Notes for Remarks by John Gerretsen
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Ontario Professional Planners Institute
Transforming Ontario’s Planning System: A Progress Report
The Design Exchange, Toronto
May 8, 2007, 8 - 9:30 a.m.
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Thank you, Gary [Davidson, President, OPPI].
Good morning.
Thank you for joining me this morning.
It is appropriate that we are meeting here at the Design Exchange. This building is a wonderful example of blending the old with the new that contributes to the unique character of downtown Toronto.
Three years ago when we met at a similar event, I shared with you my government’s plan to transform Ontario’s land use planning system.
As you know, a great deal has changed over the past three years.
I invited you to join me today so that I can give you an update on the progress we have made, together, in transforming Ontario’s planning landscape.
Three years ago the McGuinty government started tackling gridlock, containing sprawl and preserving greenspace—some of the biggest threats to our quality of life and prosperity. The overall vision was to build vibrant and healthy communities.
Our objective—that I know you share—is to stop unsustainable sprawl, protect green space and maximize our use of existing and planned infrastructure through more compact forms of development.
OPPI’s Contributions
As the planning experts in this province, you play a critical role in shaping the future of our communities.
OPPI made tremendous contributions to each element of our planning strategy.
Your input on each initiative was thoughtful, thorough and challenging.
You pushed us to develop the best possible policies, plans and legislation that have created a stronger, more comprehensive planning system. At each step, you were there to provide us with your best expert advice.
All Ontarians will benefit as a result.
In particular, I would like to thank the members of your Policy Development Committee for the tremendous work they did in compiling OPPI’s submission on Bill 51. The consultation the committee undertook with OPPI’s membership to compile that submission was quite an undertaking.
Need for Change
Many Ontario municipalities are under pressure.
In southern Ontario, we expect an additional four million people to settle in the area over the next twenty five years.
In northern Ontario, some municipalities are struggling to maintain their vibrancy while experiencing decreasing populations and aging infrastructure.
North or south, each situation presents unique challenges that will force municipalities, under the leadership of their planners, to make important decisions to ensure their communities’ continued well being and quality of life.
I know that you are committed to attracting and managing growth in a way that ensures Ontario’s continued well-being.
We share this core principle.
With the Strong Communities (Planning Amendment) Act and our recent reforms to the Planning Act, the Provincial Policy Statement, the Greenbelt Plan, the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, and proposed brownfield legislation, we have put the pieces of the puzzle together to create a better planning system.
For the first time, we have a coherent strategy for how the province will grow.
With a more coordinated, coherent plan, we are now well positioned to continue to grow and develop in ways that benefit all Ontarians.
Healthy Communities
I commend you for the project you are currently working on related to improving people’s health through community planning.
This is an area where we will all benefit from your leadership.
I agree with the assertion in your urban design discussion paper that we face challenges in terms of moving to more sustainable and healthier types of development. However, I strongly disagree with you on the point that there is a lack of interest from all levels of government.
I have said many times that we can no longer continue to grow the way we have in the past.
It is time for a new approach.
Ontario has implemented some of the most progressive legislation and policies in North America to encourage sustainable development.
For instance, as a result of our government’s reforms, for the first time, municipalities have the authority to influence sustainable design elements of new building and development proposals.
Municipalities now have tools to encourage developers to incorporate environmentally-friendly external design elements, such as green roofs or solar panels, on new buildings.
Municipalities can also require that new subdivisions be designed to maximize energy efficiency. They might, for example, consider how lots are laid out so they can minimize wind and sun exposure, again, reducing energy requirements. Or, they could require new subdivisions to be linked with public transit routes and include bicycle and pedestrian pathways, reducing people’s dependence on their cars.
These changes could have a significant role in improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions that contribute to climate change.
Consider, for instance, that we included as a provincial interest development that is sustainable, supports public transit and is pedestrian-oriented.
This is a significant milestone.
As these and other possible sustainable policies are incorporated, over time, we will achieve significant improvements in the health of our communities.
We’re willing to walk the talk. Take, for example, our plans for the currently undeveloped Seaton lands in Central Pickering. The Central Pickering Development Plan, which is now in effect, will create a sustainable urban, transit-oriented community integrated with a thriving agricultural community and an extensive natural heritage system and will offer a balance of jobs and homes. We’re currently undertaking studies on the natural heritage system management plan, transportation issues and employment lands, to make sure Seaton is developed in the most sustainable manner possible. Working with our local municipal partners, landowners and other stakeholders, our shared vision for this tremendous new opportunity should realize results in only a few short years.
I was intrigued to hear recently about Kitchener’s draft “Neighbourhood Design Project.” The plan spells out what the city expects in the design of new subdivisions—each house must be within a five minute walk of a point of major interest such as parks, stores or transit. They’re looking for qualities like walkability, variation of housing types, character, conservation, connectivity, safety, transit-orientated and livability.
I think this represents the kind of development that Ontario families are looking for now and increasingly in the future.
