02 25 2008 PAC Agenda* *CONSOI_IDATED
TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE
P<_ANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
Council Chambers
Date: Monday, February 25, 200$ Time: 7:00 p.m.
1. Opening of Meeting by Chair
2. Adoption of Agenda
3. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof - in
Accordance with the Act
4. Minutes of Previous Meetings -January 28, 2008
5. Deputation -none
6. Planning Applications -none
7. Correspondence and Communication
(a) PAC Mandate (refer to By-law 2007-004, Report BP 2006-047, and excerpt
from Section 8 -Part II of the Planning Act)
(b) Discussion regarding Craighurst -Tom Kurtz
(c) Discussion regarding Shoreline development policy -Tom Kurtz
8. Other Business/Education
(a) Topic Item -suggested by Councillor Agnew -Report from Ontario
Professional Planners Institute: "A Primer for discussion on the
Conservation of Rural Character in Community Design"
(b) General list of topics for future discussion
9. Adjournment
TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
Council Chambers
Date: Manday February 25 2008 Time: 7:00 p.m.
1. Opening of Meeting by Chair
2. Adoption of Agenda
3. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof - in
Accordance with the Act
4. Minutes of Previous Meetings -January 28, 2008
5. Deputation -none
6. Planning Applications -none
7. Correspondence and Communication -Wane
8. Other Business/Education
(a) Topic Item -suggested by Councillor Agnew -Report from Ontario
Professional Planners Institute: "A Primer for discussion an the
Conservation of Rural Character in Community Design"
(b) General list of topics far future discussion
9. Adjournment
TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
ADDENDUM
Council Chambers
Date: Monday, February 25, 2008 Time: 7:04 p.m.
7. Correspondence and Communication
(a) PAC Mandate (refer to By-law 2007-004, Report BP 2006-047, and excerpt
from Section 8 -Part II of the Planning Act}
(b} Discussion regarding Craighurst -Tom Kurtz
(c) Discussion regarding Shoreline development policy -Tom Kurtz
T- 1 .
TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
2006-2010 TERM
January 28, 2008, 7:02 p.m.
Council Chambers
Present: Council Representatives
Mayor H.S. Hughes
Deputy Mayor Ralph Hough
Councillor Mel Coutanche
(arrived 7:04 p.m.)
Councillor Sandy Agnew
Councillor John Crawford
Councillor Dwight Evans
Public Representatives
Linda Babulic
Roy Hastings
Tom Kurtz (arrived 7:04 p.m.)
Mary O'Farrell-Bowers
Larry Tupling
Regrets: Councillor Terry Allison
Staff Present: Glenn White, Senior Planner; Janette Teeter, Deputy Clerk
Also Present: Will Young; Brent Clarkson, MHBC Planning; Edward Hall; John Hare;
Susanne Robinson; Joe Charles; Bernd Schaefers; Hubert & Carol
Schaefers; Pat & Jim Woodford; Tiziano Zaghi, Jones Consulting
Group
1. Opening of Meeting by Chair.
Deputy Mayor Hough assumed the chair and called the meeting to order.
2. Adoption of Agenda.
Motion No. PAC080128-1
Moved by Larry Tupling, Seconded by Roy Hastings
It is recommended that the agenda for the Planning Advisory Committee meeting of
Monday, January 28, 2008 be received and adopted.
Carried.
~' G-
3. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof - in
Accordance with the Act.
None declared.
4. Minutes of Previous Meetings -November 26, 2007.
Motion No. PAC08012$-2
Moved by Roy Halting, Seconded by Larry Tupling
It is recommended that the minutes of the Planning Advisory Committee Meeting held
on November 26, 2007 be received and adopted.
Carried.
5. Deputation -Brent Clarkson of MHBC Planning Consultants regarding Buffalo
Springs (Gargano Development Inc.) Subdivision, 43T-01031.
Brent Clarkson, MHBC Planning Consultants, provided a history overview and update
with respect to the application.
The Committee unanimously consented to allow members of the public to comment on
the application.
Jim Woodford presented correspondence dated April 21, 2004 to the Chair.
Motion No. PAC080128-3
Moved by Linda Babulic, Seconded by Mary O'Farrell-Bowers
It is recommended that the correspondence dated January 14, 2008 and verbal
information presented by Brent Clarkson, MHBC, re: Buffalo Springs Subdivision,
Gargano Development Inc., be received.
Carried.
Planning Advisory Committee Meeting
January 28, 2008, Page 2
. ~'
6. Planning Applications.
a) Planning Report presented by Bruce Hoppe, Director of Building and Planning
Services, Re: Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment for Jules Goossens,
Concession 10, Part of Lot 25 (Oro), east side of Line 9 South, Applications 2005-
OPA-04 and 2005-ZBA-27
Tiziano Zaghi, Jones Consulting Group, on behalf of the applicant, provided comments with
respect to the application.
Motion No. PAC080128-4
Moved by Roy Hastings, Seconded by Larry Tupling
It is recommended that
1. Report BP 2008-003 presented by Glenn White, Senior Planner Re: Official Plan and
Zoning By-law Amendment Applications 2005-OPA-04 and 2005-ZBA-27 for Jules
Goossens, Part of Lot 25, Concession 10, (Oro), Township of Oro-Medonte, be received
and adopted.
