On June 16, 2006, the Government of Ontario released the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006 which is available for download here:
Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006- Technical Backgrounder: Municipal Conformity
(87 KB) - Technical Backgrounder: Intensification and Density Targets (215 KB)
- A Guide to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006 (2.7 MB)
- Planning for Growth: Understanding the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (521 KB)
Also available in:
Copies of some of these documents are also available in print and CD-ROM versions. Please contact the Ontario Growth Secretariat to request copies.
A regulation regarding transition matters was made pursuant to the Places to Grow Act, 2005 on June 16, 2006 and was amended on June 19, 2006. It provides direction on how the Growth Plan applies to Planning Act applications, matters and proceedings on the date the Growth Plan is effective. The regulation sets out which applications, matters and proceedings are subject to all or parts of the Growth Plan.
- Backgrounder on the Transition Regulation
- Transition Regulation
What is the Greater Golden Horseshoe?
The Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) includes the cities of Toronto, Hamilton, Kawartha Lakes, Guelph, Peterborough, Barrie, Orillia, and Brantford, the regional municipalities of Halton, Peel, York, Durham, Waterloo and Niagara and the counties of Haldimand, Brant, Wellington, Dufferin, Simcoe, Northumberland and Peterborough.
Why do we need a Growth Plan?
The Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) is the fastest growing urban area in Canada and the third fastest growing in North America. By 2031, close to four million more people and almost 2 million more jobs are forecast for this region.
This growth is good for our economy. It brings skilled workers, attracts new investment and creates new opportunities. It can improve the diversity and quality of life in our communities.
It can also help to make sure that the GGH continues to be an important centre of business, manufacturing, agriculture, research, education and culture.
But we need to plan for this growth.
Without a plan, we could continue to experience many of the adverse effects that have occurred in the past, such as traffic gridlock, urban sprawl, loss of farmland and dwindling natural areas. Furthermore, health research is showing links between urban sprawl – which creates dependence on the automobile – and increases in obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other health problems.
We need a plan that will reap the benefits of growth, while avoiding the potential adverse effects.
The Government of Ontario has introduced such a plan.
The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006 is a comprehensive, 25-year strategy to maximize the benefits of growth and maintain our high quality of life. It is a plan to grow in a more complete way – so communities offer a good mix of places to live, work, shop and play. It is a plan that will create communities where it is easier for people to walk, bike or take transit to get around.
Key elements of the Growth Plan
The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006 sets clear standards for growth and development, while giving local governments the flexibility they need to address local circumstances.
The Plan:
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Establishes coordinated population and job growth forecasts for municipalities as the basis for planning.
Conversion of a hypothetical strip mall to a mid-rise medium density development with a mix of uses including office, retail and residential - Encourages revitalization of downtowns and city centres, making them more vibrant, people-oriented and attractive.
- Reduces development pressures on agricultural lands and natural areas by directing more growth to existing urban areas
- Ensures that new development is planned to create complete communities that offer more choices in housing, better transit and a range of amenities like shops, schools, entertainment and services that are closer to where people live.
- Identifies 25 downtown locations in the GGH that will be focal points for accommodating people and jobs, through initiatives that offer attractive new living options within easy access to shops and services. These centres will also support transit and the economy of the surrounding area.
- Complements the province’s Greenbelt Plan that protects 1.8 million acres of valuable farmland and natural areas at the heart of the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
- Establishes an integrated transportation network that will offer more transportation choices for getting from place to place, reducing congestion on our roads.
- Links planning for growth with planning for infrastructure, so that the roads, sewers, schools and other infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of growing communities.
Consultation
Engaging and consulting with stakeholders and citizens has been critical to the development of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006. The development of the Growth Plan has benefited greatly from the strong relationships that have been developed and the ongoing discussions that have occurred with stakeholders and the public.
Between 2004 and 2006 the Ontario Growth Secretariat received over 1,000 written submissions and over 1,600 individuals attended public meetings on the Places to Grow: Discussion Paper (July 2004), the Draft Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (February 2005), and the Proposed Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (November 2005).
The most recent consultations, on the Proposed Growth Plan released in November 2005 included a posting on the EBR, stakeholder workshops across the Greater Golden Horseshoe, notices in newspapers, and formal notice to municipalities. The consultation period ended on January 27, 2006 and resulted in over 300 written submissions.
