Post Oct. 18, 2023 POH FAQs

As part of the municipal planning circulation process under the Planning Act, we do, as a commenting agency, require submission of noise studies for development within 300 metres of our GO Transit corridors. The intent is to ensure that noise related to GO Transit rail operations – forecasting to a 10-year horizon – is correctly contemplated and appropriate mitigation introduced to achieve Ministry-mandated indoor and outdoor noise levels. These studies may also consider vibration mitigation if the development is within 75 metres of the rail line.

In regard to Metrolinx projects, if a Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) is underway we would typically complete a Noise and Vibration Assessment. This would include an assessment of future operations on the corridor (i.e., increase of trains).

Truck restrictions on Urban Area roads generally apply between Monday to Friday (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.), Saturdays (6 a.m. to 12 noon) and all Sundays, which means trucks can operate on weekdays during the day time. 

For more information you can consult the Halton Hills Truck Map.

Through the Secondary Plan Review, the project team will consider the impacts of future development on existing road networks, which would include commercial vehicle traffic, and make recommendations accordingly.

For road classifications, please consult the Halton Hills Transportation Master Plan.

Any mapping online or at our public events showing proposed connections are conceptual at this point. The purpose of this is to identify new roads that may be required to facilitate future high-density developments on the north side of the GO Station. Any extension of Stewart McLaren Road would require additional transportation and engineering studies, beyond what would be completed for the Secondary Plan Review.

 Any conceptual roads identified in the Plan Area on redevelopment sites have been identified at a high level without detailed design. The location and design of new roads required to facilitate redevelopment on large sites would be evaluated at the design stage of development, through a separate development review process (e.g. rezoning and/or site plan applications).

Through the Secondary Plan Review process, existing land use designations are reviewed and changes to the uses allowed on specific parcels might be recommended to ensure that the plan continues to reflect local priorities and changing community needs. 

Consideration will also be given to proposals ahead of drafting a final Preferred Land Use Plan as to whether proposed conversions are justified, and would benefit the Plan Area. Any conversions made through the process would apply to the Secondary Plan only. 

In most cases, site-specific rezoning would be required for a converted property to develop newly permitted uses. The rezoning process provides the Town the opportunity to properly evaluate the impacts of new development on a property that differs from what was previously permitted.

As the project moves into its third phase, the project team will draft technical studies covering key focus areas, including transportation, servicing, cultural and natural heritage. Findings and recommendations made in these studies will help further guide the Preferred Land Use Plan, and support the development of Secondary Plan policies. Finalized studies will be posted online at Let’s Talk Halton Hills for public review. 

In early 2024, staff expect to bring an updated Preferred Land Use Plan to Town Council for endorsement. This is a key project milestone, after which the project team will begin drafting policies for the updated Secondary Plan.

Another Public Open House (POH) will be held in the new year. The purpose of this event will be to present a draft updated Secondary Plan to the public for additional feedback. The timing of this POH will be determined once a Preferred Land Use Plan is endorsed by Town Council.