Clarington council has directed staff to seek input from the public on a Draft Official Plan Amendment (OPA) that would delete policy 13.3.12 and Section 17.3 Special Study Area 2 - Greenbelt Expansion from Clarington's current Official Plan.

The policies that are subject of deletion in the Draft OPA are quoted below:

13.3.12 The Municipality supports the expansion of the Greenbelt Plan Area to provide long-term protection of prime agricultural land.

17.3 Special Study Area 2 - Greenbelt Expansion

17.3.1 Special Study Area 2 is all of the lands east of Highway 418 south an east of the Greenbelt boundary, north of Highway 401 and outside of the urban area boundaries in Clarington.

17.3.2 In May 2015, Clarington council requested that the province undertake an appropriate science-based study of agricultural capability to identify high-yielding agricultural lands to be added to the Greenbelt for permanent protection.

17.3.3 The draft Greenbelt Plan (2016) identifies that the Government of Ontario will lead a process to identify potential areas to be added to the Protected Countryside of the Greenbelt.  The province will work with municipalities and others using a systems approach considering the connections with the Agricultural, Natural Heritage and Water Resource systems of the plan.  Where it is determined that identified areas would benefit from Greenbelt protection, the province may initiate amendments to the Greenbelt Plan.

17.3.4 Special Study Area 2 identifies the lands which the Municipality considers appropriate as an area for the future Greenbelt expansion study.

The Draft Official Plan Amendment and additional information is available for review at www.clarington.net/SpecialStudyArea2.

Statutory Public Meeting Details

In line with current COVID-19 guidelines, the meeting will take place electronically.  Visit www.clarington.net/Calendar to watch the meeting online or to listen by phone.

Date: Monday, April 26, 2021

Time: 7:00 p.m.

To speak at the public meeting, please pre-register for additional instructions.

Pre-register by completing the online form at www.clarington.net/Delegations or contact the Clerk's Division at 905-623-3379 ext. 2109 or clerks@clarington.net by Friday, April 23, 2021 at 4 p.m.

At the March 22 council meeting, councillors voted in favour of the recommendations contained in staff report PLN 15-21, concerning the City's comprehensive zoning by-law review.

As part of the council resolution, council voted to authorize staff to initiate Phases II and III of the study and funding for the study was approved.  

Of note to members, the first draft of the consolidated by-law is scheduled to be released in the Fall of 2021 and will be followed by open houses and community workshops to receive feedback from stakeholders and the public.  A statuatory public meeting will also be held in the Fall of 2021.

The comprehensive zoning bylaw review is being undertaken to with the purpose to:

• Create on consolidated zoning by-law
• Update zoning to reflect Official Plan policies and associated development guidelines
• Complete necessary research to ensure the new by-law is consistent with current legislation, policy and trends
• Post the by-law text and mapping on the City's website

More information on this review and to view the discussion papers completed so far, visit https://www.pickering.ca/en/city-hall/comprehensive-zoning-by-law-review.aspx.

At the March 22, 2021 council meeting, council voted in favour of sending a response to the province in regards to growing the Greenbelt.  The resolution asks the province to maintain the current Greenbelt boundary and not pursue expanding it at this time.

Resolution #556/21 was passed and read:

• That comments in Report PLN 14-21, on Environmental Registry Posting (ERO) 019-3136 regarding growing the Provincial Greenbelt, be endorsed;
• That the province maintain the current established Greenbelt boundary within the City of Pickering on the basis that:

Any consideration or decision regarding expanding the Greenbelt in Pickering would be premature and not in the public interest, prior to the completion of the Region of Durham's Municipal Comprehensive Review, and in particular, prior to the completion of the Land Needs Assessment, updated Natural Heritage System mapping, and review and implementation of the Provincial Agricultural System, in order to fully understand the implications and determine the appropriateness of growing the Greenbelt;

All lands within Pickering are covered by the policies of A Place to Grow and the Greenbelt Plan, which were further strengthened through the most recent updates to the provincial plans, and the Provincial Policy Statement, and which together provide the highest level of protection for natural heritage and hydrologic features and areas; as well as agricultural areas; and,

The City, by Resolutions 140/19 and 173/19 affirmed its position that the lands in Northeast Pickering, be reserved to accommodate future urban development

• That in order to minimize competing interests and priorities, the Province should explore opportunities on the outer fringes of the existing Greenbelt for further expansion, rather than the areas closest to the existing built up urban areas which may be needed the accommodate future development within proximity to transit and other existing and planned infrastructure investments by municipalities and the Province;
• That should the Province decide to consider growing the Greenbelt within the City of Pickering:

