Ontario Construction News staff writer
Simcoe County is making progress in addressing local housing issues with the launch of its Housing Attainable Supply Action Plan (ASAP). This plan aims to increase the availability of a variety of affordable housing options throughout the area.
The initiative includes measures for the county and its 16 municipal partners to assist residents in finding homes that fit their budgets within their communities. A major aspect of the Housing ASAP is the development of a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) Template, which features a model Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and Community Planning Permit (CPP) bylaw.
The intended changes will help municipalities simplify their planning procedures and speed up housing development.
To kick off this project and collect public input, the county will hold an in-person information session on Nov. 24, from 3 to 5 p. m. at the Simcoe County Administration Centre, located at 1110 Highway 26, Midhurst. Those interested must register by emailing Kr****************@****oe. ca.
This session will include a presentation from Planscape Incorporated, the county’s planning consultant, explaining how the CPPS can combine zoning bylaw amendments, minor variances, and site plan control into one streamlined approval process.
The CPPS is a flexible land use planning tool designed to make housing approvals quicker while still allowing for community feedback and prioritizing local needs. It offers municipalities the option to set conditions related to affordable housing, urban design, landscaping, and environmental safeguards.
Stage 1: Project initiation and background review Stage 2: Consultation and draft documents Stage 3: Final model CPPS OPA and CPP
Once finalized, the CPP bylaw will empower municipalities to grant development permits for projects meeting specified standards. This will help bring new homes onto the market more efficiently and transparently.
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