January |
Town Urban Design Guidelines Update Well Underway!
- First Public Information Session took place on Thursday, December 8th, 2022
- The session introduced the project to residents and stakeholders, presented the consultant’s findings during their Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis, and obtained initial feedback, comments, concerns, and opportunities on urban design in New Tecumseth
- The Town’s consultant will be providing a detailed Needs Assessment Report by the end of the month, stay tuned!
- For more information about the Public Information Session and the project in general, please visit https://www.newtecumseth.ca/urbandesign
Upcoming Reports at Committee of the Whole January 16, 2023
- Short and Long-Term Parking Solutions for the Downtowns and Residential Areas of Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham
- Two staff led parking studies conducted that analyzed perceived and real parking issues within the downtowns and urban residential areas
- Potential short and long-term parking options are offered for Council’s consideration to provide solutions
- Recommendation report for a proposed Zoning By-law Amendment for the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation at 72 Queen Street North, Tottenham
- The application proposes to rezone the residentially used portions of the property from Institutional to Low-Rise Residential with site-specific exceptions to recognize legal non-complying structure
- Its purpose is to recognize existing land uses and zone the property accordingly
- No proposed changes to the existing buildings, structures or land use at this time
- Public Meeting occurred October 5, 2022
- Application for Draft Plan of Subdivision Extension for 6314 16th Line, Honey Hill)
- Request to extend draft plan approval for a period of 3 years until March 2026
- To provide the proponent with additional time to get the draft plan of subdivision registered
- Proposed zoning by-law holding (H) provision for Fletcher Meadows Subdivision in Beeton
- The Hold would be applied to the entire subdivision to ensure full municipal servicing of water and wastewater is available prior to building permits being issued
- When the Town provides servicing allocation, the owner can request the Hold be removed
New Planning Processes Effective January 1, 2023
- To support the changes made to the Planning Act through Bill 109, the Town has introduced updated planning processes for Planning Act applications
- Pre-consultation is mandatory for all proposed Planning Act applications
- New Pre-consultation Stage 2 for site plans, zoning by-law amendments, official plan amendments and plans of subdivision/ condominium
- For more information, please visit the Town’s Development and Planning webpage: https://www.newtecumseth.ca/en/business-and-development/developmentandplanning.aspx
Public Meeting Cancelled for January 2023
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February |
Town Urban Design Guidelines Next Public Information Session Coming Up!
- Our second Public Information Session is coming up fast! It will take place on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at the Beeton Community Memorial Area, Second Floor (22 2nd Street, Beeton)
- Public Session is from 6:00 to 9:00 pm where members of the public can drop in during this time
- The anticipated Needs Assessment Report is ready and will be presented to Council at the February 13th Committee of the Whole meeting. Following, it will be available online through the project webpage
Proposed Community Improvement Plan Status Update
- After one year of the new and improved Community Improvement Plan (CIP) being in effect, a status report will be presented to Committee of the Whole on February 13, 2023
- In 2022, there were 20 Expressions of Interest submitted with 3 CIP grants awarded totaling $71,000
- It is recommended that the eligible grant areas be reviewed for expansion, minor adjustments be made to eligibility criteria and that the priority areas for catalytic development be reviewed/updated with the new Council
- Marketing plan implemented in 2022 consisting of printed materials, social media posts, presentations at events and information sessions with the Chambers of Commerce and Business Improvement Associations
Town Official Plan Update Kick-off Commences
- To support the prescribed growth coming to New Tecumseth over the next 30 years, the Town is starting an update to the Town Official Plan that sets out the policy framework on how to integrate growth efficiently and responsibly
- This work builds on Simcoe County’s Municipal Comprehensive Review that outlined the population forecast along with density and intensification targets that New Tecumseth will strive to achieve
- The Official Plan update consists of three key areas of work with the Growth Management component being the significant portion of the work
- Public and stakeholder engagement is proposed throughout the process and opportunities for your input will be publicized through the Town’s social media and website
- Find out more about the work plan in a Planning Report #PD-2023-08 presented to Committee of the Whole on January 20, 2023
Public Meeting Reports February 15, 2023
- Proposed zoning by-law amendment (File DEV 423) for Previn Court Homes in Alliston to rezone the lands from Special Study Area (SSA) to a site specific Low-Rise Residential-Exception Zone and Mid-Rise Residential-Exception Zone to permit the construction of 65 single detached, 5 townhouse units and 180 apartment units in support of a proposed a plan of subdivision (File NT-T-2201)
Proposed zoning by-law amendment (File DEV 428) to temporarily permit a garden suite at 1098 10th Sideroad, Tottenham
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March |
Rescheduled: Town Urban Design Guidelines Public Information Session Coming Up!
