On February 21, 2005 the McGuinty government announced the new Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), the government’s direction for land-use planning in Ontario.
It took effect on March 1, 2005.
The new Provincial Policy Statement will ensure provincial policies on land use reflect our common interests regarding community, economic and environmental matters.
The key policy areas address building strong communities, the wise use and management of resources, and protecting public health and safety.
The new Provincial Policy Statement will help municipalities better protect their employment lands from conversion to, for example, residential condominium development. These conversions are a problem being experienced by municipalities such as the City of Toronto.
In the past, when municipalities refused applications for conversions, the refusal of the application was often appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). The Ontario Municipal Board did not have as strong a provincial policy direction in the previous Provincial Policy Statement to protect employment areas. As a result, the conversion of employment lands has been allowed even though municipalities have completed studies which show the lands are needed for employment purposes.
Effective March 1, 2005, the Ontario Municipal Board or a municipality may permit the conversion of employment land only where it is demonstrated that the land is not required for long-term employment purposes and that there is a need for the conversion.
Brownfields, often former industrial or commercial properties that may be underused or vacant, can be found in many communities across Ontario.
The new policies support intensification, or the more intensive use of developed sites, including the redevelopment of brownfields, such as along the Sheppard subway line in Toronto. This will not only help improve the immediate surroundings of the community but will also ensure the maximum use of sewer, water and energy systems, roads and transit.
The new Provincial Policy Statement supports more transit-friendly land-use patterns.
With intensification and more compact, higher density development, there will be a sufficient number of people near the transit routes and using the systems which helps to make the systems viable . For example, the new policies are expected to benefit initiatives such as the New Markham Centre, which is proposed as a transit intensive node along a new major transit route on Highway 7.
The new Provincial Policy Statement provides stronger direction on land-use policies for improved air quality and alternative and renewable energy.
Land-use patterns that promote intensification and compact development will encourage the use of transit and reduce the need for long commutes between work and home. This will help improve air quality by reducing emissions from too many cars on the road.
The policies also promote alternative and renewable energy systems, such as wind turbines, in accordance with provincial and federal requirements. This provides enhanced direction to municipalities across Ontario in considering proposals for such facilities, such as projects that have been proposed in the County of Prince Edward.
The new Provincial Policy Statement supports our commitment for clearer, stronger planning rules that allow development only in areas where it can be sustained and supported by infrastructure.
At the same time, we are ensuring provincial policies are implemented and not ignored, and balance community, economic and environmental interests.