Regional Official Plan Viewer

71.  The geographic area of Halton is divided into the following mutually exclusive land use designations, as shown on Map 1 with the exception of Regional Waterfront Parks, which are shown by symbol on Map 1 and detailed on Map 2:

1. Urban Area,
2. Agricultural Area,
3. [Section number not in use.]
4. Hamlets,
5. Mineral Resource Extraction Areas,
6. Regional Natural Heritage System,
7. Regional Waterfront Park, and,
8. North Aldershot Policy Area.

Urban Area

72. The objectives of the Urban Area are:

1.   To accommodate growth in accordance with the Region's desire to improve and maintain regional unity, retain local community identity, create healthy communities, promote economic prosperity, maintain a high quality, sustainable natural environment, and preserve certain landscapes permanently.
2.   To support a form of growth that is compact and supportive of transit usage and non-motorized modes of travel, reduces the dependence on the automobile, makes efficient use of space and services, promotes live-work relationships and fosters a strong and competitive economy.
3.   To provide a range of identifiable, inter-connected and complete communities of various sizes, types and characters, which afford maximum choices for residence, work and leisure.
4.   To ensure that growth takes place commensurately both within and outside the Built Boundary.
5.    To establish a rate and phasing of growth that ensures the logical and orderly progression of development, supports sustainable and cost-effective growth, encourages complete communities, and is consistent with the policies of this Plan.
6.   To identify an urban structure that supports the development of Intensification Areas.
7.   To plan and invest for a balance of jobs and housing in communities across the Region to reduce the need for long distance commuting and to increase the modal share for transit and active transportation.
8.   To promote the adaptive re-use of brownfield and greyfield sites.
9.   To facilitate and promote intensification and increased densities.
10.   To provide for an appropriate range and balance of employment uses including industrial, office and retail and institutional uses to meet long-term needs.
10.1   To direct where employment uses should be located and to protect areas designated for such uses.
11.   To provide opportunities for post-secondary education facilities to locate within Halton.

73. [Section number not in use.]

74. The Urban Area consists of areas so designated on Map 1 where urban services are or will be made available to accommodate existing and future urban development and amenities. Within the Urban Area, Employment Areas and Urban Growth Centres are identified on Map 1 as overlays on top of the Urban Area, for which specific policies apply.

75. The Urban Area is planned to accommodate the distribution of population and employment for the Region and the four Local Municipalities as shown in Table 1 and the Regional phasing as shown in Table 2a.

76. The range of permitted uses and the creation of new lots in the Urban Area will be in accordance with Local Official Plans and Zoning By-laws. All development, however, shall be subject to the policies of this Plan.

77. It is the policy of the Region to:

1.   Prepare, in consultation with the Local Municipalities, and adopt population, employment and Regional phasing forecasts in accordance with the distribution of population and employment contained in Table 1. Such forecasts shall:
a)    be updated regularly but no less frequently than every five years;
b)    be detailed for each Local Municipality;
c)    show the annual population and employment increases between the current year and year 2031;
d)    contain estimates of the annual number of new housing units by density type, consistent with the housing targets under Sections 86(6) and 86(6.1);
e)    contain assignment of population, employment and housing units under Sections 77(1)c) and 77(1)d) to the Built-Up Area, Designated Greenfield Area, and outside the Urban Area, consistent with Table 2; and
f)     contain estimates of Affordable Housing units to be achieved annually, consistent with the housing targets under Sections 86(6) and 86(6.1).