- Our second Public Information Session has been rescheduled! It will take place on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the Beeton Community Memorial Area, Second Floor (22 2nd Street, Beeton).
- Public Session is from 6:00 to 9:00 pm where members of the public can drop in during this time
- The much anticipated Needs Assessment Report is ready for your review. It was presented to Council at the February 13, Committee of the Whole meeting. The Report is now available online through the project webpage
Bill 23 – Direction on Accessory Residential Units
- Town of New Tecumseth in its Zoning By-law currently permits accessory dwelling units within and adjacent to the principle dwelling
- Bill 23 changed some provisions compared to the Town’s zoning requirements
- Any proposal requires pre-consultation with the Town. Contact Planning
- Building permits are required for these units so pre-consultation is also recommended. Contact Building
Status Report on how Bill 23 impacts the Town of New Tecumseth
- Since Bill 23 has received Royal Assent/approval staff has been working through the impacts to the Town
- Town staff have been monitoring impacts and implementing actions mitigate impacts
- The report will be presented to Committee of the Whole on March 27, 2023
No Items for the Public Meeting for March 15, 2023
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April |
Urban Design Guidelines A Success
- Thank you to all who attended our second Public Information Session which took place on Thursday, March 30 in Beeton.
- If you didn’t get a chance to attend, the information is available on the project webpage
- We have an online survey to collect further feedback. The survey is open until April 14th. You can access the survey here:
- https://luraconsulting.surveymonkey.ca/r/NEWTECUMSETHUDG2 (survey now closed)
- The much-anticipated Needs Assessment Report is ready for your review. It was presented to Council at the February 13, Committee of the Whole meeting. The Report is available online through the project webpage
Due May 1, 2023 Community Improvement Grant (CIP) – All Catalytic Development Grant Applications
- The CIP program promotes the conservation, enhancement, and beautification of buildings and properties in the historic downtowns of New Tecumseth
- The Catalytic Development Grant encourages the development and redevelopment of pre-selected properties where there will be a significant increase in social and economic benefits to the community as a result of the proposal
- Find more information about the Catalytic Development Grant here.
Assisting New Tecumseth’s Rural and Agricultural Communities through Planning Policy
- The Planning Department has been working with a team of University of Guelph Masters of Rural Planning students to see how we can further assist our rural and agricultural communities and economy through greater policy support
- The outcome of this work will be compiled into a policy recommendations paper which will be released later this summer. Stay tuned!
Bill 23 impacts to the Town of New Tecumseth
- Combination of the Development Charge (DC) rate freeze and discounted DC rates for a proposed rental unit development in New Tecumseth will result in a deficit of $5 million for 2023 and $50 million between 5 and 10 years
- Work is commencing on the Parks, Trails and Open Spaces Master Plan in 2023 to provide guidance for new development on parkland need and location
- The Town's Planning Department is awaiting the adoption of the County Official Plan Amendment (OPA 7) by the Province to proceed with the growth management study for the Town to accommodate future growth
- Updates will be required to various Town By-Laws including the Zoning By-Law and Site Plan By-Law in light of changes made through Bill 23 for example relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Site Plan Applications
- The Heritage New Tecumseth Advisory Committee is considering the impacts of the changes to the Ontario Heritage Act and will develop an action plan
- Amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act has significant impact on the development process. The Town has procured an Environmental Consultant to peer review Environmental Impact Studies at the cost of the applicant
- Town will continue to monitor Bill 23 changes and strive to minimize service delivery consequences, manage financial impacts and implement new processes
No Items for the Public Meeting for April 12, 2023
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May |
Participate in Placemaking Week June 10 to the 18th
- The Town is about to kick-off its first ever Placemaking Week! June 10-18th
- The Town’s Placemaking Week will include different types of exciting programming, activities, and engagement opportunities. Stay tuned! More information will be shared on social media
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- Placemaking Weeks are a global gathering of placemakers that emphasizes hands-on learning and innovative social events, while leaving behind a public space legacy in communities
- The purpose of the week is to make the spaces we live into places we love. Create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable world through the convergence of values, passion, and action around our public spaces
Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Review is Underway
- Updated Community Improvement Plan became effective for January 1, 2022 and based upon feedback, a mini-review is taking place to improve implementation
- Business owners are welcome to learn more and participate in an upcoming workshop May 17,2023, at 7:30 am at the Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre, 139 Queen St. N., Tottenham in Multi-purpose Room 2
- The general public is welcome to attend our Public Open House May 31, 2023 at 6:00 pm at the Town Hall Council Chambers at 10 Wellington Street East, Alliston
- Find more information about the CIP
Have Your Say on Town Planning Projects at the Tottenham Home Show
- Visit the Town Planning booth at the Tottenham Home Show on May 13 at the Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre, 139 Queen St. N., Tottenham between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm
- Take the opportunity to have your say about the Community Climate Change Action Plan, future growth in the Town and the Urban Design Guidelines
- Find out more about the recent updates to the Community Improvement Plan
Proposed Provincial Policy Statement and Latest Planning Act Changes (Bill 97) Presented at Upcoming May 15 Committee of the Whole
- The Provincial government has released a draft Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) to update the 2020 version and incorporate to the A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe 2019 into the PPS
- More information can be found on a Provincial Website for the PPS and Bill 97
- For New Tecumseth, the proposed changes, if approved, will impact how future growth will be managed and have significant implications on its prime agricultural lands
- The staff report will be made available on the afternoon of May 12, 2023 on the Town’s website under Agendas and Meetings
No Items for the Public Meeting for May 3, 2023
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June |
Placemaking Week Runs from June 10 to the 18th – Come Join Us!
