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Report To: Planning and Development Committee
Date of Meeting: May 17, 2021 Report Number: PDS-029-21
Submitted By: Ryan Windle, Director of Planning and Development Services
Reviewed By: Andrew C. Allison, CAO Resolution#: PD-170-21
File Number: COPA 2021-0001 By-law Number:
Report Subject: Recommendation Report for an Official Plan Amendment regarding
Special Study Area 2
Recommendations:
1.That Report PDS-029-21 be received;
2.That the Official Plan Amendment attached to Report PDS-029-21, as Attachment 3,
be approved;
3.That the submissions made by the public with respect to this issue be directed to the
Official Plan review process for further consideration;
4.That the Region of Durham be advised of Council’s decision; and
5.That all interested parties listed in Report PDS-029-21 and any delegations be
advised of Council’s decision.
Municipality of Clarington Page 2
Report PDS-029-21
Report Overview
On the direction of Council, the Municipality initiated an Official Plan Amendment to consider
deletion policies that request the Province to undertake a site specific science-based study
before expanding the Greenbelt and that any expansion be for the pro tection of prime
agricultural lands.
This report supports the deletion of those policies. The deletion does not change any
current land use designation, nor any other policies related to prime agricultural lands.
1. Background
Proposal Details
1.1 Applicant: Municipality of Clarington
1.2 Proposal: Clarington Council is considering the deletion of the following policies from
the Clarington Official Plan.
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 and 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.
Municipality of Clarington Page 3
Report PDS-029-21
1.3 Area: Figure 1 depicts the lands to which the above noted policies apply.
It encompasses approximately 3800 hectares of land.
Figure 1: Lands Subject to the Draft Official Plan Amendment
Municipality of Clarington Page 4
Report PDS-029-21
1.4 Planning and Development Committee held the statutory public meeting on April 26,
2021 and considered Staff Report PDS-024-021. At this meeting, the Committee
passed Resolution# PD-137-21, directing staff to prepare a Recommendation Report for
consideration of Council’s Planning and Development Committee at its meeting on
May 17, 2021.
2. Official Plan Discussion
2.1 The Clarington Official Plan is the Municipality’s key planning policy document to guide
future land use development. It provides a land use framework to steer the physical,
economic and community growth of our Municipality. The Official Plan is intended to be
both a strategic and a regulatory planning document to help guide the Municipality's
decisions today and into the future. In this case, the policies in Section 17.3 and Policy
13.3.12 are being considered for deletion.
2.2 As outlined in the Public Meeting Staff Report, the land use designations in the Official
Plan are the rules that guide what types of development may or may not occur on a
property. In this case, the Rural, Prime Agricultural, and Environmental Protection Area
land use designations determine the land uses that are permitted.
2.3 The intent of policy 13.3.12 is to provide support for expansion of the Greenbelt Plan
area to provide long term protection of prime agricultural land. Section 17.3 also relates
to the protection of high yielding agricultural lands. The main difference being that policy
17.3.2 describes a historical request for a scientific-based study and that ‘studying’ the
land prior to including lands is appropriate. These policies do not grant land use rights,
nor do they remove land use rights, they are strategic in nature.
3. Provincial Policy
3.1 As outlined in both the Region of Durham and the Central Lake Ontario Conservation
Authority (CLOCA) comments, and agreed to by Clarington staff, the proposed
amendment does not propose land use designation changes and as such are in
conformity to the Regional Official Plan and is consistent with the policy directions of the
Provincial Policy Statement (PPS).
3.2 Similarly, as the proposed amendment to delete the policies in the Official Plan would
not change land use designations, permissions or propose development or site
alteration, the policies of the Growth Plan related to natural heritage system features
and functions would not be affected by the proposed OPA.
3.3 The Province has identified an Agricultural System for the Greater Golden Horseshoe
(2018). Within the Greenbelt Plan Area, the Agricultural system mapping has been in
effect since it’s release. All land use planning decisions within the Greenbelt Plan Area
are to conform to the Agricultural System Mapping.
Municipality of Clarington Page 5
Report PDS-029-21
3.4 In accordance with the A Place to Grow, outside of the Greenbelt Plan Area, the
Agriculture Systems mapping does not apply until it has been implemented in the upper -
tier (Region of Durham) Official Plan. Until implemented in the Region of Durham
Official Plan, the Provincial Agricultural Systems Mapping does not apply.
3.5 As provided in the Region of Durham’s Agriculture and Rural Systems policy paper
issued as part of the Municipal Comprehensive Official Plan review, the Province’s
Agricultural System will be evaluated and refined. However, until the Region of
Durham’s has completed their evaluation, staff are not in a position to speculate as to
how it may affect the Clarington Official Plan.
4. Public Notice
4.1 The Statutory Public Meeting Report (PDS-024-21) outlined the Public Notice process
for the DRAFT OPA. Public Notice was provided in accordance with the Planning Act
and Council procedures and all property owners in the subject area were notified of the
Public Meeting.
4.2 Notice of this Recommendation Report was also sent to all the landowners within
Special Study Area 2 – Greenbelt Expansion (SSA2) as well as to the people on the
interested parties list. The Notice was posted on the project webpage and was emailed
to the Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington. The project webpage identifies that
submissions were to be received by May 10, 2021.