2.   [Section number not in use.]
2.1   Direct, through Table 2 and Table 2a, to the Built-Up Area a minimum of 40 per cent of new residential development occurring annually within Halton in 2015 and every year thereafter.
2.2.  Provide an Annual Intensification Monitoring Report to Council that will include, for each Local Municipality and for the Region as a whole:
a)  the number of new housing units occurring in the Built-Up Area, in the previous year,
b)    the departure, if any, of the numbers under Section 77(2.2)a) from the forecasts under Section 77(1)e),
c)    starting in 2016, the cumulative deficit, if any, of new housing units occurring in the Built-Up Area between 2015 and the current year, and
d)    should there be any significant deficits under Section 77(2.2)c),
[i]    an evaluation of the performance and success of the intensification measures and policies in Section 81; and
[ii]   recommendations on a list of short term action items prepared in consultation with the Local Municipalities, that can be implemented immediately to more effectively accommodate all intensification opportunities prior to the next Monitoring Report.
2.3.   Through amendment to this Plan, implement, without impacting the Region’s commitments related to the financial and implementation plan under Section 77(17), a strategy to redress any significant deficits under Section 77(2.2)c) that may include one or more of the following measures:
a)   updating the assignment of housing units to the Built-Up Area under Section 77(1)e) for the period between the current year and 2031 while maintaining the intensification targets of Table 2;
b)   limiting the annual number of new housing units occurring in the Designated Greenfield Area based on forecasts under Section 77(1)e);
c)   requiring, once the limit under Section 77(2.3)b) is reached in any year, Local Municipalities to consider only approval of joint applications for development from both the Built-Up Area and the Designated Greenfield Area that deliver a minimum of 40 per cent of new units in the Built-Up Area; and/or
d)    in consultation with the Local Municipalities and the development industry, investigating incentives to promote intensification and seek Provincial assistance, financial or otherwise, to support such incentives.
2.4.   Require development occurring in Designated Greenfield Areas to:
a)      contribute towards achieving the development density target of Table 2 and the Regional phasing of Table 2a;
b)    contribute to creating healthy communities;
c)    create street configurations, densities, and an urban form that support walking, cycling and the early integration and sustained viability of transit services;
d)    provide a diverse mix of land uses, including residential and employment uses to support vibrant neighbourhoods; and
e)    create high quality parks and open spaces with site design standards and urban design guidelines that support opportunities for transit and active transportation.
3.   Require the Local Municipalities and encourage public agencies in Halton to adopt and use the population and employment forecasts established under Section 77(1), as well as the population and employment distribution contained in Table 1, the targets contained in Table 2 and 2a, as the basis for their plans and provision of services.
4.   Require the Local Municipalities to demonstrate with sufficient details, through their respective Official Plans and amendments thereof, how the distribution of population and employment in Table 1, the targets in Table 2, and the Regional phasing in Table 2a can be achieved and maintained at all times.
5.   Require the Local Municipalities to prepare Area-Specific Plans or policies for major growth areas, including the development or redevelopment of communities. The area may contain solely employment lands without residential uses or solely an Intensification Area. Such plans or policies shall be incorporated by amendment into the Local Official Plan and shall demonstrate how the goals and objectives of this Plan are being attained and shall include, among other things:
a)    a general statement of the intended character of the area or community,
b)    boundaries of the area or community,
c)    policies for the protection of the Regional Natural Heritage System and for the protection of public health and safety within hazard lands,
d)    capacity targets of population, housing units and employment, including targets for Affordable Housing,
e)    land use patterns that promote mixed-use, compact, transit-supportive, walkable communities, including the locations of local facilities for social, cultural, recreational, educational and religious purposes,
f)     location, types and density of residential and employment lands that contribute to creating healthy communities through:
[i]    urban design,
[ii]   diversity of land uses,
[iii]  appropriate mix and densities of housing,
[iv]  provision of local parks and open space,
[v]   strengthening live-work relationship through a proper balance of residential and employment land uses, and
[vi]  promoting active transportation and public transit use.
f.1)  consideration for land use compatibility in accordance with Regional and Ministry of the Environment guidelines,
g)    overall development density for the area or community and, if it is located within the Designated Greenfield Area, how this density will contribute towards achieving the minimum overall development density for Designated Greenfield Areas in the Local Municipality as set out in Table 2 and the Regional phasing as set out in Table 2a,
h)    a transportation network that promotes public transit and active transportation, including a strategy for early introduction of transit services,
i)     development phasing,
j)     storm water management or, if the scale of development justifies, a Sub-watershed Study as per Section 145(9),
k)    Environmental Impact Assessments, if any part of the Regional Natural Heritage System is affected in an area not covered by a Sub-watershed Study,
l)     an Air Quality Impact Assessment based on guidelines under Section 143(2.1),
m)   water and wastewater servicing plans,
n)    provision of utilities,
o)    a fiscal impact analysis,
p)    a community infrastructure plan, based on Regional guidelines, describing where, how and when public services for health, education, recreation, socio-cultural activities, safety and security and Affordable Housing will be provided to serve the community, and
q)    an Agricultural Impact Assessment on potential impact of urban development on existing agricultural operations, including the requirement for compliance with the Minimum Distance Separation formulae where an agricultural operation is outside the Urban Area.
6.    Require Local Official Plans to specify development phasing strategies within the Urban Area consistent with the policies of this Plan, giving priority to achieving the distribution and Regional phasing as set out in Tables 1, 2, and 2a, development of Intensification Areas, employment lands, infilling and completion of existing neighbourhoods and communities. Each development phase shall support the creation of healthy communities.
7.   Introduce, only by amendment(s) to this Plan, Urban Area expansions based on a municipal comprehensive review undertaken as part of the Region’s statutory five-year review of the Official Plan under the Planning Act, provided that it can be demonstrated that:
a)    sufficient opportunities to accommodate the distribution of population and employment in Table 1, based on intensification and density targets in Table 2, are not available within the Region;
a.1) the expansion makes available sufficient lands to accommodate population and employment growth for a time horizon of at least ten years but not exceeding 20 years unless otherwise directed by Provincial Plan or policy;
b     the timing of the expansion and the phasing of development within the new Designated Greenfield Areas will not adversely affect the achievement of the intensification and density targets in Table 2, the Regional phasing in Table 2a, and other policies of this Plan;
b.1) the proposed expansion will meet the requirements of the Niagara Escarpment Plan and the Greenbelt Plan;
b.2) the proposed expansion is logical, contiguous to the existing urban area with readily identifiable boundaries, supportive of the efficient use of existing and planned infrastructure and human services, including access and connection to Provincial Highways and planned inter-regional public transportation systems, and consistent with goals, objectives and policies of this Plan;
c)    infrastructure and human services required to accommodate the proposed expansion can be provided in a financially and environmentally sustainable manner, and is based on a financing plan communicated to the public and subsequently approved by Council;
d)    in Prime Agricultural Areas, as shown on Map 1E:
[i]    the lands do not comprise specialty crop areas;
[ii]   there are no reasonable alternatives that avoid Prime Agricultural Areas; and
[iii]  there are no reasonable alternatives on lower priority agricultural lands within the Prime Agricultural Areas;
e)    impacts from the expansion on agricultural operations adjacent or close to the Urban Area are mitigated to the extent feasible;
f)     the amount of land area and the most appropriate location for expansion to the Urban Area are consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, and goals, objectives and policies of this Plan and are based on, among other things, the following:
[i]    a land supply analysis consistent with Section 77(7)a),
[ii]   alternative development scenarios and their implications with respect to efficient use of urban infrastructure, ease of access to existing and planned transportation facilities, community services, retail requirements, mineral aggregate resources, agriculture, and the natural and social environments, and the consistency of the alternative scenarios with the criteria set out in Section 77(7)b) to 77(7)e) inclusive,
[iii]  a fiscal impact analysis of the new growth on the Region and the Local Municipalities,
[iv]  criteria for evaluating such scenarios and the evaluation thereof,
[v]   an extensive public consultation program throughout the comprehensive review,
[vi]  preparation or update of a multi-year master plan for the phasing in of urban services and transportation facilities, and
[vii] the identification of employment lands within the proposed expansion area that should be designated and protected for the long-term due to their proximity to major transportation facilities and infrastructure.
g)    compliance with the Minimum Distance Separation formulae has been addressed.
8.   Monitor regularly the demand and supply of urban development lands to ensure that there is sufficient lead time to undertake the municipal comprehensive review under Section 77(7) and, if necessary, initiate the appropriate studies prior to a five-year review of this Plan.
9.   [Section number not in use.]
10.   [Section number not in use.]
11.   [Section number not in use.]
12.   Prepare, in conjunction with the Local Municipalities, the School Boards and Provincial agencies responsible for other human services, a Joint Infrastructure Staging Plan, based on the distribution of population and employment in Table 1 and their forecasts under Section 77(1), and any community infrastructure plans under Section 77(5)p), as well as Local and Regional development phasing strategies, to ensure that infrastructure and human services to support development is planned and financing is secured in advance of need. The Staging Plan shall be updated periodically and assist in setting development charges and preparing master plans for the provision of Regional services, in accordance with the Provincial Class Environmental Assessment process.
13.   On the basis of the Joint Infrastructure Staging Plan, seek funding assistance and coordination of their expenditures from the Federal and Provincial governments for the orderly and timely provision of infrastructure and human services.
14.   Coordinate with the Local Municipalities the preparation of Regional and Local capital budgets and forecasts to implement the municipal portion of the Joint Infrastructure Staging Plan.
15.   Require the development industry to absorb its share of the cost of the provision of infrastructure and human services as permitted by applicable legislation and that any financial impact of new development or redevelopment on existing taxpayers be based on a financing plan communicated to the taxpayers and subsequently approved by Council. Such a financing plan may provide measures such as staging or contingent provisions to demonstrate that the provision of infrastructure and public service facilities under the Joint Infrastructure Staging Plan by Provincial and Federal Governments and other service providers are co-ordinated with those by the Region and Local Municipalities so that the health and well-being of the community is advanced in a fiscally responsible manner.
16.   Require the Local Municipalities to phase development to the year 2031 in accordance with Map 5, Regional Phasing Map, Table 2a Regional phasing, and the policies of this Plan. The progression from one phase to the subsequent phase within a municipality is independent for each municipality and is also independent for employment and residential lands. The preparation, processing and approval of large scale plans such as Area-Specific Plans and the preparation and processing of Zoning By-laws and planning applications for site-specific development, such as applications for draft plan of subdivision approval on lands in the 2021-2031 phase on Map 5 can proceed prior to 2021 but must be in accordance with Section 77(17).
17.   Require the following prior to the Local Municipality approving development within any Regional phase and prior to the progression of development from one Regional phase to the next as set out on Map 5 as modified:
a)    approval by Regional Council of a financial and implementation plan, including financial commitment by the private development sector to absorb its share of the cost of the provision of the necessary infrastructure and human services as permitted by applicable legislation. The financial and implementation plan shall be based on:
[i]    Area-Specific Plans or a generalized land use map in the Local Official Plan that meets the requirements of Section 77(5) showing land use designations and community structure approved by the Local Municipality, and
[ii]   the municipal portion of the Joint Infrastructure Staging Plan as described in Section 77(12);
b)    approval of applicable development charge by-laws;
c)    determination by Regional Council that the intensification targets in Table 2, and the Regional phasing in Table 2a as monitored through Sections 77(2.2) and 77(2.3), can be reasonably achieved;
d)    Regional phasing, as outlined in Table 2a, shall be used as a guiding principle for the movement between phases of development and shall apply to Sections 77(5), 77(12) and 77(15);
e)    unused Regional phasing from Table 2a will be carried forward to following years to achieve the Regional phasing outlined in Table 2a.
18.  Require the Local Municipalities to include in their Official Plans detailed sub-phasing policies to set out additional local requirements for the progression of development from one sub-phase to the next in accordance with the policies of this Plan.
19.  Apply the following specific policy for the progression of Regional phases or Local Municipal sub-phases:
a)    The Region, in consultation with the Local Municipality, may revise the specific policies for the progression of Regional Phases or Local Municipal sub-phases if one landowner or group of owners delays the continuous progression of residential growth.
20.   Notwithstanding Section 77(16) through Section 77(19) of this Plan, permit the provision of water and wastewater services to municipal infrastructure and facilities and public institutions located within any Regional phase, if deemed prudent and feasible by Regional Council.
21.   Co-ordinate the planning and approval process of large-scale major retail uses whose primary trade area extends beyond the boundary of the Local Municipality where it is proposed by ensuring:
a)    any affected Local Municipalities are engaged early in the planning process and consulted throughout the approval process;
b)    there is a need for the proposed use in both the short term and the long term and for the Local Municipality itself and the Region as a whole;
c)    existing retail uses within the primary trade area, especially historic ones such as those in the downtown areas, are not unduly affected;
d)    appropriate studies on the impact of the proposed use on the surrounding area are carried out as required by and to the satisfaction of the Local Municipality and the Region;
e)    the proposed location of the use supports the intensification and healthy communities principles of this Plan and does not displace existing or planned non-retail employment uses near highway interchanges;
f)     the use is incorporated by amendment to the Local Official Plan with its own separate designation; and
g)    all Local and Regional policies and requirements, financial or otherwise, are met.

