Community Improvement Areas can be identified so that improvements to the physical, social, and economic conditions can be targeted towards the places that need it the most and where the community can enjoy the benefits.

A number of Community Improvement Areas have been identified, including: Colgan, Everett, Glencairn, Hockley, Lisle, Loretto, Rosemont, a residential area on part of Lots 7 and 8 Concession 1, and an Industrial & Commercial area in the settlement areas along Highway 89.

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:

Long-term Economic Prosperity

Provincial Policy provides for economic prosperity through promotion of opportunities for economic development and investment readiness

Authority to Designate Community Improvement Areas

Section 28 of the Planning Act allows municipalities to designate community improvement project areas

Existing Policy & Legislation

• Provincial Policy Statement 2014
• County of Simcoe Official Plan Policies

Current Township Policies

The Township has goals to improve social and recreation facilities, improve the physical environment, and protect the economic wellbeing of the Township.

Section 7 of the Current Official Plan contains policies for Community Improvement. Current Official Plan policies require that:

• Selection of Community Improvement Areas be decided based on criteria outlined in Section 7.3. These criteria include: condition of buildings/ property in relation to the Property Maintenance Standards By-law, condition and adequacy of municipal hard services (i.e. roadways, sidewalks, public utilities), and condition and adequacy of soft services (i.e. recreation facilities, open space areas, libraries).
• A number of considerations must be taken into account regarding phasing of improvements, including financing, maintaining the positive characteristics of the area, comments received from residents at public meetings, and improvements which will provide the most substantial positive outcomes.
• The Township will attempt to use all possible means to implement the community improvement policies, such as participation in Federal and Provincial community improvement plans, and co-operation with agencies, businesses, and property owners.

New and revised Official Plan policies will aim to provide tools for community improvement that take into account the character and needs of the communities.

Your ideas and vision are important!

What changes would you like to see?

• Do you think that the current policies for community improvement areas will support new and existing businesses?
• Do you think that the criteria for delineating community improvement areas are sufficient? Should any other factors be considered?
• Please provide any other comments you may have for consideration in the development of new policies.