5. Public Submissions
5.1 At the time of writing this report:
64 written submissions have been received.
26 verbal inquiries have been received.
7 delegations spoke at the Statutory Public Meeting.
316 unique visitors have spent approximately five minutes on the project’s
webpage.
5.2 All submissions received (verbal, written) at the time of writing of this report have been
summarized in tabular form in Attachment 1A to this report. A copy of each of the
submissions received is available on the project webpage.
5.3 When the Planning and Development Committee Agenda is updated on Friday May 14,
2021 an additional Summary Table of Comments received after the May 10, 2021
comment deadline will provided as Attachment 1B. Should additional comments be
received after the Agenda update, an additional summary Table of Comments, will
provided on Monday May 17, 2021 as Attachment 1C.
Municipality of Clarington Page 6
Report PDS-029-21
5.4 Reasons offered in support of keeping the policies include the following:
There are many benefits to urban sprawl however there is also great benefit to
maintaining the agricultural lands that separate said sprawl.
All lands in ‘purple’ should be located within the Greenbelt and all farming in these
areas should be done so in an environmentally responsible way.
It is important for the Municipality to be part of the process with the Province so a
science-based study can be conducted prior to the addition of lands t o the
Greenbelt. These policies were included in Clarington’s Official Plan and therefore
deemed important to protect prime agricultural and natural heritage and water
systems.
With climate changes, farmland is negatively impacted anywhere in the world an d
we should start thinking how to feed us and future generations without counting on
export products that may not be available or that could be very expensive in the
future.
The W hitebelt lands should be protected from development and alterations that do
not respect Natural Heritage, Environmental, Hydrological and Community Values.
5.5 Reasons offered in support of deleting the policies include the following:
Bowmanville is bordered by Greenbelt to the North and Lake Ontario to the South. If
this greenbelt is expanded to include the area as shown in purple on the map, how
does any further development or expansion of either Bowmanville, Courtice or
Newcastle occur? The only way to expand would then be up and my understanding
is that there are limitations in the Official Plan on building heights and obstructions of
view.
A special Greenbelt study is not required.
Clarington does not need more Greenbelt.
Deletion of the policies is needed to keep the value of the land. Keeping the policies
will constrain growth and development of the area.
5.6 Some submissions did not provide a definitive position regarding the policies. As well,
some submissions offered that there is a distinct difference between the subject lands
located between Courtice and Bowmanville, designated Rural in the Official Plan and
those located between Bowmanville and Newcastle designate Prime Agriculture and
that the policies should remain for those lands east of Bowmanville.
5.7 It is staff’s understanding that the Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington will be
further discussing the DRAFT OPA at their May 13, 2021 meeting.
Municipality of Clarington Page 7
Report PDS-029-21
6. Agency Submissions
6.1 As provided for in the Public Meeting Report (PDS 024-21), comments regarding the
DRAFT OPA were requested of 20 agencies. No additional agency comments have
been received since reported in the Public Meeting Report.
6.2 Of the five agency comments received, only the Central Lake Ontario Co nservation
Authority (CLOCA) and Region of Durham provided detailed comments. Both of these
agencies indicated that deleting the policies will not affect the underlying land use
designations or affect any of the existing land use permissions and as such, they do not
offer objections should Clarington Council decide to delete the subject policies from the
Official Plan.
6.3 Both Agency comments are provided in Attachment 2 to this report.
7. Next Steps
7.1 As noted during this public process, a number of community wide issues have been
raised including urban boundary expansions, protection of agricultural and
environmentally sensitive lands, climate change and major infrastructure investments
such as the GO train.
7.2 The evaluation and the balancing of each of these issues is best suited to the overall
review of the Official Plan, scheduled to begin later this year. As such it would be
appropriate to continue the discussion of these issues in the context of the upcoming
Clarington Official Plan review, as well as through Envision Durham, the Region of
Durham’s Municipal Comprehensive Official Plan Review process currently underway.
8. Concurrence
Not Applicable.
9. Conclusion
9.1 Major infrastructure investment, an ever-growing population, land value and other
factors have been provided by the public as reasons to delete Section 17.3 and policy
13.3.12 from the OP.
9.2 Protection of the natural environment and agricultural lands, climate change, curbing
urban sprawl and other factors have been provided by the public as reasons to keep
Section 17.3 and policy 13.3.12 in the Official Plan.
Municipality of Clarington Page 8
Report PDS-029-21
9.3 The existing land use designations provided in both the Region of Durham’s and
Clarington’s Official Plans adequately address the issues raised by the community that
support keeping or deleting the subject policies in the Official Plan. At the same time,
staff note that the issues raised by the community, particularly population growth and
urban expansions, are more suitable during the review process of the Clarington and
Regional Official Plans.
9.4 In conclusion, staff do not object to the deletion of Section 17.3 and policy 13.3.12 from
the Official Plan as provided for in Attachment 3, Official Plan Amendment 127.
Staff Contact: Lisa Backus, Principal Planner, 905-63-3379 extension 2413 or
lbackus@clarington.net.
