Brandon Ward, Manager, Planning outlined the scope of the Official Plan Review Phases. The Town's Official Plan will be divided into two phases: Phase 1 - Housekeeping Review and Phase 2 - Growth Management. Phase 1 will be broken into five key themes which are Housing, Community Character, Services, Healthy Environment and Managing Change.
Larysa Russell, Senior Planner outlined the first key theme of housing which will consider additional policy direction for affordable housing, additional direction for second unit permissions and support housing formats geared to seniors.
Councillor Andrews questioned if tiny homes would be included.
Ms. Russell indicated that the County of Dufferin encourages tiny homes and planning staff will review that suggestion further.
Councillor Andrews asked if the zero lot line home would be considered.
Ms. Russell indicated that the matter of zero lot line homes would be more effectively addressed through a zoning by-law amendment.
Councillor Taylor questioned if there would be recommendations for financial incentives for second dwelling units to increase affordable housing.
Ms. Russell indicated that there are incentives that can be looked at, for example a by-law to assist with affordable housing and planning staff will investigate that further.
Deputy Mayor Macintosh commented on backyard micro dwellings and if they can be considered in the plan.
Mr. Ward outlined the second key theme which is community character. This theme looks to provide more direction for identifying and protecting heritage resources, support more activity within and adjacent to the downtown, more emphasis on encouraging uses that support cultural and hospitality activities, enabling policies for tools that support reduced on-site parking, enabling policy direction for strategies and guidelines and or standards for improved urban design.
Mayor Brown asked if there is criteria that is slanted towards heritage for the downtown area.
Mr. Ward indicated that the policy language does take into consideration the heritage piece while being mindful to implement positive change. When evaluating a development proposal it is not always necessary to match existing buildings as there are modern built form items that complement existing heritage structures.
Councillor Sherwood questioned the cash-in-lieu of parking suggestion and whether it is something we have considered previously.
Mr. Ward indicated he is not aware of cash-in-lieu of parking being utilized in the Town previously and indicates that staff are mindful of parking but would not want to compromise development or redevelopment due to parking constraints alone.
Ms. Russell outlined the third key theme which is services. This item will build on existing policies to encourage more emphasis on pedestrian mobility (walking and cycling), policies that support the concept of "complete streets", strengthen stormwater management policies to recognize and enhance current practices for infiltration and ensure policies regarding water supply and wastewater treatment capacity are up-to-date.
Councillor Andrews asked what the water capacity is relative to our current population and does that include the future well that is coming on-line.
Ms. Russell indicated the numbers provided do not take into consideration any infrastructure that may be coming in the next few years.
Doug Jones, General Manager, Infrastructure Services provided clarification on the current and future water supplies for the Town.
Mr. Ward outlined the fourth key theme which is healthy environment. This theme looks to provide strengthened policies for mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented development environments that stimulate healthy lifestyles, enable alternatives for parkland conveyance, ensure policies are coordinated with climate change adaptation initiatives, strengthen sustainability policies with more direction for waste reduction, energy conservation, water reduction, incorporate source water protection policies into the Official Plan and ensure natural heritage policies align with protection framework prescribed by the County and Province.
Ms. Russell outlined the fifth key theme which is managing change. This theme looks to ensure preamble content is updated to reflect current times, ensure interpretation and plan administration policies are clear and easily understood, new/updated policies that enable the use of implementation tools introduced or modified by recent legislative changes including temporary use by-laws, site plan control, holding symbol, pre-submission consultation, increased density/community benefits, land acquisition and community improvement areas.
Mayor Brown questioned promoting destination retail and whether that is part of the Official Plan process.
Ms. Russell indicated that matter would be dealt with during the second phase of the Official Plan review.
Councillor Post questioned demolition permits and a waste diversion plan and questioned if that is being included.
Mr. Ward indicated that waste diversion policies have been introduced in the sustainability section.
Mr. Ward outlined next steps for the Official Plan review including formal circulation and consultation with departments, agencies and the County on background information and proposed updates, an Official Plan Steering Committee as well as a future Statutory Public Meeting.