News   May 17, 2024
Masterplanned Community Proposed Near Northfield ION in Waterloo
 2.9K     5 
News   May 17, 2024
Sevoy's 1515 Pickering Parkway to Join Pickering's Growing Downtown
 2.1K     3 
News   May 17, 2024
Canada’s Most Important Transit Oriented Development
 11K     10 

Simcoe Growth Pressure

Time for the province to get some balls and force Innisfil to comply with provincial planning regulations. If Innisfil needs to be wiped out and fully or partially amalgamated with Barrie then so be it. I've had enough of stupid corrupt politicians whose pockets are lined with developers' money.
 
It's still quite big (bigger than Keswick) - and guaranteed to be a sprawlhole.

Again, I don't know what the government was thinking for leaving a giant hole in the Greenbelt in Simcoe County.
 
catcher_of_cats said:
Time for the province to get some balls and force Innisfil to comply with provincial planning regulations. If Innisfil needs to be wiped out and fully or partially amalgamated with Barrie then so be it. I've had enough of stupid corrupt politicians whose pockets are lined with developers' money.
Click to expand...

They just might like they did with the western Seaton lands here in my neck of the woods. Agricultural lands in perpetuity. :)
 
Province pushes secret deal for Simcoe
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/647107

Jun 08, 2009 04:30 AM
Comments on this story (4)
PHINJO GOMBU
URBAN AFFAIRS REPORTER

Without waiting for a Simcoe County growth plan to be completed, the province is appearing before the Ontario Municipal Board today to finalize a secret deal with developers and municipal officials for a massive employment zone along Highway 400 in Bradford West Gwillimbury. It comes just four days after the province announced its strategy for growth in the region that includes a study of a second major employment zone on another stretch of the highway, further north in Innisfil.

It puts the province in the curious position of pushing for the approval of the Bradford deal with Metrus, Geranium and other landholders, done secretly without any studies or consultation, while apparently seeking public input for the other.

Critics of the deal, including Environmental Defence, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Bond Head Bradford West Gwillimbury Residents for Responsible Development, Campaign Lake Simcoe and the NDP, say the process should be adjourned until a complete vision for regional growth emerges.

"It is your obligation to demonstrate to the public, farmers, municipalities and other developers that we all have a meaningful say in planning growth in Simcoe," wrote Rick Smith, executive director of Environmental Defence, in a letter to deputy premier and infrastructure minister George Smitherman.

Smith and others say the Bradford settlement is a classic example of piecemeal, backroom planning that bows to land speculators. They fear it marks the beginning of unchecked sprawl from the Holland Marsh to Barrie.

Combined with the expansion of Barrie's urban boundary, the two employment zones will put pressure on a highway already clogged with commuter and cottage country traffic.

Before the settlement earlier this year, the province was ready to challenge the two zones at the OMB, saying they went against the province's plan to curb urban sprawl. They said there already exists thousands of hectares of appropriately zoned and serviced land in nearby places such as Bradford's town limits, Alliston and within the Greater Toronto Area. Bringing in new zoning, much of it on prime agricultural land, would lead to a huge oversupply, officials said.

Senior provincial officials now say they need those specific lands along the highway for large industrial and manufacturing employment.

Michael Melling, lawyer for developers Metrus and Geranium, dismissed calls for an adjournment calling it a "predictable ploy" by those with no real arguments.

He said the Bradford employment zone was consistent with the strategy released by the province last week and an important part of southern Ontario's employment infrastructure.

"The province, county and town are to be commended for their foresight," he said.

Spokespersons for municipal affairs minister Jim Watson and Smitherman said neither minister would speculate yesterday on what might happen at today's hearing. They insist it's up to the board, although the deal leaves the province in the driver's seat on any question of an adjournment.

Geoff McNight, Bradford West Gwillimbury's director of planning, said the deal states that if the OMB disagrees with the settlement, Watson will issue three extraordinary zoning orders to make it happen.

A key component of Ontario's growth strategy requires municipalities to justify bringing on new land for development, to avoid ad hoc sprawl. As part of its strategy in Simcoe, the province announced Barrie would not be the sole major urban growth centre, as originally envisaged, adding emerging centres such as Alliston, Collingwood and Bradford West Gwillimbury.