Any additions to the Greenbelt Plan be considered on the context of the Region of Durham's Municipal Comprehensive Review;

The legislated public process for amendments to the Greenbelt be followed, including consultation with City of Pickering, the Region of Durham, Indigenous communities, and affected property owners, prior to any final decision being made;

Any decision to expand the Greenbelt should not compromise the ability of the municipality to accommodate future urban growth; and,

Criteria be established and implementation guidance be provided to guide refinement to the Greenbelt Natural Heritage System by municipalities, similar to the criteria and guidance that have been established for the Growth Plan Natural Heritage System; and, 

• That staff be directed to respond to ERO Posting 019-3136 with a copy of Report PLN 14-21 and Council's resolution thereon, and that a copy of Report PLN 14-21 be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy, the Regional Municipality of Durham and other Durham area municipalities.

At tonight's (Monday, March 29th) council meeting, staff will be bringing forward an item for consideration in regards to Alternative Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland Dedication Rates for Downtown Whitby and High Density Residential Development.

The recommendation from staff is as follows:

1. That Council adopt the proposed residential Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland dedication rate of 5% of the value of the land proposed to be developed within the Historic Downtown Whitby Priority Area of the Downtown Whitby Community Improvement Plan; and
2. That Council adopt the proposed alternate residential Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland dedication rate of the lesser of 1 hectare for every 500 units or 35% of the land proposed to be developed for Town-wide High Density Residential Developments (excluding residential developments in the Historic Downtown Whitby Priority Area) that meet the eligibility requirements outlined within Report CMS 05-21; and
3. That an Alternate Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland Dedication By-law be brought forward for Council's approval  that addresses the Historic Downtown Whitby Priority Area and other High Density Residential Areas within the Town; and
4. That staff be directed to undertake the larger Town-wide Parkland Needs/Dedication Study as identified within the 2021 Capital Budget having regard for community and development industry engagement throughout the Study process.

Read Report CMS 05-21 for more information.

The Whitby Special Council meeting will be held tonight, Monday, March 29, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.  You can watch the meeting live here.

Tarion is consulting on proposals to address the remaining recommendations of the Auditor General, as well as an additional consumer protection initiative.

In addition to accepting written submissions, they will be hosting four builder roundtables to give you the opportunity to provide your feedback directly to them.  Please find the the list of dates/times/link to register here:

March 30, 2021 - 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Register

April 9, 2021 - 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Register

April 12, 2021 - 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Register

April 27, 2021 - 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Register

Tarion is consulting on proposed changes, including:

• Two options for a new customer service standard to address Auditor General recommendation #6
• A new policy on unfinished items at the time of possession to address Auditor General recommendation #5
• A new process for information-sharing with municipalities to address Auditor General recommendation #17
• A new accommodation warranty for homeowners who have to relocate during repairs of a warranted item.

If you are unable to attend one of their roundtables, you may submit feedback on the proposed changes to submissions@tarion.com by April 30, 2021.

For more information on the proposed changes, please see:

Read more about the consultation

View the consultation discussion guide

View the consultation Q&A

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is moving forward with the Consolidated Linear Infrastructure (CLI) Permissions Approach for stormwater and sewage collection systems. A decision notice has been posted and can be accessed on the Environmental Registry at https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-1080

The CLI Permissions Approach was strongly supported by OHBA through multiple submissions to the MECP in 2018, 2019 and 2020. OHBA struck an Environmental Approvals sub-committee and would in particular like to thank volunteer member Steve Schaefer (Principal SCS Consulting Group) for his efforts spearheading this initiative. The CLI permissions approach is a gamechanger and will streamline the current approvals framework for lower risk, routine sewage works through consolidating approvals for linear infrastructure (e.g. sanitary collection, stormwater works).

With the transition to CLI, a municipality’s sanitary collection works will be brought under one multi-media Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) for a municipality’s wastewater sewage collection system, and a municipality’s stormwater collection works will be brought under one multi-media ECA for a municipality’s stormwater collection, treatment and disposal system.  The consolidation of approvals, and transition to the CLI framework will:

• create an efficient process for low-risk projects
• provide clear, transparent and consistent requirements
• improve environmental protection through updated and consolidated terms and conditions
• establish a more comprehensive picture of sewage works across the province

CLI ECAs will also include pre-authorization conditions which will allow municipalities and developers constructing infrastructure on behalf of municipalities to proceed without first having to obtain an individual Ministry permission, provided specific requirements are met. OHBA has consistently supported streamlining the redundant ECA process for SWM facilities and in particular SWM ponds that require sign off by the MECP following municipal approvals – this is a significant regulatory improvement that will help get shovels in the ground for critical infrastructure faster and support new housing supply.

