Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs - General
- Providing for a range of residential uses and housing options
- Preserving natural resources and systems
- Infrastructure and servicing requirements
- Providing for multiple transportation options
- Maintaining and enhancing agricultural lands
- Conserving and enhancing cultural heritage assets
- Supporting job opportunities and economic competitiveness
- Creating safe and inclusive communities
Why is an Official Plan important?
An Official Plan provides direction and guidance to help inform decisions on:
What is an Official Plan?
An Official Plan is a strategic planning document that helps municipalities manage growth and change. It contains goals, objectives, policies and mapping that direct how land may be used. It considers important social, environmental, economic, and cultural factors over the short and long term.
Why is the Town reviewing / updating its Official Plan?
The Town of Halton Hills Official Plan was adopted by Town Council in 2006 and approved by Halton Region in 2008. It sets the Town’s land use policies to the year 2031 and applies to all lands in the Town.
Since its approval, many changes have occurred at the provincial, regional, and local levels. To remain adaptive and future-ready, the Town will review existing Official Plan policies to ensure conformity with important legislation and plans. It will also ensure alignment with other ongoing municipal initiatives. The new Official Plan will focus on a horizon year of 2051.
Can I make changes to my property’s land use designation?
Yes, but not through this process. Requests to change individual properties is dealt with through a separate planning process. Please visit the Town’s Development Application webpage for more information.
When will the project be completed?
It is expected that the Project will be completed in 2026.
How will “small town living at its best” guide every aspect of the new official plan?
The Town's slogan "small town living at its best" is reflective of the Town’s exceptionally high quality of life. Maintaining balance while ensuring the Town’s long-term prosperity and high quality of life becomes particularly important as the Town prepares to meet provincial growth targets of an additional 20,000 people by 2031 and significantly more by 2051. Central to the municipality’s approach to growth planning is its strong interest in energy conservation and sustainable development.
Source: 2024 Budget & Business Plan
Is this presentation available online or by request?
Yes, the presentation is posted on this project's webpage.
How can you keep a small town feel with over 100,000 people?
The Town’s Strategic Plan outlines a vision for Halton Hills that the strategies and objectives in the Official Plan seek to create – a growing, nature-rich community that is proud of its small-town feel and urban rural mix where all people feel welcomed, safe, and connected. The next Public Open House (POH #2) will focus on visioning and priority setting, including long-term planning goals that will help guide policy development.
Will the water changeover that happened in "Georgetown South" (allowing people to get rid of their water softener) be expanded to anywhere in the "North"?
Halton Region has a planned Phase 2 for the expansion of lake-based servicing for Georgetown, targeted for around 2030. The neigbhourhoods intended to convert from the ground-based system to the lake-based system under Phase 2 would include:
o Stewarttown
o Arbor Glen (Arborglen Drive and Apple Blossom Crescent
o Stewart’s Mill (streets north of 15 Side Road, east of Trafalgar Road)
For more information please contact the Region of Halton.
In order to keep the "small town character" when will we start closing the downtown core for weekend walking traffic. It would help businesses and bring people together.
Many towns and cities have considered "car-free" festivals and events on a temporary and permanent basis. These types of opportunities and programs could be considered and explored through the Town’s Mobility Master Plan, and further evaluated as part of the annual Transportation Work Plan.
We encourage you to share this feedback directly with the project team for the Mobility Master Plan at letstalkhaltonhills.ca/MMP.
When do you believe the Norval By-pass will start being built?
Based on the Town's understanding, construction for the Norval West Bypass is scheduled to begin by 2031. Please note that this timing is subject to approval of the Halton Region budget.
Can the town stop ticketing overnight parking from April-November?
Under the Uniform Traffic Control By-law 2023-0094, on-street parking is prohibited annually from November 15 to April 15. Outside of this period, the only violation related to on-street parking is leaving a vehicle parked for more than six hours—unless signage posted states otherwise. Parking Enforcement will continue to issue tickets for vehicles parked longer than six hours at any time, day or night, as this remains a year-round regulation.