- The Town is about to kick-off its first ever Placemaking Week! June 10-18th
- The Town’s Placemaking Week will include different types of exciting programming, activities, and engagement opportunities.
- For more information on event details, please visit www.newtecumseth.ca/placemaking
- We can’t wait to see you there!
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- Placemaking Weeks are a global gathering of placemakers that emphasizes hands-on learning and innovative social events, while leaving behind a public space legacy in communities
- The purpose of the week is to make the spaces we live into places we love. Create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable world through the convergence of values, passion, and action around our public spaces
Upcoming Public Meeting on Housekeeping Amendment to the Town’s Zoning By-law
- Planning Staff will be proposing housekeeping amendments to the Town’s Zoning By-law. The purpose of these amendments is to increase flexibility, improve implementation and also clarify provisions and definitions for better application and enforcement
- A public meeting has been scheduled for June 7th with an anticipated Committee of the Whole date sometime early July
- You can view a detailed list of the proposed changes at https://www.newtecumseth.ca/en/business-and-development/developmentandplanning.aspx
Town of New Tecumseth Urban Design Guidelines Review
- Our consultant has been working hard and continues to deliver on time!
- Staff have received the first few chapters of the new proposed guidelines that will soon be reviewed by the internal Working Group that is made up of several Town department representatives.
- We look forward to bringing the final draft for public review early Fall, along with a Council Workshop
Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Preliminary Feedback Updated Community Improvement Plan became effective for January 1, 2022 and based upon feedback, a mini-review is taking place to improve implementation
- What we heard from the Business Breakfast Meeting and Public Open House:
- Business owners are interested in expanding our Downtown Grant Area
- The Planning Department should simplify the TIEG information package
- The Planning and Economic Development departments should enhance communication strategies with new businesses looking to establish in the downtown areas
- There were no concerns with adding additional items to eligibility criteria
- There were no concerns with the proposed additional catalytic sites
- Thank you to all those who provided us feedback and please find more information about the CIP here
Proposed Provincial Policy Statement and Implications to New Tecumseth
- The recent release of a draft Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) will result in serious implications for the Town if approved
- Summary of Council comments being sent to the Province as part of the consultation deadline recently revised to August 4, 2023:
- Do not support less municipal control over local planning issues
- Up to 3 residential severances on existing farm parcels on prime agricultural land will result in unraveling 50 years of protecting farmland in Ontario
- Unintended consequences to the Town’s wastewater treatment plant capacity for an increase in septage from septic system maintenance for the increase in number of rural residential properties
- Potential for weakened natural heritage system protection policies impacting woodlands, wetlands, watercourses, etc.
- Loss of farmland for urban sprawl to feed residents
- Potential for weakened growth policies for settlement area boundary expansion requests that could result in urban sprawl and loss of agricultural land
- The staff report from May 15, provides additional challenges the Town could face with the proposed Provincial Policy Statement
Town-wide Servicing Allocation Policy Approved
- Town has implemented a Servicing Allocation Policy, effective June 1, 2023
- This policy sets out the provisions that the Town and developers will be following to distribute allocation of water and wastewater for developments
- It puts the allocation practice the Town has followed for many years into a formal policy to ensure a standard and equitable practice for the distribution of services
- The policy is located on the Town’s website
Public Meeting for June 7, 2023 Agenda Items
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July |
First Annual Placemaking Week a Success!
- During the week of June 10-18th, the Town kicked-off its first ever Placemaking Week!