The Town of Whitby is undertaking a comprehensive review of their Zoning By-Law.  The Town is approaching completion of Phase I of this review.  As part of this work, the Town is hosting a stakeholder session with their consultants SGL.  During this stakeholder session, SGL will give a brief presentation about the background reports they have prepared and there will be time for feedback and thoughts on directions to take in Phase II.

The stakeholder session will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

You can join the meeting here: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/962319445 

The access code is: 962-319-445 

The background reports prepared by SGL are available on www.whitby.ca/inthezone.

On Wednesday, March 25, Ontario’s Finance Minister, and President of the Treasury Board the Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, delivered the province’s 20201 Budget, entitled ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy. This budget is strongly focused on defeating the COVID-19 pandemic and protecting jobs, while laying out the roadmap for a post pandemic economic recovery. Please find OHBA’s news release on today’s budget here.

OHBA has been advocating for key policy proposals in the budget to help our sector deliver new homes and newly renovated homes to awaiting families. OHBA believes the residential construction industry is well positioned to lead Ontario’s economy into a sustainable recovery through strong investment in local communities and to act as a stabilizing force in terms of job creation. In preparation for the 2021 budget, OHBA focused our efforts on meeting with key Cabinet Minsters and Parliamentary Assistants to share our core policy proposals further outlined in our formal 2021 Budget Submission. This submission outlines critical measures to help unlock needed investment in new housing, improve affordability and reduce red tape.

Relevant parts of today’s budget are noted below,

Headline Economic/Budget Stats:

• Full budget expenditures total $173 billion.
• For 2020–21, the government is projecting a deficit of $33.1 billion.
• Over the medium term, the government is forecasting deficits of $27.7 billion in 2022–23 and $20.2 billion in 2023–24,
• Ontario’s real GDP declined 5.7% in 2020. GDP growth is projected at 4% for 2021, 4.3% in 2022, 2.5% in 2023, & 2.0% in 2024.
• The construction sector saw a 5.5% reduction in construction employment between February 2020 and February 2021.
• The Ministry of Finance noted 81,300 new home starts in 2020 with the following forecasted projections,
• • 80,200 starts in 2021
  • 79,300 starts in 2022
  • 80,200 starts in 2023
  • 81,200 starts in 2024

Housing

• The strong housing momentum is expected to continue with home resales projected to rise 5.5% in 2021 and the average home resale price to increase 7.5 per cent. Housing activity is expected to moderate between 2022 and 2024 to levels consistent with fundamental drivers of housing demand, such as population growth.

Skilled Trades, Apprenticeships & Workforce Development

• The province will invest $288.2 million in 2021–22 in its Skilled Trades Strategy with the following measures.
• • $39.6 million over three years, beginning in 2021–22, to expand the Specialist High Skills Major program to further expose students in Grades 11 & 12 to the skilled trades.
  • Development of a Portal for Skilled Trades & Apprenticeships is ongoing. This portal will offer a 24/7, secure, simple an straightforward way to connect employers with the skilled workers they need.
  • $3 million for a hand-on learning assistance for up 1,000 Ontario students, including co-ops focused on the skilled trades.
  • Expand the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program to include Grade 10 summer training opportunities alongside Grade 11 and 12.
• The government is helping workers retrain in a second career, or a career change, as well as help employers locate and identify potential workers through a virtual skills passport. By providing additional one‐time funding of $2 million in 2021–22 for the development of a virtual skills passport that tracks learners’ credentials to set the foundation for lifelong learning, and allows them to share credentials digitally with prospective employers.

Getting Ontario’s Economy Back on Track – Key Red Tape Initiatives

• The provincial government will continue the process of digitizing and automating Ontario government services, particularly those used by businesses.

Health & Safety

• The province is providing free occupational health and safety training for health and safety representatives in up to 60,000 small businesses by investing $3.5 million annually over a three‐year period, focused on helping to lower injury rates and improve health and safety awareness and practices in small businesses.

Tax Policy Changes

• The budget includes a new Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit, which would provide up to $2,000 per recipient to cover half of eligible expenses, which include occupational, trade or technical qualifications or training programs (the credit is effectively being harmonized with a similar federal measure).
•  Fees for an occupational, trade, or professional examination required to obtain a professional status, or to be licensed or certified as a tradesperson, and that are paid to a university, college or other educational institution, a professional association, provincial ministry, or other similar institution.
• Ontario is providing a second round of Ontario Small Business Support Grant payments to eligible recipients. Approximately 120,000 small businesses will automatically benefit from an additional $1.7 billion in relief through this second round of support in the form of grants of a minimum of $10,000 and up to $20,000 — bringing the estimated total support provided through this grant to $3.4 billion.
• The province has expanded the Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit to 20% for  businesses that build, renovate or purchase eligible commercial or industrial buildings in a qualifying region of the province.

