Clarington council has directed staff to seek input from the public on a Draft Official Plan Amendment (OPA) that would delete policy 13.3.12 and Section 17.3 Special Study Area 2 - Greenbelt Expansion from Clarington's current Official Plan.
The policies that are subject of deletion in the Draft OPA are quoted below:
13.3.12 The Municipality supports the expansion of the Greenbelt Plan Area to provide long-term protection of prime agricultural land.
17.3 Special Study Area 2 - Greenbelt Expansion
17.3.1 Special Study Area 2 is all of the lands east of Highway 418 south an east of the Greenbelt boundary, north of Highway 401 and outside of the urban area boundaries in Clarington.
17.3.2 In May 2015, Clarington council requested that the province undertake an appropriate science-based study of agricultural capability to identify high-yielding agricultural lands to be added to the Greenbelt for permanent protection.
17.3.3 The draft Greenbelt Plan (2016) identifies that the Government of Ontario will lead a process to identify potential areas to be added to the Protected Countryside of the Greenbelt. The province will work with municipalities and others using a systems approach considering the connections with the Agricultural, Natural Heritage and Water Resource systems of the plan. Where it is determined that identified areas would benefit from Greenbelt protection, the province may initiate amendments to the Greenbelt Plan.
17.3.4 Special Study Area 2 identifies the lands which the Municipality considers appropriate as an area for the future Greenbelt expansion study.
The Draft Official Plan Amendment and additional information is available for review at www.clarington.net/SpecialStudyArea2.
Statutory Public Meeting Details
In line with current COVID-19 guidelines, the meeting will take place electronically. Visit www.clarington.net/Calendar to watch the meeting online or to listen by phone.
Date: Monday, April 26, 2021
Time: 7:00 p.m.
To speak at the public meeting, please pre-register for additional instructions.
Pre-register by completing the online form at www.clarington.net/Delegations or contact the Clerk's Division at 905-623-3379 ext. 2109 or clerks@clarington.net by Friday, April 23, 2021 at 4 p.m.
At the March 22 council meeting, councillors voted in favour of the recommendations contained in staff report PLN 15-21, concerning the City's comprehensive zoning by-law review.
As part of the council resolution, council voted to authorize staff to initiate Phases II and III of the study and funding for the study was approved.
Of note to members, the first draft of the consolidated by-law is scheduled to be released in the Fall of 2021 and will be followed by open houses and community workshops to receive feedback from stakeholders and the public. A statuatory public meeting will also be held in the Fall of 2021.
The comprehensive zoning bylaw review is being undertaken to with the purpose to:
More information on this review and to view the discussion papers completed so far, visit https://www.pickering.ca/en/city-hall/comprehensive-zoning-by-law-review.aspx.
At the March 22, 2021 council meeting, council voted in favour of sending a response to the province in regards to growing the Greenbelt. The resolution asks the province to maintain the current Greenbelt boundary and not pursue expanding it at this time.
Resolution #556/21 was passed and read:
Any consideration or decision regarding expanding the Greenbelt in Pickering would be premature and not in the public interest, prior to the completion of the Region of Durham's Municipal Comprehensive Review, and in particular, prior to the completion of the Land Needs Assessment, updated Natural Heritage System mapping, and review and implementation of the Provincial Agricultural System, in order to fully understand the implications and determine the appropriateness of growing the Greenbelt; All lands within Pickering are covered by the policies of A Place to Grow and the Greenbelt Plan, which were further strengthened through the most recent updates to the provincial plans, and the Provincial Policy Statement, and which together provide the highest level of protection for natural heritage and hydrologic features and areas; as well as agricultural areas; and, The City, by Resolutions 140/19 and 173/19 affirmed its position that the lands in Northeast Pickering, be reserved to accommodate future urban development
Any consideration or decision regarding expanding the Greenbelt in Pickering would be premature and not in the public interest, prior to the completion of the Region of Durham's Municipal Comprehensive Review, and in particular, prior to the completion of the Land Needs Assessment, updated Natural Heritage System mapping, and review and implementation of the Provincial Agricultural System, in order to fully understand the implications and determine the appropriateness of growing the Greenbelt;
All lands within Pickering are covered by the policies of A Place to Grow and the Greenbelt Plan, which were further strengthened through the most recent updates to the provincial plans, and the Provincial Policy Statement, and which together provide the highest level of protection for natural heritage and hydrologic features and areas; as well as agricultural areas; and,
The City, by Resolutions 140/19 and 173/19 affirmed its position that the lands in Northeast Pickering, be reserved to accommodate future urban development
Any additions to the Greenbelt Plan be considered on the context of the Region of Durham's Municipal Comprehensive Review; The legislated public process for amendments to the Greenbelt be followed, including consultation with City of Pickering, the Region of Durham, Indigenous communities, and affected property owners, prior to any final decision being made; Any decision to expand the Greenbelt should not compromise the ability of the municipality to accommodate future urban growth; and, Criteria be established and implementation guidance be provided to guide refinement to the Greenbelt Natural Heritage System by municipalities, similar to the criteria and guidance that have been established for the Growth Plan Natural Heritage System; and,
