July 12, 2004
TORONTO—The McGuinty government is planning for strong communities and a prosperous economy with the release of a discussion paper outlining its plan for growth in the Greater Golden Horseshoe for the next 30 years and beyond, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal David Caplan announced today.
"Years of poor planning and leadership have left a legacy of uncontrolled urban sprawl, traffic congestion, environmental decline, and loss of greenspace and farmland in the Greater Golden Horseshoe," said Caplan. "The McGuinty government's vision for growth signals a new era in community planning, which incorporates land use, economic and environmental considerations."
The discussion paper, Places To Grow: Better Choices. Brighter Future, outlines proposed provincial decisions on a range of issues, including urban planning, land use, economic development, and investment in public infrastructure like roads, public transit, schools, healthcare facilities and water and sewer systems, and solicits public comment.
"Working with municipalities, we will manage growth, support economic development and reinvest in public infrastructure," said Caplan. "With this strategy for building stronger communities and improving the quality of life for the people of Ontario, we are bringing real, positive change that will lay the foundation today for how we live tomorrow."
The discussion document was developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders from other levels of government, the private sector, and environmental and community organizations.
"This vision goes a long way in making growth a benefit to all," said Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion. "When implemented, the plan will protect the future of our communities and will be well received by the public."
A key goal of the growth plan is creating the right conditions for greater economic growth, investment, job creation and economic competitiveness in the Golden Horseshoe region.
"This visionary plan comes at a critical point in time for the economic prosperity of the region," said Bob Onyschuk, Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Urban Institute. "If we want Toronto and the GTA to achieve first- tier status amongst North America's successful city regions in the 21st century, then this is the plan and we need to do it now."
"The draft growth plan reflects a good fit with the goals of the Greenbelt Task Force. The plan shows comprehensive thinking and long-term planning," said Robert MacIsaac, Mayor of Burlington and Chair of the Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt Task Force.
"I am extremely encouraged by the direction that the government has shown with this discussion paper," said Michael Roschlau, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Urban Transit Association. "Public transit has to be a top priority if we want to ensure future quality of life in the Golden Horseshoe."
Over the next 30 years the area is expected to grow by almost four million people - roughly the populations of Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton combined - with about two million new jobs created.
"This plan will provide the clarity that we are all looking for," said Jim Faught, Executive Director of Ontario Nature and a member of the Greenbelt Task Force. "We need to grow better so that we can protect our natural environment. The plan will help us get there."
The government is seeking input from municipalities, community groups and the public on the discussion paper through public information sessions, correspondence, or online. This input will help shape the final plan which will be developed in the fall.
"This is an historic document," Caplan said. "For the first time in our history, we have the basis of a plan to manage population growth and economic expansion in a rational, intelligent way, instead of trying to catch up to it after the fact. This is our chance - maybe our last chance - to build the future we want."
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For further information:
Ross Parry
Minister's Office
416-325-1657
Peggy Stewart
Communications
416-325-4827