The province's plan to curb sprawl in Simcoe caps the region's population at 667,000 till 2031, a 52 per cent increase from today. Just a few years ago, it was faced with development applications that would have resulted in a population of about 1.2 million.

Bradford and Alliston, in particular, face tremendous pressure for major residential developments and there is also pressure to build the east-west Bradford Bypass, a 400 series highway that would link Highway 400 to Highway 404.
 
Why the rush in Simcoe?
Editorial
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/649511

Jun 12, 2009 04:30 AM
Comments on this story (7)

The Ontario government is in the awkward position of inviting comment on a growth plan while signing a deal affecting a specific development in the same area. That is putting the cart before the horse.

Just last week the province tabled an ambitious vision for development in the South Simcoe area, especially in open spaces along Highway 400, roughly between Barrie and the Holland Marsh. Critics are labelling it a surrender in the battle to curb urban sprawl. The plan's defenders argue it would actually reduce sprawl by concentrating development. The public has been given until Sept. 2 to comment on Queen's Park's bold vision. As a ministry news release stated last week: "Simcoe area residents (will) have a chance for their voices to be heard as the strategy for the future of their region is finalized."

Unfortunately, these consultations have been bypassed on a key parcel of land in the Highway 400 corridor in a pact quietly negotiated this spring by developers, the province and municipal officials.

The agreement would allow Toromont Industries, a Vaughan-based manufacturer, to relocate to green fields at the intersection of Highway 400 and County Road 88, just west of Bradford. The province initially raised concerns about the project but then signed a deal allowing it to proceed while also designating large nearby tracts for further industrial development. The pact went to the Ontario Municipal Board for approval earlier this week. The OMB reserved its decision.

Provincial officials argue that Ontario's initial concerns have been addressed by the deal. Maybe so, but the public never got a chance to comment on it in the way that their opinion is being sought on the broader growth plan for the Simcoe area.

The province could have – and should have – held off on signing any deal regarding development on the Highway 400 corridor until the full Simcoe plan had been subjected to public consultation.
 
dont forget more traffic on the 400, and permanent destruction of prime farmland
 
the american dream continues... More office parks, more low density homes on big lots. Families need affordable housing they say...
 
Simcoe Area: A Strategic Vision for Growth

http://placestogrow.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=165&Itemid=15
Simcoe Area: A Strategic Vision for Growth lays out a strategy and directions to plan for more prosperous and sustainable growth in the Simcoe area. Based on provincial principles and policies, including the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006 and the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, the strategy supports:
  • Curbing urban sprawl and focusing development into existing cities and towns that can accommodate new growth to create vibrant, complete communities;
  • Building on Simcoe’s diverse economic base to create new jobs;
  • Protecting greenspaces and agricultural areas and creating a cleaner Lake Simcoe; and
  • Outlining a clear future for the City of Barrie as the area’s largest urban centre.

Simcoe Area: A Strategic Vision for Growth builds on the Government of Ontario’s Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006. The Growth Plan was prepared under the Places to Grow Act, 2005, as part of the government's initiative to plan for healthy and prosperous growth throughout Ontario.
To receive a printed copy of the paper please contact us at 1-866-479-9781 or PlacestoGrow@ontario.ca


Link to Document (pdf)

7de6879749388628a25ce223b46c.gif



Province revises its Places to grow strategy
http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1609352
Posted By MIRIAM KING, SUN MEDIA

Posted 5 days ago

Barrie isn't the only 'urban node' in Simcoe County, according to the province's revised version of Places to Grow.

The new version identifies not just Barrie, but also Orillia, Collingwood, Alliston and Bradford, and highlights two "proposed strategic employment areas" along Highway 400 -- one in Barrie/Innisfil, and the other in Bradford West Gwillimbury. It marks a significant change in policy for the province.

The Places to Grow for Simcoe Area document states that "growth planning and infrastructure investment decisions should continue to support and reinforce the existing settlement areas of Barrie, Collingwood, Orillia, Alliston and Bradford as the primary urban nodes of the Simcoe area, supported by smaller towns and villages. A significant amount of future population and employment growth in the Simcoe area will be directed to the primary urban nodes."

