Growth Plan Highlights

The planning horizon is extended from 2036 to 2041.

The population growth numbers for Collingwood (which are also limits to growth) to 2036 have not changed.

New growth numbers to take us to 2041 have been allocated to Simcoe County and will be allocated to Collingwood when the County amends its Official Plan. And I expect then, and only then, will Collingwood amend its OP. So this won’t happen immediately.

However the new Growth Plan policies come into effect on July 1 2017.

Notwithstanding the July 1  date the County will need time to amend its OP. However Council’s are required to make decisions in conformity with the new Growth Plan policies as of July 1 so this  is where we see the effect of the amended Growth Plan now.

Intensification within Built Boundary

A new concept; inner and outer ring Cities & Counties, Simcoe is outer ring.

Collingwood is still identified as a Primary Settlement Area; more emphasis on growth in Urban Growth Centers such as Barrie, and Primary Settlements such as Collingwood,

By 2031 a minimum of 60% of residential development must be within the built boundary. This increases from the current target which is 40%.

Each County and lower tier Municipality is required to undergo a Municipal Comprehensive Review ( another term for an Official Plan update). At the time this is completed and each year until 2031 the percentage is to be increased from 40 to 50%.

In summary; today it is 40%; when Collingwood changes their OP it goes to 50 %; and by 2031 it needs to be 60% ( unless the Province agrees to a lower number on a case by case basis by request)

Emphasis on prioritizing intensification, focus on strategic growth areas and mixed uses, multi-use/ walkable street configurations

Greenfield

For designated Greenfield areas the density target to be achieved by 2041 is 80 residents and jobs measured over all designated green field lands ( unless the Province agrees to a lower number on a case by case basis by request).

The current target is 50.

We will begin see this increase applied when the Town re does their OP policies if not before. The current density targets will need to be “improved” in the new OP.

New Policies

Excess land to be re designated; great potential for controversy.

Emphasis on dealing with storm water closer to origin (infiltration, swales etc. ) and not just creating storm water ponds.

Municipalities to identify “strategic growth areas” generally along major roads, arterials, transit corridors and more emphasis on mixed uses. Strikes me that the Town will apply this to Hume Street and 1st Street corridors.

Green infrastructure, and a Municipal Infrastructure Plan are expanded polices.