Region reaches settlement on new Regional Official Plan

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo has negotiated a settlement with a group of individuals and entities (appellants) over a dispute regarding a new Regional Official Plan (ROP) for Waterloo Region.

In 2009, Regional Council approved a new Regional Official Plan that guides future growth in Waterloo Region to the year 2031. The new ROP provides for more compact development, greater protection of the environment, improved integration of transit, and the creation of new strategic employment lands. In 2011, a number of parties appealed various portions of the ROP to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), primarily seeking more land to be designated for new urban development. The Region recommended that up to 85 hectares of land be designated for new development, while the group of appellants proposed 1,053 hectares to be added.

In an effort to resolve the uncertainty associated with hearings and litigation, the Region worked with the appellants toward a collaborative settlement.

If approved by the OMB, the settlement will provide for the immediate designation of 255 hectares of ‎additional land for urban development (rather than the appellants’ proposed 1,053 hectares). In addition, approximately 200 hectares of land would be given Regional urban land designation between 2016 and 2019 to meet higher Provincial growth forecasts developed for Waterloo Region since the ROP was approved in 2009. A number of conditions and requirements (including Area Municipal approvals) will also need to be met before these areas are development ready.

“We are very pleased with this outcome,” said Regional Chair Ken Seiling. “The Region has consistently maintained its commitment to the overall vision of the Regional Official Plan, a plan that the community helped define over a five year consultation process. It limits urban sprawl and protects our future lands, water supply and environmentally sensitive lands.”

The vision for the future of our region is reflected in key elements of the settlement:

• Land budget: If approved by the OMB, the settlement provides assurance that the Region’s land budget methodology will be used in the future to calculate the amount of agricultural land that can be converted to urban development.

• Countryside line: A new countryside line will establish a long-term development boundary.

• Groundwater and broader environmental protection: Protected Countryside and Regional Recharge areas will further protect groundwater sources and other environmental features.

• New employment lands: The East Side lands prime industrial strategic reserve designation will be completed for lands in north Cambridge, creating new opportunities for business relocation or to attract new business.

• Transit: Public transit policies will be more fully integrated with development policies, especially in the ION corridor.

• Economic vitality: Policies to support the economy have been enhanced.

• Rural prosperity: Rural assets, including prime agricultural lands and rural communities, will continue to be protected and supported.

The OMB must give final approval to this settlement at a hearing scheduled for June 2015. Read the full report on this settlement for more detail.

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For further information, please contact:

Rob Horne, Commissioner, Planning, Development and Legislative Services, 519-575-4001