Employment Areas

77.1     The objectives of the Employment Areas are:

1.    To ensure the availability of sufficient land for employment to accommodate forecasted growth to support Halton’s and its Local Municipalities’ economic competitiveness.
2.    To provide, in conjunction with those employment uses within the residential and mixed use areas of the communities, opportunities for a fully-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.
3.    To locate Employment Areas in the vicinity of existing major highway interchanges and rail yards, where appropriate, within the Urban Area.

77.2      The Employment Areas, are shown as an overlay on top of the Urban Area on Map 1, and are subject to the objectives and policies for the Urban Area. Their boundaries are to be interpreted in accordance with Section 52 of this Plan. Additional Employment Areas may be introduced within the Urban Area by amendment to this Plan based on the completion of an Area-Specific Plan or an amendment to the Local Official Plan.

77.3      [Section number not in use.]

77.4      It is the policy of the Region to:

1.   Prohibit residential and other non-employment uses including major retail uses in the Employment Areas except:
a)    to recognize uses permitted by specific policies of a Local Official Plan on December 16, 2009; or
b)    for institutional uses identified in a Local Official Plan, as a result of a detailed study that sets limits and criteria on such uses based on the following principles:
[i]    the use is of small scale and such uses collectively within an Employment Area shall not change the character of that Employment Area;
[ii]   the location and design of the use meet the Land Use Compatibility Guidelines under Section 143(10) of this Plan;
[iii]  the use is located at the periphery of the Employment Area; and
[iv]  such uses do not collectively displace employment from the Employment Area to result in a shortfall in Employment Areas to meet the Local Municipality’s employment forecast in Table 1 and Table 2a.
2.   Plan for, protect and preserve the Employment Areas for current and future use.
3.   Ensure the necessary infrastructure is provided to support the development of the Employment Areas in accordance with policies of this Plan.
4.   Require Local Municipalities to prohibit the conversion of lands within the Employment Areas to non-employment uses including major retail uses unless through a municipal comprehensive review where it has been demonstrated that:
a)    there is a need for the conversion;
b)    the conversion will not compromise the Region’s or Local Municipality’s ability to meet the employment forecast in Table 1 and Table 2a;
c)    the conversion will not adversely affect the overall viability of the Employment Area, and achievement of the intensification and density targets of Table 2 and other policies of this Plan;
d)    there is existing or planned infrastructure to accommodate the proposed conversion;
e)    the lands are not required for employment purposes over the long term;
f)     cross-jurisdictional issues have been considered; and
g)    all Regional policies and requirements, financial or otherwise, have been met.
5.   Require Local Municipalities to promote intensification and increased densities in both new and existing Employment Areas by facilitating compact, transit-supportive built form and minimizing surface parking.
6.   Subject to Section 77(7), designate lands where appropriate in the vicinity of existing or planned major highway interchanges, ports, rail yards and airports for employment purposes that rely on this infrastructure, once these lands are included in the Urban Area.

Intensification Areas

78.       The objectives of the Intensification Areas are:

1. To provide an urban form that is complementary to existing developed areas, uses space more economically, promotes live-work relationships, fosters social interaction, enhances public safety and security, reduces travel by private automobile, promotes active transportation, and is environmentally more sustainable.
2. To provide opportunities for more cost-efficient and innovative urban design.
3. To provide a range of employment opportunities, facilities and services in centralized locations that are readily accessible by public transit.
4. To provide a diverse and compatible mix of land uses, including residential and employment uses, to support neighbourhoods.
5. To create a vibrant, diverse and pedestrian-oriented urban environment.
6. To cumulatively attract a significant portion of population and employment growth.
7. To provide high quality public open spaces with site design and urban design standards that create attractive and vibrant places.
8. To support transit and active transportation for everyday activities.
9. To generally achieve higher densities than the surrounding areas.
10. To achieve an appropriate transition of built form to adjacent areas.
11. For Major Transit Station Areas and Intensification Corridors:
    a)    To achieve increased residential and employment densities in order to ensure the viability of existing and planned transit infrastructure and service.
    b)    To achieve a mix of residential, office, institutional and commercial development, where appropriate.
    c)    For Major Transit Station Areas, to provide access from various transportation modes to the transit facility, including consideration of, but not limited to, pedestrians, bicycle routes and bicycle parking, commuter pick-up/drop-off areas, carpool parking, car share vehicles, and parking/recharging stations for electric vehicles.
    d)    For Intensification Corridors, to accommodate local services, including recreational, cultural and entertainment uses.

79.    [Section number not in use.]

80.    Intensification Areas are parts of the Urban Area and consist of:

1.    Urban Growth Centres, which are shown as an overlay on top of the Urban Area on Map 1, subject to specific policies in addition to those for Intensification Areas,
2.    Major Transit Station Areas (including Metrolinx-designated Mobility Hubs) as identified on Map 1 and Map 3 and/or in Local Official Plans, which generally consist of areas within 500 m of the Major Transit Station,
3.    Intensification Corridors as identified in Local Official Plans, which consists of areas along Higher Order Transit Corridors and selected Arterial Roads within Urban Areas, as shown on Map 3, and
4.    Mixed Use Nodes as identified in Local Official Plans, which have a concentration of residential and employment uses with development densities and patterns supportive of pedestrian traffic and public transit.