How is the city controlling the lands being converted to truck parking?
The Town reviews any property that appears to be used for purposes not permitted under current zoning regulations. While Enforcement staff cannot directly control how land is used, they are empowered to apply enforcement tools to help ensure the property complies with applicable zoning and land use permissions.
How is your planning integrating with surrounding communities? Halton Region, but also other cities like Brampton, Orangeville etc.
As part of this project, we review Halton Region's Official Plan policies and integrate them in the Town's new Official Plan. The Halton Region Official Plan considers overarching policies for Halton Hills, Burlington, Oakville and Milton. For example, the Natural Heritage System (NHS) is a network of natural features and functions across the Region. The new Official Plan will consider the NHS system and update mapping to ensure the system is protected and enhanced over the long term.
How has the work to date considered improved cooperation, integration, and alignment with Halton Region and the other municipalities?
As for other communities like Brampton and Orangeville, the Provincial Planning Statement 2024 (PPS 2024) provides a coordinated approach for communities across Ontario. While we are not considering these communities in the new Official Plan, all Official Plans must conform to the PPS 2024 to ensure communities achieve comprehensive, integrated, long-term planning. For the OPR, a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has been established which includes members from the Province, Region, Town and Commenting Agencies (like school boards and Halton Hills Hydro). This helps provide different technical perspectives for consideration during the development of the new Official Plan.
Did the Town already decide which areas will be used for what? like employment, housing, mixed uses, etc.?
The Town has a three-pronged growth strategy focused on: 1) intensification within existing urban areas; 2) compact, mixed use development in designated greenfield areas; and 3) expanding employment lands. The Town's current Official Plan sets out policies for growth and development to 2031, and the new Official Plan will plan to 2051. As part of the OPR, the project team will review current policy and ensure it is consistent with changes to provincial plans and policy, aligns with the community vision and provide updates to existing policy as needed.
Who is the Town interviewing for the growth plans and does the public have the opportunity to sign-up for it?
The Town is interviewing different residents, employees and volunteers that represent different community interests across Halton Hills. These representatives were selected from a list of community organizations identified by Town staff and the consultant team in June 2025 and approved by Town Council in September 2025. However, if you have an interest in speaking with someone from the project team, Town staff are open to meeting with community members and organizations throughout the entire project. Please send an email to opreview@haltonhills.ca
Can we draft policies to mitigate major changes to Hide House?
The Hide House has been designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. Therefore, any development proposal must ensure that the heritage value of the property can be maintained. You can find more information regarding the Heritage Designation for this property here.
FAQs - Affordable Housing
We have a severe housing crisis in our community. What is being done to address the need for affordable housing?
Halton Region is in the process of updating the Comprehensive Housing Strategy for the 2025-2035 time period. Through Bill 23, the role of the Region in housing has been limited to only the government-assisted segment of the housing continuum (including emergency shelters and supports, supportive housing, and community housing), which will be reflected in the updated plan. The Official Plan Review will consider policies, and other non-policy tools, to support the full range of housing to meet the needs of residents.
Homelessness (-> should not be any) /affordable housing (-> prices keep going up)
What percentage of new housing is required to be affordable?
The Region of Halton Official Plan requires that 30% of all region wide housing be deemed affordable. Through the Official Plan, we will be completing a Housing Strategy and establishing an appropriate target for the Town.
Will there be affordable housing for our young families?
The Official Plan Review will consider policies and other non-policy tools to support the full range of housing to meet the needs of residents. Learn more on our affordable housing webpage.
FAQs - Agriculture
What is the status of on-farm diversified uses as outlined in the Provincial Planning Statement?
As part of this project, a review of the Agricultural policies will be required. The review will include an analysis of appropriate on-farm diversified uses.
What is being done to address the declining number of farmers in the region?
