Post Nov. 27, 2024 POH FAQs

Following the adoption of the updated Secondary Plan by Town Council, it will need to be approved by the Province. 

Property owners who are interested in making changes (i.e. development) to their property or properties can submit a planning application at any time. The development approvals process can take anywhere from approximately 6 months to several years, depending on the nature of the proposal. Construction can only occur after planning approvals have been received, which again can vary in length depending on complexity. 

For more information on the Town’s Development Review process, please visit: https://www.haltonhills.ca/en/business/development-application-forms.aspx

According to the proposed plans, the development of the Georgetown GO Station Area / Mill Street Corridor is expected to take 25+ years and is dependant upon when private landowners submit development applications and receive their approvals. This study considers a “full-build out” growth scenario in the Secondary Plan area to the year 2051 (and beyond). Change is anticipated to occur over the short, medium and long-term. For privately-owned lands, a landowner must follow the Town’s development approvals process and can depend on other factors such as due diligence, stakeholder and public consultation and securing financing.

Yes. The Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, contains density targets for Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) which includes the area surrounding the Georgetown GO station. For areas served by commuter or regional rail, planning authorities shall plan for a minimum density target of 150 residents and jobs combined per hectare (see Section 2.4.2.2).

Under specific circumstances a municipality may request from the Province a lower minimum density target for a MTSA. Should the Town decide a lower density target is necessary for the MTSA, the request will be made to the Province when a draft Secondary Plan has been prepared.

The Halton Region 2022 Development Charges Background Study organizes “density” into four categories (low, medium, medium-high and high) which consider different unit types (including multiple-bedroom units) and assigns a people per unit ratio to each housing category. This study, and the Region’s Joint Best Planning Estimates, were considered in the density analysis undertaken for the preferred land use option. 

It is anticipated that the Low-Density Residential Areas will remain largely unchanged, which allows for additional dwelling units and modest infill development as-of-right.

The built-out area in the southern area of Georgetown is not within the project’s study area. A map of the study area is available here.

Yes, that is a key priority of the Secondary Plan Review. The density analysis undertaken for the preferred land use option considers the number of people and jobs (combined) per hectare. A greater mix of uses (such as commercial and residential) is encouraged throughout the study area. There are also opportunities to integrate more flexibility in buildings to adapt to changing market conditions in the long term.

While land use policy can encourage rental housing, it can only require it in strategic areas through the use of specific tools, such as a Community Improvement Plan. The project team will work closely with staff to consider additional municipal tools and incentives that can help support more rental housing in the future.

As part of the study, a scoped Traffic Impact Study is being prepared by a transportation engineering consultant which considers the preferred land use option and technical requirements outlined in agreed upon Terms of References (TORs) by the Consultant, Town and Region. 

The Georgetown GO Station Area/Mill Street Corridor Secondary Plan addresses increased traffic through a comprehensive Traffic Impact Study (TIS). This study evaluates current traffic conditions and projects future traffic growth, considering multiple horizon years (2036 and 2051). It identifies potential capacity issues and proposes solutions, while the Town will continue to monitor traffic growth rates to ensure effective management of increased traffic in the area.

The updated secondary plan will encourage a diverse range of housing types. By providing a greater supply of housing (and more variety), the aim is to meet the needs of people with different ages, abilities and backgrounds.  

POPS are spaces which are privately owned but can be accessed by the public. POPS can take many forms, such as courtyards, improved walkways, or gardens. They serve as places for people to relax, socialize and enjoy outdoor activities. POPS are usually negotiated with developers as part of the planning application review process. They are meant to complement, extend or integrate with public parks and plazas (such as a public square), not replace them.

The project team will continue to work closely with Town Planning and Parks staff to identify opportunities for POPS that can be addressed through policy as well as other planning tools and incentives. Landowners / developers are encouraged to design POPS that are easily accessible, located close to public right-of-way and are designed with seamless integration with the surrounding urban environment. POPS are encouraged and may count toward parkland dedication, provided they meet Council approval and have the appropriate agreements in place.

The updated Secondary Plan builds on the Mill Street Neighbourhood Study by integrating updated traffic analysis and proposed improvements. It considers the findings and recommendations in the Mill Street Neighbourhood Study Preferred Design Report (2020), such as opportunities for improved conditions (triggered through new development), enhanced traffic management and improved circulation and pedestrian access throughout the area.

River Drive serves an important function as a Minor Arterial road, designed to accommodate heavy truck traffic. It is one of the few Credit River crossings that provide crucial access to regional markets for local businesses. The road plays a vital role in supporting commercial activities located on Armstrong Avenue, Sinclair Avenue, Todd Road, Mountainview Road, and Guelph Street (Highway 7). To maintain the Town's economic viability, it is essential to ensure 24/7 access for these businesses. Heavy trucks are integral to the operations of these commercial establishments, and restricting their movement would negatively impact local economic activity. Given these considerations and the current road network structure, River Drive will continue to function as a designated truck route. While the Town recognizes the concerns of residents, the road's classification and its significance for local commerce necessitate its continued use by heavy vehicles. These concerns are noted by Town Transportation staff and will be considered further in the Town’s ongoing Trucking Strategy Study.

Currently, there are two special stakeholder groups for the project:

Neighbourhood Group: During the initial stages of the project, Town staff opted to establish a stakeholder group involving local resident associations/groups. This was done in lieu of a traditional Steering Committee due to the ongoing 2022 municipal election. The Neighbourhood Group involves members from the Silver Creek Residents Association and John Street Residents Group. Meetings with the Neighbourhood Group are identified in Phases 2, 3 and 4.

Advisory Committee (New):

An Advisory Committee will be engaged during Phase 4 of the project. Per the Town’s Steering Committee Call for Applicants document, the following eligibility criteria applies:

• Must be a resident of, or hold property within, or adjacent to, the Georgetown GO Station Area/Mill Street Corridor Plan Area in Halton Hills.
• Representatives from established neighbourhood groups and associations are welcome and encouraged to apply.
• Must be over the age of 18 years.

May not be employed by the Town of Halton Hills.

The purpose of the preferred land use option is to serve as the basis for developing policy in the Secondary Plan. The preferred land use option includes several schedules (or “layers”) related to land use, height, transportation and mobility, parks and open space, and a series of conceptual schedules that explore redevelopment potential throughout the study area.