HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD-97-82 i
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CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
HAMPTON, ONTARIO LOB 1 JO TEL. (416)263-2231
REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF JUNE 14, 1982
REPORT NO. : PD-97-82
SUBJECT: GROUP HOMES
RECOMMENDATION:
It is respectfully recommended:
1 . That Report PD-97-82 be received for
information.
BACKGROUND:
In response to the delegation of Bonita Cunningham at the
Council Meeting of May 25, 1982, Planning staff have again
reviewed the group home issue and feel that it would be
helpful at this point to summarize some of the information
contained in earlier Reports relative to the question of
acceptance and location of group homes.
The group home concept, or the concept of community care,
has for several years been the subject of studies, debate
and concern, in many Ontario municipalities.
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Report No. : PD-97-82 . . ./2
Provincial experts suggest that it is financially efficient
to house certain special care populations in group homes.
They have also concluded that this type of care is far more
effective for some types of individuals than is
institutional care, as living in the community brings the
special needs population one step closer to community
independence.
This philosophy has been the basis for the Provincial "push"
towards the de-institutionalization and community acceptance
of group home type care. In order to implement this
objective, the Province has asked municipalities to assist
them by allowing group homes to establish within the
residential communities. The Province has asked that group
homes be permitted anywhere that dwellings are permitted.
A number of municipalities in Ontario have responded to the
Province's request and in some situations have found
themselves in a position where, because of their willingness
to accomodate the Provincial objective, they now house more
group homes than would be considered necessary to serve
their population. "High density" placement of group homes
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does not serve the residents well , as it does not provide
them with the intended "normal community setting" that was
part of the concept of group home care. Overcrowding can
also disrupt the established community.
It is unfortunate that overcrowding situations have occurred
and have, in effect, given the group home concept a bad
name. It is quite possible that many residents and many
municipal councils are reluctant to accept the group home
concept because of these isolated situations.
Report No. : PD-97-82 . . ./3
The Region of Durham responded to the Provincial request by
amending the Regional Plan to have group homes included as a
permitted use in most areas where single family dwellings
would be permitted. Once this "principle" of establishing
group homes had been established in the Regional Plan, the
responsibility for dealing with this sometimes controversial
land-use moved to the jurisdiction of the local council .
Through zoning by-laws passed under the Planning Act, the
local council has broad-reaching powers to control the use
of land and the erection of buildings and structures. It is
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through the Zoning By-law that the Town has the opportunity
to respond to Provincial requests, and to implement the
policy of the Durham Region Official Plan. The Planning Act
does not, however, give the Municipality jurisdiction over
the operation of group homes. This responsibility remains
with the Province.
The Municipality's role, therefore, is one of either
permitting or not permitting group homes within the various
zoning categories in the Town's Zoning By-laws. Staff feel
it is very important not to lose sight of this key role that
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the Municipality plays and to bear in mind that the
Municipality does not have powers to control the management
of homes once they are established in accordance with zoning
provisions and, in our situation, once they are registered
as group homes with the Group Home Registrar for the Town of
Newcastle.
Report No. : PD-97-82 . . ./4
The approach taken by Newcastle Council through the recent
adoption of several By-laws aimed at recognizing existing
group homes, is an attempt to accomodate the Provincial
objectives as well as protect the character of residential
communities.
Most of the existing group homes have operated for some time
in the Town and there have, to our knowledge, been few, if
any, problems related to these homes. However, the changes
incorporated into the Zoning By-laws would require that any
new homes be rezoned. As in any rezoning situation, each
application would be viewed on its own merits to determine
if the use was appropriate in the area. Council would have
the opportunity at this stage to consult with Provincial
Ministries, local residents and experts in the field of
community care. The rezoning process gives Council the
opportunity to review each site specific situation and to be
in a position to make a responsible decision.
The position taken by Newcastle Council may be considered
overly restrictive by those strongly in support of
Provincial objectives. However, this approach allows
Council the opportunity to review each request and to be
directly involved in the establishment of any additional
homes.
Planning staff feel that, through this framework, Council
has effectively addressed Mrs. Cunningham's concerns. Group
homes may not be established without a detailed review, with
each case viewed on its own merits. Local residents will
Report No. : PD-97-82 . . ./5
have the opportunity to respond and object to any such
application through the normal rezoning procedures.
Re s pectf 11 X submitted,
T. T. Edwards, M.C.I .P.
Director of Planning
FA*TTE*mjc
June 1 , 192
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