81.       It is the policy of the Region to:

1.   Direct development with higher densities and mixed uses to Intensification Areas.
2.   Require Local Official Plans to identify Intensification Areas with detailed boundaries in accordance with the objectives and policies of this Plan.
3.   Require the Local Municipalities to prepare detailed official plan policies or an Area-Specific Plan for the development of a new Intensification Area or the redevelopment of an existing Intensification Area, in accordance with Sections 48 and 77(5) of this Plan. The provisions for Intensification Areas may be incorporated as part of a larger community plan.
4.   Require Area-Specific Plans or policies for Intensification Areas to include:
a)    a transportation network designed to integrate active transportation, local transit services and inter-municipal/inter-regional higher order transit services; and
b)    urban design guidelines to promote active transportation and transit supportive land uses in accordance with Regional standards under Section 81(5).
5.   Adopt alternative design standards for Arterial Roads through Intensification Areas to promote active transportation, pedestrian-oriented development and transit-friendly facilities while maintaining the mobility function of the Major Arterial Road.
6.   Require the Local Municipalities to ensure the proper integration of Intensification Areas with surrounding neighbourhoods through pedestrian walkways, cycling paths and transit routes, and the protection of the physical character of these neighbourhoods through urban design.
7.   Require the Local Municipalities to:
a)    include Official Plan policies and adopt Zoning By-laws to meet intensification and mixed-use objectives for Intensification Areas;
b)    prescribe in Official Plans and Zoning By-laws minimum development densities for lands within Intensification Areas;
c)    prohibit site-specific Official Plan or Zoning By-law amendments to reduce development density within an Intensification Area unless it is part of a municipal comprehensive review of the Official Plan or a review of the Area-Specific Plan for the Intensification Area; and
d)    promote development densities that will support existing and planned transit services.
7.1  Encourage the Local Municipalities to implement a development permit system under the Planning Act for development approvals within Intensification Areas and in which case, require that such a system be consistent with policies of this Plan.
7.2  Consider intensification and development of Intensification Areas as the highest priority of urban development within the Region and implement programs and incentives, including Community Improvement Plans under the Planning Act, to promote and support intensification.
7.3  Ensure that Intensification Areas are development-ready by:
a)    making available at the earliest opportunity water, waste water and transportation service capacities to support the development densities prescribed for Intensification Areas; and
b)    requiring Local Municipalities to adopt the Zoning By-laws under Section 81(7), or equivalent Official Plan policies having the same effect, within one year of the approval of the Local Official Plan amendment introducing the Intensification Areas.
8.   Encourage the Local Municipalities to adopt parking standards and policies within Intensification Areas to promote the use of active transportation and public transit.
9.   Encourage the Local Municipalities to consider planning approval, financial and other incentives to promote the development of Intensification Areas.
10.   Direct Regional services and facilities, appropriate in an urban setting, to Intensification Areas and encourage the Local Municipalities and other public agencies to do the same.
10.1  Require the Local Municipalities to direct major office, retail and appropriate major institutional development to Urban Growth Centres, Major Transit Station Areas (including Metrolinx-designated Mobility Hubs), areas with existing frequent transit services, or existing or planned higher order transit services.
11.   Monitor, in conjunction with the Local Municipalities and through the Annual Intensification Monitoring Report under Section 77(2.2) of this Plan, the performance of the Intensification Areas in achieving the goals and objectives and implementing the policies and targets of this Plan.

Urban Growth Centres

81.1      The objectives of the Urban Growth Centres, as shown on Map 1, are:

1. To serve as focal areas for investment in institutional and region-wide public services, as well as commercial, recreational, cultural and entertainment uses.
2. To accommodate and support major transit infrastructure.
3. To serve as high density major employment centres that will attract provincially, nationally or internationally significant employment uses.
4. To accommodate a significant share of population and employment growth.

81.2   The Urban Growth Centres are parts of Intensification Areas, which in turn are parts of the Urban Area and therefore are subject to the objectives and policies for both Intensification Areas and the Urban Area. The boundaries of the Urban Growth Centres as shown on Map 1 are to be interpreted in accordance with Section 52 of this Plan.

81.3      It is the policy of the Region to:

1. Require Urban Growth Centres to achieve a minimum development density target of 200 residents and jobs combined per gross hectare by 2031 or earlier.
2. Require Local Official Plans to show how the development density target for Urban Growth Centres under Section 81.3(1) can be met, including the submission to the Region of any supporting background documentation.

82.       [Section number not in use.]

83.       [Section number not in use.]

Housing

84.       The goal for housing is to supply the people of Halton with an adequate mix and variety of housing to satisfy differing physical, social and economic needs.

85.       The objectives for housing are:

1. To establish housing targets by type and appropriate density for the Local Municipalities and the Region as a whole.
2. To explore and implement new approaches to reduce residential land and construction costs and to effect an adequate supply of Affordable Housing.
3. To coordinate, improve upon, and expedite the development approval process so as to reduce the overall cost of housing.
4. To make more efficient use of existing developed lands, housing stock and available services to increase the supply of housing while maintaining the physical character of existing neighbourhoods.
5. To meet housing needs through the provision of Assisted Housing, Affordable Housing and Special Needs Housing in Halton.
6. To integrate Assisted and Special Needs Housing with Market Housing.
7. To provide and manage Assisted Housing in Halton through the Halton Community Housing Corporation.
8. To encourage the Local Municipalities and the building and development industry to develop innovative housing designs that stress flexibility in use, mix of compatible land uses, good environmental practices, universal physical access, public safety and security needs, cost-efficiency, affordability and energy and natural resource conservation while maintaining sound engineering and planning principles.
9. To encourage the Local Municipalities to maintain the quality of the existing housing stock.
10. To participate in and deliver Provincial and/or Federal housing programs that are beneficial to housing development in Halton.
11. To coordinate and provide information on housing needs in Halton through centres that are accessible in each Local Municipality.
12. To support the use of surplus public and not-for-profit lands, where appropriate, for developing Assisted Housing and Affordable Housing.
13. To promote residential intensification through the development or redevelopment of brownfield and greyfield sites.

