qic countrysidc latcr dccidc they want to
move lo Ihe countrysidc, a strict implemcntalion of lhc propased vision could reslricl or dcny
them Uinl opparlunily. il can bccome an elitist clhic, in whicli wc would dcfine lhe 'public
good' in sucli n way ns to deny thc ncw "rural wannabecs" from cslablishing I�omcs in lhe
counlryside, whcrcas thc fornier urban cxpatriates who urc alrcady thcrc become thc chosen few
who conlinuc lo bcncfil from counlrysidc residency. Ovcrall, il sounds likc a"Not In thc
CountrysiJc Hack Yan1" (NICDY) philosophy.
Proposcd goal 82, to focus population growth in thc fully scrviccd urban arcas, is consistent with
policies of lhc Pickcring 011icial Plan and Ihc Durham Rcgion Of(icial Plun. In Pickcring, if thc
projcctcd daubling of population in thc castcm parl of thc GTA docs occur, such incrcascs can
bc accommodated by modcratc dcnsity incrcascs in current urban nrcas nnd in Ihe (curtently
unscrviccd) Scaton l'-ban Arca. Howcvcr, thc GTA Counlrysidc Slralegy appcars lo bc n
singlo-facctcd policy that secks to shicld thc countrysidc from populalion growth without
idcntifying u similnr scl of dclailcd objcclives nnd goals lo show how resulling populalion and
density incrcascs cnn bc accommoJatcd wilhin currcnt urban arcas or how inGastructurc
spending and const►uction may affect currcnt urban residents. It should be kept in mind that n
recent survey donc for lhe Durhwn Mobilily Study revcalcd llial residents oC Durham do not
wunt significunt incrcnses to cxisting urban dcnsities. On thc other h�nd, as onc cclebratcd
urban pinnner said reccntly nbout thc qualily of life in lazge, dcnscly scltled cities: "ICs nol how
dense }rou makc your city that mnttcrs, iC's how you makc it densc." In othcr words, corcful
altention to thc dttails of project dcsign can cnsurc an exccllcnt quality of life cvcn in a dense
urban arca.
ATTACHMENT�,�.TO REPORi#S'8S� 15-�
4 �yoc �y oss
I trust that this will assist you in prep¢rntion of the repod to Ciry CounciL If you wieh to diacuss
ihcae commenls, plcosa contact eilhcr Stevc Gnunt nt cxlension 2033 of myscif at extcnsion
2038.
�
Cat�crine L, Rose
SG/cvds
� aymfNl�uS108
Enclosure: Appendix A— Ofticial Plan Policies for Pickcring's Rural System (Pages 37 — 43)
Copy: Director, Plunning & Development
,��,�y" �
6r I
i
� .�
�
' An�CNMENTIt.�TO REPORT#S`1o15-00
U70 .
�,5a��y
' Appendl�c A-
• ,. ' OfticGl Plan Poltclea tor Picicedng's Rural
System (p.35-43)
�
Pic&ering's Rural System •
Like urb�n rystems, runl rystemt involve people doing �
� v�riery of thingr. Yec, crwsicdans be[ween �nd unongsc
' people of the nual uea, differ somewhat from those in the
urb�n un. They usuilly direc��y or.indirectly requirq nem
� (tom, or ue grounded in "land' u a vi�ble, produaive and
Issdngraoura. ,
Fuming, forestry, golfing, bird wuching, aggregace
' e�c�nction, hiking uid many other runl zttiviria all require
or use luid u a resource. To acist, they �Il direttly depcnd
upon lwd, or upon the natunl rystems thac support md
flow from t6e l�nd
Protecting l�nd, u a finite resource, is �herefore of vital
� importance to ensuring a healthy niral rynem.
Runl Pickering comprises approxim�tely, 15,200 hect�res,
whieh u roughly two-thirds oE che Town's [oc�l land un,
� Ae depitted on Map 10: Pickering't Rural Sys[em, found ac
t6e end of [hu Chapter, the Towa's runl system includes
l�nds simated south af the Township of Uzbridge, �nd
nort6 of �he C.P. (Belleville) nil line, excluding Sa[on �n.d
�he Potenu�l Aicpoa Si[e. • , _
A'vision na�emeac for ninl Pickering, developed in 1994 by
raidenp of the Towa; forms w exallent stuting poin� for
[he form�uon of n�nl poliry. In pus, chis ��ision ,
aatemeat describa nual Pickecing u:
' �k 7 I
� `a'�..+'� � �i': "G�.��'� '�
. �F�'"� f, ��y R b`?�,
,.f.! � � 4.f;lqN�.
