Alton Village Study Draft Phase 1 Background ... - Town of Caledon

2.1.4 Planning Act Reform
Various Planning Act amendments have taken place in recent years that could influence the
Alton Village Study. The Strong Communities Act (Bill 26) was given Royal Assent on
November 30, 2004. The legislation introduced longer appeal periods and removed the right of
appeal to the OMB for applications to expand settlement areas that are not supported by the
municipality. This provision is retroactive to December 15, 2003. Planning decisions have to
be consistent with policy statements issued by the Minister. Bill 51amendments to the
Planning Act and consequential amendments to other Acts received Royal Assent on October
19, 2006. It expanded a list of provincial interests to include the promotion of development
that is sustainable, supports public transit and is pedestrian oriented. Approval authorities and
the OMB have to have regard for the planning decisions made by municipal Councils.
Planning decisions must be consistent with and conform with provincial policy statements and
plans at the time of Council decisions. Enhanced public notice provisions and expanded scope
of community improvement plan and clarification of municipal powers to regulate minimum
and maximum heights and densities were among other changes to legislation.
The key implication for the Alton Village Study is conformity with Provincial plans including
the Greenbelt Plan and Places to Grow as well as consistency with the PPS. This will provide
a basis against which scenarios may be evaluated.
2.1.5 Environmental Assessment Act
Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act (EA Act) was passed in 1975 and proclaimed in
1976. The EA Act requires proponents to examine and document the environmental effects
that might result from major projects or activities and their alternatives. Municipal
undertakings became subject to the Act in 1981.
The EA Act sets a framework for a systematic, rational and replicable environmental planning
process that is based on five key principles, as follows:
1. Consultation with affected parties.
2. Consideration of a reasonable range of alternatives.
3. Identification and consideration of the effects of each alternative on all aspects of the
environment.
4. Systematic evaluation of alternatives in terms of their advantages and disadvantages
to determine their net environmental effects.
5. Provision of clear and complete documentation of the planning process followed, to
allow “traceability” of decision-making with respect to the project.
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