86.       It is the policy of the Region to:

1.   Monitor the development approval process to achieve at all times a minimum of three-year supply of draft approved and/or registered residential units for the Region as a whole.
2.   Define Affordable Housing for the Halton and local municipal markets based on its definition under Section 214.
3.   Maintain a broad-based Halton Housing Advisory Committee to advise Council on housing issues in Halton, raise public awareness on housing needs, and monitor housing research from other jurisdictions.
4.   Prepare and update as part of the statutory Official Plan five-year review, in conjunction with the Local Municipalities and in consultation with the development industry and other housing providers, a Joint Regional-Municipal Housing Statement for Council adoption that will
a)    describe the annual demand, supply and need for housing by Local Municipality, and by Assisted Housing, Affordable Housing, Special Needs Housing, and housing with universal physical access, and
b)    recommend targets, policies and action plans to meet these needs.
5.   Require Local Municipalities that prepare Municipal Housing Statements independently of the Joint Regional-Municipal Housing Statement to have regard for the Joint Statement and to submit the Local Statements to Regional Council for approval.
6.   Adopt the following housing targets:
a)    that at least 50 per cent of new housing units produced annually in Halton be in the form of townhouses or multi-storey buildings; and
b)    that at least 30 per cent of new housing units produced annually in Halton be Affordable or Assisted Housing.
6.1   Establish, in conjunction with the Local Municipalities, annual targets for the production of housing units by density type and affordability for each Local Municipality, based on the Regional targets under Section 86(6).
7.    Provide annually a State of Housing report to Council that contains among other things:
a)    an update of the definitions of Assisted Housing and Affordable Housing;
b)    a review of housing supply, demand and need in Halton during the past year, covering the various housing segments of Assisted Housing, Affordable Housing, Market Housing, Special Needs Housing and housing with universal physical access;
c)    identification of the gaps between supply and demand of Assisted Housing and Affordable Housing;
d)    state of homelessness in Halton; and
e)    performance of the housing market towards meeting the housing targets under Sections 86(6) and 86(6.1).
8.   Based on the State of Housing report, set priorities among the various housing initiatives and implement programs and action plans to address housing gaps and shortfalls in meeting the housing targets.
9.   [Section number not in use.]
10   Require Local Official Plans and Zoning By-laws to permit second residential units within an existing dwelling in residential neighbourhoods as of right, provided that health, safety and other reasonable standards or criteria (e.g. the provision of parking or adequacy of services) are met.
10.1  Ensure that the standards or criteria identified in a Local Official Plan or Zoning By-law shall not preclude or prohibit the establishment of second residential units, as provided for in Provincial legislation, policy or plans.
11.   Permit intensification of land use for residential purposes such as infill, redevelopment, and conversion of existing structures provided that the physical character of existing neighbourhoods can be maintained.
12.   Encourage the building and development industry to incorporate universal physical access features in all new buildings.
13.   Encourage the Local Municipalities and the development industry to provide innovative building design that will facilitate subsequent conversion to provide additional housing units.
13.1  In partnership with the Local Municipalities, other government agencies and the private sector, identify brownfield and greyfield sites outside Employment Areas and work towards making them available, where appropriate, for development or redevelopment for housing purposes with components of Assisted, Affordable and Special Needs Housing. Such sites or lands may be declared as Community Improvement Project Areas under the Planning Act to facilitate their development or redevelopment.
14.   Support the involvement of the private and non-profit sectors in the provision of Assisted and Affordable Housing by improving the planning process and funding mechanism.
15.   Consider financial and other incentives including grants, property tax reductions, infrastructure improvements and Community Improvement Plans in the provision of Assisted, Affordable and Special Needs Housing.
16.   Encourage the Local Municipalities and other commenting agencies to expedite planning approvals and provide other incentives in the provision of Assisted, Affordable and Special Needs Housing and further to give priority to planning approval of those receiving government funding.
17.   Seek funding allocation from the Federal and Provincial governments for the provision of new Assisted and Affordable Housing in Halton.
17.1  Require that Assisted and Affordable Housing projects receiving government funding include, as appropriate, units with universal physical access and energy conservation standards.
18.   Encourage all levels of government to stimulate rental Market Housing construction in Halton to meet such needs.
19.   Require the Local Municipalities to use a rental housing vacancy rate of 3 per cent as the minimum threshold to permit the conversion of existing rental housing to ownership tenure or other uses or the demolition of such housing.
20.   Require the Local Municipalities, in developing phasing strategies, to ensure that a full range and mix of housing types can be provided in each development phase in accordance with Table 2a.
21.   Require Local Official Plans to provide an appropriate mix of housing by density, type and affordability in each geographic area, consistent with current and projected demands reflecting socio-economic and demographic trends.
22.   Require Local Official Plans and Zoning By-laws to permit Special Needs Housing as of right in all residential neighbourhoods subject to reasonable planning standards and design criteria.
23.   Encourage the Local Municipalities and the development industry to consider innovative residential development designs which contribute to affordability and energy and natural resource conservation.
24.   Encourage the Local Municipalities to adopt and enforce maintenance and occupancy standards by-laws (Property Standard By-laws).
25.   [Section number not in use.]
26.   Seek development opportunities for Assisted and Affordable Housing in Intensification Areas where public transit, retail and other facilities are readily accessible.

Urban (Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment) Services

87.   The goal for urban services is to ensure the adequate provision of an economic level of urban services to achieve Regional development objectives while conscious of the need to protect the environment.

88.    The objectives for urban services are:

1. To provide satisfactory levels of urban services in the Urban Area to meet existing and future requirements.
2. To provide a staged program for the improvement and extension of urban services:
   a)    within the financial capabilities of the Region,
   b)    meeting or exceeding provincial environmental standards, and
   c)    based on the Joint Infrastructure Staging Plan.

    

89.       It is the policy of the Region to:

1.   Provide urban services only within the Urban Area, unless otherwise permitted by specific policies of this Plan. 2.   Adopt, after consultation with the Ministry of the Environment, Urban Services Guidelines to implement policies of this Plan consistent with Provincial policies. 3.   Require that approvals for all new development within the Urban Area be on the basis of connection to Halton's municipal water and wastewater systems, unless otherwise exempt by other policies of this Plan.