Any additions to the Greenbelt Plan be considered on the context of the Region of Durham's Municipal Comprehensive Review;
The legislated public process for amendments to the Greenbelt be followed, including consultation with City of Pickering, the Region of Durham, Indigenous communities, and affected property owners, prior to any final decision being made;
Any decision to expand the Greenbelt should not compromise the ability of the municipality to accommodate future urban growth; and,
Criteria be established and implementation guidance be provided to guide refinement to the Greenbelt Natural Heritage System by municipalities, similar to the criteria and guidance that have been established for the Growth Plan Natural Heritage System; and,
At tonight's (Monday, March 29th) council meeting, staff will be bringing forward an item for consideration in regards to Alternative Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland Dedication Rates for Downtown Whitby and High Density Residential Development.
The recommendation from staff is as follows:
Read Report CMS 05-21 for more information.
The Whitby Special Council meeting will be held tonight, Monday, March 29, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. You can watch the meeting live here.
Tarion is consulting on proposals to address the remaining recommendations of the Auditor General, as well as an additional consumer protection initiative.
In addition to accepting written submissions, they will be hosting four builder roundtables to give you the opportunity to provide your feedback directly to them. Please find the the list of dates/times/link to register here:
March 30, 2021 - 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Register
April 9, 2021 - 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Register
April 12, 2021 - 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Register
April 27, 2021 - 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Register
Tarion is consulting on proposed changes, including:
If you are unable to attend one of their roundtables, you may submit feedback on the proposed changes to submissions@tarion.com by April 30, 2021.
For more information on the proposed changes, please see:
Read more about the consultation
View the consultation discussion guide
View the consultation Q&A
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is moving forward with the Consolidated Linear Infrastructure (CLI) Permissions Approach for stormwater and sewage collection systems. A decision notice has been posted and can be accessed on the Environmental Registry at https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-1080
The CLI Permissions Approach was strongly supported by OHBA through multiple submissions to the MECP in 2018, 2019 and 2020. OHBA struck an Environmental Approvals sub-committee and would in particular like to thank volunteer member Steve Schaefer (Principal SCS Consulting Group) for his efforts spearheading this initiative. The CLI permissions approach is a gamechanger and will streamline the current approvals framework for lower risk, routine sewage works through consolidating approvals for linear infrastructure (e.g. sanitary collection, stormwater works).
With the transition to CLI, a municipality’s sanitary collection works will be brought under one multi-media Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) for a municipality’s wastewater sewage collection system, and a municipality’s stormwater collection works will be brought under one multi-media ECA for a municipality’s stormwater collection, treatment and disposal system. The consolidation of approvals, and transition to the CLI framework will:
CLI ECAs will also include pre-authorization conditions which will allow municipalities and developers constructing infrastructure on behalf of municipalities to proceed without first having to obtain an individual Ministry permission, provided specific requirements are met. OHBA has consistently supported streamlining the redundant ECA process for SWM facilities and in particular SWM ponds that require sign off by the MECP following municipal approvals – this is a significant regulatory improvement that will help get shovels in the ground for critical infrastructure faster and support new housing supply.
The Town of Whitby is undertaking a comprehensive review of their Zoning By-Law. The Town is approaching completion of Phase I of this review. As part of this work, the Town is hosting a stakeholder session with their consultants SGL. During this stakeholder session, SGL will give a brief presentation about the background reports they have prepared and there will be time for feedback and thoughts on directions to take in Phase II.
The stakeholder session will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
You can join the meeting here: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/962319445
The access code is: 962-319-445
The background reports prepared by SGL are available on www.whitby.ca/inthezone.
On Wednesday, March 25, Ontario’s Finance Minister, and President of the Treasury Board the Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, delivered the province’s 20201 Budget, entitled Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy. This budget is strongly focused on defeating the COVID-19 pandemic and protecting jobs, while laying out the roadmap for a post pandemic economic recovery. Please find OHBA’s news release on today’s budget here.
