The Region of Durham is currently undergoing a Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR), and there are opportunities for engagement.

Proposed Policy Directions (Stage 3-Direct) - survey responses and comments accepted until June 30, 2021

On March 2, 2021, the Planning & Economic Development Committee received the Proposed Policy Directions (Report #2021-P-7). The Proposed Policy Directions present potential additions and changes to land use planning policies, and public input is being requested. The proposed directions are not intended to be exhaustive but introduce certain directions where further input is being sought before draft policies are introduced within a proposed new Regional Official Plan. For additional details, please review the full report here

Comments on the Proposed Policy Directions are being requested by June 30, 2021 (a 120-day commenting period).

The Proposed Policy Directions were developed and informed based on best practice reviews, research, public engagement and feedback received during Stages 1 (“Discover”) and 2 (“Discuss”) of the Envision Durham process. They are also intended to respond to submissions received through Stage 2, a summary of which can be viewed here.

To solicit feedback on the Proposed Policy Directions, an online survey was developed to help facilitate input. Each proposed policy direction has been highlighted by report section, with a corresponding “poll” survey, and specific comments can be provided directly into the survey for each proposed direction. For additional details, please visit the survey here.

Comments may also be submitted via email to EnvisionDurham@durham.ca or sent to the attention of: Envision Durham, c/o The Regional Municipality of Durham, Planning and Economic Development Department, 605 Rossland Road East, PO Box 623, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 6A3.

Growth Management Study (Stage 3-Direct) - Settlement Area Boundary Expansion requests (submissions accepted until May 31, 2021)

As a key component of Envision Durham, a Growth Management Study (GMS) is being completed in two phases. The first phase of the GMS focuses on the completion of a Land Needs Assessment (LNA). The LNA is a comprehensive review and calculation of the Region’s land base, including existing urban areas, to determine how the Growth Plan population and employment forecasts can be accommodated and how much, if any, additional urban land is required. The second phase of the GMS, if required, will focus on determining the most appropriate location for Urban Boundary expansions.

Any required Settlement Area boundary expansion will be considered through the GMS (Phase 2), after the completion of the LNA. The LNA, which determines the amount of urban land required to accommodate the 2051 growth forecasts, is currently underway.

To inform this work, a 90-day submission window for new and/or amended requests for Settlement Area boundary expansions will allow proponents the opportunity to respond to or address the criteria identified within Settlement Area Boundary Expansion section and Appendix C: Settlement Area Boundary Expansion – Evaluation Criteria of the Proposed Policy Directions report released March 2, 2021.

Submissions:

New and/or amended requests for Settlement Area boundary expansions are now being accepted (during a 90-day submission window). The final date to submit a Settlement Area boundary expansion request for consideration through Envision Durham will be May 31, 2021.

When making a submission, stakeholders should:

• Include any supporting documentation, having regard for the criteria outlined in the Settlement Area Boundary Expansion section and Appendix C: Settlement Area Boundary Expansion – Evaluation Criteria of the Proposed Policy Directions report, including clear mapping of the subject property and a description of the proposed land use and built form that is to be considered, including unit count by dwelling type and non-residential floor space, if possible.
• Direct the request in an electronic format to EnvisionDurham@durham.ca.