Agricultural policies are being reviewed as part of the Official Plan Review. One key focus of the project will be to consider expanded on-farm diversified uses which can help generate additional income and diversity of farm operations (while supporting agricultural uses).
Is the town of Halton Hills going to be open and allow a wide range of On Farm Diversified business including those that are allowed by the province that are not Agricultural and allow beyond 2 percent?
As part of the OPR, the Town will explore how to promote and encourage On-Farm Diversified uses as identified in the Provincial Planning Statement. We are working with NPG Planning Solutions on agricultural planning and are engaging with the Town's Agricultural Roundtable, which is comprised of members from the farming industry. If you have specific questions about a property or potential use, please reach out to Town staff for more information at opreview@haltonhills.ca
I and my team are working on a project to bring automated w. on our farm in Georgetown. Renewable energy. Is this welcomed or what should I pay attention to?
If you have specific questions about a property or potential use, please reach out to Town staff for more information at opreview@haltonhills.ca.
FAQs - Business
Will there be more entertainment spaces created or promoted to companies to come to Georgetown (i.e. Movie Theatres, etc.)?
We would like to hear more about what types of entertainment spaces or uses people are interested in. The project team will work closely with Town staff, including Economic Development staff, to review and consider what opportunities currently exist and how policy can support this.
What brings new business to our region?
FAQs - Climate Change & Environment
How are you planning for a climate resilient community?
The Official Plan must be consistent with Provincial Direction, including growth projections for the Town. The Town has a three pronged strategy that aims to accommodate growth in a sustainable manner through intensification in existing urban areas, designated greenfield areas and designated employment areas.
If provincial and federal environmental requirements are reduced, will the Town consider voluntary standards that exceed requirements?
There are some environmental requirements that are set by the federal and provincial governments that must be adhered to. However, the Official Plan is a local plan and any opportunities to create policies that support environmental protection and stewardship will be supported through this project.
https://letstalkhaltonhills.ca/green-infrastructure-asset-management-plan
What are we doing about climate change mitigation through this process?
Generally, the Town seeks to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change through a variety of policies and strategies. Policies relating to climate change and the environment will be reviewed as part of the OPR. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) has guidelines aimed at reducing greenhouse gases, among other initiatives. These guidelines are referenced in the Town's Terms of Reference for technical studies that are required for certain planning applications, and will continue to be referenced in the new Official Plan.
What can Official Plan do about protecting water resources?
Currently, the Town's existing Official Plan encourages the protection of groundwater resources. Through the OPR process, the project team will work alongside the Town's Environmental Planning staff, HDR and NRSI to develop a water resource system and appropriate policies for the protection of surface and groundwater resources.
What can actually happen in the green areas?
There are environmentally regulated areas that have different requirements depending on the type of NHS features and/or functions. The Town will seek to protect and enhance these areas over the long-term. In parks and open space areas, passive and active recreational activities can occur; however, it depends on their proximity to key natural features or hazards and adjacent land uses. If there is a specific "green area" you're curious about, please reach out to the OPR team at opreview@haltonhills.ca .
How will an increase in density and paved areas be managed and also to not cause flooding and erosion and environmental damage?
Renewable energy - opportunities for innovation? What be done through this process?
Policies relating to climate change and the environment will be reviewed as part of the OPR. A separate Climate Change and Adaptation Plan was completed in 2020. Check out key links provided at the top of the Climate Change & Environment section.
Will there be development of renewable energy sources? Commercially and at home to make us more self reliant.
If you have specific questions about a property or potential use, please reach out to Town staff for more information at opreview@haltonhills.ca.
FAQs - Community Services
How will the healthcare and school infrastructure develop in our community by 2051?
We will coordinate with service managers, schools boards, and post-secondary institutions to allow for a more integrated approach to dealing with planning for public infrastructure. It is important to note that School Boards are part of the Project's Technical Advisory Committee. In addition, a new hospital is being planned to be located in the new expansion area south of Tenth Side Road and Trafalgar Road.