2. That it is recommended to Council that Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment
Applications 2005-OPA-04 and 2005-ZBA-27, Part of Lot 25, Concession 10, (Oro),
Township of Oro-Medonte that would serve to redesignate the subject lands from "Rural"
and "Environmental Protection Two Overlay" to "Shoreline" on Schedule A of the Official
Plan, and rezone lands from AgriculturallRural (A/RU) to Shoreline Residential (SR)
Zone on Schedule A5 of Zoning By-law 97-95, be approved.
3. And Further That the Zoning By-law be subject to a Holding (H) Zone, removal of which
shall only be done after an appropriate Site Plan Agreement has been entered into
regarding the preservation of trees, natural features and timing of site development.
Carried.
7. Correspondence and Communication.
a) Email dated January 14, 2008 from Councillor Sandy Agnew to Bruce Hoppe,
Director of Building and Planning Services regarding Simcoe County Health Unit
Motion No. PAC080128-5
Moved by Linda Babulic, Seconded by Roy Hastings
It is recommended that the correspondence dated January 14, 2008 and presented by
Councillor Agnew re: Healthy Communities Workshop by Simcoe Muskoka District Health
Unit be received; and further that the Planning Department liaise with the Simcoe Muskoka
District Health Unit to attend a future Planning Advisory Committee meeting for a
presentation with respect to designing healthy communities.
Carried.
Planning Advisory Committee Meeting
January 28, 2008, Page 3
l'~
b) Correspondence dated January 6, 2008 from Uli Surmann, Horseshoe Valley
Property Owners Association Regarding Housing Style Recommendations
Motion No. PAC080128-6
Moved by tarry Tupling, Seconded by Roy Hastings
It is recommended that the correspondence dated January 6, 2008 from Uli Surmann,
clo Horseshoe Valley Property Owner's Association and verbal information presented
by Glenn White, Senior Planner, re: Resort -Style of Housing for Future HV
Developments be received.
Carried.
8. Other Business/Education.
a) Topic Item -General Severance Policies
Motion No. PAC080128-7
Moved by Mary O'Farrell-Bowers, Seconded by Linda Babulic
It is recommended that the Oro-Medonte Official Plan excerpts as of January 24, 2007
and verbal information presented by Glenn White, Senior Planner re: General
Severance Policies be received.
Carried.
b) General List of Topics for Future Discussion
Discussion.
Planning Advisory Committee Meeting
January 28, 2008, Page 4
~- ~,
9. Adjournment.
Motion No. PAC080128-8
Moved by Linda Babulic, Seconded by Mary Q'Farrell-Bowers
It is recommended that we do now adjourn at 9:59 p.m.
Carried.
Chair, Deputy Mayor Ralph Hough
Senior Planner, Glenn White
Planning Advisory Committee Meeting
January 28, 2048, Page 5
,~t ~~
THE CORPdRATidN dF THE TdWNSHIP dF dRd-MEDONTE
8Y-LAW Nd, 2007-004
A By-law to Appoint a Planning Advisory Committee
And to Repeal By-law Nos. 2001-009 and 2004-036
WHEREAS Section 8, subsection 1 of the Planning Act R.S.O. 1990, Chapter P.13, as
amended, provides that the Council of a municipality may appoint a Planning Advisory
Committee composed of such persons as the Council may determine;
AND WHEREAS Council deems it expedient to do so;
NQW THEREFORE the Council of the Township of Oro-Medonte hereby enacts as follows:
1. That the mandate of the Ora-Medonte Planning Advisory Committee is:
• To act as an advisory body to Council.
• To make recommendations to Council with respect to planning matters.
• To advise Council with respect to planning policy.
2. That five t6) members of the public shall be appointed as members of the Oro-Medonte
Planning Advisory Committee far the term of the Council that appointed them ar until
their successors are appointed. Where a member ceases to be a member before the
expiration of his or her term, Council may appoint another eligible person for the
unexpired portion of the term.
3. That the Mayor and all members of Council shall be non-voting members of the Ora
Medonte Planning Advisory Committee.
4. That persons appointed to the Oro-Medonte Planning Advisory Committee shall be paid
such remuneration and expenses as Council provides.
5. That By-law Nos. 2001-009 and 2004-036 are hereby repealed in their entirety.
6. This by-law shall take effect on the final passing thereo#.
8Y-LAW READ A FIRST AND SECOND TIME THIS 10T" DAY dF JANUARY, 2007.
BY-LAW READ A THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 24"' DAY dF JANUARY,
2007.
THE CO ORATIdN dF THE TdWNSHIP dF ORd-MEOdNTE
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TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE
REPORT
Dept. Report No. To: Committee of the Whole Prepared By:
BP 2006-047 Bruce Hoppe, MCIP, RPP
Subject: Proposed Department:
Composition far the Planning BuiidinglPlanning
Advisory Committee
Council
C. of W. Date: December 11, 2006
Motion # R.M. File #:
Date: Roll #:
BACKGROUND:
In relation to planning matters, the Township has historically used a process by which a Planning
Advisory Cammittee (PAC} reviews matters and makes recommendations to Council. The purpose
of this report is to review the function and role of this Cammittee and make recommendations on a
go-forward basis with a view to improving service delivery within the Department.
DiSCUSStON:
The Planning department was requested to review the effectiveness of the process, analysis the
efficiencies and the weaknesses and provide recommendations for Council consideration.