4.   Permit development in the Urban Area on private wells and/or private sewage disposal systems that conform to Regional standards and Provincial legislation, regulations and standards including building codes only:
a)    when urban service(s) is determined by the Region to be unavailable;
b)    on an interim basis until urban service(s) is available, at which time the development must be connected to the municipal servicing system(s) within two years of the service(s) becoming available;
c)    the development meets other criteria as specified by Council in the Urban Services Guidelines; and
d)    the owner of the development satisfies all financial and legal obligations required by the Region.
5.   Prohibit the use of municipal water in once-through cooling systems.
6.   Permit the placement of urban services infrastructure on privately owned lands only in accordance with the Urban Services Guidelines adopted by Council under Section 89(2).
7.   Incorporate in the Joint Infrastructure Staging Plan phasing schemes for the provision of urban services in the Region.
8.   Limit development in the Urban Area to the ability and financial capability of the Region to provide urban services in accordance with its approved financing plan under Section 77(15) of this Plan.
9.   Explore, and implement if deemed cost-effective, technological innovations and best operating and management practices to continuously improve performance of the servicing infrastructure to protect the environment.
10.  Design and implement the urban services to meet only the capacity requirements of the Urban Area. Where it can be demonstrated that there are long term social, environmental or economic benefits, individual components of the urban services may be over-sized provided that it:
a)    is deemed prudent by Council; and
b)    is financially feasible.
10.1  Consider the over-sized components of the urban services under Section 89(10) as one of many contributing factors, but not a determinative one, in the location or timing of future expansions of the Urban Area in accordance with Section 77(7) of this Plan.
11.  [Section number not in use.]
12.  Monitor the servicing requirements of proposed and approved development in terms of allocations of water supply and wastewater treatment capacities to ensure that total system capacities, with an adequate reserve for operational flexibility and emergency situations, are not exceeded and to provide sufficient lead time for the planning, approvals and construction of new facilities.
13.  Monitor the quantity of flows in both the water supply and wastewater treatment systems and [formerly Section 89(14)b)] develop, in consultation with the Local Municipalities, programs for allocating the remaining servicing capacities on the basis of the status of development approvals and Local Official Plan phasing strategies.
14.  [Section number not in use.]
15.  [Section number not in use.]
16.  Recognize and permit improvements to the urban service system interconnections existing at the time of adoption of this Plan between the Region of Halton and abutting municipalities.
17.  Consider and permit, based on individual merit and in accordance with goals and objectives of this Plan, new urban service system interconnections between the Region of Halton and abutting municipalities.
18.  Prohibit private connections to existing and future water and wastewater systems situated outside the Urban Area, unless otherwise permitted by specific policies of this Plan, or to comply with legally executed and binding agreements existing at the time of the adoption of this Plan (December 16, 2009).
19.  [Section number not in use.]
20.  Recognize, with regard to urban services, that where a road exists along the boundary between the Urban Area designation and another land use designation, the exact location of the Urban Area boundary shall be considered to exist along the edge of the right-of-way furthest from the Urban Area. Where this right-of-way boundary line is discontinuous due to reasons such as intersecting roads, the Urban Area boundary shall be interpolated across these gaps.
21.  Prohibit the extension within the Region of urban services beyond the boundaries of the Urban Area, with the following exceptions:
a)    [Section number not in use.]
b)    The provision of water infrastructure may be permitted from remote water supply sources such as wells or reservoirs, and where in accordance with other policies of this Plan, from municipalities adjacent to Halton Region.
c)    The Hamlets of Norval and Glen Williams when the Region, in consultation with the Town of Halton Hills, considers it prudent and feasible to provide such services.
d)    Connections existing or approved by Council on the day of adoption of this Plan by Council.
e)    Designated locations within the North Aldershot Policy Area as shown on Map 1 and in accordance with Section 139(3).
f)     The Beaufort Heights subdivision, which consists of Registered Plans 509, 1297 and 20M-151, and those lots municipally known as 1315, 1321, 1401 and 1405, Beaufort Drive, 1296 Dundas Street, and 1311 Harbour Court, located west of Brant Street and south of Dundas Street in the City of Burlington.
h)    The Halton Waste Management Site, municipally known as 5400 Regional Road 25 in the Town of Milton.
i)     The Biosolids Management Centre, municipally known as 4449 Regional Road 25 in the Town of Oakville.
j)     The Milton Works Yard, municipally known as 5600 Regional Road 25 in the Town of Milton.
k)    The Robert C. Austin Operations Centre, municipally known as 11618 Trafalgar Road including the Trafalgar Sports Park, municipally known as 11494 in the Town of Halton Hills.
22.  Recognize approvals given by the Region existing as of the date of approval of this Plan to permit, on an interim basis until full urban services are available and subject to the approval of the Ministry of the Environment, limited industrial development requiring low volumes of water to locate within the Acton and Milton Urban Area, based on private services or on municipal water supply and private wastewater treatment systems. Such interim servicing shall be subject to all of the following criteria:
a)    Areas for such servicing are determined in conjunction with the Region and are clearly delineated in Local Official Plans and Zoning By-laws by appropriate maps and/or text.
b)    Detailed implementation schemes for industrial development in each of these areas which address, among other matters, the specific type of servicing proposed, are adopted by both Regional and Local Councils.
c)    The design and approval of private services are in accordance with Regional By-laws, standards and guidelines and with Provincial requirements.
d)    Where considered necessary by the Region, approval of such industrial servicing systems is to be conditional upon the owners of the individual proposals entering into one or more agreements with the Region to satisfy all Regional concerns, financial or otherwise, relating to water supply and wastewater treatment.
e)    When full urban services are available as determined by the Region, the property owners are required to connect and pay the applicable fees for connection.
23.  Minimize the number of disturbances to the Regional Natural Heritage System affected by the provision of urban services, by integrating, if possible, construction plans for both water supply and wastewater treatment services, and by designing the urban services at those locations to take into account any possible future system expansion in accordance with Section 89(10) of this Plan.
24.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 89(4), permit connections to a private communal water system subject to confirmation through any applicable environmental assessment approval and all necessary authorizations being obtained, for the following properties located on Tremaine Road in the City of Burlington:
a)    dwelling on the property with property identification number 07201-0072, and
b)    dwelling on the property with property identification number 24927-0108.
25.  Consider adding new locations to the areas eligible for urban services as shown on Map 1 provided the following criteria are met:
a)    the proposed use is a municipal services facility or is an existing public use as of the date that ROPA 40 came into force and effect with an operational connection to one of Regional water or wastewater services; and,
b)    the provision of full, municipal urban services does not conflict with this Plan or any Provincial Plans and is deemed technically feasible by the Region; and,
c)    upon approval of:
[i]    a site-specific Region-led amendment if the site fronts on appropriate water and wastewater infrastructure; or,
[ii]   a site-specific proponent-led amendment if the site fronts on one of appropriate water or appropriate wastewater infrastructure; or,
[iii]  a site-specific proponent-led amendment if the site does not front on appropriate water or appropriate wastewater infrastructure.

Agricultural System and Agricultural Area

90.       [Section number not in use.]

91.       The goal of the Agricultural System is to maintain a permanently secure, economically viable agricultural industry and to preserve the open-space character and landscape of Halton’s non-urbanized areas.

92.       The Agricultural System, as shown on Map 1E, consists of two components: lands designated as Agricultural Area and those parts of the Region’s Natural Heritage System outside the Key Features or where the only Key Feature is a significant earth science area of natural and scientific interest. While the second component is subject to the relevant goals, objectives, permitted uses and policies as parts of the Region’s Natural Heritage System, agricultural operations are compatible uses and are promoted and supported within these areas as part of the Agricultural System.

93.       Parts of the Agricultural System that are Prime Agricultural Areas as shown on Map 1E are subject to the policies of Sections 139.9, 139.9.1 and 139.9.2.

94.       [Section number not in use.]

95.       [Section number not in use.]

96.       [Section number not in use.]

97.       [Section number not in use.]

98.       [Section number not in use.]

99.       The objectives of the Agricultural System are:

1.   To recognize agriculture as the primary activity and land use in the Agricultural System.
2.   To preserve Prime Agricultural Areas, as shown on Map 1E, and prime agricultural lands.
3.   To maintain as much as possible lands for existing and future farm use.
4.   To protect farms from incompatible activities and land uses which would limit agricultural productivity or efficiency.
4.1.  To promote normal farm practices and to protect the right to farm.
5.   To reduce the fragmentation of lands suitable for agriculture and provide for their consolidation.
6.   To promote the rental for farming of lands not so used.
7.   To promote a diverse, innovative and economically strong agricultural industry in Halton by tailoring its products and marketing to meet local and regional needs and demands.
8.   To promote agriculture-related tourism and direct sales of farm produce and accessory products to visitors and local communities and businesses.
9.   To preserve the farm community as an important part of Halton's rural fabric.
10.  To promote environmentally sensitive and sustainable farm practice.
11.  To retain or increase tree cover for harvest, soil erosion protection, and buffering from adjoining non-farm land uses.
12.  To encourage a strong farm support service industry in Halton.
13.  To encourage the participation of the agricultural industry and community in dealing with concerns of an agricultural nature.
14.  [Section number not in use.]
15.  [Section number not in use.]
16.  To recognize existing rural uses and allow their continuation in a manner sensitive to the ecological balance and the farming community.
17.  To provide for the designation of new Mineral Resource Extraction Areas which can be accommodated in accordance with goals, objectives and policies of, and by amendment to, this Plan and, where applicable, the Niagara Escarpment Plan and the Greenbelt Plan.
18.  To maintain scenic values of lands in the vicinity of the Escarpment.
19.  To provide a buffer for the more ecologically sensitive areas of the Escarpment.

