Recommendation
That RPT- 0201-23 New Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 2023 & Bill 97 Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023 – Proposed Legislative Update and Comments be received; and
That RPT-0201-23 be forwarded to the Province of Ontario through the associated consultations posted on the Environmental Registry and Ontario Regulatory Registry as appropriate; and
That the new proposed Provincial Planning Statement, specifically proposed policy 4.3.3 – Lot Creation and Lot Adjustment has the potential to adversely affect farming in the County of Brant and overall food production and security for all of Ontario. Creating any additional residential lots in the agricultural area, particularly prime agricultural areas (class 1-3 soils) is not supported by the County of Brant. It is estimated that an approximate 7,768 acres of prime agricultural lands will be taken out of production as a result of this proposed policy change in the County of Brant. The Lot Creation and Lot Adjustments policies of the 2020 Provincial Policy Statement should remain; and
That the County of Brant request the Province of Ontario commit to an enhanced municipal consultation process such as by establishing technical working groups with municipalities, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders on the proposed policy changes in the new Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 2023; and
That report RPT-0201-23 be shared with the two Conservation Authorities having jurisdiction within the County of Brant.