How will the town support and enforce green spaces are well maintained? Ex. Parks, school areas, walkways
The Town's Public Works Team provides infrastructure maintenance as required.
Are there any plans to construct an indoor sports facility for pickleball, particularly for the winter months? At present, we have to book time in Milton or at a local church.
As part of this project, flexibility in uses that encourage a range of recreational activities will be explored. Note that a Recreation and Parks Strategic Action Plan was completed in 2020.
More information regarding Pickleball facilities at the Town.
What is the general/loose timeline for the Hospital if thing stay on track?
Halton Healthcare is planning for the development of a new hospital on the Walker Wood farmland that has been donated to Halton Healthcare. Their vision includes creating a state-of-the-art campus of care for Halton Region. Details about timing are still to be confirmed.
What is the status and vision for recreation park development in Halton Hills?
The Town’s vision for Recreation and Parks development is found in the Town’s 2020 Recreation and Parks Strategic Plan, and additional information can be found as part of the Town’s Parkland Acquisition Study work related to the DC Studies.
Will more child care centres be in the planning?
Yes, the Official Plan Review will consider policies that support day care/child care center uses, where appropriate. Licensed day cares are subject to requirements in the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, whose purpose is to foster the learning, development, health and well-being of children and to enhance their safety.
If the Townships/Regions plan stays on track, what is the timeline for the new Hospital?
Halton Healthcare is planning for the development of a new hospital on the Walker Wood farmland that has been donated to Halton Healthcare. Their vision includes creating a state-of-the-art campus of care for Halton Region. Details about timing are still to be confirmed.
Can you say anything about plans for the future hospital site? Timing?
Halton Healthcare is planning for the development of a new hospital on the Walker Wood farmland that has been donated to Halton Healthcare. Their vision includes creating a state-of-the-art campus of care for Halton Region. Details about timing are still to be confirmed.
FAQs - Growth (Economy)
Are you engaging with local businesses to see what can be done to help them grow their businesses?
As part of our engagement strategy we have a Community Working Group that includes the Chamber of Commerce and the Acton and Georgetown Business Improvement Areas. The Project team has also reached out to a number of businesess during pop up events and through email blasts to the Project's notification list.
In terms of the 20,000 jobs growth goal by 2051. Is there a specific industry or sector that is being targeted? How are we attracting these groups?
The Town’s Economic Development & Tourism, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Attraction Strategies identify advanced manufacturing, food and beverage processing, cleantech/renewables, agribusiness and tourism as the Town’s priority growth sectors.
Job growth will come from proactively attracting new business investments to the Town, as well as supporting the expansion and job growth of existing local businesses.
The Town’s investment attraction activities and Business Concierge Program ensure that Halton Hills is both promoting the Town as an investment destination and expediting new non-residential investments throughout the development process. The Town’s Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) activities, including the Community Improvement Plan (CIP), are designed to support the growth and expansion of businesses already located in Halton Hills. Combined, these initiatives provide a full suite of business supports along the entire investment continuum.
How are you encouraging business to expand?
The project will consider planning policies that support economic development and business opportunities. Local business expansion falls under the purview of the Town’s Business Retention & Expansion efforts, including the CIP Program and Corporate Calling Program. The CIP is designed to stimulate private sector investment and revitalization by offering targeting financial incentives in priority areas, including: Main Street Revitalization, Affordable Housing, Brownfield Redevelopment, Agri-Business Support, Heritage, Climate Change and Accessibility. The Corporate Calling Program allows staff to have regular touchpoints with, and provide relevant support to, key employers in Town across a variety of sectors.
FAQs - Growth (Housing)
With a target of bringing 60,000+ new residents and building 9,500 new housing units by 2051, am I correct in understanding that this implies more than six residents per unit?
