Category: PPS Review

In brief, that degradation of fish habitat protection happened after the 2012 draft: the prohibition against “disruption” (still there in 2012) was dropped in favour of prohibiting only “permanent alteration”; moreover, the principle of “no net loss of productive capacity” was dropped. There are new references to “second units” in housing and to “older persons”. Some storm water management requirements have been strengthened. Highlights: In addition to a number of

There are no show-stopping changes. However, there is more supportive language about rural areas. There is explicit support for “green infrastructure” (a defined term) and for alternative energy supply. A municipality now “shall” identify its “natural heritage system” (NHS). The Province imposes its criteria for declaring woodlands significant. Protection of fish habitat is further degraded. Highlights: The language about rural areas is more expansive. E.g., while there was no introductory

PDF version After a long delay, on February 24 the Province of Ontario finally issued the new version of its Provincial Policy Statement, issued under the Planning Act. The PPS is the key policy reference for any arguments before the Ontario Municipal Board. The next round of Comprehensive Official Plan review (in 2019) must bring the Plan in conformity with the new PPS. The new policy comes into effect on