The Horticultural Trades Sector (Landscape Contractor's) Study began in late 2007 as a joint effort between Halton Region, the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills and the Town of Milton.

• Purpose of the Study
• Key Considerations of the Study
• Final Report
• Policy Amendments to the Regional Official Plan
• Regional Contact

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study is to:

• Review current provincial, regional and local land-use policies related to horticultural trade sector uses and develop an understanding of where they are permitted today and the policies governing their location.
• Document the characteristics of the businesses operating within this sector.
• Assess the appropriateness of landscaping uses locating in a rural setting and North Aldershot.
• Provide recommendations on policy direction for consideration through the Sustainable Halton process for possible inclusion in any amendment being presented to Region of Halton Council for consideration.

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Key Considerations of the Study

During the 1st phase of the study it was determined that the current  Official Plan policies did not support the locating of landscape contractor type businesses in the rural areas of the Region and in the North Aldershot area of the City of Burlington. However, many of these businesses have established themselves in these areas.

Key questions for consideration through the course of the study include:

• How are landscaping businesses, nurseries and similar uses defined and/ or classified?
• What are the visual and other characteristics of these land uses?
• Where should these types of land uses be permitted?
• What policies, regulations and municipal approvals should apply to these types of land uses?

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Final Report

The final report was prepared following a comprehensive assessment and extensive consultation period, which included 3 Public Information Centres (one each in the City of Burlington, Town of Halton Hills and the Town of Milton).

The final report was prepared by Halton's Planning Consultant GSP Group Inc. with input from staff from:

• Niagara Escarpment Commission
• City of Burlington
• Town of Halton Hills
• Town of Milton
• Conservation Halton

Horticultural Trade Land Use Study - Final Report 4MB - September 2009

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Policy Amendments to the Regional Official Plan

The recommendations of the final report have been considered by staff through the ongoing development of new Regional Official Plan policies, through the ROPA #37 and ROPA #38 process.

Halton Region staff anticipate that through the ROPA #38 public consultation process, landscape business owners and the general public may wish to have an opportunity to provide feedback on the study, the recommendations being made by the Planning Consultant and the draft policy amendments being contemplated through ROPA #38.

Information on Public Meetings for ROPA #38

A final recommendation on any policy amendment made to the Halton Region Official Plan, as a result of this study, will be presented through ROPA #38, which will go before Regional Council for consideration later this year.

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Regional Contact

Your input into this study is vital to our understanding of the nature of these types of businesses and understanding whether or not they should be allowed to locate in the rural areas of Halton.

Share your thoughts with Regional Planner, Mr. Stirling Todd at:

Tel. 905-825-6000 ext. 7186
Toll Free: 1-866-4HALTON
Email: Stirling.Todd@Halton.ca

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