In November 2U03, in order to conform to both the Planning Act and the Municipal Act requirements,
for the Planning Advisory Committee, a new composition was proposed that included all members of
Council and five members of the public. It was felt that all Council Members then had the opportunity
i`~~
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to review planning matters and their rationale, as well as hear the comments and deliberations of the
public members. All recommendations of the Committee are reported to Council far ratification.
It was also recommended to eliminate duplication in the eating process that Council Members be
non-eating members of the Planning Advisory Committee and to allow Gouncil Members an
opportunity to further consider the application prior to ratifying any recommendation emanating from
the P#anning Advisory Committee.
In order to capitalize on efficiencies, in recent years staff have scheduled statutory Public Meetings
followed immediately by PAC as the seven Council members, five PAC members and staff were in
attendance for bath meetings. These meetings have generally been held monthly.
Ta assist Council a chart has been prepared to illustrate the current progression of applications and a
proposed progression that would streamline timelines and allow Council and the public members to
faces on the applications that are not a condition of the Gommittee of Adjustment (Attachment "A"}.
As the Committee of Adjustment in a public hearing, have already deliberated the merits of the
application and given that the process involves a full public notice and participation, mast if not all
public concerns raised have been addressed or are non-existent. ~.ike PAC, the Committee of
Adjustment minutes are also received by Gouncil therefore any concerns on the merits of a particular
decision can be discussed at Gouncil.
If this was affected, Planning Advisory Committee could focus on the broader development
applications and review of more complex types of applications
(t is therefore recommended that the planning procedures be amended to remove planning
applications that would fulfill the conditions of Committee of Adjustment matters from PAC
agendas. In lieu, these applications would be considered by Committee of the Whole or regular
Council meetings, and the statutory Public Meetings could be held during regular evening GounciC
meetings. staff estimate that this could reduce the processing time in half for these straightforward
types of files, and contribute positively to a mare effective customer service level.
In order to draw an all areas of the Township, it is recommended that one public member be
sought from each of the five wards and be appointed fora 4 year term and that the Chair's
position rotated amongst the public members on an annual basis. This group would take
advantage of different perspectives and contribute through its members to foster positive public input
During the review it was also suggested that the 12 Member PAC plus staff was too large to foster
effective communications. Therefore to give the public members ownership of the process it is
recommended that Council appoint two Members of Council to the Planning Advisory
Committee, for a total of seven members for a two year term. To conform to the legislation it is
further recommended that the Planning Advisory Committee be renamed to Planning Advisory
Technical Group.
-2-
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Again to streamline the process, to eliminate lengthy timelines and to pravide a higher level of service
it is recommended that Council give favourable consideration to authorizing the Planning
Department to schedule Planning Advisory Technical Group as required similar to the Site Plan
Committee's structure. It is anticipated that these meetings will be scheduled in the evening to allow
the oppartunity for more of the public to forward their resume far Cauncil consideratian and to allaw
the general public and the applicant to attend the meetings.
All Members of Gouncil will be pravided with copies of the agenda for their information, at the same
time as the Technical Group- Members. These are public meetings and are apen to the public.
Lastly, public members will be encauraged to attend statutary Public Meetings to be held during the
evening Gouncil meetings to hear public input.
There is recognitian that some development prapasals can generate larger public interest than
others. In this instance, Planning Advisary Technical Graup can discuss and recommend to Cauncil
that these types of applications praceed to a stand-alone statutory Public Meeting.
RECQMMENDATIC}N{S):
1. THAT Report Na. BP 2006-047 be received and adapted.
2. THAT the planning procedures be amended to remove planning applications that wauld fulfill the
canditians of Cammittee of Adjustment matters from PAG agendas.
3. THAT one public member be caught from each of the five wards and be appointed far a 4 year
term and that the Ghair's pasitian stated amongst the public members an an annual basis.
4. THAT Council appaints twa Members of Cauncil to the Planning Advisory Gammittee, for a total of
seven members far a twa year term.
5. THAT the Planning Advisory Gammittee be renamed to Planning Advisary Technical Graup.
6. THAT Cauncil give favourable cansideration to autharizing the Planning Department to schedule
Planning Advisory Technical Graup meetings as required
7. AND THAT Staff be authorized to proceed with the advertisement to recruit Public members far
the Planning Advisory Technical Graup.
Respectfully submitted,
x
Bruce Happe, P, RPP
Directar of Building and Planning Services
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Report to
P#annlr~g P:deisory Comrr:ittee
Recd-~n;er,ding Pubiic t~ee?Ing
Rezoning Application
ReceivYd
Councii Approval a{
Recommendatidn
Statutory Public f,~eeting
7echnica# Report to
Planning Advisory Committee
Summarizing Public .1ee6ng
And making recommendation
For approval deferral etc_
~~
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H-
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Council Approval cf
Application
(3y-I_aw passed.
Council approval
of recommendation
Report ib
Committee of the wt;oie
Recomrciending Pubiic Meeting
7eohnicai Report to
Corninittee af,the tNftole
Surrtmatizing Public h•Seeting
i And making recommendation
For approuaUde#ersal etc.
~~, - ~
9. BUILDING, PLANNING AND BY-LAW ENFORCEMENT:
a) Report No. BP 2006-47, Bruce Hoppe, Director of Building and Planning
Services re: Proposed Composition far the Planning Advisory Committee.