A variety of housing options will support new residential growth in the Town. This includes new housing, along with intensification and infill development within existing neighbourhoods where appropriate.
The Town is already overcrowded. How will the plan support this?
The Official Plan must be consistent with Provincial Direction, including growth projections for the Town. The Town has a three-pronged strategy that aims to accommodate growth in a sustainable manner through intensification in existing urban areas, designated greenfield areas and designated employment areas.
How realistic is it under present conditions that 9,500 homes can be constructed in 6 years?
The Town has committed to its housing pledge and is trying its best to streamline the development approvals process to support this goal.
Intensification - where and why?
With housing sales and starts down does it make sense to do an abundant amount of rezoning when the future is unclear, especially economy and housing.
Planning policy (which is the focus of the OPR) provides the basis for zoning regulations (which implement policy), but zoning is not within scope of this project. While the market can go through multiple cycles throughout an Official Plan's lifespan, Official Plans are recommended to be updated and updated every 5 years and comprehensively updated ("new") every 10 years. This can help municipalities ensure that their Official Plans are up to date with provincial and local priorities. In addition, Official Plans are focused on long-term visions - and it is important to identify what values will continue over a longer timeframe to ensure a strategic and coordinated approach to growth.
How exactly do you plan to add density to existing areas?
Considering the Town's three-pronged growth strategy, density can be achieved through a number of different ways. For example, within existing urban areas and greenfield areas, compact built form and a mix of uses can help achieve complete community building. Also, having access to higher-order transit (like GO Stations) can help support transit usage and promote increased access. Also, the use of existing infrastructure (roads, services) and public service facilities should be optimized.
FAQs - Growth (Transportation Infrastructure)
For 60k+ new residents, what kind of jobs are planned as a part of 20k jobs creation? What transportation infrastructure improvement is planned?
As part of this project, a Growth Capacity Analysis is being prepared by NBLC and Tate Economics to analyze the Town's projected population and employment growth potential to the year 2051 (including land budgets). The types of employment uses contemplated within the Town will be identified in future phases of the project.
Regarding transportation infrastructure, please refer to the Town's ongoing Mobility Master Plan and Transit Implementation Plan studies.
FAQs - Infrastructure (Servicing)
Are we going to wait for housing sales to pick up before we start building new infrastructure and repairing existing Infrastructure?
Planning for new infrastructure to accommodate future growth and infrastructure repairs will continue to be advanced. For questions about a specific project, you can reach out to our Public Works Team.
Will fixing rural infrastructure be a priority for the town or the fixing of roads that are badly damaged?
Each year, the Transportation and Public Works Department delivers Pavement Management and rural Micro Paving Programs to renew and improve local and rural roads across Halton Hills. We follow the “worst first” rule. That is, the roads in the worst condition are renewed first. Every five years, a review of the conditions of the Town’s roads is conducted. Projects include proactive rehabilitation to extend the useful life of younger roads. Coordination with our Regional partners, local utilities and proposed developments and Active Transportation implementation can also impact priorities.
Will Mountainview Road/9th Line be expanded (more lanes) between 10th Sideroad and Steeles?
This section of Ninth Line is a Regional Road, with construction anticipated around 2027, pending Halton Region budget approval. We recommend reaching out to Halton Region for the latest updates and information.
Schedule A17 of the Official Plan shows lands north of Campbellville Rd & Hwy 25 as a future strategic employment area. When will these lands be serviced for development, and when will Halton Region update its water and wastewater master plan?
The Future Strategic Employment Area is an overlay that was identified by Halton Region through the Sustainable Halton (ROPA 38) planning exercise. It is a constraint to development and is not a land use designation. Through ROPA 49, sufficient employment lands have been identified to accommodate growth to 2051. The Region will be evaluating the servicing of these new employment areas located north of the Premier Gateway Employment Area as part of the Integrated Master Plan Work. For more information about this process visit: https://www.halton.ca/For-Residents/Opportunities-to-Participate/Water-Wastewater-Transportation-IMP
FAQs - Infrastructure (Transportation)
How do we plan for more traffic as well as addressing parking needs?