Attachments:
Attachment 1A– Public Submissions Summary Table to May 10, 2021
Attachment 1B- Public Submissions Summary Table to May 14, 2021
Attachment 1C- Public Submission Summary Table to May 17, 2021
Attachment 2 – Agency Comments (CLOCA and Region of Durham)
Attachment 3 – Recommended Official Plan Amendment 127
Interested Parties:
List of Interested Parties available from Department.
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
1
Table of Verbal and Written Submissions
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
Jim Abernethy
Abernethy
SSA2
April 26, 2021
Suggested that by including the subject
lands into the Greenbelt, the growth of
Bowmanville, Courtice and Newcastle
would not be permitted as is the case of
Orono.
X
Hamid Afsahi
Afsahi SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
Dorothy
Andrews
Andrews SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
Anne Ball
Ball SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
2
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
Mark Baron
Baron SSA2
April 16, 2021
The areas designated needs to
remain protected.
X
Spencer Baron
S Barron SSA2
April 16, 2021
Those agricultural areas should remain
undeveloped and be integrated into the
Greenbelt. Emphasis should be on
protecting natural areas.
X
Tom Barrie
Barrie SSA2
April 14, 2021
Concerned about the agricultural lands
on the east side of Bowmanville. The
agricultural lands on the west side of
Bowmanville should be used for
development as the ability to produce
high yield crops has diminished since
the area was designated for future
development. Highlights the importance
of preservation of valuable agricultural
land.
X
Cyndi Bell-
Abroms
Bell-Abroms
SSA2
May 10, 2021
Supports the removal of special study
area 2 from the Official Plan. The
direction of expanding EP lands in this
specific area directly contradicts the
vision of Clarington being a live, work,
play community. Fear of depreciated
land value.
X
Douglas Bruce
Bruce SSA2
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
3
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
May 10, 2021 commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
Sarah Bunting
Bunting SSA2
May 3, 2021
Keep the provisions to include these
lands in the Greenbelt. Our leaders must
lead toward solutions that are
sustainable. Paving over good
agricultural land for single family lots is
no longer sustainable.
X
Timothy
Campbell
Campbell
SSA2
April 8, 2021
All lands indicated on subject maps
designated as “purple” should be
confirmed as “Greenbelt” only. Ideally
developers should not be permitted to
build in these areas. Areas that are
currently owned by developers must
meet specific requirements to build
environmentally sensitive homes.
X
Brian
Catherwood
Catherwood
SSA2
April 23, 2021
Supports the removal of the subject
areas and all areas in the Municipality of
Clarington from the Greenbelt.
X
Michael and
Marian Chopik
Chopik SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
4
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
Peggy Clarke
Clarke SSA2
May 10, 2021
Opposed to the deletion of policies.
Cannot afford to destroy any agriculture
land or greenspace as it will be needed
to overcome worldwide disruptions in
local food production and transportation
due to climate change and recurring
pandemics. This undeveloped land is
needed to reduce heat build-up,
flooding, destruction of wildlife, and
pollution. Requesting a public report
about the appraisal of the deletions and
their impacts on the ability to adapt to
climate change.
X
Rod Cochrane
Cochrane
SSA2
April 24, 2021
Subject areas should not be included in
the Greenbelt.
X
John Colville
Colville SSA2;
Colville 2
SSA2
May 9, 2021
Hopes that SSA2 will remain as
Greenbelt expansion and/or agricultural
areas. Re-designating or re-zoning
these study areas for other uses or more
urban area will increase our carbon
footprint and over-congest and stress
our current population. Must preserve
what we have so that future generation
may enjoy the community.
X
Vanessa
Cormier
Cormier SSA2;
Cormier 2
SSA2
Would like to see Clarington continue
grow, create infrastructure, provide
access to proper drinking water,
municipal sewers –be part of urban
settlement. States that if the Greenbelt
expansion passes it will limit and restrict
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
5
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
May 7, 2021 future growth, jobs, and affordable
residences while reducing property
values for existing residents. Strongly
requests that that Special Study Area 2
(SSA2) be deleted from Clarington’s
Official Plan.
John
Cryderman
Verbal
April 22, 2021
Keep SSA2 policies to protect the lands
from development.
X
Robert Dees
Dees SSA2
April 13, 2021
Disappointed with Council moving ahead
with this issue during COVID-19.
X
Joe Donato
Donato SSA2
April 14, 2021
Agrees with deleting 13.3.12, 17.3,
17.3.1, 17.3.2, 17.3.3 and 17.3.4.
Believes a special Greenbelt study is not
required.
X
Brad and
Michele Fisher
Fisher SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
6
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
Kathy Fleece-
McCaul
Fleece-McCaul
SSA2
May 8, 2021
Remove the Special Study Area from the
Official Plan. This impacts our property
values and what we are allowed to do on
our own property.
X
Virginia and
Don Foley
Foley SSA2
April 21, 2021
Opposed to the Greenbelt expansion.
Unhappy with the way council has
approached the topic. Do not want
government interference in how people
use or sell their property.
X
Gill
Gill 1 SSA2;
Gill 2 SSA2;
Gill 3 SSA2
May 3, 2020
Supports the motion to delete this vision
and delete the subject policy and
sections from the Official Plan. Reason
is to keep the value of land intact.
Denying the motion would restrain
development and progress of growth in
the area and associated job creations.