OHBA has been advocating for key policy proposals in the budget to help our sector deliver new homes and newly renovated homes to awaiting families. OHBA believes the residential construction industry is well positioned to lead Ontario’s economy into a sustainable recovery through strong investment in local communities and to act as a stabilizing force in terms of job creation. In preparation for the 2021 budget, OHBA focused our efforts on meeting with key Cabinet Minsters and Parliamentary Assistants to share our core policy proposals further outlined in our formal 2021 Budget Submission. This submission outlines critical measures to help unlock needed investment in new housing, improve affordability and reduce red tape.
Relevant parts of today’s budget are noted below,
Headline Economic/Budget Stats:
Housing
Skilled Trades, Apprenticeships & Workforce Development
Getting Ontario’s Economy Back on Track – Key Red Tape Initiatives
Health & Safety
Tax Policy Changes
Conclusion
While this budget is primarily focused on preserving people’s health and jobs, OHBA will continue to advocate for policy measures that will enable our sector to reignite Ontario’s economy over the next 12 months as we move towards economic recover.
DRHBA ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR 2021 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Durham – March 22nd , 2021 - The Durham Region Home Builders' Association (DRHBA) has released the finalists for their 2021 Awards of Excellence. DRHBA had over 100 entries in this year's awards, and the judges have worked hard to score all of the entries.
These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in new homes, home renovations, innovative technology and construction, outstanding presentation, and marketing of projects within Durham Region.
Please join us as we take our Awards of Excellence virtual. DRHBA will be hosting the virtual gala on Thursday April 22nd at 3 p.m. via YouTube. A link will be sent out prior to the event. Tuning in live will allow for you to have first access to the night's winners as well as to comment in real time. Free party boxes for the Awards are also available and will be delivered April 19th. A limited number of party boxes are left! To sign up to receive a party box please email Katelyn Widdop at k.widdop@drhba.com. Winners will be contacted by Katelyn Widdop to confirm a shipping address for the trophy after the Awards.
This year's finalists include:
Excellence in Digital Marketing
Brookfield Residential – Drawn Homes
Highmark Homes with credit to COOLAID Studios – Triumph 4
Upperview Homes – President
Excellence in Logo Design
COOLAID Studios – Y Towns
Holland Homes – McLaughlin Park
Excellence in Print Ad/Direct Mail Piece
Holland Homes Inc. – Homes and Land Print Ad
Excellence in Sales Brochure Design
Esquire Homes – Kings Landing
Excellence in Signage
COOLAID Studios – Towns of Folkstone
Holland Homes Inc. – McLaughlin Park
Excellence in Social Media
Brookfield Residential with credit to COOLAID Studios – Dockside
Tribute Communities – Tribute Communities Corporate
Excellence in Website Design
A&R Developments
Esquire Homes
Upperview Homes
Excellence in Interior Decorating – Model Home/Suite
Minto Communities Ontario with credit to RN Design Limited – Winchester, Ivy Ridge
Minto Communities Ontario with credit to RN Design Limited – Welton, Ivy Ridge
Picture Homes Millennium with credit to Colours & Concepts Inc. – The Devon
Excellence in New Homes Sales Office – Large Volume
Coughlan Homes – Enclave
Esquire Homes – Appleview and North Glen Phase 4
The Vogue Development Group – Vogue at Queens Common Sales Centre
Excellence in New Homes Sales Office – Small Volume
To be announced at Awards
Excellence in Custom Built Bathroom Design
Holland Homes Inc. – 28 Concession Street
Wiltshire Homes Canada – Westshore
Excellence in Custom Built Kitchen Design
FarSight Homes with credit to Colours & Concepts Inc, Green Apple Cabinets, Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants – Amethyst
Holland Homes Inc. – 28 Concession St.
Wiltshire Homes Canada – Annland
Excellence in Custom Built Home (under 2500 sq. ft.)
Andelwood Homes – Brooklin
Kiya Developments – Church
Excellence in Custom Built Home (2501-3500 sq. ft.)
Construct and Conserve Building Inc.
Lavender Homes with credit to Broz Excavating, D.G. Biddle, Don and Son Limited, Goreski Roofing, Holland Homes, Manalco Contracting, Pollard Windows and Doors, Raywal Cabinets, Schleiss Development Company, Tranquility Home Comfort – Grandview Street North
LCM Project Management and General Contracting – Hanover
Excellence in Custom Built Home (3501-4500 sq. ft.)