The Official Plan is only one piece of the puzzle. The project team is working closely with Town Transportation staff (including their participation on a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the project) who are currently preparing a Mobility Master Plan and a Transit Implementation Plan. The project team will send a copy of these transportation-related questions to the Town project lead of both studies. In addition, we will consider how policy can consider some of these questions.
At each stage, the TAC (which also includes staff from the Ministry of Transportation, Region of Halton, School Boards, and Halton Hills Hydro, among others) will be consulted and circulated on key draft deliverables to provide comments for consideration.
Since most of the employment zone and new developments of the town are south of Georgetown towards Milton, what is the Town's strategy for improving access to the southern regions?
The Official Plan is only one piece of the puzzle. The project team is working closely with Town Transportation staff (including their participation on a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the project) who are currently preparing a Mobility Master Plan and a Transit Implementation Plan. The project team will send a copy of these transportation-related questions to the Town project lead of both studies. In addition, we will consider how policy can consider some of these questions.
At each stage, the TAC (which also includes staff from the Ministry of Transportation, Region of Halton, School Boards, and Halton Hills Hydro, among others) will be consulted and circulated on key draft deliverables to provide comments for consideration.
18 wheelers are using our country roads, is there a way to flow heavy traffic through another gateway?
The Official Plan is only one piece of the puzzle. The project team is working closely with Town Transportation staff (including their participation on a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the project) who are currently preparing a Mobility Master Plan and a Transit Implementation Plan. The project team will send a copy of these transportation-related questions to the Town project lead of both studies. In addition, we will consider how policy can consider some of these questions.
At each stage, the TAC (which also includes staff from the Ministry of Transportation, Region of Halton, School Boards, and Halton Hills Hydro, among others) will be consulted and circulated on key draft deliverables to provide comments for consideration.
How will local roads be upgraded to have capacity for existing and future density?
The Official Plan is only one piece of the puzzle. The project team is working closely with Town Transportation staff (including their participation on a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the project) who are currently preparing a Mobility Master Plan and a Transit Implementation Plan. The project team will send a copy of these transportation-related questions to the Town project lead of both studies. In addition, we will consider how policy can consider some of these questions.
At each stage, the TAC (which also includes staff from the Ministry of Transportation, Region of Halton, School Boards, and Halton Hills Hydro, among others) will be consulted and circulated on key draft deliverables to provide comments for consideration.
What mode of transportation we are expecting in town i.e. bus train subway etc.
The Official Plan is only one piece of the puzzle. The project team is working closely with Town Transportation staff (including their participation on a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the project) who are currently preparing a Mobility Master Plan and a Transit Implementation Plan. The project team will send a copy of these transportation-related questions to the Town project lead of both studies. In addition, we will consider how policy can consider some of these questions. It is the Town's understanding that the Region of Halton is not considering Region-wide transit at this time.
Are there plans to integrate our transit between Halton Region municipalities and neighbouring regions?
The Official Plan is only one piece of the puzzle. The project team is working closely with Town Transportation staff (including their participation on a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the project) who are currently preparing a Mobility Master Plan and a Transit Implementation Plan. The project team will send a copy of these transportation-related questions to the Town project lead of both studies. In addition, we will consider how policy can consider some of these questions. It is the Town's understanding that the Region of Halton is not considering Region-wide transit at this time.
What’s the status of the 413?
The Hwy 413 Environmental Assessment is a Provincial project. Early work has begun on Highway 413, with the Province advising that property acquisitions are ongoing.
How will local roads be upgraded to have capacity for existing and future density?
The Official Plan is only one piece of the puzzle. The project team is working closely with Town Transportation staff (including their participation on a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the project) who are currently preparing a Mobility Master Plan and a Transit Implementation Plan. The project team will send a copy of these transportation-related questions to the Town project lead of both studies. In addition, we will consider how policy can consider some of these questions.