X
Jeanne
Godfrey
Godfrey SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
James Grundy
Grundy SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
7
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
Hannu
Halminen
Halminen
SSA2;
Halminen 2
SSA2
April 21, 2021
In favour of the amendments to the
Official Plan to delete special study area
2 as proposed.
X
Jim Hamilton
Verbal PM
April 26, 2021
Said he is speaking on behalf of 200
landowners. Noted that they support the
deletion of the policies as they want to
control of their land. Stated the best use
of the land is for future development.
X
Dale Hubble
Hubble SSA2;
Hubble 2
SSA2;
Hubble 3
SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
Linda Jansma
Jansma SSA2;
Jansma 2
SSA2
April 15, 2021
Opposes any change to Clarington’s
Official Plan so that prime agricultural
land is protected from further
development.
Considers council irresponsible for
abdicating this responsibility to a public
vote.
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
8
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
Jeff Jeronimo
Jeronimo
SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
Jeffrey Kelso
Kelso SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
Kirk Kemp
Kemp SSA2;
Verbal PM
April 21, 2021
Verbal PM:
Supported the proposal. Stated that the
lands should be used for future
development as Clarington is fast
growing. He stated that the area is
important for growth.
Written Submission:
Opposed to turning lands between
Bowmanville and Newcastle into
Greenbelt. Told by the bank that this
would result in decrease of land value
which could have severe consequences
on their business. These lands will be
needed in 30-40 years for the growing
population.
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
9
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
Allan Kerr
Kerr SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
Hayley Knapp
Knapp SSA2
April 22, 2021
Keep policy 13.3.12 and Section 17.3 of
Special Study Area 2-
Greenbelt expansion in Clarington’s
current Official Plan to protect prime
agricultural land and soil, vital food
production, and cultural/heritage
significance in the community.
X
Petros
Koukidis, Paul
Koukidis, Eleni
Koukidis, Vera
Sprange-
Koukidis
Koukidis SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
Dennis Malley
Malley SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
10
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
Karen
McArthur
McArthur
SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
Ron McKnight
McKnight
SSA2
April 22, 2021
Questioning whether a study was
conducted to see the effects on well
water levels and wildlife. Questioning
why council added Greenbelt protections
in the past and what prompted them to
remove it now. Questioning what will
prevent the re-designation of Greenbelt
lands to urban designation in the future.
X
Brenda Metcalf
Metcalf SSA2
April 27, 2021
Urbanization adds to increased traffic,
making it difficult and unsafe for farm
machinery travel and leaving less land
accessible in the area to grow crops to
feed our livestock and run a profitable
farm. Moved to Tyrone to continue
farming. Understands the need for
urbanization. If the SSA2 lands west of
Bowmanville were to be preserved, that
should have been done years ago
before the land became locked in a
pocket between urban expansion.
X
Karen Michno
Michno SSA2
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
11
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
May 10, 2021 commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
Ernest
Pegutter
Pegutter SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
Judy Pell
Pell SSA2
April 15, 2021
Policies in the Official Plan, section
13.3.12 and 17.3.1 through 17.3.4
should not be deleted. It is important for
Council to defeat the proposed
amendment and provide long-term
protection of prime agricultural lands and
natural heritage and water systems.
X
Libby
Racansky
Racansky
SSA2
April 23, 2021
Clarington lost so much agricultural land
to residential development and
especially to Highway 407 and 418
expansion that it would be appropriate to
save the rest of the farmland. Many
opportunities for farmers to apply for
special financial incentives with the new
designation.
X
Richard
Rekker
Rekker SSA2;
Verbal PM
Verbal PM:
Supported the proposal. Explained the
difference of the lands on the east and
west and noted they should not be
included in the Special Study Area 2.
Explained that expanding the greenbelt
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
12
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
April 26, 2021
would affect the growth plan of the
greater golden horseshoe and other
developments. He stated that the rural
area west of Bowmanville should be
added to the greenbelt as it doesn’t
relate to the prime agricultural area.
Written Submission:
Feels that it was a mistake to include all
the lands on the east and west side of
Bowmanville into section 17.3 because
they have different land uses and
existing conditions. Any Greenbelt
expansion into Special Study Area 2
would not be in agreement with the
Greater Golden Horseshow Growth
Plan. Expansion of the Greenbelt would
attempt to stop logical development near
the new GO station. Supports the
deletion of policies 13.3.12 and section
17.3 from the Clarington Official Plan.
States that only few people get to enjoy
the Greenbelt because it is mostly
private property. Supports more green
space but not more Greenbelt.
Ryan Reynolds
Reynolds
SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
13
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
Gord Robinson
Verbal PM
April 26, 2021
Supports the proposed amendment.
Stated that adding lands in the
Greenbelt will decrease land value.
Explained that in order to have
population growth the lands should not
be included in the Greenbelt.
X
Doug and
Bridget
Rombough
Rombough
SSA2
April 23, 2021
Questioning why council wants to delete
the policy and sections and why a
science-based study was not conducted.
Concerned over the future character of
residential rural environment as well as
high density development and its
implications on the Whitebelt and
environmental deatures such as wildlife
and wetlands. Identified Site 14 and
Foster Creek as particularly
environmentally significant. Support that
all purple areas on the map should be
protected from development.
