Email this pageProvincial Policy Statement
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.
- Provincial Policy Statement (2005)The new Provincial Policy Statement came into effect March 1, 2005 and applies to all applications submitted on or after this date.
- Provincial Policy Statement, 2005: Performance Monitoring Framework and Indicators ConsultationThe consultation has been concluded. This information is available for reference purpose only. The Government would like to thank our stakeholders, municipalities and citizens for providing comments on the draft Performance Monitoring Framework and draft Indicators for the PPS, 2005. MMAH, with the assistance of our partner ministry colleagues are now analyzing the input received with a view to enhance the indicators before finalization. Please check MMAH's website regularly for updates on the status of this initiative. Again, we would like to thank all Ontarian's who gave us their input and advice.
- Provincial Policy Statement (2005): Support MaterialsSupport materials are available to assist planning authorities and decision-makers with implementing the policies of the Provincial Policy Statement. Support materials are advisory only and are intended to illustrate ways for the policies to be implemented. Please check this site for periodic updates of support materials.
- Policy Statement 2005: Comparison of Selected New Policies to Former Policies in Key Areas
- The Strong Communities (Planning Amendment) Act, 2004 (Bill 26)The Strong Communities (Planning Amendment) Act, 2004, (Bill 26) received Royal Assent on November 30, 2004. The Act is the first step in planning reform.
- Provincial Policy Statement : Five-Year Review - Background InformationThe Government of Ontario has completed the review of its land use planning policies contained in the Provincial Policy Statement. The government would like to thank all individuals and groups that participated in shaping the new Provincial Policy Statement by submitting their views.
- Five-Year Review of the Provincial Policy Statement : Summary of Consultations (2002)
- Provincial Policy Statement (1996, amended in 1997)This Provincial Policy Statement came into effect on May 22, 1996 and was amended on February 1, 1997. It will continue to apply to all applications submitted prior to March 1, 2005 except for any applications that may be subject to earlier policy statements issued under Section 3 of the Planning Act.