At today's Development Services committee meeting, staff will be bringing forward Report DS-21-226, meant to address the 2019 Report - DS-19-200 Regarding the Construction of New City Parks in New Subdivisions and Motion DS-21-134 Policy Regarding the Competition of Area Parks and Trails.

After consulting with stakeholders, including the Durham Region Home Builders' Association, the staff recommendation to the Development Services Committee is:

1. That, pursuant to Report DS-21-226 dated November 24, 2021, the City maintain its current policies that relate to the timing of development of new neighbourhood parks in new subdivisions and that enables developers to request that Council authorize the developer to finish the park including any playground facilities and appropriate park furniture.
2. That, pursuant to Report DS-21-226 dated November 24, 2021, the City maintain its current policy that requires developers to construct trails in new subdivisions in a timely manner, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, Development Services Department and the Commissioner, Community Services Department.

Background Information

In 2019, Oshawa's Development Services Committee passed two resolutions in relation to parks in new subdivisions.

DS-19-200 Notice of Motion - Construction of New City Parks

"That the Commissioner,  Development Services Department draft a policy for council to review and determine implementing that will ensure new city parks are constructed at the same time new subdivision roads are constructed in order that new residents are best served in a timely way with park amenities."

DS-21-134 Notice of Motion - Policy Regarding the Completion of Area Parks and Trails

"Whereas the most effective time to complete parks and trails is early in a development project; 

Now therefore staff develop the wording of a clear policy that ensures builder/developers are responsible for the timely completion of area parks and trails in new residential development so that any growing dissatisfaction from delays are avoided."

These motions were intended to require developers to construct Parkettes and Neighbourhood Parks at the same time as all other features of the subdivision.  Currently, a developer must provide a base park (i.e. grading, sodding and servicing), and request to finish a park and would be reimbursed by the City for the finishing.

DRHBA submitted letters in 2019 (updated March 24, 2021) and in August of 2021.