X
Rundle Land
Corp.
Rundle Land
SSA2
April 26, 2021
Supports the proposed amendment and
the removal of the policies as presented
in the Draft Official Plan Amendment
COPA2021-0001.
X
Charles
Stevens
Stevens SSA2
April 21, 2021
The area between Bowmanville and
Newcastle is considered #1 prime
agricultural land. The Greenbelt is the
only way to protect and sustain our
future source of food. Requesting that
his farm be included in the Greenbelt.
X
Eileen Stones
Verbal
April 16, 2021
Keep the policies in the Official Plan.
Retain the Greenbelt where you can.
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
14
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
Peter Traicus
Traicus SSA2;
Verbal PM
April 14, 2021
Verbal PM: Spoke in support of deleting
the policies from the Official Plan.
Stated that adding the lands to the
Greenbelt will isolate Courtice,
Bowmanville and Newcastle. Noted that
Clarington had economic advantages
such as Highway 418 and the GO
station and that if the lands were added
to the Greenbelt these economic drivers
will disappear.
Written Submission:
Unclear about the implication of this
policy change. Expansion of Greenbelt
would increase issues for development.
Impossible for new employees from
OPG operations to live close to their jobs
with any further Greenbelt expansion.
Metrolinx expansion and Bowmanville
Hospital redevelopment would be
hindered if the draft OPA is not
approved. Does not support the
Greenbelt expansion.
X
John Trantaz
Trantaz SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
Laura Valm
Valm SSA2
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
15
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
May 10, 2021 restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
Carl Van Belle
C Van Belle
SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
Karen Van
Belle
K Van Belle
SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
Ruth Van Belle
R Van Belle
SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
16
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
Martha
Vandepol
Verbal PM;
Vandepol
SSA2;
Vandepol 2
SSA2
April 26, 2021
Verbal PM:
Questioned why Clarington needs more
land in the Greenbelt. Noted that
Clarington needs these lands for
economic growth and by putting these
lands in the Greenbelt growth that would
not happen. Expressed concern
regarding the process regarding SSA2
policies being included in the Official
Plan.
Written Submission:
Requesting that SSA2 with any
reference to Greenbelt expansion be
removed from the Clarington Official
Plan.
X
Antonella
Vergati
Vergati SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. Adding more
land to the Greenbelt will reduce
property values and severely restrict and
limit any residential, commercial and
industrial development along existing
traffic corridors. The potential Greenbelt
expansion is already adversely affecting
the value of affected lands and, should
the expansion come to pass, our
property values will be drastically and
permanently reduced. disappointed that
Clarington Council advanced the
proposal to expand the Greenbelt to
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
17
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
encompass my lands without proper
public notification.
Carl Vickery
Vickery SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
X
Ted Watson
Watson SSA2
April 26, 2021
Verbal and Written: Objects to the SSA2
lands to be included in the Greenbelt.
Submission spoke to the issues affecting
agricultural lands including traffic,
proximity to urban areas. Believes that
eventually more land will be needed for
development in this area than what has
been set aside today.
X
Glenn, Roland,
and Bert
Weigel
Weigel SSA2
April 23, 2021
Wants lands east of the existing
Bowmanville urban boundary to be
removed from the existing Greenbelt
Plan area. States that development is
coming and that it is better embrace and
prepare for it rather than wasting time
and money trying to stop it.
X
Henry and
Yvonne
Westerman
Westerman
SSA2
May 10, 2021
Strongly requests that that Special Study
Area 2 (SSA2) be deleted from
Clarington’s Official Plan. This proposal
will reduce property values and severely
restrict and limit any residential,
commercial and industrial development
along existing traffic corridors. Clarington
is ready for growth with the addition of
X
Attachment 1A to
Report PDS-029-21
18
Name
Submission
File Name
Date
Summary of Submission No clear
position
or an
alternate
position
Keep
OP
policy
Delete
OP
policy
Highway 407, the extension of the GO
train to Bowmanville and the planned
expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.
Ed Worona
E Worona
SSA2
May 9, 2021
Opposed to the Greenbelt expansion. X
Marcia Worona
M Worona
SSA2
May 9, 2021
Not in favour of the Greenbelt
expansion.
X
100 WHITING AVENUE OSHAWA ON L1H 3T3 | P. 905 579 0411 | F. 905 579 0994 | CLOCA.COM
Healthy watersheds for
today and tomorrow.
April 13, 2021
Ms. Lisa Backus, MCIP, RPP
Principal Planner
Planning Services Department
Municipality of Clarington
40 Temperance Street Bowmanville, ON
Dear Madame:
Subject: Clarington Official Plan Amendment OPA 2021-001
Various lands in between Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle Urban Areas
CLOCA IMS No: POFA13
Purpose: To delete policies in the Clarington Official Plan that support the expansion of the Greenbelt
Plan, specifically sub-section 13.3.12 and section 17.3 Special Study Area 2 – Greenbelt Expansion from
the Clarington Official Plan.
The proposed amendment is initiated by the Municipality of Clarington, in accordance with
Clarington Council direction to consider deletion of the above policies.
CLOCA staff has reviewed the circulation for the policies proposed for deletion. CLOCA staff can provide
the following for your consideration.
