HALDIMAND COUNTY

efficient land use and development patterns that support strong, liveable and healthy
communities, protect the environment and public health and safety, and facilitate
economic growth. Staff‟s view is the proposed zone changes would facilitate economic
growth by generating new opportunities and reducing the costs and delays associated
with the current process. New or expanding economic opportunities serve to support
strong, liveable and healthy communities. Based on the implementation process (i.e. the
proposed zone provisions, approval requirements, etc. set out later in this report) any
new filming activity would be respectful of public health and well-being as well as the
need to protect the environment.
Film production is considered to be an activity that has the potential to generate spin off
economic activity in the County‟s communities and also integrates well with the rural
areas. Film production activities are to be permitted in agricultural areas given that these
activities are established as clearly secondary and subordinate to the primary
agricultural use of the property, will be temporary in nature and will not negatively affect
surrounding agricultural uses. To that extent, zoning provisions are proposed (described
in more detail in the section below titled Proposed Zone Changes) that would implement
the policy intent by regulating scale, scope, range of use, etc. and setting out
requirements that any film production activity be clearly secondary and subordinate to
the primary use of the property.
The proposed amendments would serve to satisfy and promote the policies set out
above. Based on such, the proposal is consistent with the PPS.
Provincial Growth Plan 2006
The Growth Plan is relatively silent on specifics relating to this type of matter as
technical matters such as this are typically dealt with at the level of zoning. However, in
conjunction with the PPS, the Growth Plan supports a strong and competitive economy
while protecting, conserving, enhancing and wisely using the valuable natural resources
of land, air and water for current and future generations. According to the Growth Plan,
municipalities are to promote economic development and competitiveness by providing
opportunities for a diversified economic base, including maintaining a range and choice
of suitable sites for employment uses which support a wide range of economic activities
and ancillary uses and take into account the needs of existing and future businesses.
The Growth Plan also includes policies which are intended to protect that which is
valuable, such as natural systems and prime agricultural areas. The proposed zoning
amendment conforms to the Growth Plan as it will provide for a unique economic
opportunity while ensuring that the proposed filming activities are located appropriately
and compatible with surrounding land uses.
2. Conformity with County Policy
One of the guiding principles of the Official Plan relates directly to „Economy‟ and
establishes a strategic direction that sets out the importance of maintaining, stimulating
and expanding appropriate sectors of the County‟s economy. The principle sets out the
need to stimulate commercial development (by nurturing existing business and attracting
new ones) and identifies areas for growth (i.e. tourism). The proposed amendments
align with this principle and would allow Haldimand County to use its strategic location
and many resources to attain the vision of having a strong and diverse economy.
Haldimand County recognizes the importance and significance of the film industry to the
County and acknowledges the direct and indirect economic benefits associated with this
sector.
Council in Committee
Report: PED-PD-24-2011
Date of Meeting: May 09, 2011 Page 4 of 24