Motion No. CW061213-31
Moved by Evans, Seconded by Agnew
It is recommended that
1. Report No. BP 2006-47, Bruce Hoppe, Director of Building and Planning
Services re: Proposed Composition for the Planning Advisory Committee be
received.
2. That the planning procedures be amended to remove planning applications that
would fulfill the conditions of Committee of Adjustment matters from PAC
agendas.
3. That one public member be sought from each of the five wards and be appointed
for the term of Council.
4. That Council give favourable consideration to authorizing the Planning
Department to schedule Planning Advisory Committee meetings on alternate
Monday evenings as required.
5. And Further That Staff be authorized to proceed with the advertisement to recruit
Public members for the Planning Advisory Committee.
Carried.
10. EMERGENCY SERVICES:
None.
11. RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES:
None.
12.IN-CAMERA:
Motion No. CW061213-32
Moved by Agnew, Seconded by Allison
It is recommended that we do now go In-Camera at 12:09 p.m. to discuss a Legal
Matter.
Carried.
Page 13
Committee of the Whole Meeting -December 13, 2406
t of the planning board of any without the prior written approval of the Minister, which approval may be subject to
gate to the planning board any such further conditions as the Minister considers appropriate. 1989, c. 5, s. 5(1), part;
ie authority to approve or the 1996, c. 4, s. 5(2).
mendments to an official plan, (3) Further delegation of powers.-In addition to the authority of a council to, in ~
the planning board has, in lieu turn, delegate any authority under subsection (1), where the Minister has delegated to a
Ater in respect thereof and the council his or her authority for the giving of consents under section 53, such council
pertaining thereto, including, may, in turn, by by-law, and subject to such conditions as may have been imposed by
referral of any matter to the the Minister, delegate the authority for the giving of consents to a committee of
adjustment constituted under section 44. 1983, c. 1, s. 5(2); 1989, a 5, s. 5(2).
sister may, after the prescribed (4) Conditions.-A delegation made by a council under subsection (1) or (3) may be
n upper-tier municipality or a subject to such conditions as the council may by by-law provide and as are not in
iescribed in subsection (1) if the conflict with any conditions provided by order of the Minister under section 4.
. 2.
ay, after the prescribed notice is (5) Withdrawal of delegation of powers.-A council may by by-law withdraw any
Minister's authority described in delegation made under subsection (1) or (3), whereupon subsection 4(5) applies with
necessary modifications. 1983, c. 1, s. 5(3, 4).
n. `1996, c. 4, s. 4(3).
6. (1) Definition.-In this section, "ministry" means any ministry or secretariat of
stet under this section maybe the Government of Ontario and includes a board, commission or agency of the
er provide. 1996, c. 4, s. 4(4). Government. 1983, c. 1, s. 6(1); 1998, c. 15, Sch. E, s. 27(3).
stet may by order, accompanied (2) Consultation.-A ministry, before carrying out or authorizing any undertaking
;gation made under this section that the ministry considers will directly affect any municipality, shall consult with, and
~uch withdrawal may be either in have regard for, the established planning policies of the municipality.1983, c. 1, s. 6(2).
ified in the order orin respect of
uent`to the withdrawal of the 7. Grants.-The Minister may, out of the money appropriated therefor by the
rawal the council or the planning Legislature, make grants of money to assist in the performing of any duty or function
;ter all papers, plans, documents of a planning nature. 1983, a 1, s. 7.
orporation or the planning board
ity was withdrawn and of which a
ie planning board prior to such PART II
396, c. 4, s. 4(5). LOCAL PLANNING ADMINISTRATION
he Minister has delegated any
;il may, in turn, by by-law, and S. (1) Planning advisory committee.-The council of a municipality may appoint a
i;by the Minister, delegate any of planning advisory committee composed of such persons as the council may
official plans or the authority to determine.
nendments to official plans, to a (2) Joint planning by agreement.-The councils of two or more municipalities may
testified in .the: by-law either by enter into agreement to provide for the joint undertaking of such matters of a planning
ifficer, as the case may be, has, in nature as may be agreed upon and may appoint a joint planning advisory committee
.the Minister in,respect of such composed of such persons as they may determine.
r all matters pertaining thereto (3) Remuneration.-Persons appointed to a committee under this section may be
ai Board. 1989, a 5, s. 5(1), part;
paid such remuneration and expenses as the council or councils may determine, and
where a joint committee is appointed, the councils may by agreement provide for
l may not delegate the authority to apportioning to their respective municipalities the costs of the payments.1983, c. 1, s. 8.
gal amendments to official plans '
7
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Ontario Professional Planners Institute
Key Learnings:
A Primer for Discussion on
The Conservation of Rural Character in Community Design
August 2003
Prepared for the Ontario Professional Planners Institute
By: ~-~
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Key Learnings:
A Primer for Discussion on
The Conservation of Rural Character in Community Design
Ontario Professional Planners Institute
1.0 Introduction ...................................................................... ............................................... 2
2
2.0 Defining rural character ................................................... ...............................................
3
2.1 .........................................................
Rural settlements ........................................
"""'
4
2.2 Agricultural landscape .................................................. ...............................................
4
2.3 Farm-forest landscape ................................................. ...............................................
S
2.4 ..................................................
Recreation landscape .......................
•'•-•'•••••'•'•""""'
5
2.5 Resource extraction landscape ................................... ...............................................
5
2
6 Naturallsemi-primitive landscape ................................ ...............................................
.