- Planning staff engaged with the community at eight different event locations. This included information booths at the Alliston Farmers Market, interactive Park Days throughout the community, and two Jane’s Walks!
- The purpose of the week was to make the spaces we live into places we love. Create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable world through the convergence of values, passion, and action around our public spaces.
- We heard great feedback throughout the week!
- For more information on event details, please visit www.newtecumseth.ca/placemaking
Community Climate Action Plan Drafted for Council Review
- Over the past year Planning staff have engaged the public in community engagement on climate change.
- The Town’s Environmental Advisory Committee has been active in the development of a Community Climate Action Plan with staff.
- The Community Climate Action Plan is drafted and it is anticipated that it will be presented to Council at it’s upcoming July 24 Committee of the Whole meeting.
New Tecumseth Applying for CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund
- Council has given staff authorization to apply to the CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund.
- The Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) is a federal CMHC funding program with the primary objective to increase the supply of housing at an accelerated pace and enhance certainty in the approvals and building process, while also supporting the following priorities:
- The development of complete communities that are walkable, consisting of appropriate residential density and a diverse mix of land uses, providing access to a wide variety of amenities and services through public and active transportation.
- The development of affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse communities and housing.
- As a result of investments towards these objectives and priorities, the HAF is expected to result in permits being issued for 100,000 more housing units Canada-wide.
Town of New Tecumseth Urban Design Guidelines Review
- Our consultant has been working hard and continues to deliver on time!
- Staff are reviewing the draft chapters of the guidelines internally, and then will seek feedback and comment from stakeholders, the public and Council early this Fall.
Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Signage Brochure
- A Community Improvement Plan Signage Grants brochure has been developed by Planning staff to assist business owners with guidance when considering applying for a grant for signage.
- The Façade, Building and Property Improvement Grant for Signage, Awning & Lighting under the Community Improvement Plan will reimburse business owners for 75% of the eligible costs to a maximum of $2,500, whichever is less.
- Signage guidelines support high quality and complementary signs to the historic character of the commercial areas of Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham.
- The brochure is found on the Town’s CIP webpage.
Public Meeting for July, 2023 is cancelled
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August |
Town of New Tecumseth Urban Design Guidelines Review
- Our consultant has been working hard and continues to deliver
- Staff have completed their review of the first draft and our consultants are diligently working to develop draft #2.
- This Fall you can expect outreach in the form of:
- Council Working Session
- Stakeholder and Public Information Session
- Internal Working Group Feedback and Implementation Discussion
- The final draft guidelines are scheduled to be presented to Council for decision later this year.
Housekeeping Zoning Amendment Recommendation Report
- At the upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting on August 28, 2023, the Housekeeping Amendment to the Town’s Zoning By-law Staff Recommendation Report will be presented.
- The Planning Public Meeting was held on June 7, 2023 accompanied by a report.
Have Your Say on the Parks, Trails and Open Spaces
- The Town is developing a Parks, Trails and Open Spaces Master Plan to guide the future development for the next 30 years
- A survey has been created to Have Your Say! SURVEY CLOSES AUGUST 14TH
- To learn more, visit the webpage.
Public Meeting for August, 2023 is cancelled
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September |
Draft of Town Urban Design Guidelines Release Coming Soon
- The first public draft of the proposed Urban Design Guidelines is about to be released!
- We have exciting engagement opportunities coming up in September. We can’t wait to hear from you on our draft guidelines.
- Council Working Session – September 13, 2023
- Stakeholder and Public Information Session – September 20, 2023 (Location: NTRC (New Tecumseth Recreation Centre), 7300 Industrial Pkwy., Alliston; Time: TBC)
- Please follow along with the project webpage and Town social media to stay in informed.
Community Climate Action Plan Now Approved
- At the Council meeting held on August 28, 2023, the Community Climate Action Plan was approved.
- It is a framework to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and prepare our homes, farms, businesses, schools, and community against the impacts of climate change.
- To reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, we must work as a community for larger actions and take smaller individual actions.
- The Town is taking a partnership approach to collaborate with community groups, organizations, and agencies to address climate change.
- The plan has a short action list related to the following categories:
- Nature-based solutions
- Municipal leadership
- Active and sustainable transportation
- Sustainable communities
- Engagement & education
Beeton Heritage Conservation District Implementation
- The Beeton Heritage Conservation District was approved in October 2022 and full implementation will be in effect January 1, 2024.
