WHEREAS the goal of increasing housing supply and reducing barriers in planning processes as set out in the recent legislative, regulatory and policy changes, including new provisions from Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 is commendable;
AND WHEREAS the Provincial Planning Statement acknowledges the need for growth and development beyond major urban centers, it is also essential to ensure that these changes do not compromise the quality and sustainability of rural and small urban areas;
AND WHERERAS agriculture is a predominant land use within Middlesex Centre and an important component of the economy and culture
AND WHEREAS the proposed policy would allow the creation of up to three new residential lots from a parcel of land that existed on January 1, 2023 subject to criteria;
AND WHEREAS the creation of residential lots across the country-side will have significant impacts on other provincial and local interests including agriculture (especially livestock farming); the availability of mineral aggregate resources close to markets; the provision of municipal services; on the Provincial, County and Municipal Road networks; and that the resultant scattered residential development could occur at the expense of this growth occurring in our small urban communities;
AND WHEREAS cumulatively, these proposals have the potential to have detrimental impacts on municipal infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Middlesex Centre
• pause proposed changes to the PPS, particularly regarding agricultural lands (sections 2.6 and 4.3);
• ensure that municipalities have access to sufficient funding and support, the province can facilitate sustainable development and help create complete communities that efficiently utilize land, infrastructure, and public services.
AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to the Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, the Hon. Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Hon. Lisa Thompson, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Hon. David Piccini, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.