Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Barrie has launched a new planning permit system for the Allandale Major Transit Station Area, which aims to cut down development approval times and help bring new housing to the market more quickly.
After gathering public input, the city has set up a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) for the Allandale MTSA. This creates one streamlined process that replaces the separate zoning, site plan control, and minor variance applications in that area.
Guided by the council-approved Allandale Community Planning Permit (CPP) bylaw, this new approach is expected to shorten review periods to around 45 days for eligible developments.
With this updated process, developers and landowners will need just one comprehensive permit instead of dealing with multiple planning approvals. The city believes this will simplify development while ensuring it fits well with the local community.
“This tool will help fast-track much-needed housing and new development in Allandale while balancing growth with the established character of the neighbourhood,” Mayor Alex Nuttall said in a statement.
The Community Planning Permit System is part of Barrie’s Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan, aimed at boosting the city’s housing supply.
The initial proposal suggested that the permit system should include both downtown and Allandale areas. However, based on feedback from public consultations, officials determined more study is necessary before extending it downtown.
As a result, implementing a CPPS for downtown has been postponed until further review. The rest of the city will continue operating under Zoning Bylaw 2009-141.
The city involved residents and stakeholders throughout developing this new permit system via consultation sessions, an online survey, and an open house. Officials noted that public feedback was instrumental in shaping both the permit process and policies in the new bylaw.
The Allandale Major Transit Station Area is expected to be crucial for future residential growth due to its closeness to higher-order transit. This makes it a priority location for strategies designed to encourage higher-density housing while making municipal approvals easier.
To learn more about the CPPS, visit barrie. ca/Allandale CPPS.
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