99.1      The Agricultural Area consists of areas so designated on Map 1.

100.      Subject to other policies of this Plan, applicable policies of the Greenbelt Plan and Niagara Escarpment Plan, and applicable Local Official Plan policies and Zoning By-laws, the following uses may be permitted in the Agricultural Area:

1.   All types, sizes and intensities of agricultural operations,
1.1.  normal farm practices,
2.    existing uses,
3.    single detached dwelling on existing lots, unless the lot is identified as Agricultural Purposes Only (APO) in the Local Official Plans and/or Zoning By-laws.
4.    dwelling(s) accessory to an agricultural operation, which must be mobile or portable if located within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area, unless the lot is identified as Agricultural Purposes Only (APO) in the Local Official Plans and/or Zoning By-laws.
5.    non-intensive recreation uses such as nature viewing and pedestrian trail activities, only if the lands are publicly owned or are part of the Bruce Trail,
6.    forest, fisheries and wildlife management,
7.   archaeological activities,
8.   transportation and utility facilities,
9.   accessory buildings or structures,
10.  incidental uses,
11.  [Section number not in use.]
12.  [Section number not in use.]
13.  uses permitted in an approved Niagara Escarpment Park and Open Space Master/Management Plan, if the subject land is located within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area,
14.   home occupations and cottage industries with a gross floor area not exceeding 100 sq m or 25 per cent of the residential living area, whichever is lesser,
15.   bed and breakfast establishments with three or fewer guest bedrooms,
16.  veterinary clinics, only if located on a commercial farm secondary to the farming operation, and serving primarily the agricultural community.
17.   animal kennels, only if located on a commercial farm, secondary to the farming operation, and in conjunction with a single detached dwelling.
18.   watershed management and flood and erosion control projects carried out or supervised by a public agency,
19.   [Section number not in use.]
20.   sanitary landfill operation and accessory uses, only on the Halton Waste Management Site shown on Map 1,
21.   following uses only if located on a commercial farm and secondary to the farming operation:
a)    home industries with a gross floor area not exceeding 200 sq m,
b)    retail uses with a gross floor area not exceeding 500 sq m and the majority of the commodities for sale, measured by monetary value, produced or manufactured on the farm,
c)    agriculture-related tourism uses with a gross floor area not exceeding 500 sq m, and
d)    small-scale businesses that provide supplementary income to the farming operation provided that:
[i]    such uses are permitted by specific Local Official Plan policies and Local Zoning By-laws;
[ii]   their scale is minor and does not change the appearance of the farming operation;
[iii]  their impact such as noise, odour and traffic on surrounding land uses is minimal and will not hinder surrounding agricultural uses; and
[iv]  they meet all Regional criteria as stated in the On-Farm Business Guidelines adopted by Council;
e)    subject to site plan approval by the Local Municipality, horticultural trade uses provided that:
[i]    the use meets all the criteria under Sections 100(21)d);
[ii]   the farm property accommodating the use is at least 4 hectares in size ;
[iii]  at least 70 per cent of the arable area of the farm property accommodating the use is dedicated to the growing of horticultural plants;
[iv]  the use is located within the existing farm building cluster, with only minor rounding out of the cluster permitted provided that there are no tree removals;
[v]   the gross floor area for the use does not exceed 500 sq m;
[vi]  the outdoor storage area for the use does not exceed 1,000 sq m;
[vii] the use including buildings, outdoor storage, parking areas, and loading/unloading zones is adequately screened from neighbouring properties and public highways; and
[viii] the use can be accommodated by the private water supply and waste water treatment systems located on the property.
22.  following site-specific uses, recognized through individual amendments to this Plan:
a)    a horse racetrack and accessory uses on the part of Lot 7 north of Highway 401, Lot 8 and Lot 9, Concession III, former Township of Nassagaweya, in the Town of Milton,
b)    industrial and ancillary uses on private services located generally on the west half of Lot 6, Concession III, in the Town of Halton Hills,
c)    a seasonal special event commercial/recreational attraction and accessory uses located on part of Lots 7 and 8, Concession VIII, New Survey, in the Town of Milton, former Township of Trafalgar,
d)    a driving range and accessory uses on the north half of the west half of Lot 18, Concession XI, former Township of Esquesing, in the Town of Halton Hills,
e)    office, manufacturing and warehousing uses with a total gross floor area not exceeding 16,300 square metres and a total site area not exceeding 10.3 hectares on Part of Lots 32 and 33, Concession I, N.D.S., Town of Oakville. The uses may be developed on private services as a demonstration project; however, it is intended that this area will be serviced with urban services in the future. Prior to development occurring on this site, the landowner must:
[i]    enter into an agreement with the Region to pay the Development Charges applicable for the uses at the time when urban services are required;
[ii]   obtain the necessary approvals from the Ministry of the Environment and the Region for any on-site private servicing systems; and
[iii]  satisfy the Region in terms of transportation access to the site,
f)     a church and existing private, non-commercial cultural and outdoor recreational uses, connected to the Region of Peel’s water service, on an aggregate land area not exceeding 29 hectares on the east half of Lot 6, Concession XI, former Township of Esquesing, in the Town of Halton Hills,
g)    a golf course and accessory uses on the west half of Lot 7, Concession II, former Township of Esquesing, in the Town of Halton Hills,
h)    a golf course and accessory uses on the east half of Lot 10, Concession X, former Township of Esquesing,, in the Town of Halton Hills,
i)     a new 9.3-hectare golf driving range and a new or expanded 929-square-metre day use education facility on lands in the east half of Lot 6, Concession II, former Township of Esquesing, in the Town of Halton Hills, to be further described by an amendment to the Town of Halton Hills Zoning By-law 74-51 to be prepared in consultation with the Region of Halton,
j)     residential use on private services on two land parcels identified in the Halton Land Registry Office by property identification numbers 07196-0146 and 07196-0147 as of April 13, 2000 and located in Lot 17, Concession I, N.D.S., in the City of Burlington,
k)    a painting and sandblasting operation and accessory office use located on a 2.7-hectare parcel of land generally on the west half of Lot 1, Concession IX, former Township of Esquesing, in the Town of Halton Hills,
l)     a golf course, practice range, clubhouse and accessory uses on the east half of Lots 7 and 8, Concession VII, former Township of Trafalgar, in the Town of Milton, and on the basis of private services notwithstanding Section 101(1.3) of this Plan, provided that the landowner obtains the necessary approval from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation Halton and the Region for any water takings and treatment systems,
m)   a municipal sports facility, associated parking, cemetery, expanded municipal works yard and related uses on part of Lot 18, Concession VII, former Township of Esquesing, in the Town of Halton Hills,
n)    a golf course and accessory uses on the west half of Lot 9, Concession III, former Township of Esquesing, in the Town of Halton Hills,
o)    a golf course, club house and accessory uses on part of Lots 4 and 5, Concession VIII, of the former Township of Trafalgar, in the Town of Milton. Notwithstanding Section 101(1.3) of this Official Plan, such uses may be permitted on the basis of private services provided that the landowner obtains the necessary approvals from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation Halton and Town of Milton for water takings, wastewater disposal systems and water reservoirs. Accommodation shall be limited to the single detached dwelling as of November 28, 2005,
p)    a golf course and accessory uses on the west half of Lot 10, Concession III, former Township of Esquesing, in the Town of Halton Hills,
q)    a church of no more than 1,250 sq m gross floor area and associated parking occupying no more than 8 per cent of the total property area in the southeast corner of the property on lands described as Part of East Half of Lot 7, Concession II, former Township of Esquesing, in the Town of Halton Hills,
r)     a cemetery and related ancillary uses, excluding a crematorium, on Part Lot 18, Concession VII (Esquesing) in the Town of Halton Hills, and
s)     a joint use facility combining a private elementary school and day care with an equestrian centre on lands described as Part of the East Half of Lot 30, Concession VIII, former Township of Esquesing, in the Town of Halton Hills, provided that:
[i]    the maximum gross floor area of the private elementary school and day care shall not exceed 929 sq m with the total height not to exceed 10.67 m;
[ii]   there shall be no facilities for overnight accommodation of students and/or staff within the school facility or on site; and
[iii]  there shall be no use of the horse barn and riding arena, and the hay and equipment storage barn for human habitation, or for industrial or commercial use.
t)    activities related to the installation of and access to facilities and servicing for water management and monitoring systems associated with the Acton quarry located in Part of Lots 20, 21, 22, 24 and 25, Concession 3 (adjacent to Phases 4 and 5/6 West) and Part of Lot 21 and 22 Concession 4 (adjacent to Phase 5E), in the Town of Halton Hills.
u)   berming, screening, temporary stockpiling of earthen material, accessory structures and facilities normally associated with a mineral extraction operation, and facilities and servicing for, and related to the water management and monitoring system for the Acton quarry extension located within the setback of the license area of the quarry in Part of Lots 21, 22 and 24, Concession 3 (Phases 4 and 5/6 West) and Part of Lot 21 and 22, Concession 4 (Phase 5E), in the Town of Halton Hills.
v)   2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Velodrome on part of Lots 8 and 9, Concession 7, of the former Township of Nelson, Town of Milton. Notwithstanding Sections 89(1) and 89(21), such use shall be developed on the basis of urban services.
w)   cemeteries and ancillary related uses including a crematorium on Part Lot 1, Concession II NS, former Township of Trafalgar, in the Town of Milton.