Conclusion

While this budget is primarily focused on preserving people’s health and jobs, OHBA will continue to advocate for policy measures that will enable our sector to reignite Ontario’s economy over the next 12 months as we move towards economic recover.

DRHBA ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR 2021 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Durham – March 22^nd , 2021 - The Durham Region Home Builders' Association (DRHBA) has released the finalists for their 2021 Awards of Excellence. DRHBA had over 100 entries in this year's awards, and the judges have worked hard to score all of the entries. 

These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in new homes, home renovations, innovative technology and construction, outstanding presentation, and marketing of projects within Durham Region.

Please join us as we take our Awards of Excellence virtual. DRHBA will be hosting the virtual gala on Thursday April 22^nd at 3 p.m. via YouTube. A link will be sent out prior to the event. Tuning in live will allow for you to have first access to the night's winners as well as to comment in real time. Free party boxes for the Awards are also available and will be delivered April 19^th. A limited number of party boxes are left! To sign up to receive a party box please email Katelyn Widdop at k.widdop@drhba.com.  Winners will be contacted by Katelyn Widdop to confirm a shipping address for the trophy after the Awards.

This year's finalists include:

Marketing Awards:

Excellence in Digital Marketing

            Brookfield Residential – Drawn Homes

            Highmark Homes with credit to COOLAID Studios – Triumph 4

            Upperview Homes – President

Excellence in Logo Design

            COOLAID Studios – Y Towns

            Holland Homes – McLaughlin Park

            Upperview Homes – President

Excellence in Print Ad/Direct Mail Piece

            Holland Homes Inc. – Homes and Land Print Ad

            Upperview Homes – President

Excellence in Sales Brochure Design

            COOLAID Studios – Y Towns

    Esquire Homes – Kings Landing

            Upperview Homes – President

Excellence in Signage

            COOLAID Studios – Towns of Folkstone

            Holland Homes Inc. – McLaughlin Park

            Upperview Homes – President

Excellence in Social Media

            Brookfield Residential with credit to COOLAID Studios – Dockside

            Tribute Communities – Tribute Communities Corporate

            Upperview Homes – President

Excellence in Website Design

            A&R Developments

            Esquire Homes

            Upperview Homes

On-Site Sales Presentation Awards:

Excellence in Interior Decorating – Model Home/Suite

            Minto Communities Ontario with credit to RN Design Limited – Winchester, Ivy Ridge

            Minto Communities Ontario with credit to RN Design Limited – Welton, Ivy Ridge

            Picture Homes Millennium with credit to Colours & Concepts Inc. – The Devon

Excellence in New Homes Sales Office – Large Volume

            Coughlan Homes – Enclave

            Esquire Homes – Appleview and North Glen Phase 4

            The Vogue Development Group – Vogue at Queens Common Sales Centre

Excellence in New Homes Sales Office – Small Volume

         To be announced at Awards

New Home Design – Custom Built Awards:

Excellence in Custom Built Bathroom Design

         Holland Homes Inc. – 28 Concession Street

         Wiltshire Homes Canada – Westshore

Excellence in Custom Built Kitchen Design

          FarSight Homes with credit to Colours & Concepts Inc, Green Apple Cabinets, Cassidy +  Company Residential Design Consultants – Amethyst

          Holland Homes Inc. – 28 Concession St.

          Wiltshire Homes Canada – Annland

Excellence in Custom Built Home (under 2500 sq. ft.)

            Andelwood Homes – Brooklin

            Kiya Developments – Church

Excellence in Custom Built Home (2501-3500 sq. ft.)

            Construct and Conserve Building Inc.

            Lavender Homes with credit to Broz Excavating, D.G. Biddle, Don and Son Limited, Goreski Roofing, Holland Homes, Manalco Contracting, Pollard Windows and Doors, Raywal Cabinets, Schleiss Development Company, Tranquility Home Comfort – Grandview Street North

            LCM Project Management and General Contracting – Hanover

Excellence in Custom Built Home (3501-4500 sq. ft.)

            RN Design Limited with credit to Colours & Concepts Inc.  –  Williamsberg Estate

            Construct and Conserve Building Inc. – Matin

            Holland Homes Inc. – 28 Concession St.