- The Beeton Heritage Conservation District is an area is of historical value as it contains construction of Beeton’s earliest and most significant town builders, Robert Clark and D.A. Jones; early industries critical to Beeton’s early development such as agriculture and apiculture; pivotal events such as the great fire; and enduring traditions and events such as the Beeton Fall Fair and community gatherings along Main Street and in the vicinity of the Town Hall and fairgrounds which strongly contribute to the social fabric of the area.
- In collaboration the Town’s Planning and Parks, Recreation & Culture staff are putting together an implementation plan.
- It will outline the process for heritage permits for any works proposed on identified properties within the Heritage Conservation District.
Public Meeting for September 2023 is cancelled
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October |
Have Your Say on the Draft Town Urban Design Guidelines
- The first public draft of the proposed Urban Design Guidelines has been released and are available on the project webpage!
- We are continuing to gather feedback as the draft Urban Design Guidelines are circulated.
- Staff is presenting the draft Urban Design Guidelines with various Town Committees this month to seek their input and comments.
- Survey is available on the project webpage to offer your feedback and comments.
- The Council Working Session has been rescheduled for October 25, 2023.
Town’s Growth Management Study Kicked-Off
- Hemson Consulting Ltd. has been retained to undertake a Growth Management Study to support an update to the Town’s Official Plan.
- As part of this process, we will be looking at where the Town will grow and how much future development the Town needs to accommodate the growth forecasts.
- Public and stakeholder engagement opportunities will be taking place early next year (2024).
Planning Going Digital with Planning Application Tracking Software
- Planning is currently in the testing phase of implementing a new application tracking software called CityWorks PLL (Permits Licensing and Land).
- It will help to track planning applications and automate the processes using map-based software.
- More correspondence from Planning in the future will be automated and look a bit different but with the same information.
- Go live is anticipated for November 2023.
Public Meeting on October 18, 2023
- Zoning By-law Amendment application – DEV 431
- Temporary Zoning By-law Amendment to permit a garden suite
- 7077 12th Line
- Meeting is scheduled for 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers of the Administration Centre at 10 Wellington Street East, Alliston
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November |
Duplexes are Now a Permitted Use in the Zoning By-law
Building & Renovating Brochure Released on What You Need To Know
- Building Standards Branch developed a brochure to help homeowners who are considering a building or renovation project on what they need to know to get started.
- It also includes information on what to submit as part of a building permit application, frequently asked questions and how to book an inspection.
- For anyone requesting building plans, land surveys or septic permits and drawings, information is provided on how to make a routine disclosure request.
- Copies are available in the Building Department or on the Town’s Website.
World Town Planning Day is November 8, 2023
- Each year on World Town Planning Day (WTPD), planners in over 30 countries celebrate the accomplishments of planners and their contributions to their communities.
- As the planning landscape is changing dramatically, planning in Ontario has far-reaching implications for the future of our communities.
- On November 8th, planners share their knowledge, expertise, and passion for planning healthy and sustainable communities.
November’s Public Meeting is Cancelled
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December |
Urban Design Guidelines being Finalized
- Over the past year the Town has embarked on new Urban Design Guidelines to replace the current 2002 guidelines.
- Focus of the new Urban Design Guidelines is promoting the qualities and components of sustainable communities.
- They will support a ‘public life first’ approach to design where they are centered around the social and physical needs of the community.
- The Urban Design Guidelines are scheduled for the January 15, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting.
Beeton Heritage Conservation District Implementation
- On December 11, 2023, the implementation plan for the Beeton Heritage Conservation District will be on the Committee of the Whole meeting agenda.
- The Beeton Heritage Conservation District Plan ensures that Downtown Beeton’s historic character and cultural values are conserved and protected.
- A new heritage permitting process framework will be introduced and will be administered by the Planning Department with assistance from the Town’s Heritage Advisory Committee and Parks, Recreation and Culture Department.
- The Beeton Heritage Conservation District Plan also provides the boundary of the district.
Town’s Growth Management Study and Engagement Plan Underway
- Phase 1 of the Growth Management Study is nearing completion, Hemson Consulting Ltd. are conducting background research and developing focus study areas for potential future boundary expansions. This will be provided at a Committee of the Whole meeting in January 2024.
- Phase 2 will commence soon and will include the development of growth scenarios and accompanying fiscal impact analysis with the results to be released in Q1 of 2024.
- Planning staff provided a framework for community and stakeholder engagement at the Council Meeting of November 13th which can be viewed here.
- Lura Consulting has been retained and will be assisting Planning by developing engagement materials for public and target-audience consultation in Phase 2 commencing in spring 2024 with a public community engagement event.
- Stay tuned for more information in the New Year!
December’s Statutory Planning Public Meeting is Cancelled
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