,�; ,�� ��, � 'i�s��.
Yr ,�, y��y ,�7'i IV
� s ` �.r;�� s ,ll ; �•
� �, . � , `�. ,��s �
�
r�f " wfy� }+ � �,�� 'kt � �F'r' ' ��tcY
�`°p ,
�S �,(r �* �� Nl � (/.Fj�'1S �l����'rh j e�
��� � a�i�a��.'�r. � .���`Zi�t.�.?� � . i �. . �� '
,�xi: c
•
0
,,
ATTACHMENT#.�.TO AEPORT#C.BU IS-oo 0,�1
, . �bo�\y
� Appendls A- • • u
OtQcial Plan Pollcla for Pickedug's Rural . '
, System (p.35-43) '
1 . '' Consistmt with thi� vision, the Town's poliaes for iu runl r,
� � . rystem seeks to: .
• praerve agricultural ap�biliry [or future
' ' geaenuons;
• ' . encourige fums and rclated busineue:;
� • . accommodace eonuolled grovrth;
• mppon the culruril heringe and integriry of
. ' • • md lifatyles;
' , . . protect �nd enhmce che diveniry. of nuural .
• uea;
, •�� �e degree of conflia among a
diveniry of incerrelued usa; '
. provide recmdoa�l opportnnities (or people co
enjoy �he councryside; md
. give ruril residenu ui acuve role in determining
. future plu�s for hamleu and'runl lands:
• PICKENWOOFFIGAIPUN: CtaplxNro-PlannMpFmmewak �
ATTACHMENIT#.�Tp REPORT#� IS-eo
o�rz' �,� o� �y
' • Appendli A-
• • � Otlictal Pi�n Policta for Picicedng'i Rur�!
, Syatem (p.35-43)
. , Rural Goals
In the puc, Pickering's runl uei ch�nged relitively slowly.
� Today, u' the Greater Toronto Area urbusizes, and
incrcuing concerns ue eapraued about rhe economic
' viability of agriculcure in the uea, �he Towa fuu inueasing
• pressure for � npid and more widespmd cunl land use
. , chmgu.
Controlling both the type of chmge in �nd the speed u
a'hith it acurs is thercfore excromely important to
mvntvaing che long term he�l�h of the Town't runl
sys[em.
1.�1 ToNa Council adopu the fallowin6 a ib goili 'fOWNPOLfCY
for In runl ryrtem, , Rwra! Coalr
(a) to protect and rnhana the cultural and
mtural heriage ot ehe runl ua, and
consme the runl raource bue, including
agriculmn! landr, for airting ond fumrc
grnmtioro;
^ (b) to rnwunge a vibrant runi economy with a
wide range o( runl wa �nd utividu,
. including� �
. ��) P���Y agricultunl wa;
(L� eomplementary and rupportive '
. . agricultunl usM; ,
(u� outdoor runl'recradoaal uses; wd
(tv) otha wmpadble runl wa that
rnntribute ro the divrniry of economie '
activida in the am; .
(c) to promote improved wdal wd economlc
• linkaga bctween urban md run) Pickering;
(� to enwunge limited rural raidential� . .
devdopmrnt primui�y in h�mJet�; .
'(e) to rnwunge rural ratdential devdopmrnt
that u wergy effidrnt, rnhanw the nnge •
of rural' howing choiw, and b
' mvironmmtally appropriue in temu of iu •
. form, water w�ge and xivage dirpo�al . ,
ryn�+i .
(� to rneounge the appropriate and timely .