2.7 Wilderness/primitive landscape ................................... ............................................... 5
6
2.8 Evolution in the landscape ........................................... ...............................................
6
3.0 Taking an inventory of rural character ............................. ...............................................
6
3.1 Natural features ............................................................ ...............................................
7
3.2 Cultural features ........................................................... ...............................................
8
3.3 ...............................
Land use ...................... .................. ...............................................
8
4
3 Identifying challenges and conflicts ............................. ...............................................
.
3.5 Identifying criteria for success ..................................... ............................................... 9
9
4.0 Sources of support and partnership ................................ ...............................................
9
4.1 Federal government ..................................................... ..............................................
10
4.2 .................................................
Provincial government ..........................
...................
10
4
3 Regional and local governments ................................. .............................................
.
4.4 Non-government organizations ................................... ............................................. 10
4.5 The role of planners ..................................................... ............................................. 10
. 11
5.0 .................................................................
Next steps ....... ............................................
~at.. -
Key Learnings:
A Primer for Discussion on the Conservation of Rural Character in Community Design
Page 2
1.0 Introduction
In fall 2002, OPPI commissioned a study of the conservation of rural character from Planscape
and Senes Consulting. This paper contains a brief summary of the background information
documented by the consultants, and areas for discussion by OPPI members.
OPPI is seeking input on the following topics from members who have experience and
knowledge in the areas of rural development, heritage conservation, environmental planning,
and agriculture:
What elements of rural character should be and can be preserved?
What are the most urgent priorities for change in the way Ontario rural communities are
planned and managed?
What planning and development requirements and standards get in the way of preserving
rural character and how could they be changed?
What planning tools can be used to conserve the character of Ontario's rural communities?
What groups should be involved in efforts to conserve rural character, and what should their
roles be?
What recommendations should OPPI put forward to government or other groups on this
important topic?
2.0 Defining rural character
Rural character is defined by the elements that differentiate a landscape from a city or town.
Components of rural landscape include open spaces, forests, rivers and streams, farms, small
settlements, resource areas, wilderness, and natural landforms.
Rural character is not homogenous. There is a spectrum of landscape types ranging from those
that have been considerably modified by human occupation and development to those that
remain in an unmodified, wilderness state. The illustration on the following page shows
examples from across the spectrum.
August 2003
Report Prepared for the Ontario Professional Planners Institute
by
Planscape and Senes Consulting
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Figure 1 : The landscape on the far left contains a small rural settlement and shows evidence of long-term
cultivation and settlement; the second is a n agricultural landscape of scattered farms; the third shows an
isolated recreational development near a lake, the fourth landscape contains no human habitation, only a
road running through a natural landscape.
Different landscape types require different approaches to planning and managing the landscape
within them and may even conflict with each other. The research done for this paper led to the
identification of seven rural landscape forms: rural settlements, agricultural landscapes, farm-
forest landscapes, recreation landscapes, resource extraction landscapes, natural/semi-
primitive landscapes, and wilderness/primitive landscapes.
2.1 Rural settlements
A rural settlement is different from a town or city in that the majority of the inhabitants feel a
strong connection to the countryside around them. Typically rural settlements are small and
distinctly separated from other communities. Although the automobile has increased
accessibility and mobility, it has not diminished the sense of separateness from other
settlements and connection to the land that rural community residents feel.
August 2003
Report Prepared for the Ontario Professional Planners Institute
by
Planscape and Senes Consulting
Key Learnings:
A Primer for Discussion on the Conservation of Rural Character in Community Design
Page 3
Sa_ - ,S"
Key Learnings:
A Primer for Discussion on the Conservation of Rural Character in Community Design
Page 4
" Rural settlements may have some or all of the following characteristics:
• proximity to open space;
• a community centre (a crossroads, community park, general store, or other focal point);
• a limited range of built form (form, scale, footprint, height);
• a limited range of residential housing types, dominated by detached single houses;
• a variety of road types (curb and gutter vs. ditches, gravel vs. paved, tree-lined vs. no trees};
• a variety of lot sizes and shapes;
• a variety of building setbacks from the street;
• strong connections to natural and cultural landscapes inside and beyond the community.
Many rural settlements in southern Ontario are influenced by their relationship to farming. In
northern Ontario, many rural settlements have grown up in areas characterized by resource
extraction (mining, forestry, fishing, etc.). Although all rural settlements are similar in terms of
their separation from urban centres, r~rthern settlements often exhibit a different character
shaped by greater isolation, the boom-and-bust economies associated with resource-based
communities, and a relationship with natural and wilderness landscape types.
2.2 Agricultural landscape
Agricultural landscapes are the result of extensive landscape alteration over time, including
clearing, cultivation, the addition of specialized structures and outbuildings, road construction,
and the installation of infrastructure. Patches of natural vegetation may remain, but are usually
restricted to stream valleys and roadsides. This natural vegetation generally occupies
approximately 5% of the total landscape. This landscape type is predominant in rural southern
Ontario.
2.3 Farm}forest landscape
In these areas, agricultural operations are interspersed among natural areas. Generally less
than 50°l0 of the area is cultivated, resulting in a landscape in which natural features such as
woodlands and bodies of water dominate. Fields, cleared areas, buildings and structures related
to human use are common. Total forest coverage is higher than in an agricultural landscape but
may still be less than 30%.