At each stage, the TAC (which also includes staff from the Ministry of Transportation, Region of Halton, School Boards, and Halton Hills Hydro, among others) will be consulted and circulated on key draft deliverables to provide comments for consideration.
How do we plan for more traffic as well as addressing parking needs?
The Official Plan is only one piece of the puzzle. The project team is working closely with Town Transportation staff (including their participation on a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the project) who are currently preparing a Mobility Master Plan and a Transit Implementation Plan. The project team will send a copy of these transportation-related questions to the Town project lead of both studies. In addition, we will consider how policy can consider some of these questions.
At each stage, the TAC (which also includes staff from the Ministry of Transportation, Region of Halton, School Boards, and Halton Hills Hydro, among others) will be consulted and circulated on key draft deliverables to provide comments for consideration.
What’s the plan for improving road safety, pedestrian paths, and cycling infrastructure over the next 5–10 years?
The Official Plan is only one piece of the puzzle. The project team is working closely with Town Transportation staff (including their participation on a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the project) who are currently preparing a Mobility Master Plan and a Transit Implementation Plan. The project team will send a copy of these transportation-related questions to the Town project lead of both studies. In addition, we will consider how policy can consider some of these questions.
At each stage, the TAC (which also includes staff from the Ministry of Transportation, Region of Halton, School Boards, and Halton Hills Hydro, among others) will be consulted and circulated on key draft deliverables to provide comments for consideration.
Would like to see public transit to Milton.
Plans for a major road to the 401 highway?
Are there any plans to divert heavy truck traffic around Acton rather than through town centre as is the case now?
| The OPR does not consider policies to divert traffic directly, but we can provide this comment to the Mobility Master Plan team for further review and consideration. If there is a specific location you are concerned about, we recommend reaching out to Transportation staff to discuss further. Visit here for more information and to provide additional feedback. |
With an aging population, will Acton be included in the future transportation plan?
With the hopes of a new hospital to serve the Halton community, are there plans to expand public transit possibilities?
| The Town is in the process of completing a Transit Implementation Strategy. For more information, visit here. |
How will improvements in active transportation be mandated in the OP and will there be targets? e.g. Length of bike lanes.
Public transit for double population?
Have we decided what road will be used for transit line?
"Will all roads going south/north from Steeles Ave, 6th line, Trafalgar, 8th line, 9th line, 10th line and Winston Churchill not widen, how can we handle that traffic plus the plan to add more commercial? "
FAQs - Parking
What will the Town do to support the street parking as many houses have multiple cars due to housing affordability for young adults?
The Town has initiated its Mobility Master Plan earlier this year, which will address all aspects of how we move in and around Town. Parking is another area that will be reviewed and discussed . As we are in the early stages of our MMP, we will be reviewing the parking strategy and exploring potential new initiatives and recommendations for the Town to consider as we experience future growth. If you would like to be aware of the project, we encourage you to sign up and keep an eye on the Mobility Master Plan project webpage
FAQs - Policy Framework
At the beginning it was stated that our official plan needs to be aligned with the Provincial Plan. With that said, how much flexibility is there, what is the Town's control, and not?
The Official Plan Review is an opportunity to refresh the vision for the community, identify existing gaps and emerging priorities, and develop policies that will help manage growth and change in the future. Official Plan policy must be consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 and must conform/not conflict with provincial plans. The Province sets housing targets that the Town must plan to accommodate through a range of housing types and options to meet different needs.
Can the Town push back if the province is acting against its past legislation?
The Town is required to conform with current Provincial direction.
The two Bill 5s seem to be against everything you are trying to do.
Town staff continue to monitor impacts of both the Federal and Provincial Bill 5 through the OPR process.
How is zoning policy being changed to allow for quicker approval of housing and commercial projects? Current system is severely broken.
