Email this pageProvincial Policy Statement: Five-Year Review

Please note that the current consultation period has ended.  We would like to thank those who submitted comments.  We will be posting information on the next steps of the PPS, 2005 review in the near future.  

We want to hear from you

The Province is conducting a review of the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 (PPS). The PPS sets out the Ontario government’s policy direction for land use planning and development. The PPS supports the provincial goal of strong, livable and healthy communities.  We are asking for your input on how the PPS is working and whether any changes are needed to the PPS to protect provincial interests and to make sure that the PPS is adequately addressing emerging land use issues.

What is land use planning and how does it impact me?

Land use planning helps to shape how our communities look, feel and function. It helps to determine where homes and businesses should be built; where our parks, schools and community facilities should be located; and where roads, sewers and other essential services should be provided.

Land use planning helps establish a community’s vision and identifies development goals. It also provides guidance on ways to balance important social, cultural, economic and environmental concerns.

Good land use planning helps to make sure that:

• communities grow efficiently and in a way that respects the environment
• economic competitiveness is promoted
• opportunities for intensification and new development are available to meet a community’s housing needs
• adequate infrastructure and other municipal services are provided
• cultural heritage and natural resources are protected
• public health and safety is maintained.

What is the PPS and why is it important?

The PPS plays a key role in Ontario’s land use planning system by providing policy direction on matters of provincial interest. It provides the foundation necessary to regulate the development and use of land. 

The PPS applies province-wide and provides the policy basis upon which provincial plans such as the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and the Greenbelt Plan are built.

The Planning Act requires that decisions on land use planning matters made by municipalities, the Province, the Ontario Municipal Board and other decision-makers “shall be consistent with” the PPS. This includes, for example, when municipalities develop their official plans and zoning by-laws. This “shall be consistent with” standard ensures that the policies in the PPS are an essential part of making decisions on land use planning matters. 

PPS policy sections

Building Strong Communities

The PPS provides policy direction to help build strong communities in Ontario through: 

• the effective management and use of land to meet current and future needs
• the protection of employment areas and other policies to promote economic development and competitiveness
• the provision of a range of housing types (including affordable housing) and densities to meet the needs of current and future residents
• the availability of appropriate infrastructure, e.g., transportation systems, and sewer and water services, to accommodate projected needs
• the promotion of energy efficiency and minimizing negative impacts to air quality.

Wise Use and Management of Resources

The PPS protects Ontario’s natural heritage (e.g., wetlands and woodlands), water, agricultural, mineral, petroleum, mineral aggregate, cultural heritage and archaeological resources. The protection of these important resources helps to ensure Ontario’s long-term prosperity, environmental health and social well-being.

Protecting Public Health and Safety

The PPS protects people, property and community resources by directing development away from natural or human-made hazards (e.g., flood plains or contaminated lands).

Questions to consider

1. What policies of the current PPS are working effectively?
2. Are there policies that need clarification or refinement?
3. Are there policies that are no longer needed?
4. Are there new policy areas or issues that the Province needs to provide land use planning direction on?
5. Is additional support material needed to help implement the PPS?
6. Do you have any other comments about the PPS?

How do I participate?

We want your feedback to help ensure that Ontario’s communities are strong and healthy, investment ready and our resources are effectively protected. 

1. To review the PPS, please go to: ontario.ca/pps. You can also contact the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (see contact information below) to request a copy.
2. Review the questions identified in this pamphlet.
3. Please give us your feedback by October 29, 2010.  The deadline to submit comments has been extended from August 31, 2010 to October 29, 2010.

You can submit your written comments on the PPS to:
Provincial Policy Statement Review
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Provincial Planning Policy Branch
777 Bay St., 14th Floor
Toronto, ON M5G 2E5

Fax: (416) 585-6870

You may submit your comments electronically by sending them to the following email address: PPSreview@ontario.ca.

Should you have any questions about this initiative, please call: (416) 585-6014 or 1-877-711-8208.

This is just one opportunity for you to participate in the PPS review and help improve Ontario’s land use planning system. Please check the ministry website for regular updates on other opportunities for you to participate: ontario.ca/mah.

If you are interested in learning more about Ontario’s land use planning system, please visit: ontario.ca/landuseplanning.

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