August 2003
Report Prepared for the Ontario Professional Planners Institute
by
Planscape and Senes Consulting
~1~-
Key Learnings:
A Primer for Discussion on the Conservation of Rural Character in Community Design
Page 5
2.4 Recreation landscape
In a recreation landscape, cultural changes are apparent but do not dominate the landscape.
These changes may include golf courses and isolated structures such as cottages, outbuildings,
campgrounds, and interpretive centres. Most of the landscape is not permanently altered.
Access and travel in these areas varies. In some areas, human use is intense only during
cerkain periods of the year; in others, human use extends over the entire year. Recreational
landscapes are particularly concentrated near lakes. Forest coverage is generally greater than
30°l0.
2.5 Resource extraction landscape
Resource extraction landscapes reflect the effects of mining, logging, or sand and gravel pits.
Extraction activities can radically alter the landscape for varying periods of time. These uses are
generally highly regulated, subject to intensive development in their active phases, and are
usually subject to eventual rehabilitation. They occur across Ontario, but most timber and
mineral extraction is focused in the north. Where the activity occurs, forest coverage is less that
50°t°, but buffers are typically maintained around the operation.
2.6 Natural/semi-primitive landscape
Provincial parks, conservation areas, and crown lands within a few hours drive of major
population centres are examples of this type of landscape. Cultural modifications are isolated
and not immediately apparent. The natural appearance of the landscape dominates and natural
processes are largely unaffected by human activity and infrastructure.
2.7 Wildernesslprimitive landscape
These landscapes are distant from urban areas. There is little evidence of cultural modifications
to the land, except in the farm of trails and remote campsites. Natural features and processes
define the space. The principal use of the landscape by humans is for recreational purposes.
The level of use could be described as low to moderate. Examples of this type of landscape can
be found in the wilderness zones of Provincial Parks like Quetico, as well as in National Parks
like Pukaskwa, and throughout expanses of Crown land.
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Key Learnings:
A Primer for Discussion on the Conservation of Rural Character in Community Design
Page 6
2.8 Evolution in the landscape
Rural landscapes are widely varied and different areas are subject to different degrees of
alteration. This variety must be understood and addressed in efforts to conserve rural character.
Moreover, rural landscapes are constantly changing and evolving. Preservation cannot be the
sole focus of design. The challenge is to manage change sa that what is good is protected and
new and appropriate forms of development may emerge.
3.0 Taking an inventory of rural character
The conservation of rural landscapes relies upon understanding and protecting the constantly
evolving relationship among natural features, cultural features, and land use. The first step in
management is to create an inventory of the existing features of the rural landscape, using tools
such as:
Aerial photographs -both historical and current;
• Maps -both historical and current;
• Photographs of architectural and natural features;
• Local histories and archival documents;
• Local newspaper files;
Deeds and land tenure records.
The process of taking an inventory may also benefit from organized walking tours of a particular
area, visioning workshops involving local residents, and consultations with professionals such
as ecologists, archaeologists, or landscape architects to determine the importance of particular
features.
3.1 Natural features
The inventory should identify:
. forests (percent total cover, location, and relationship);
. watercourses (type, cover, meander belt, habitat provided);
• landforms (relative regional significance, geologic identification);
• views and vistas (location and extent);
• wetlands (type, importance, groundwater function);
fields and meadows (fallow pastures and crops};
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Key l.earnings:
• A Primer for Discussion on the Conservation of Rural Character in Community Design
Page 7
• wildlife habitat (identified wintering or feeding and reproduction areas of significance).
This inventory will provide a basis for making decisions on changes to the landscape. This
approach is an extension of the constraint inventory approach used to identify and protect
significant natural features.
The use made of the inventory will depend an the nature of the area being managed. In the rural
area the balance to be achieved is one that maintains the dominance of natural over the built
environment. Resource extraction tends to lead to much greater alterations in the landscape.
Farming may fragment forests and channelize streams, but it rarely changes topography as
significantly as land uses like open pit mining.
Often rural character is thought of as the static arrangement of natural features, fields and
buildings that create a sense of regional identity. The transitional nature of landscape is
sometimes overlooked. Identifying the organizational pattern and conserving the natural
features that create the structure is important. However the transitional nature of the landscape
must also be acknowledged and factored into appropriate controls.
3.2 Cultural features
The arrangement and size of settlements, the location, type and size of structures such as
places of worship, schools, shops, and community buildings, as well as the nature and type of
agricultural structures and their arrangement in the landscape all contribute to rural landscape
character. The inventory should take into account the spaces between settlements, the
development in the rural areas, built forms on farms, and the size and type of the farms
themselves. A rural landscape consisting of farms that are greater than 500 hectares looks very
different from a landscape composed of 40-to-100 hectare family farms.
A cultural feature inventory includes:
historic land development patterns;
• unique details in signage and built farm (for example, same gable treatments and
architectural elements are specific to local craftsmen and to the unique heritage of an area);
• lot shape, size and arrangement, density, and land uses;
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Key Learnings:
A Primer for Discussion on the Conservation of Rural Character in Community Design
Page 8
• setbacks to the street and to other buildings;
• plantings, including hedgerows and street trees;
• streetscape characteristics -pavement widths, parking arrangements, sidewalks.
3.3 land use
Preserving existing uses, both natural and human, is the key to maintaining rural character. It is
important to consider natural processes and features as land uses, possibly the highest and
best use of the land. It is also important to inventory these processes and features in the context
of a larger landscape. Natural heritage systems plans illustrate how individual features relate to
each other, but they also illustrate the structure of the landscape, which is the basic form around
which human uses are organized.