. ditpo�itionpf land� in rural Picl�ering awned •
' by the proviodd �nd (edenl 6overnmrnn� .
and �
' . (B) � jnvolve • n�idrnb, bwinnr•peoplq . � �
' '� landownen, rdewnt publte agende�, end • •
otha intaerted groupt �nd indivIdwla in ' •
-'. rtuking deciaioro , wncern(ng the runl ..
ry�tem. • `
PICKERINGOfFICIALPUN: ChopialWO-Plonn4pframewwl�
. . • JI
,
ATTACHMENT��iO AEPORT#�AQ 1�_ �o
�,a���y
Appendlx A-
OMclal Plau Pol(cla for Ptckedng'a Rurat
System (p.35.q3)
By 1996, �pproximately 4,500 people lived in ruril
Pickering, repruencing about 696 of the tot�l populadon of
the Tawn, Although the aumber of people living in [he
runl 'uea wiil iacreue over the next 20 ynn, the ratio of
'the number of people living in runl Pickering compued to
urbm Pickering wiU drop by 2016 co less thon S% of the
Town i totil populadon. Most of the Town's residenciil
growth will acur in tha urbw ua.
Still, some runl popula[ion growth u contidered neces:ary
' . and desinble to muntain � he�l[hy and viable runl un.
'fhe 1994 nuil vision developed by residen[s proposed that
• between I,000 md 1,500 addi�ionil people could be
accommod�ted in runl Pickering ova the next 20 ynrs,
primarily in and uound hamleu and clusten. '
tOWN POIICY
RuralPopufation Targtt,
ondAllantion '.
Rurql Rnrdentral Grorot6
Runl popul�tion gow[h could alsa occur u� resulc of
homu being builc oo vaanc lou,ouuide of settlemenu, As
well, eome populauon rtuy be �dded in che runl uea
through the developmen[ oE new runl sec[lemenu, such u
couatry raidendil subdivisions, if approved by Council.
2.22 Town Coundl adopts, u� ovenll populadon
hrget tor runl Pickaing oE 5,500 W.6,000 people
for the yar 2016, which repreunu a 70 yai
inacase of betwan 1,000 and 1,500 peoplr, tltif
inaau in runl population i6a11 Ix
iuommodated a� followi,
(a) at Inst 700 people in harnleu and dtuten
idendfied by d,;� Plan;
(b) up to about 200 people on loq awting
ou�ide.of cettlanrnu (6amje�, clusten ar
new settlemen�); and
(c) up to between 100 and 600 people in new
� , Nt7� fltt�d�ttlp� IIIC�1IdUlg B�iY EfpW�
BircLwood F.ttata and Spring Creelc, and
wy othon if appmved in acordanee•with
• the provition� of thb Plm.
073
�
durin�or�Fer�996• . . � ' . ' , � "
PICKERWGOFflCMIPUN: ChcplerTwo—Pbnnhpfromewak ' 78 • . .
074 '� �
0
�
ATTACHMENT#�TO REPORT�� 15• o0
p� `� o� �y
. Appendlz A-
Ofliclal Pl�o Policiw for Ptekeriog'a Rural
System (p.3S-03)
Employmenc opportuni�iet in ruril Pickering ue currrndy
limi[ed ' It is es[imued thu u of 1996, n�nl Pickering
provided between 500 nnd 1,000 jobs. Tn the puc, mon
runl jobs were in agriculcuro and rclued bwinasn. Today,
beause of a genenl declim in fuming, runi job
4pportuni[iu need [o be morc diverse if the Town is to
sustun a he�lchy rur�l economy.
Emphvu �hould be plued oa invodueing �nd mpporting a
divenity of n�nl enterpcisa iacluding agricul[ure,
butinase: relited to agriculmre, md rural oucdoor
rcueuion�l businesui, As weU, bwinasa rel�ud to
rsource coaservation, eaergy eonservation, and
enrironmenul reh�bilit�uon could be eneounged
Alao, wi�hin certain niral rectlemenu (where permined by �
Ruril Settlemen[ Plm), some employment cauld come from
"populadon•serving' businesset, such u conveniente ttores,
b�nka, resauruin, person�l service establishmenu, md gu
sutions, u well u(rom runl home «apuiom, and home
businessa. . ' .
2.23 iown Council adopq m employmrnt target for
runl Picitering of 2,000 job� tor the ynr 2016.
