Better Neighbourhood's Thoughts on the Proposed Provincial Policy Statement and Growth Plan Merger

When the Province released their "Review of proposed policies adapted from A Place to Grow and Provincial Policy Statement to form a new provincial planning policy instrument" in April, Better Neighbourhoods had mixed reactions. On the one hand, we support the Province's efforts towards greater intensification?and consolidation of plans with redundant policy wording. We support the proposed policy to require municipalities to provide a range and mix of housing options, which includes an expanded definition to include multi-unit types such as laneway and garden suites, as well as low and mid-rise apartments?(aka Missing Middle Housing). We also support the inclusion of typologies such as multi-generational and student housing. By mandating a diverse range of housing options, municipalities can better advance the public interest, particularly those who may not be well-served by traditional housing?typologies. This policy has the potential to foster more inclusive and equitable communities, which we at Better Neighbourhoods supports. Similarly, we also support the proposed policy to require municipalities to align land use planning policies with housing policies, including addressing homelessness and facilitating the development of a full range of housing options and affordability levels to meet local needs.

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However, we also feel that the Province missed an opportunity by not identifying several Niagara Region municipalities for growth in their "fast-growing municipalities" designation. For example, Welland and Thorold should also have been included, as they act as spillover areas for Niagara Falls and St. Catharines, with Thorold being one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada due to its sprawling developments. Both Welland and Thorold are also growing at a faster rate than St. Catharines, and could benefit from more compact infill development that grows up rather than outwards.

In addition to these concerns, we also do not agree with the Province's proposed approach to settlement area boundary expansions. The proposed policies would allow municipalities to create new settlement areas without demonstrating the need for expansion. We feel that this approach contradicts the goal of promoting more compact urban development and policies that support intensification. We would argue that despite the passage of Bill 23, which aimed to facilitate development, significant regulatory hurdles still exist in developing under-utilized areas within the urban boundary. This makes it?difficult to proceed with the type of New Urbanist development that makes better cities and better neighbourhoods, effectively enabling sprawl.

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In summary, we support the Province's efforts to facilitate gentle density, but believe that there are areas where the proposed policies fall short, do not go far enough, or go too far. While we appreciate some of the policies aimed at promoting densification and a diverse range of housing options, we disagree with the approach to settlement area boundary expansions and the omission of certain municipalities for growth. Ultimately, Better Neighbourhoods believes that a balanced approach is necessary, one that encourages densification?in existing urban areas that are already serviced,?while also addressing the needs of all residents and communities.