Excellence in Custom Built Homes (4501 sq. ft. and up)

           A&R Developments – 1427 Rougemount Drive

           A&R Developments – Luxury Homes in Whitby

           FarSight Homes with credit to Colours & Concepts Inc., Green Apple Cabinets, Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants – Amethyst

RenoMark Home Renovator Awards:

Excellence in Bathroom Renovation

            Accubuilt Construction Ltd. With credit Rocpal Custom Cabinets – Uxbridge Bathroom

           Lavender Homes with credit to Broz Excavating, D.G. Biddle, Don and Son Limited, Goreski Roofing, Holland Homes, Manalco Contracting, Pollard Windows and Doors, Raywal Cabinets, Schleiss Development Company, Tranquility Home Comfort – 931 Swiss Heights

            LCM Project Management and General Contracting – Chippewa Bathroom

Excellence in Kitchen Renovation

            Accubuilt Construction Ltd. With credit to Rocpal Custom Cabinets – Raglan Kitchen

            Paradisaic Building Group – Hill Street Kitchen

Excellence in Home Renovation/Addition ($100,001 - $250,000)

            Kraco Contracting – Parent Kitchen – Function, Storage and Style

            Trademark Homes – Cochrane

Excellence in Home Renovation/Addition ($250,001 – $500,000)

            Accubuilt Construction Ltd. – Raglan Addition

            Andelwood Homes – Solina

            LCM Project Management and General Contracting – Fairview Bungalow

Excellence in Home Renovation/Addition ($500,001 and Up)

            Accubuilt Construction Ltd. – Parkview Addition

            Tribute Communities with credit to Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants –  Westney Heritage

New Home Design – Production Built Awards:

Excellence in Mid-Rise Building Design

            To be announced at the Awards.

Excellence in Multi- Unit Suite Design

           To be announced at the Awards.

Excellence in High-Rise Building Design

            To be announced at the Awards.

Excellence in Production Built Bathroom Design

            Minto Communities Ontario with credit to RN Design Limited – Winchester, Ivy Ridge

            Trademark Homes with credit to Rocpal Custom Cabinets, Pollard Windows & Doors Inc, Don and Son Building Supplies Limited – Nash

            Upperview Homes – President

Excellence in Production Built Kitchen Design

            Geranium with credit to RN Design Limited and Colours & Concepts Inc. - The Chesterman

            Trademark Homes with credit to Rocpal Custom Cabinets – Nash

            Upperview Homes – President

Excellence in Semi-Detached or Townhome OVER 2000 sq. ft.

            Minto Communities Ontario with credit to RN Design Limited – Greenhaven

            Tribute Communities with credit to Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants – Findlay

Excellence in Semi-Detached or Townhome UNDER 2000 sq. ft.

            Delpark Homes with credit to Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants – The Avalon

           Tribute Communities with credit to Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants – Foster

Excellence in Single 2001 sq. ft. to 3000 sq. ft.

            Trademark Homes – Nash

            Tribute Communities with credit to Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants – Rosehampton

            Upperview Homes – President

Excellence in Single 3001 sq. ft. to 4000 sq. ft.

            Esquire Homes – Appleview

            Minto Communities Ontario with credit RN Design Limited – Kendalwood

            Tribute Communities with credit to Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants – Bolton

Outstanding Achievement Awards:

Excellence in Training and Development

            Brookfield Residential

            Enbridge Gas Inc.      

            Cassidy + Company Residential Design Consultants

Excellence in Workplace Safety  

            To be announced at the Awards.

Corporate Citizenship

            Brookfield Residential

            Enbridge Gas Inc.

Trade of the Year

            MV Drywall

            The Fireside Group Inc.

Supplier of the Year

            To be announced at the Awards.

Renovator of the Year

            To be announced at the Awards.

Green Builder of the Year

            Brookfield Residential

            Minto Communities with credit to RN Design Limited

Community of the Year

            Coughlan Homes – Enclave 

            Geranium with credit to RN Design Limited and Colours & Concepts Inc. - Courts of Canterbury

            Minto Communities Ontario with credit to RN Design Limited – Ivy Ridge

Builder of the Year – Large Volume

            Coughlan Homes

            Minto Communities Ontario with credit to RN Design Limited

            Tribute Communities

Builder of the Year – Small Volume

             Esquire Homes with credit to Hunt Design Associates

             Geranium with credit to RN Design Limited and Colours & Concepts Inc.

             Upperview Homes

The Durham Region Home Builders' Association is a non-profit association composed of home builders, renovators, trade contractors, suppliers, and related professionals.  They have been an active voice for the residential construction industry in Durham Region for over 60 years.  For more information, visit www.drhba.com.

For more information, contact Katelyn Widdop at 905-579-8080 ext. 1 or k.widdop@drhba.com.

For a pdf version of the above click here!