3.4 Identifying challenges and conflicts
The inventory should take into account the challenges the community is facing. Far example,
proximity to urban centres introduces pressures for residential and recreational uses that are
unrelated to the function of the rural landscape. The nuisance effects associated with agriculture
or resource extraction are acceptable to those who directly benefit from these uses
economically, but to those who do not rely on such uses for their livelihood, such nuisances are
often intolerable. Planning approvals related to the expansion of aggregate operations or large-
scale agricultural structures become subject to appeals and the nuisance effects can result in
lawsuits, which are costly and detrimental to the long-term sustainability of resource-related
industry. While many official plans clearly state that the focus of land use is resource extraction,
the implementation of other development policies can conflict directly with stated objectives to
protect rural land uses. If the resource-related uses in the rural landscape are not sustainable,
neither is the character of the landscape.
Other challenges to the conservation of rural character include the pressure on farmers to sell
land for development; the conversion of seasonal properties to year-round occupancy and the
pressure to convert waterFront properties into more urbanized uses; transportation networks that
allow city commuters to live in the countryside, and the urban expectations of many of these
commuters; trends in retailing that favour large-format stores over locally owned stores and
traditional general stores; intensive farming practices; the creation of large, low-density housing
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Key yearnings:
A Primer for Discussion on the Conservation of Rural Character in Community Design Page 9
lots in rural communities; growing demand for recreational facilities, from golf courses to
mountain bike trails; planning, development, engineering, and servicing standards that preclude
traditional forms of rural settlement.
Identifying issues and conflicts and communicating the nature of the conflicts as well as their
ultimate effect is essential to providing the basis of understanding that will lead to good
decision-making and appropriate design.
3.5 Identifying criteria far success
To survive and prosper, rural settlement areas require certain things:
• a diverse economic base;
• a critical mass of services: shops, banking facilities, access to medical services, etc.;
strong community organizations -volunteer firefighters, churches, schools, day care,
community hall, legion;
• areas for growth;
ability to undertake programs specific to the settlement area.
Preserving rural character requires encouraging growth in areas that strengthen communities.
4.0 Sources of support and partnership
4.1 Federal government
Although it does not have direct responsibility for municipalities, the federal government has a
number of programs that can affect community form and function. Programs such as FedNor
are very important in northern Ontario and have tremendous potential to trigger effective
economic development programs. Canada Mortgage and Housing has extensive resources and
the potential to assist with community design through its sustainable communities initiative.
Federal infrastructure funding could be used to increase the ability of communities to attract
desirable population and employment. The programs of Parks Canada have an important
impact on recreational and natural areas.
The federal government is currently conducting a roundtable review of the environment in urban
areas and the pressures affecting these areas. Unfortunately, smaller communities are not part
August 2003
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Planscape and Senes Consulting
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Key t_earnings:
A Primer for Discussion on the Conservation of Rural Character in Community Design
Page 10
of this process. The roundtable process should be expanded and combined with initiatives such
as the development of a national agricultural policy to include support far small rural
communities.
4.2 Provincial government
Over the past several years, the province has been involved in a Smart Growth consultation to
address fie issues facing communities in various parts of the province. This initiative could
provide a good venue far assisting rural areas and ensuring better coordination among
provincial ministries that sponsor programs affecting these areas, including Transportation,
Environment, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Food, Tourism and Recreation, and Municipal
Affairs and Housing.
The Ontario government has also introduced some programs to address areas in need. The
Northern Heritage Fund has assisted many communities in northern Ontario. SuperBuild
provided much-needed infrastructure funding for a limited period. More long-term, sustainable
programs that support rural communities are needed to build on these initiatives.
4.3 Regional and local governments
Governments at the regional level are probably the most effective at promoting and supporting
small communities and rural areas. Although amalgamation and local services realignment have
created challenges for local governments, the economic development activities of municipal-
level governments can help support the distinct attributes of rural communities. Local planning
boards, committees of adjustment, LACACs and heritage committees also have a role to play.
4.4 Non-government organizations
Efforts to conserve rural character must involve other stakeholders in rural communities, such
as chambers of commerce and business associations, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture,
and ratepayers' organizations.
4.5 The role of planners
The elements of rural character that are attractive are often those that have evolved simply
through luck and circumstance. The challenge for planners today is to understand those
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Report Prepared for the Ontario Professional Planners Institute
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Planscape and Senes Consulting
8~a-/Z.
Key Learnings:
A Primer for Discussion on the Conservation of Rural Character in Community Design
Page 11
circumstances, to replicate them where appropriate and where not, to create design guidelines
that response positively to today's circumstances.
5A Next steps
This paper has described the spectrum of rural landscapes, briefly summarized methods for
taking an inventory of rural landscape features and assets, and identified the potential
participants in efforts to conserve rural character. We now invite knowledgeable and
experienced planners to offer suggestions for:
legislative and policy changes that could improve the process of rural development;
using community design to enhance rural communities and landscapes;
best practices in environmental preservation that can be applied to rural landscapes;
heritage conservation techniques that can be used in rural settings;
alternative development standards that could be applied to rural settlements;
ways to resolve land use conflicts in rural areas;
• Smart Growth initiatives that would benefit rural communities;
management of tourism and recreation uses in rural areas;
working with local bodies to improve rural communities;
coordinating planning and transportation initiatives in rural areas.