Planning Accomplishments
I would like to spend a few minutes reviewing some of the major milestones we’ve accomplished, including the Strong Communities (Planning Amendment) Act, recent Planning Act reforms, PPS, Greenbelt, Growth Plan, Planning Act and brownfield reforms.
Strong Communities (Planning Amendment) Act
Shortly after taking office, our government took steps to begin transforming Ontario’s land use planning system by introducing the Strong Communities (Planning Amendment) Act.
We accomplished a couple of key objectives with the Strong Communities (Planning Amendment) Act toward our ultimate goal of empowering municipalities to make decisions for their communities. These included lengthening the timelines for municipal decisions and preventing appeals to the OMB of urban expansions that are opposed by council.
Provincial Policy Statement
The next step in our reform strategy was to revise the Provincial Policy Statement to promote the efficient use of land and resources.
The PPS provides direction on protecting our water, greenspace, agricultural lands and important natural features and areas.
The policies are based on the understanding that we can have a healthier environment through more compact development and achieving densities and building patterns that support the use of public transit.
Greenbelt Act and Plan
At the same time, we began work on developing the Greenbelt Act and Plan—what I believe to be one of our government’s finest achievements.
As you know, the Greenbelt permanently protects some of Ontario’s most valuable green spaces, farmland, forests, wetlands and watersheds.
As we celebrated the Greenbelt’s second anniversary in February, the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance (OGA) issued a report card which awarded the Greenbelt high marks.
We are on the right track.
A recent research poll found that 89 per cent of residents in the Greater Toronto area “support the greenbelt as a way to ensure cities in Greater Toronto remain livable and environmentally healthy.”
Last month, the Canadian Institute of Planners announced that the Greenbelt Plan earned CIP’s Award for Planning Excellence in the environmental planning category.
Also last month, the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario presented the Government of Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment Commission with a special award recognizing our achievements in establishing the Greenbelt.
I am extremely proud of these two awards—they are tremendous validations of the work we have done.
We will not, however, sit back and rest on our success.
We are committed to protecting the Greenbelt.
We continue to work closely with municipalities to support their efforts to bring their official plans into conformity with the Greenbelt Plan. That work is ongoing and continues.
I would like to congratulate the municipalities that have completed or nearly completed their official plan conformity exercise, including Hamilton, Niagara, Durham, Brampton, Markham, and Richmond Hill.
Many others are currently working on Greenbelt conformity amendments, including Halton, Peel, York, Simcoe, Wellington, Brock, Mono, Halton Hills and Innisfil.
We continue to work closely with many municipalities in defending the Greenbelt.
Where it is necessary to do so, we will step in to ensure the Greenbelt’s protection. We have, for instance, intervened in OMB hearings to defend Greenbelt policies. We will continue to do so when it is necessary.
Places to Grow Act and Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe
With the Greenbelt in place, protecting many of our most precious resources, our government turned next to supporting Ontario’s growth with the Places to Grow Act and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
The Growth Plan builds on the Greenbelt, outlining where growth will occur while protecting the quality of our air, water and land for future generations.
The Plan includes intensification and density targets in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, an important tool to help municipalities prepare for an additional 3.7 million residents and 1.8 million jobs by 2031.
Last month, the Government of Ontario was presented with the American Planning Association’s Daniel Burnham Award for the Growth Plan. As well, CIP announced that the Growth Plan will receive one of its Awards of Excellence in Planning in the re-urbanization category.
The acknowledgement of a job well done from planning experts has brought us tremendous satisfaction.
We celebrate these awards, and those the Greenbelt has earned, with all of the stakeholders—including OPPI—who helped us shape these policy initiatives for the benefit of all Ontarians.
The Planning and Conservation Land Statute Law Amendment Act, 2006
In January, one of the most significant elements of our planning reform initiative came into force—sweeping changes to the Planning Act.
By putting the emphasis on the front-end of the planning process, our reforms increase certainty and clarity and will ultimately reduce the number of disagreements among parties.
For instance, municipalities are now required to:
- Keep their official plans and zoning by-laws up-to-date;
- Take the latest PPS and provincial plans into account; and
- Give applicants the opportunity to pre-consult.
Municipalities may determine complete application requirements to ensure councils have the information they need to make the best possible decisions for their communities.
The reforms also encourage greater public participation at the official planning stage of the process.
Collectively, these reforms will reduce the number of disagreements, and ultimately, the number of appeals to the OMB.
In addition to this more certain framework, the reforms provide municipalities with the flexibility they need to make the best possible decisions about how their communities will grow.
They may, for instance, set minimum and maximum density and height standards.
Municipalities asked for, and we provided them with, the opportunity to create local appeal bodies that can deal with appeals of minor variances and consents.
The reforms related to employment lands have generated a good deal of discussion among developers and municipalities.
As is the case with all planning decisions, we have to make choices about our priorities.
Sustainable communities require a balance of homes and jobs.
As communities change over time, so do their requirements for employment lands.
Municipalities will have to decide which lands they wish to keep for employment uses and which lands can be developed for other purposes.
We also expanded the use of community improvement plans to encourage more sustainable types of development. Municipalities may include construction and energy-related uses as eligible costs in their community improvement financial-incentive programs. In addition, upper tier municipalities may now develop CIPs.
