Climate change adaptation, energy conservation, improved air quality, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved through efficient land use and development patterns. The Green Energy Act and Ontario Climate Change Action Plan support these goals.

Provincial & County Policy

The Provincial Policy Statement and the County of Simcoe Official Plan Policies provide direction on specific issues. The Township Official Plan policies must conform to the PPS and County Official Plan, which set out the following policies:

Settlement Areas & Land Use

Provincial Policy requires land use and development patterns which promote compact, complete communities, and promote active transportation between residential, employment, and institutional areas.

Municipalities should aim to improve the mix of employment and housing uses to shorten commutes and decrease automotive congestion.

Design with Nature

The design and orientation of infrastructure and development should be carefully considered to maximize energy efficiency and conservation.

Municipalities should promote design which maximizes vegetation within settlement areas, and incorporates green infrastructure.

Renewable Energy Systems

The design and orientation of infrastructure should maximize opportunities for the use of renewable energy systems and alternative energy systems.

The Province and County have an interest in providing a co-ordinated system of infrastructure, electricity generation facilities, and transmission and distribution systems which consider the impacts of climate change.

Natural Hazards

Municipalities are encouraged to consider the potential impacts and associated risks of natural hazards as a result of a changing climate.

Existing Policy & Legislation

• Provincial Policy Statement 2014
• County of Simcoe Official Plan Policies
• Green Energy Act
• Ontario Climate Change Action Plan

Current Township Policies

Currently, there are no specific policies regarding climate change, air quality, or greenhouse gas emissions.

The current Official Plan contains policies for Alternative Energy Systems such as the following:

• Categorizes new alternative/renewable energy systems as micro scale, small scale, medium scale, and large scale developments
• Requires that new or expanded renewable energy systems are subject to Site Plan Control. Council may require an Environmental Assessment (EA).
• Outlines how the Zoning By-law will contain provisions regarding the number of renewable energy systems per property.
• An Zoning By-law Amendment is will be required to develop a medium or large scale renewable energy system, or to develop in Open Space Conservation or Hazard Lands designations.

New and revised Official Plan policies can support land use and development patterns which achieve adaptation, conservation, and efficiency objectives.

Your ideas and vision are important!

What changes would you like to see?

• Do you think the Township needs specific policies surrounding climate change, air quality, greenhouse gases, energy, and sustainability?
• Should there be policies regarding climate change mitigation and adaptation?
• What other policies or plans might help the Township in adapting to climate change?
• Please provide any other comments you may have for consideration in the development of new policies.