2.�4, Town' Counal i6ill accommodate run►
employmeni opportunida in �aordana �vith
the provuiom of the PUn, priman7y a� (otlow�, ,
(a) 3n food production and other ogricultur�l
and rd�ted bwineue�, aperia0y t6ose tlut
�rc labour intwive md brnefit from being
In clox pro:imiry to urbm aras; '
(b) fn fum businaea that lxn�t from dose
proiimiry to urbu� arw, mch a, but not
�. limiud to mukee gardau, Pick•your�awn
' � fruit' and vegetable openNom, bed and
� brn�fut aublu6mrnu, and bwlnara
' oHedng runl farm holid�yt;
TOWN POLICY
RuralEmploymmt Targrt
TOWN POLICY
ReralEmploymrnt
�Ort47t1t1tf
PICKERWGOFflCIAL.PLAN: ChapleiTwo-Pbnnk�pFromewak . • , . . �q
�,
,. � -
� ATTACNMENT��TO AEPOAT�� 15-c�e�
� " ' R� \o o� �y 075
APPendlzA- . ---------__
OtRcinl Plan Pol(ctes for Plckering's Rural '
, System (p.35-d3) . . � �
.' . TOWNPOLICY (c) throu6h runl divcnifiadon, iacluding
Rxra/Employmrnt wmpauble recmtioml uses, 6utineuu --
OppartrrnitiK • � related to environmenhl rchabiliution or
(mntdJ rnergy and ruource commuion, home
oecupuiom, and home businesses; and
, ' (� in trtull �alr xrvice, cammerci�l an� •
. • industrtil opention�, ruch a but not limiud ,
. ro nurmria, gudrn untres, landeaoina.
. ezavating, and equipmrnt rep�Ir and
urvice.
� Ae o(1996, �bout 5096 oE the 1'own's cunl nm wu publicly
'. owned -�he &denl govemmen� holding abou� 5,600
� hecwa of cunl Imd for � possible fedenl vrporc, and the
provinci�l governmeo� holding about 2,000 heaues of rurnl
. land (beyond �he roughly ),000 hecures held far Seaton),
Surplus runl land� owncd by either the federil of provinci�l
govemmenu should eventually be retumed to private
' • ownenhip.
, TOWN P0T1CY . 7.13 ToNn Cauncil �h�ll rncounge the appropd�u
,Sa/ro/SurplwPub(ieLandr aad timely dispo�itton of runl landr thu are
owned by, and surplw to the nu� of the fedenl --
' , . md provindal govemmenu, pravjded,
'• • (a) the land� arc sold for use+ wnrutrnt with
the polida of this Pl�n and the Durh�m
Rcgional O(ficial Plan; and
, (b) land� t6u urve impartant publie purpoia,
• ., ar contain eignifiant natunl or cultunl
roourca are wnvtyed w the appropriate
public agrnry.
. , `� j . •
� In 1997, the Towa establis6ed a Rur�l Smdy Area on lands
'r . located wen of the Wat Duffins Crak boundcd by Green
River on �he nocth, �he Townline Road on the west, �he
� C.P. (Bellev7le) r;+il line on �he :ou�h; and Wen DaEfins
. . Crcek oa the eut. .
• ' PICKERINGOFFICIALPUN: ChoplxTwo-PbnnYpFromeviork IO
,- ,, _
, ..
� ATTAI�flMENT1k�T0 AEPORTIt� 15-0�
076" � �� ���y
, • . APPendGc A-
.,• Ofticid Plan Poticia [or Picluring's Rural .
, ' ' Syatem (p.35-03)
� Rural Lands
Pickering's Runl System coa�ains 'Rural L.ands' and
. 'Rural SeRlemenu'. Runl Iands ue very diverse,
supporting � variety of usu ineluding farming, open �
ipaee, golf courses .and consernuon ueas, u well u.
mmy luge properties �lang sideliaa and eonussion
roads thu ue prim�rily used for raidenaal purposes.
Alchough [he 1994 resident•proposed vuion for nuil
Piekering nressa the importmce of conserving runl
Imds for fumre genentioas, it is aot i no grow�h or
', md�developmrnt vision. Ru6er, it allowe for a diveaity .
of usu on cunl londs, upai�lly �6ose thu provide runl
economic benefiu, and enhance or are compacible wi�h
the rural eharatter of the area. .