Background
The lands subject to the amendment are the rural lands south of Highway 2 between Highway 418 and
the western boundary of Bowmanville Urban area, as well as the rural and agricultural lands east of the
Bowmanville Urban Area boundary and Newcastle, north of Highway 401, outside of the current
Greenbelt Boundary.
The subject policies were included as part of Official Plan Amendment 107 in 2016 as a result of input
from Clarington Agricultural Advisory Committee and a 2015 request from Clarington Council to the
Province to protect agricultural land in Clarington.
As a result of a recent Ministers Zoning Order (MZO) located within the Special Study Area 2 (SSA2),
Council had requested that the Province commit to studying the lands within the SSA2. A number of
requests were received by Clarington Council and the Agricultural Advisory Committee from landowners
Page | 2
Healthy watersheds for
today and tomorrow.
within the SSA2 requesting the policy to be deleted from the Official Plan. At a meeting on February 8,
2021, Clarington Council passed a resolution to consider the deletion of Special Study Area 2 from the
Clarington Official Plan.
Site Context
Available CLOCA mapping of the subject lands identify a number of natural heritage features, key
hydrologic features and natural hazards throughout the study area.
The features identified on available mapping include, but are not limited to:
• Provincially Significant Wetlands;
• Other wetland areas;
• Woodlands;
• Watercourses;
• Fish and wildlife habitat;
• Valley lands;
• Hazard lands associated with slope and erosion hazards; and
• Floodplain;
• Other areas that exist on the ground that have not been picked up through desktop mapping
exercises.
These features are described through various Provincial and local policy framework and require site
specific study to determine presence or absence of mapped features, identify the boundaries and
ecological functions of the features, as well as a sufficient vegetation protection zone.
Policy Context
The Policy 13.3.12 describes the Municipalities support for the expansion of the Greenbelt Plan Area to
provide protection of prime agricultural lands.
The policies in Section 17.3, Special Study Area 2 – Greenbelt Expansion describes the land area that the
Municipality considered appropriate to be studied for inclusion in future Greenbelt expansion. The
policies outline that the Province will investigate potential areas for expansion based on considerations
including agriculture, natural heritage and water resources.
Neither policy impose additional restrictions on a property beyond the current land use designations.
The proposed amendment does not propose land use designation changes.
Subsection 3 (6) of the Planning Act, requires that comments, submissions or advice affecting a
planning matter conform with the provincial plans that are in effect.
Accordingly, CLOCA staff have evaluated the amendment against the criteria set out within Section 4.2
of A Place to Grow, Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2020 Consolidation), Protecting
What is Valuable and Section 2.1 of the Provincial Policy Statement (2020), Natural Heritage.
Page | 3
Healthy watersheds for
today and tomorrow.
A Place to Grow, Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2020 Consolidation)
The Growth Plan describes Key Hydrologic Features and Key Hydrologic Areas that require
identification and protection. Outside of settlement areas, development and site alteration is not
permitted within these features. Site specific studies would be required to identify the boundaries of
the features, their ecological functions and provide for a sufficient vegetation protection zone.
As the proposed amendment to delete the policies in the Official Plan are not changing land use
designations, permissions or proposing development or site alteration, the policies of the Growth Plan
related to natural heritage system features and functions would not be affected by the amendment.
Provincial Policy Statement, 2020
The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), section 2.0 seeks to protect and maintain natural heritage
features and areas and directs development outside of the natural heritage features.
Natural heritage systems, including features and areas that provide linkage functions between
features must be identified. Site specific studies would be required to identify the boundaries and the
functions of the natural heritage features and areas outlined within the PPS policies.
Development and site alteration is directed to areas outside of the features with site specific studies
required to ensure there are no negative impacts on the features or their ecological functions as a
result of any development or site alteration.
The PPS, section 3 directs development and site alteration away from natural and human made
hazards including flood and erosion hazards where the risk to public health and safety or property
damage is unacceptable. The section recognizes the potential increased risks associated with natural
hazards due to climate change and requires approval authorities to ensure new hazards are not
created and existing hazards are not aggravated.
As the proposed amendment to delete the policies in the Official Plan are not changing land use
designations, permissions or proposing development or site alteration, the amendment appears to be
consistent with the natural heritage and hazard policies.
Conservation Authorities Act – Ontario Regulation 42/06
Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act (CA Act) allows the Conservation Authority to develop
regulations that, among other items, allows the CA to prohibit or regulate or require permission for
proposed development in areas where the conservation of land may be affected by development.
Under the regulation, lands considered floor and erosion hazards associated with valleys as well as
wetlands and their hydrologic function may be affected by development. Therefore, development
proposed in and adjacent to a regulated feature is considered would require approval under Section 28
of the CA Act.
CLOCA regulation policies establish that site specific evaluations be completed to identify the precise
Page | 4
Healthy watersheds for
today and tomorrow.
boundary of the feature(s) subject to the regulation and evaluate impacts to the feature and function
as a result of proposed development.
As the proposed amendment to delete the policies in the Official Plan are not proposing development
or site alteration, appears to be consistent with Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act.