What it means is that the five urban areas will take the bulk of new growth in the Simcoe area, while other municipalities, including Innisfil, will see their approved growth numbers cut.

The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, approved for a population of 49,700 in Simcoe County's Official Plan, will have its numbers adjusted upwards by 2,300, to a population on in 2031 of 52,000.

Collingwood will get an additional 3,200 new residents, New Tecumseth 11,000, and the cities of Barrie and Orillia, another 23,500 persons, over and above the allocation in the County's Official Plan.

The Town of Innisfil's growth figures will be cut by 7,000 -- with a planned population of 58,000. Other big cuts: Clearview loses 7,200 in population allocation; Wasaga Beach, 8,700.

The City of Barrie, while no longer the sole "urban growth area" identified, will continue to be the "anchor urban node" of the Simcoe area, and a priority for future infrastructure funding -- supported by the decision to add 2,293 hectares of Innisfil land to Barrie through the Boundary Adjustment Act.

"It recognizes the (Innisfil Heights) employment zone, which is really important," said Innisfil Mayor Brian Jackson, adding it doesn't cut any of Innisfil's future job numbers.
 
Last edited:
http://www.allistonherald.com/allistonherald/article/138561
Province fast tracking process for growth plan
BY LAURIE WATT, STAFF June 16, 2009 20:06

Ontario has begun consulting with the aboriginal community as well as calling meetings with Barrie, Innisfil and Simcoe County to push through its proposed plan for growth in the region.

As part of a June 4 announcement, Ontario unveiled Simcoe Area: A Strategic Vision for Growth, which effectively throws out the county’s growth plan, the result of almost two years of work and culminating in the county’s new Official Plan, now in limbo; Barrie’s OP is also on hold.

Planning throughout Simcoe County is on hold as the proposed Barrie-Innisfil Boundary Act works its way through the legislative process. Official Plans – the long-range documents that define what type of development will occur where – are all on hold.

Municipal Affairs regional director Larry Clay told Simcoe County the province is still waiting for the county to explain its proposed plan, which is on hold as Ontario consults with the natives and examines whether it fits with the Lake Simcoe Protection Act.

“Given that the ministry is the approval authority (for the county plan) we have initiated a process to consult with the Aboriginal communities in and around the Simcoe area that may have an interest in the plan,†Clay told county planning director Bryan McKell in a letter last week.

“Second, as you are aware, county staff are currently in the process of finalizing a land budget exercise that is intended to support some of the land use and policy decision it has made through the adopted official plan. Our staff are awaiting this critical information,†he reminded the planner of a November 2008 request.

“Third, on June 2, the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan was finalized. Our staff are assign how this plan now affects the Simcoe County official plan, and if any additional policies need to be incorporated.â€

He told McKell work will continue this summer, and already last week, Deputy Premier George Smitherman – whom Premier Dalton McGuinty appointed to lead consultations on the proposed legislation – met with Barrie and Innisfil mayors and the county warden last Wednesday.

Ontario’s Growth Secretariat cut population and employment allocations for the next 25 years in all but Barrie, Orillia, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Collingwood and New Tecumseth. The province envisions a vibrant urban centre, Barrie, being supported by “ a strong network of communities.â€

County council is to discuss the issue at its next regular meeting, scheduled for June 23.

“I believe we have to have an official vote to see if we support this (proposed solution),†said Essa Mayor David Guergis.

“It’s an important announcement and it affects all of us directly.â€

Ever since, however, Ontario has had senior bureaucrats talking with municipal CAOs and planners; as well, Deputy Premier George Smitherman met separately with Innisfil Mayor Brian Jackson, Simcoe County Warden Tony Guergis and Barrie’s boundary working group last Wednesday. Premier Dalton McGuinty has appointed Smitherman to lead the consultations on the province’s vision for the county.

“Our voice wasn’t properly heard. We need to have a better voice – or they’re going to make us irrelevant,†the Essa mayor added.


City willing to 'reach out'
http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1615701
Posted By BOB BRUTON

Posted 11 hours ago

It's time for Barrie and its county neighbours to kiss and make up.