In the coming months, I expect that we will begin to see how this will redefine development in Ontario. It will have a tremendous impact on projects, like one currently under way in Kingston, for example, where the costs related to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification are eligible costs under the City’s community improvement plan.
As I said, I believe the reforms we’ve made will ultimately reduce the number of appeals that end up at the Ontario Municipal Board. However, in some cases, disagreements are inevitable.
I understand that the OMB is a challenging issue for many of you. Appeals redirect a great deal of resources from other activities for all parties involved.
We made changes to the appeals process to address some of the concerns that we heard from members of the planning community and others.
For instance, our reforms are intended to facilitate more opportunities for resolution of issues locally without OMB involvement. However, where disputes do occur, the OMB must now have regard for municipal decisions.
As well, in cases where new evidence is presented during a hearing, the OMB has the authority to send the information to council for consideration and recommendation.
I believe these changes, in addition to those being made by the OMB itself, will make the OMB more responsive to local community needs.
Brownfields
A parallel element of our planning strategy has been to reform brownfield legislation.
As greenbelt lands are permanently protected and the Growth Plan determines where development takes place, remediating abandoned and underutilized sites become all the more critical.
I am very pleased with the progress we have made, working closely with stakeholders, including OPPI, in finding ways to stimulate brownfield redevelopment. Luciano Piccioni represents you very ably on the Brownfield Stakeholder Group.
Brownfields obviously represent a tremendous opportunity for many Ontario communities.
Across the province, in communities big and small, brownfield redevelopment is contributing to healthier communities, improving the quality of life for residents, and building stronger local economies.
Revitalized communities draw people and attract investment.
Research shows that brownfield redevelopment has the highest multiplier effect of any sector – for every $1 spent on a brownfield project, it generates $3.80 into the economy.
In December 2005, 10 municipalities in Ontario were active in brownfield redevelopment with a Community Improvement Plan and incentive programs.
Today, more than 40 municipalities are in the process of getting programs up and running in support of remediation and redevelopment.
And that number is rising.
The Community Improvement Plans are transforming ideas into reality.
In the eastern region, the cities of Cornwall and Kingston are using grants and tax assistance offered in Community Improvement Plans to rehabilitate compromised lands.
Through their incentive program, the City of Cornwall is supporting a developer to build a 250,000 square foot retail power centre on a brownfield site.
On what was once a locomotive yard in the City of Kingston now stands a completed residential apartment building, with another nearing completion.
Four buildings are planned for the area.
In the west, the City of Brantford has adopted a Brownfields Strategy and a Brownfields Community Improvement Plan with financial incentives to attract developers in revitalizing former industrial sites around the city.
Brantford is taking the necessary steps in redirecting its economy and adjusting its land assembly to make redevelopment more efficient.
As you know, as part of the budget bill in March, our government introduced reforms that would, if passed, significantly advance brownfield redevelopment and community revitalization in Ontario.
The reform package would, if passed:
- Protect developers and consultants involved in cleaning contaminated lands from provincial cleanup orders, if they were not responsible for the contamination
- Protect municipalities from civil lawsuits relating to planning approval and building permit decisions, where the lawsuits solely arise from inaccuracies in records of site conditions
- Allow the government to take steps, when and where appropriate, to ensure public health and safety are protected
- Protect companies involved in abandoned mine remediation from provincial cleanup orders, as long as the company was not the cause of the contamination
- Allow for upfront provincial review of cleanup work to ensure appropriate standards are met.
The proposed reforms would address real and perceived risks in redevelopment.
They would also ensure brownfield sites are safe for new uses through improved standards for site assessment and cleanup.
Our goal is to strike a meaningful balance between encouraging market interest in brownfields and ensuring environmental and human health are protected.
Planners have proven themselves to be powerful agents of change for their communities in the area of brownfield redevelopment. We will continue to look for your leadership in this area.
Next Steps
Our focus now is on supporting municipalities, the development industry, members of the public and others involved in the planning system, as they implement these changes.
We will continue to support implementation of Planning Act reforms and encourage municipalities to use the new tools that are available to them.
Staff also continue to support municipalities in their official plan conformity exercises.
Conclusion
While these reforms are significant, the provincial rules can only establish a broad framework. Municipalities must take action and put the necessary policies in place to take advantage of these new powers.
I’ve encouraged municipalities to implement the new Planning Act measures as quickly as possible. Many of you here today will be charged with leading that initiative within your municipalities.
Be bold.
Your municipalities—and the residents of your communities—need your leadership now more than ever.
You now have more tools at your disposal to shape the kinds of communities that Ontarians want and need—healthy, sustainable, vibrant communities where people want to live, work, play and invest.
Use these new tools. Push your municipalities to think about what can be.
And, finally, continue to challenge all of us to approach planning in new ways.
Again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your input, leadership and innovation. Our province’s future is stronger thanks to your efforts.
Now more than ever, we have a planning system that balances the needs and interests of our communities and is more responsive to local needs.