Watershed Plans
The subject lands west of the Bowmanville urban boundary are located within the Darlington Creek
and the Tooley Creek watersheds. The subject lands east of the Bowmanville urban boundary are
located within the Soper Creek watershed. The current watershed plans for these areas provide a
framework and recommended actions to protect, restore and enhance a healthy and resilient
watershed.
Based on the above, there are existing Provincial policies and regulation requirements that would
serve to provide protection to natural heritage features and systems, key hydrologic features and
natural hazards. CLOCA would encourage that any proposed future expansion to the Provincial
Greenbelt Area should be approached through a comprehensive study with opportunity for a public
and agency consultation process.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on this application. Please feel free to contact us
should you have any questions.
Yours truly,
Stefanie Penney
Development Planner
cc. Mr. Gary Muller, Director of Planning, Region of Durham
Mr. Ken Thajer, Planning and Regulations Coordinator, Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority
The Regional
Municipality
of Durham
Planning and Economic
Development Department
Planning Division
605 ROSSLAND RD. E.
4TH FLOOR
PO BOX 623
WHITBY ON L1N 6A3
CANADA
905-668-7711
1-800-372-1102
Fax: 905-666-6208
Email: planning@durham.ca
www.durham.ca
Brian Bridgeman, MCIP, RPP
Commissioner of Planning
and Economic Development
If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact Planning Reception
at 1-800-372-1102, extension 2551.
March 26, 2021
Ms. Lisa Backus, MCIP, RPP
Principal Planner
Community Planning & Design Branch
Planning and Development Services
Municipality of Clarington
40 Temperance Street
Bowmanville, ON L1C 3A6
Dear Ms. Backus:
Re: Regional Comments on an Application to Amend the
Municipality of Clarington Official Plan
File: COPA 2021-001
Applicant: Municipality of Clarington
Location: various lands in between the Courtice, Bowmanville and
Newcastle urban areas
Municipality of Clarington
This application has been reviewed and the following comments are offered
with respect to the Regional Official Plan (ROP), Provincial Plan policies, and
the Region’s delegated provincial plan review responsibilities.
Purpose and Background
The proposed amendment is a municipally initiated amendment by the
Municipality of Clarington. The amendment proposes to delete sub-
section 13.3.12 and section 17.3 Special Study Area 2 – Greenbelt
Expansion from the Clarington Official Plan (See Attachment #1 for the
proposed amendment).
The area subject to this amendment encompasses the agricultural and
rural lands outside the urban area boundaries of Courtice, Bowmanville
and Newcastle, and the Greenbelt Area within the Municipality of
Clarington (see Attachment #2 for a map of the subject lands).
The Special Study Area 2 policies of Section 17.3 and policy 13.3.12
were added to the Municipality’s Official Plan through the 2017 Official
Plan Review in 2017. The subject policies, in part, were based on a 2015
request of Clarington’s Agricultural Advisory Committee to Clarington
Council which sought to protect Clarington’s agricultural lands from future
development. The subject lands are currently located within the
“Whitebelt” area, which is the area commonly referred to as lands outside
2
the urban boundary and outside of the Greenbelt boundary. These lands
have the potential to be included in the urban area in the future, if there is
a demonstrated need and studies to support the need for additional urban
lands in these locations.
More recently the policies of the SSA2 came to the forefront as a result of
a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO). The MZO proposed the relocation of a
Home Hardware store from Bowmanville Urban Area to the rural area,
located at the southeast corner of Durham Highway 2 and Rundle Road.
The MZO affected lands within the SSA2 policy area which led Council to
pass a resolution in October 2020, requesting the Province to commit to
studying the lands identified in SSA2.
Since that time, both Clarington Council and their Agricultural Advisory
Committee have received a number of requests from landowners
requesting SSA2 be deleted from the Official Plan. On February 8, 2021,
Clarington Council rescinded its request to the Province, and through
Resolution #C-058-21, staff were directed to undertake the proposed
amendment as follows:
“That Staff issue the necessary notices for a public meeting under the
Planning Act to be held on April 26, 2021, for the consideration of the
deletion of Special Study Area 2 from the Clarington Official Plan.
Planning and Development Services Department will be sending out the
official public meeting notice closer to the meeting.”
Durham Regional Official Plan
The subject lands are designated “Major Open Space” and are located
between the Courtice and Bowmanville urban areas, and are designated as
“Prime Agricultural Areas” between the Bowmanville Urban Area and the
surrounding Newcastle urban areas.
Major Open Space Areas include key natural heritage features and
hydrologic features, prime agricultural lands, along with agricultural lands of a
lesser significance. These areas shall predominantly be used for
conservation, agricultural, and agricultural-relates uses.
Prime Agricultural Areas consist of lands where prime agricultural lands
predominate but can also include areas of lesser agricultural significance.
These areas shall be primarily used primarily for agriculture and farm-related
uses.
The proposed amendment does not propose land use designation changes,
and as such, conforms to the Regional Official Plan.
3
Provincial Policy
Provincial Policy Statement
Section 2.1 of the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) requires the diversity
and connectivity of features, and the long-term ecological functions to be
maintained, restored and where possible improved. Development and site
alteration are not permitted within key natural heritage and hydrologic
features. This section also requires Planning authorities to protect natural
features for the long term.