The ehallenge (or t6e Town's Runl Lands is to
ucommodam diversiry while protecdng the agriculmnl
^ and opm spue resource bue. ,
7.26 Wi[hin the runl am and aunide of Runl :'fOWN POLICY
Settlemrnts, Town Council shall ahbluh ' Rwra!lend Uta
appropriaLe Imd use daignatiant to nilect
the'predomin�ndy agricultural and natural ,
oprn spaa n�rore of this ara (sa Cluptn �
Three, Iand Use).
'_ � 7.1T In addition to thou wn permitted by the 70WN POLICY
dWignadom aabluhed uader sectioa 2.26, OdxrUwbyAmrndmrnt
7own Couneil may cowider permitting other
wa and utiviUu within the runl dra by
amrndmrnt to thi� Plan, eubject to t6e
relevant provuiom of Chapter Fikeen ' � � ,
(Developmrnt Review) of tLi� Plan.
.. . .._ .
PKKERMGOFfICUIPUN:.ChoplaAw-Plannlnpkamevrak ' 41
, . .' .
'� ; ! ATTACHMENT� d TOREPORTItC��-oc�
, ��
. P��a �� �y 077
. Appeudii A- . —
_ 011ielal Plan Pol(cia tor Pic{cerinP's Runl ' �
Sy�tem (pw5-43) �
Runl Setdemenu
' Most of Pickrrin6's runl 6rowth will acur in and around
ia Ruril Senlrmenu - uea ��here runl housing and rel�ted
, utn �rc (or viA Fe) concentrnni. Ten existing Runl
Settlemenu are de:i�nued: Cht�ood nnd Arca,
� Whiurilq Gran River, Brou6hun, Greenwood mdAra,
Sta:ton Glcn, Kiruile, Clarcmant md Ara, Bal:am �nd
Alton� (vhuh u dw p�rtly in Uxbridge).
Three s�litioad tmlemena ue il�o de:ignaed but have
not Y�t becn built: Birclay Erta�es (� country residential
mF+diriuon ipproved in 1995); +nd Birchwood Esata (a
councry rc�idcnti�l iuWivision pending Provincial
+ppror�; �nd Sprin6 Crmk (� country raiden[ial
tubdiviiion approved in 1998).
1 �Ku __
,����' ^ Thcrc ue ehrce typa of runl sctJemcnu in Pickering,
�q�z��+����� 6enenlly differcntiated by :ize,'chantteristia md mix af
'�k�� �.� '� usa: runl h�mlas, runl clunen and country residentiil
�,�f ..,,.. �,e . ,
i�h;:�:X:�eY.c�:�'.f�t�3 tU�ivifiOM1l. �
Rwra! lumleu ue the focu� of runl growth and
developmen�. They ohen contain a v�riery of Imd uses,
including ruidenti�l, eommera�l, communiry, culcunl and
recmcional uses. .
Rwra! dwterr ue�grwpings of resideatiil dwellings, usu�lly'
developed �long exisciag rutal roads. They provide only
very minoc opportunitiu for growch �nd expansion.
Count'ry iuidmtia( sealemeau are large la[, runl rcsidenci�l
subdivisions built oa in�em�l roads with little or ao
oppomrairy for cxpaasiom
To propedy control [he amount, nature and disui6udon of
. . nual growth, Runl Settlement Pluu have been prepued7or
. euh Runl Settlement (see Chapcer Taelve). If mocher
" ' . Runl Settlement ir approved (by unendmen� co [hu Plan),
m appropriace Rur+l Settlemen� Plin would also .be
inwrponted into this Pl�n (ilso by unert�nent).
PICKERPlGOfiICNLPLAN: ChoplerTwo-PlonnMpFromewak • ��
,� _
;, •
!� 78"
ATTACHMENT#��TO REPOAT#� �5-00
C�j�3 0� �y
Append[s A-
Olficlil Plan Pu11cIa for Picfceriag'� Runl
S��stem (p.35�3)
TOWN POLICY
(drnti�ying Rwra/ Sntfrmtna
"' I1t 7own Couaa7 ihaU idcatUr nithin in runl ua,
concentntiom of rud howin� ai eitha Rwal
H�micu, Quril Gwuq or Coun[ry Raidrntial.