August 2003
Report Prepared for the Ontario Professional Planners Institute
by
Planscape and Senes Consulting
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Options for Further Research on the Preservation of Rural Character and
Recommended Action for OPPI
In fall 2002, OPPI commissioned a study of the conservation of rural character from Planscape
and Senes Consulting. Key Learnings: A Primer for Discussion on The Conservation of Rura/
Character in Community Design contains a summary of the background information prepared by
the consultants, as well as areas for discussion by OPPI members.
At the 2003 conference and in an additional teleconference, OPPI sought additional input from
members who have experience in the areas of rural development, heritage conservation,
environmental planning, and agriculture to determine what the Institute should do to continue to
address this topic.
What we have learned so far is that the topic is extremely complex, so complex that a single paper
probably could not do justice to the issue. Also, thinking and practice in this area is not fully developed,
and it is probably too early to prepare any kind of definitive treatment. Ontario jurisdictions are still
struggling to define rural character and to develop ways to preserve what is valued in rural areas. The
good news is that by being among the first to tackle the issue, OPPI has an opportunity to raise its
profile and engage in some ground-breaking work.
This work would involve first, articulating what we mean by rural values. Planners need to move
beyond a definition of rural as simply "not urban." Second, we need to begin an inventory of practices
that contribute to conserving rural character. Since many practices are still in the experimental stage,
this would be an ongoing project. Only when these matters have been addressed can OPPI speak with
a strong voice on this important topic.
Sa- _ j,~.
Options for Further Research on the Preservation of Rural Character.
Five main areas are identified for further research:
• What are rural values? What needs to be conserved and why?
• Where are there good examples of rural character conservation?
• Who else is exploring the rural character issue? Can we collaborate with them?
• What role has government played in the conservation of rural character? What role could it play?
• What role should planners have? What successes have planners had in other similar areas that
could be transferred to this area?
Although the resources needed to properly address even one of these areas is beyond the capacity of
OPPI at this time, opportunities do exist to encourage dialogue. Opportunities also exist for
partnerships with other organizationsjindividuals that are pursuing similar issues.
OPPI can pursue a strategy of encouraging continued conversation and sharing information and
experiences. OPPI can also help put an emerging topic on the map and, in creating an inventory of
good practices, can provide a source of information on which others can build.
Recommended Action for OPPI
Given the Institute's limited budget, it is important to manage expectations for OPPI's involvement in
the ongoing process of understanding and promoting the conservation of rural character. OPPI could:
• encourage continued dialogue;
• incorporate a better definition of rural values into planning practice;
• document relevant research and existing examples;
• draw attention to local successes in conserving rural character.
Options:
• Create a "bulletin board" on the OPPI website to encourage debate and capture input into the
five areas of further research listed above. The bulletin board will be summarized quarterly and
ideas far follow-up could be directed to the Policy Development Committee.
• Develop a statement of rural values for planners working in this area that will help guide
professional practice.
..-- ~ ~~ _ f~,..
4 Involve other OPPI Working Groups in exploring the issue of rural character in areas that relate
to their interests, and ask them to report to PDC by fall 2004.
• Seek out opportunities to collaborate with organizations that are also addressing this topic.
• Let academics and students know that the topic is of interest to OPPI and that we are interested
in opportunities to participate in or draw on current academic work in the area.
• Support Districts that are interested in sponsoring programs or events that deal with the topic.
• Consider a category within the Excellence in Planning Awards to recognize the effective
conservation of rural character.
OPPI Council will consider these options at a Council meeting in March 2004. Please forward your
comments and suggestions on the options presented no later than February 13, 2004. Submissions
can be directed to OPPI via submissionsC~ontarioplanners.on.ca
~ b-
From: Sandy Agnew [sandy.agnew@oro-medonte.ca)
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2008 7:57 PM
To: Hoppe, Bruce
Cc: TamKurtz; RoyHastings; MaryOfarrell-Bowers; LindaBabulic; LarryTupling; Allison, Terry; Hough,
Ralph; Coutanche, Mel; Crawford, John; Hughes, Harry; Evans, Dwight; Dunn, Robin; White, Glenn
Subject: PAC agenda
Hi Bruce
Last fall Glenn and I attended a workshop on Healthy Communities in Orillia put on by the Health Unit and the
Ontario Professional Planners Association. Both agencies made excellent presentations on designing healthy
communities. The Health Unit is willing to make a similar presentation to the PAC. Could we add a discussion
about inviting the HU to present to a future PAC meeting to the agenda on the 28th?
Also I have included below (with another slight rearrangement of my own priorities), the list of topics you
circulated last August. Can you also add a discussion of how/when PAC will deal with these to the agenda?
Thanks,
Sandy
1. Character of the Township of Oro-Medonte/Official Plan Interpretation 8 need for review
2. Township population growth forecasts/Places to Grow Act, Ministry of Public Infrastructure and
Renewal
3. Craighurst Secondary Plan
4. General severance policies
5. Natural Heritage policy
6. Shoreline development! Role of the Conservation Authority(ies)
7. Mineral Aggregate Resources
8. Clean Water Act (municipal wellhead protection)
9. Home Occupations
10. Tourism
11. Transportation corridor planning
12. Servicing Strategy
~:.
1 /18J2008