The Provincial Policy Statement is issued under the authority of Section 3 of the Planning Act. It provides direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development, and promotes the provincial “policy-led” planning system.
The new Provincial Policy Statement came into effect on March 1, 2005. This coincides with the effective date of Section 2 of the Strong Communities (Planning Amendment) Act, 2004, which requires that planning decisions on applications that are subject to the new PPS “shall be consistent with” the new policies.
The Provincial Policy Statement recognizes the complex inter-relationships among economic, environmental and social factors in planning and embodies good planning principles. It includes enhanced policies on key issues that affect our communities, such as: the efficient use and management of land and infrastructure; protection of the environment and resources; and ensuring appropriate opportunities for employment and residential development, including support for a mix of uses.
The new policies fulfill the government’s commitment to provide strong, clear policy direction on land-use planning to promote strong communities, a clean and healthy environment, and a strong economy. These clearer rules are also another important step toward our goal of reforming the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). They support our commitment to building livable and healthy communities that provide a higher quality of life for all Ontarians.