Bill 17 supports the Province's goal of building more homes, businesses and infrastructure, including development near transit. It aims to speed up the development process – and proposed changes like, allowing minor changes to zoning regulations. Planning policy (which is the focus of the Official Plan Review) provides the basis for zoning regulations (which implements policy). The Town intends to complete an update to the Comprehensive Zoning By-law beginning in 2027.
What is the relationship of the official plan and the secondary plans currently underway (specifically SE Georgetown)?
The Official Plan outlines the long-term vision for growth and development for all lands within the Town of Halton Hills.
Secondary plans (such as the Southeast Georgetown Secondary Plan) provide more detailed planning policies for a specific area or neighbourhood. These policies are secondary to the overarching planning goals and policies in the Official Plan.
Secondary Plans will be incorporated into the new Official Plan as they currently are. Any updates required to those plans will be completed as a separate process.
How has the town adapted after planning responsibilities were moved from the Region to the Municipality last year? Who is responsible for this now at the Town?
On July 1, the Region of Halton lost its planning responsibilities and the Halton Region Official Plan was downloaded to the local municipalities for implementation. The OPR will determine how Regional policies will be integrated into the Town's new Official Plan. The Town continues to work closely with the Region of Halton to ensure coordination with the planning and delivery of servicing and transportation infrastructure. In addition, the project's TAC includes members of Halton Region who will be involved at key stages of the project. This will ensure that the new official plan contains language that reflects the new planning structure
Does the Province typically approve whatever plan Council has approved, or do you expect a back and forth once you submit the final ?
The Province reviews official plans to ensure they conform to provincial policies and plans. This review is conducted by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH). We note that MMAH staff are part of the project's Technical Advisory Committee.
FAQs - Settlement Area
Do you anticipate the plan to request any boundary expansions into the Greenbelt?
ROPA 49, as amended by the Province through Bill 162 (Get It Done Act), in May 2024, expanded the urban boundary in Halton Hills to accommodate the projected population and employment growth to the year 2051.
No further expansions to the urban boundary will be considered as part of the official plan review process.
The defined urban boundary, in my opinion, should not be increased onto agriculture lands, sensitive or forested lands. How will the town mitigate these because from pressures from developers and the province?
ROPA 49, as amended by the Province through Bill 162 (Get It Done Act), in May 2024, expanded the urban boundary in Halton Hills to accommodate the projected population and employment growth to the year 2051.
No further expansions to the urban boundary will be considered as part of the official plan review process.
Will you be evaluating settlement area expansion opportunities through this exercise? If so, how will those areas be identified and then evaluated?
No new expansions are being considered, but ROPA 49, as amended by the Province through Bill 162 (Get It Done Act), in May 2024, expanded the urban boundary in Halton Hills to accommodate the projected population and employment growth to the year 2051.
It would have been great to have a map of the land in Halton Hills designated as Greenfield. Where is the growth going to happen?
You can find a map showing the Greenbelt Area via this link.
Check out the How We Grow thematic brief for more information to learn more about where and how Halton Hills will be growing to the year 2051.
FAQs - Site Specific Applications
What builders have submitted plans already in the Vision project?
Please visit the Town’s Active Development Application webpage for more information.
How can someone find out about secondary dwellings being permitted on existing properties? Who do we talk to?
For more information about Additional Residential Units visit our Additional Residential Unit webpage
Sheridan Nurseries is closing down soon we have heard. Have they sold? Is their acreage (substantial) part of the plan? If so- what is the plan there? What % of farmland will remain?
We do not have any information related to the potential closure of Sheridan nurseries beyond what has been publicized by Sheridan. They have also not disclosed any potential long-term plans they may have for the lands. Should Sheridan propose any development for the lands, they would be required to go through the same Planning process required of any private land owner seeking to make a change to their lands. Information regarding any proposal would be posted on the Town’s website at that time.