Mr. Matt Alexander, WSP, lead consultant for the Township's Official Plan Review, advised that notice of this meeting was publicized and provided a presentation which included the following information:
Purpose of the Meeting
- A requirement, under Section 26(3)(b) of the Planning Act, to hold a Special Council meeting that is open to the public to discuss potential revisions to the Official Plan and receive public input.
Official Plan Review Purpose
The Planning Act requires a review/update of the Official Plan every 5 years to incorporate recent legislation and policy changes as they pertain to the Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, Durham Region Official Plan, Municipal Comprehensive Review, and recent studies from the municipality, Region, and Conservation Authorities.
Workplan
The 7 background study modules which will focus research and discuss key issues:
- Vision and strategic direction
- Housing and living areas
- Growth management
- Natural heritage and environmental opportunities
- Infrastructure policy analysis
- Health communities
- Economic development
Mr. Alexander advised that each module includes public engagement activities, background research, preparation of a discussion paper, and a presentation to Council.
Progress to Date
- Engagement strategy finalized
- Module 2 - housing discussion paper
- draft circulated to staff for comments
- engagement session being planned
- Module 1 - vision and strategic direction discussion paper
- engagement session for public input held on August 31, 2021 (28 participants)
- draft is underway
Next Steps
September
- Section 26 meeting
- Module 1 Draft discussion paper
- Module 3 initial background research
October
- begin Module 4 - Natural heritage and environmental opportunities
November
- begin Module 5 - Infrastructure policy analysis
Discussion
- Are there other key issues to be aware of
- What does the future of Brock Township look like
- Are there any myths or misconceptions about Brock Township to be aware of
Mr. Alexander advised that public input is welcomed throughout the review and comments may be shared on the Township's website page Let's Talk Brock.
Council discussed and deliberated the information provided by the consultant and provided input as follows:
- some members of Council participated in Module 1 engagement session on August 31, 2021
- residents are indicating the need for smart growth with healthy communities, beautiful community spaces, and bike paths
- support incorporating language into the Official Plan
- the Province has mandated density growth for the Greater Toronto Area
- the impact of 5 - 6 story buildings in smaller communities (increasing density)
Mr. Alexander advised that appropriate options to increase density would be reviewed and proposed for areas that could accommodate it. He advised that the public would have multiple opportunities to provide input over the next year.