2.29 For sach o( iu Aunl Senlm�mu, u�d u put o(
' fu o(ficW plan, Town Couadl, �ith the input of
� laal m(dmu, ilull xbpc � Runl Seulancnt
Plan, idrndlrin� the boundur of the uttlmim4
u�d tht land u�n rithin tha boundur.
TOWN POLICY
Rwra/ SetJemtnt Plrn�
7J0 fn p�ep�rin� Runl S�ttlmKnt Planti �nd In TOWN POUCY
ucord+nte �ith the oranll rvr�l �ro�th ur�eu p,io�,ryRa.+fSerrfemmujor
Idmdfial In �ectbo 7.J1, To*n Couacil rhall Nna Grom�i
coaildct the (ollo.ln� Run1 Sstdmuttu u
prioritr lontionr for �rorth,
(i) Clucmoer,
(b) Gtetnwood; .
(c) IUwlr and
(� B+(umb�. , .
2J1 Town Council, br amcndmrnt to thii Plan, rtur • TOWN POLICY
_ pemut apmiioro to e:irtin� rural K[tlemenu, NeruRuaal&rcl�menri
and mar daipute new Rural Sctdcrna�u, ' andFipantionr
. proridin�, byAmendmait '
(a) the toW population thu mar be 6rnmtad .
from e�andin` uirtin` �ealemrnu and •
from ertabli�hing new runl uttlanrnn �lull .
�npect the popul�don nrgw identilied in , - '
sectian 7.72 0( thi� Plant and
(b) the provuion� o( Chapur Fihaa . . . � , .
. . (Developmrnt Rerinr) o! tfw Plaa are meL
� 2J2 Dapiu uction 331, Town Coundl may permit iOWN POLICY ,
without amrndmmt to th6 Pl�u, minor �no�fxpnnrioru
� • ocpansiom w the hamleu of Clacemont, ,./orCrororbNamletr
Grcenxood, Kinsale and BalwmD7, providing, �thowtAmrndmmt '
(o) the gmenl purpose and intent of the Plan v
maintained;
(b) t6e apanslon t� con�isunt wit6 the
' provbions of . Chapter Twdve (Et�nl . •
Settlanmp) of t}w Plmi md • . .
(e) the provuioo� of Chapter Fihecn , � .
(Development Review) of thu Plau are met.
' ,' °�' °'Dderrils 1 ud 8 Biltam u deterrcd pendia` mnridernion af .
Reponil O((icW Plm Ameadmmt No.77 . •
'PiCKERWGOFHCIALPUN: ChaptxTwo-Pbnnhphomsvqrk u .
�a
� �
� � � �
The Corporation of the City of Pickering
ADMINISTRA770N DEPARTMENf
Clerk's Division
June 7, 2000
Greater Toronro Servica Boud
1000 Murtay Ross Pukway
Toronto, Ontuio.
M312P3
Attrntion� Lynn titortow
F iv�tYl4f
Dear Atf Morrow
Plcue be �d�i�ed that the Gwncil of thc City of Pickcring passed thc following
rewlulion at iu rcgulu mceting af luoc S, :000.
Thal Cierk'� Report Cl. 7•00 re�irdin� 1he licencing �nd regulating of hone
ridin` e�tablbhmenb be receh•ed; �nd
Th�l the drafl b�••Iaw lo litente end regulite llone Riding
F.flabl66men1� be fonv�rded lo Cuuntil for en�dment.
7'h�l !he ori`inal Ifcence fa af 5250.00 be used to purchau and
in�lall "C�utioairy" si;a� on publie ro�d� uied a� a route by ■
Ifteneed hone ridins atablbhmeat.
Th�t the Grcaler Toronlo Smiea Bo�rd be requated lo
endone the eoacept of licencing and regul�ttng hone riding
atabl6hmenb �nd rcquat other municipalitia fn the GTA to
eout similar by-IaMa.
..../2
Dlvielon (905)�2M611 Fax (905�/20.96fl5 6rtu11 clnbQ�iry•.picktting.onu
Pickering Civic Complex, One the Esplanade, Pickering, Ontario, Canada L1V 6K7 •
DirectAccess (905) 420-4660
www.city.pickering.on.ca