The city is inviting mayors and CAOs from select Simcoe County municipalities to sit down and discuss area growth.

Coun. Jeff Lehman, the city's point man on growth issues, said Barrie needs to lead the way -- now that the province has determined future growth areas.

"We have to show some leadership. It's an opportunity to reach out and work with those who have common interests," he said.

"It's important that the county as a whole support this."

Lehman was referring to Simcoe Area: A Strategic Vision For Growth, which identifies 'urban nodes' in the county. Barrie is the largest, but Orillia, Collingwood, Alliston (New Tecumseth) and Bradford (Bradford-West Gwillimbury) are also identified.

Only Coun. Barry Ward voted against Lehman's motion, saying Barrie's immediate neighbours -- Innisfil and the townships of Oro-Medonte, Springwater and Essa -- should also be invited.

"I think it sends the wrong message to the rest of the county," Ward said. "It's like we are poking a stick at them."

But Lehman said he foresees many meetings in the coming months with Barrie's neighbours, and the city will certainly need to meet specifically with Innisfil and likely the county, as well. Provincial staff will also need to be involved.

"This first meeting will be with officials of the urban centres identified in the plan," he said. "We feel there are issues of mutual interest, and, given the responsibilities that are being asked of us as the urban centres in Simcoe, we should get together to discuss the province's plan and areas where we can work together."

Lehman said Barrie Mayor Dave Aspden is considering other possible invitees, as well.

Simcoe Area: A Strategic Vision For Growthwas released June 4, along with the province's decision to extend Barrie's borders into Innisfil next year, giving the city another 5,664 acres for its residential and employment growth.

The proposed Barrie-Innisfil Boundary Adjustment Act, 2009, would give the city enough land for its growth needs to 2031 and ensure the Innisfil Heights area -- including Georgian Downs -- stays with the town. If passed in the fall session of the legislature, the Act would become law on Jan. 1, 2010.

While the Act deals with the Barrie-Innisfil situation,A Strategic Vision For Growthis a provincial action plan for all of Simcoe County.

It recognizes that county council's new Official Plan needs clearer growth management direction.

So the province has identified key 'urban nodes' to focus growth and intensification, allocating people and jobs to those areas to curb urban sprawl.

It also allows Barrie to develop as the main urban centre in Simcoe County -- reinforcing the provincial Places to Grow plan of 2006.

By 2031, Barrie's population is to be 210,000 people and the city is to have 132,000 jobs, according toSimcoe Area: A Strategic Vision For Growth.

Orillia is to have 41,000 people and 21,000 jobs by then, the rest of Simcoe County 416,000 people and 132,000 jobs.
 
lead82 said:
dont forget more traffic on the 400, and permanent destruction of prime farmland
Click to expand...

Pffft! Food is for pussies! :rolleyes:

We don't need farm land. We can ship food in from overseas! Why feed ourselves when we can rely on others to feed us? Self-sufficiency is so passe.


ad naseaum


bed time
 
This nonsense must stop!

Really we must put an end to this nonsense.

The 'Places to Grow Act' and the Greenbelt were both relatively weak 1/2 gestures.

Oregon in the USA has has an intensification target for Portland of 60% - 70% for Portland for more than 25 years! One put in place by a Republican Governor no less.

Here we have a mere 40%, which effectively says 60% of all new development can sprawl without restriction; and we can't even seen to enforce that.

This clearly merits a law banning all contributions from businesses (and unions) and limiting individual campaign contributions to $1,000 or less.

After all one can only conclude that influence is being peddled here by those in the development community as this defies rational policy on any side of the political spectrum.

As belated measures, we need to increase the intensity targets to at least 70% and to raise the min. jobs + people per hectare by a good 50% as well.

From there it is time to extend the greenbelt to fully block off sprawl on all sides of Barrie, Guelph and K-W so at to cut leap-frogging to a minimum.

We can easily accommodate another 3,000,000 people in the GTA without the loss of one hectare of farmland. After that we can discuss whether to house or feed the future new population! :D
 
You must log in or register to post here.

Back
Top