In addition, Section 2.3 of the PPS requires prime agricultural areas to be
protected for long-term agricultural use. It also requires Planning authorities
to designate prime agricultural lands and ensure they are used for agriculture,
agriculture-related and on-farm diversified uses.
As there are no land use permissions proposed, this amendment is
consistent with the policy directions in the PPS.
Greenbelt Plan
These lands are not within the Provincial Greenbelt Plan area.
As this amendment does not propose any physical development, or change
in land use permissions, there are no applicable regional or provincial plan
review responsibilities at this time.
Regional Works, Transit & Transportation Planning
The Regional Works Department, Durham Region Transit and
Transportation Planning do not have any concerns with the proposed
amendment.
Exemption
The proposed amendment seeks to delete requirements which require
Clarington in consultation with the Province to study the possibility of
adding lands to the Greenbelt. The deletion of these policies does not
affect the underlying land uses, or any of the land use permissions, and
as such, these lands will continue to be in conformity with the ROP. In
accordance with By-law 11-2000 the Official Plan Amendment application
is exempt from Regional Approval.
Please advise the Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development
of your Council’s decision. If Council adopts an Amendment, a record
must be submitted to this Department within 15 days of the date of
4
adoption. The record must include the following:
• two (2) copies of the adopted Amendment;
• a copy of the adopting by-law; and
• a copy of the staff report and any relevant materials.
Please contact Heather Finlay, Senior Planner, with any questions or
concerns.
Yours truly,
Lino Trombino - for
Gary Muller, MCIP, RPP
Director of Planning
c.c. Jeff Almeida, Regional Works
Colleen Goodchild, Policy Planning
Sandra McEleney, Transportation Planning
Michael Binetti, DRT
Chris Leitch, Transportation Planning
Attachment #1: Proposed Amendment to the Clarington Official Plan
Attachment #2: Lands subject to the COPA 2021-002
Proposed Amendment No. xx
to the Clarington Official Plan
Purpose: The purpose of this Amendment is to delete policies in the Official Plan that
support the expansion of the Greenbelt Plan Area in Clarington.
Location: This Amendment applies to approximately 3800 hectares of land. This area is
generally described as all the lands east of Highway 418, south and east of the Greenbelt
boundary between Courtice and Bowmanville, south and west of the Greenbelt boundary
between Bowmanville and Newcastle, north of Highway 401 and outside of the urban area
boundaries in Clarington. (see map on reverse).
Proposed Amendments
Unless otherwise indicated in the Amendment, additional text is shown with an underline and
deleted text is shown with a strike-through.
1.Existing subsection 13.3.12 is deleted in its entirety and the subsequent subsection
is renumbered accordingly:
“13.3.12 The Municipality supports the expansion of the Greenbelt Plan Area to
provide long term protection of prime agricultural land.”
2.Existing Section 17 Special Study Areas is hereby amended as follows:
“17.3 Special Study Area 2 – Deleted Greenbelt Expansion
17.3.1 Special Study Area 2 is all of the lands east of Highway 418 south
and 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.”
Attachment 1
Highwa
y
2
La k e O n t a r i o
401 Highway
Taunton Road
Liberty Street418 HighwayCourtice Road35 & 115 HighwayBloor Street
Nash Road
Bowmanville AvenueBaseline RoadTownline RoadTrulls RoadLambs RoadSolina RoadGreen RoadDarlington-Clarke Townline RoadKing
S
t
r
e
e
t Main StreetHolt RoadConcession Rd 3
King Avenue
401 HighwayTownline Road35 & 115 HighwayCourtice
Bowmanville
Newcastle
Orono
HamptonMitchellCorners
MapleGrove
²
(April 26, 2021)
LANDS SUBJECT TO SPECIAL STUDY AREA 2 POLICY
Greenbelt Plan Area
Urban Area
Attachment #2
Attachment 3 to
Report PDS-029-21
Recommended Amendment No. 127
to the Clarington Official Plan
Purpose: The purpose of this Amendment is to delete Section 17.3 Special Study Area 2 –
Greenbelt Expansion and policy 13.3.12 from the Official Plan.
Location: This Amendment applies to approximately 3800 hectares of land. This area is
generally described as all the lands east of Highway 418, south and east of the
Greenbelt boundary between Courtice and Bowmanville, south and west of the
Greenbelt boundary between Bowmanville and Newcastle, north of Highway 401
and outside of the urban area boundaries in Clarington.
Effect: The effect of removing these policies from the Official Plan is that the Official
Plan would no longer identify Council’s position that prior to consideration of
expanding the Greenbelt Plan Area a science-based study be undertaken by the
Province to identify the appropriate lands for inclusion. Whether these policies
are in the Official Plan or not, the Province determines the procedures and
consultation process for expanding the Greenbelt Plan area. The deletion of the
policies does not affect the existing land use designations or zoning by-law
permissions and regulations for the properties affected.
Recommended
Amendment:
Unless otherwise indicated in the Amendment, additional text is shown with an underline and
deleted text is shown with a strikethrough.
1. Existing Subsection 13.3.12 is deleted in its entirety and the subsequent subsection is
renumbered accordingly.
2 Existing Subsection 17.3 Special Study Area 2 – Greenbelt Expansion is deleted in its
entirety and replaced by the following:
“17.3 Special Study Area 2 - Deleted”