FAQs

The Premier Gateway Employment Area is identified as the Town’s prestige employment area where large scale employment growth is to be directed. As the “gateway” to the Town, a high standard of design is required for new office, warehousing, manufacturing and commercial development located in this area.

The Premier Gateway Employment Area is located on the north and south sides of Steeles Avenue, north of Highways 401 & 407 and between the east and west boundaries of the Town. The Premier Gateway Employment Area is made up of 4 areas representing different phases for development (i.e. Premier Gateway Phase 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B Employment Areas). See the phases of the Premier Gateway Employment Area and its land use designations, 

The purpose of this study is to review and update the applicable zoning requirements in Zoning By-law 2000-0138 and the Urban Design Guidelines for the Premier Gateway Employment Area to ensure the standards will continue to achieve desirable development and are responsive to the needs of businesses.

The study area for amendments to Zoning By-law 2000-0138 include the Premier Gateway Phase 1A and 2A Employment Areas. The study area for the review of the Urban Design Guidelines includes this area as well as the Premier Gateway Phase 1B Secondary Plan Area.

View a map of the study areas for the Premier Gateway Employment Area Zoning By-law & Urban Design Review,

The applicable zoning (Zoning By-law 2000-0138) and urban design guidelines for the Premier Gateway Employment Area were approved by Town Council 20 years ago. A range of successful developments have been constructed in this area; however, Town staff and the development community have identified a number of standards in By-law 2000-0138 which may no longer be appropriate and/or need to be updated. In addition, a review of the current urban design guidelines (entitled “401 Corridor Integrated Planning Project Urban Design Guidelines”) including design principles, concepts and standards is warranted to align with updated sustainable development practices, current building requirements and modern design approaches

View the text of the current Zoning By-law 2000-0138 (as amended).

View the map of the current Zoning By-law 2000-0138 (as amended).

View the 401 Corridor Integrated Planning Project Urban Design Guidelines.

A review of issues related to the current 401 Corridor Integrated Planning Project Urban Design Guidelines was carried out and fundamental issues were identified with the approach including the establishment of a regulatory direction more appropriate in a zoning by-law. As a result, new Premier Gateway Employment Area Urban Design Guidelines have been drafted which establish a physical design framework for the area to ensure that new built form demonstrates sustainability and high-quality design that is sustainable and reflects building practices that are appropriate to the area.

View the new (draft) Premier Gateway Employment Area Urban Design Guidelines.

As part of the Terms of Reference the study is broken down into three phases (i.e. Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3), along with deliverables and public engagement proposed within each phase. Through 2016 and into 2017 all of the deliverables within Phase 1 had been completed, with the exception of the Public Open House. However, given the study’s connection to the Phase 1B Secondary Plan Review, it was put on hold in 2017 pending completion of the Phase 1B exercise. 

Recognizing Halton Region’s pending approval of the Phase 1B Secondary Plan and that the new Urban Design Guidelines for the Premier Gateway will also apply to this area, staff felt it appropriate to reactivate the subject Premier Gateway Employment Area Zoning By-law & Urban Design Review. 

View the Work Plan for the review.

The review is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2020, including Council approval of amendments to Zoning By-law 2000-0138 and adoption of the new Premier Gateway Employment Area Urban Design Guidelines.

Updates and information related to the review will be posted on this webpage.

Notices of upcoming public engagement events will also be advertised in the Independent & Free Press and through the Town of Halton Hills social media accounts.