RN Design Limited with credit to Colours & Concepts Inc. – Williamsberg Estate
Construct and Conserve Building Inc. – Matin
Excellence in Custom Built Homes (4501 sq. ft. and up)
A&R Developments – 1427 Rougemount Drive
A&R Developments – Luxury Homes in Whitby
FarSight Homes with credit to Colours & Concepts Inc., Green Apple Cabinets, Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants – Amethyst
Excellence in Bathroom Renovation
Accubuilt Construction Ltd. With credit Rocpal Custom Cabinets – Uxbridge Bathroom
Lavender Homes with credit to Broz Excavating, D.G. Biddle, Don and Son Limited, Goreski Roofing, Holland Homes, Manalco Contracting, Pollard Windows and Doors, Raywal Cabinets, Schleiss Development Company, Tranquility Home Comfort – 931 Swiss Heights
LCM Project Management and General Contracting – Chippewa Bathroom
Excellence in Kitchen Renovation
Accubuilt Construction Ltd. With credit to Rocpal Custom Cabinets – Raglan Kitchen
Paradisaic Building Group – Hill Street Kitchen
Excellence in Home Renovation/Addition ($100,001 - $250,000)
Kraco Contracting – Parent Kitchen – Function, Storage and Style
Trademark Homes – Cochrane
Excellence in Home Renovation/Addition ($250,001 – $500,000)
Accubuilt Construction Ltd. – Raglan Addition
Andelwood Homes – Solina
LCM Project Management and General Contracting – Fairview Bungalow
Excellence in Home Renovation/Addition ($500,001 and Up)
Accubuilt Construction Ltd. – Parkview Addition
Tribute Communities with credit to Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants – Westney Heritage
Excellence in Mid-Rise Building Design
To be announced at the Awards.
Excellence in Multi- Unit Suite Design
Excellence in High-Rise Building Design
Excellence in Production Built Bathroom Design
Trademark Homes with credit to Rocpal Custom Cabinets, Pollard Windows & Doors Inc, Don and Son Building Supplies Limited – Nash
Excellence in Production Built Kitchen Design
Geranium with credit to RN Design Limited and Colours & Concepts Inc. - The Chesterman
Trademark Homes with credit to Rocpal Custom Cabinets – Nash
Excellence in Semi-Detached or Townhome OVER 2000 sq. ft.
Minto Communities Ontario with credit to RN Design Limited – Greenhaven
Tribute Communities with credit to Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants – Findlay
Excellence in Semi-Detached or Townhome UNDER 2000 sq. ft.
Delpark Homes with credit to Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants – The Avalon
Tribute Communities with credit to Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants – Foster
Excellence in Single 2001 sq. ft. to 3000 sq. ft.
Trademark Homes – Nash
Tribute Communities with credit to Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants – Rosehampton
Excellence in Single 3001 sq. ft. to 4000 sq. ft.
Esquire Homes – Appleview
Minto Communities Ontario with credit RN Design Limited – Kendalwood
Tribute Communities with credit to Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants – Bolton
Excellence in Training and Development
Brookfield Residential
Enbridge Gas Inc.
Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants
Excellence in Workplace Safety
Corporate Citizenship
Trade of the Year
MV Drywall
The Fireside Group Inc.
Supplier of the Year
Renovator of the Year
Green Builder of the Year
Minto Communities with credit to RN Design Limited
Community of the Year
Geranium with credit to RN Design Limited and Colours & Concepts Inc. - Courts of Canterbury
Minto Communities Ontario with credit to RN Design Limited – Ivy Ridge
Builder of the Year – Large Volume
Coughlan Homes
Minto Communities Ontario with credit to RN Design Limited
Tribute Communities
Builder of the Year – Small Volume
Esquire Homes with credit to Hunt Design Associates
Geranium with credit to RN Design Limited and Colours & Concepts Inc.
The Durham Region Home Builders' Association is a non-profit association composed of home builders, renovators, trade contractors, suppliers, and related professionals. They have been an active voice for the residential construction industry in Durham Region for over 60 years. For more information, visit www.drhba.com.
For more information, contact Katelyn Widdop at 905-579-8080 ext. 1 or k.widdop@drhba.com.
For a pdf version of the above click here!
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Phone: 905-579-8080
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Oshawa, Ontario
L1J 7A4
Copyright © 2019, Durham Region Home Builder's Association, All Rights Reserved Durham Region Home Builders' Association is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization. 1-1255 Terwillegar Avenue Oshawa, Ontario L1J 7A4