ADELAIDE METCALFE - In a recent open house during the May 6 council meeting, the Township discussed the substantial shifts proposed by the Ontario provincial government concerning local planning regulations, particularly the impacts of Bill 185, known as the “Cutting Red Tape to Build
More Homes Act.” The meeting highlighted the complexities these changes bring to rural communities
like Adelaide Metcalfe, where land use and housing policies hold significant weight.
Abby Heddle-Jacobs, Middlesex County Planner, explained that the township paused its Official Plan Review to integrate forthcoming provincial changes into its framework. This pause aims to ensure that any new policies or legislative adjustments are thoroughly incorporated into the township’s planning strategy before finalizing the redline version of the official plan.
One of the critical changes discussed was the proposed merging of the Provincial Policy Statement and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe into a new, streamlined Provincial Planning Statement. This new framework aims to simplify and relax regulations to facilitate development and address housing shortages. Nevertheless, it removes certain protections and planning requirements
that have guided local decisions, potentially leading to less stringent growth management and a fundamental shift in how municipalities plan for expansion.
The province’s proposed legislation includes removing planning fee refunds, third-party appeals for official plan and zoning bylaw amendments, and replacing the Community Infrastructure Housing
Accelerator with a new method for requesting Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs). These changes could
significantly affect the local government’s control over planning and zoning decisions, which sparked
various concerns among council members and residents.
During the meeting, residents and council members expressed mixed feelings about the changes. Mayor Sue Clarke pointed out the specific challenges rural areas might face, particularly regarding infrastructure requirements that do not align with the rural setting of Adelaide Metcalfe. Concerns were also raised about the potential loss of local control over planning decisions and the implications for agricultural land use and housing availability.
The discussion also touched on the need for additional housing options in agricultural areas to support farm workers and families, reflecting the provincial shift towards more flexible housing policies on
farms. However, the practical implications of these policies and their alignment with local needs remain
a point of contention.
The township plans to continue its review process, incorporating public feedback and awaiting further provincial directives to finalize the official plan. This step is crucial as it will determine the extent to which Adelaide Metcalfe can maintain its rural character while adapting to broader provincial objectives aimed at increasing housing supply and simplifying development processes.
As these changes unfold, Adelaide Metcalfe’s approach will likely serve as a bellwether for other rural municipalities facing similar challenges under Ontario’s evolving legislative landscape.