101.      It is the policy of the Region to:

1.   Require Local Official Plans to recognize the Agricultural System as identified in this Plan and Local Zoning By-laws to permit agricultural operations within the Agricultural System in accordance with policies of this Plan.
1.1  Adopt and update from time to time, and incorporate by amendment to this Plan appropriate recommendations of an Aquifer Management Plan that will, among other things:
a)    determine whether the groundwater resources can support in the long term activities and land uses within the Agricultural Area and the Region’s Natural Heritage System and in those parts of the Urban Area that rely on well water supply;
b)    identify those areas which are susceptible to water quantity and quality problems;
c)    identify those areas where good quality water is generally available to sustain additional rural settlement;
d)    examine the impact of private, individual wastewater disposal systems on the quality of groundwater; and
e)    propose procedures for the on-going monitoring and protection of the aquifers.
1.2.  Prohibit the creation of new lots for residential purposes except in Hamlets or Rural Clusters, or otherwise permitted by policies of this Plan.
1.3.  Require that all development in the Agricultural System be only on the basis of private, individual well water supply and private, individual waste water treatment system that conform to Regional By-laws and standards, and to Provincial legislation, regulations and standards, unless otherwise permitted by the policies of this Plan, with the following exception:
a)    connections to a private communal water system may be permitted subject to confirmation through any applicable Environmental Assessment Act approval and all necessary authorizations being obtained, for the following buildings, structures or vacant lots of record located on No. 1 Sideroad and Tremaine Road in the City of Burlington, Town of Milton and Town of Oakville and legally described as follows:
[i]    dwelling on the property with property identification number 24927-0022,
[ii]   dwelling on the property with property identification number 07201-0064,
[iii]  dwelling on the property with property identification number 07201-0063,
[iv]  dwelling on the property with property identification number 24927-0110,
[v]   dwelling on the property with property identification number 07201-0049,
[vi]  dwelling on the property with property identification number 07201-0048,
[vii] dwelling on the property with property identification number 07201-0062,
[viii] main house, farm house, cottage and barn well on the property with property identification number 07201-0018,
[ix]  existing vacant lot of record as of May 2, 2007 on Tremaine Road with property identification number 07201-0066,
[x]   existing vacant lot of record as of May 2, 2007 on Tremaine Road with property identification number 24927-0109,
[xi]  existing vacant lot of record as of May 2, 2007 on Tremaine Road with property identification number 07201-0011,
[xii] existing vacant lot of record as of May 2, 2007 on No. 1 Sideroad with property identification number 07201-0104,
[xiii] existing vacant lot of record as of May 2, 2007 on No. 1 Sideroad with property identification number 07201-0097, and
[xiv] existing vacant lot of record as of May 2, 2007 on No. 1 Sideroad with property identification number 07201-0105.
1.4.  Adopt, after consultation with the Ministry of the Environment and other affected parties, Guidelines for Hydrogeological Studies and Best Management Practices for Groundwater Protection that contain, among other things, design standards for private services, minimum lot sizes taking into account infiltrative capacity of the soils and hydrogeological information, guidelines for undertaking hydrogeological studies, procedures for processing development applications on private services, and criteria by which the Medical Officer of Health determines a water supply to be inadequate or the impact of a private wastewater treatment system to be unacceptable.
1.5.  Consider recreation uses including golf courses and driving ranges in the Agricultural Area only by site-specific amendment to this Plan unless permitted by specific policies and provided that:
a)    the proposed use meets the requirements of Section 139.9.2(3) where applicable,
b)    the proposed use be subject to the following conditions:
[i]    any changes to the natural topography are kept to a minimum;
[ii]   buildings and structures are minor in scale and are located in a manner that will secure an open-space character of the area;
[iii]  there is no overnight accommodation for users or guests of the facility;
[iv]  landscaping and berms are provided where necessary to secure an open-space character of the area;
[v]   the impact on adjacent agricultural operations is kept to a minimum, through the preparation by the proponent of an Agricultural Impact Assessment to the satisfaction of the Region;
[vi]  if the use involves significant taking of ground or surface water, the proponent must demonstrate, through a detailed study and to the satisfaction of the Region, that the water resource in the general area will not be adversely affected;
[vii] in addition to meeting the requirements of Sections 118(3) and 139.3.7(4), there should be a net gain, or at the minimum no net loss, of overall natural features and areas or their ecological functions as a result of the development, through appropriate studies, site designs and mitigative measures, to the satisfaction of the Region; and
[viii] the design and construction of the use are in keeping with the Golf Course and Recreational Facilities Best Management Guidelines adopted by Regional Council.
c)    Within the Greenbelt Plan Protected Countryside Area of the Greenbelt Plan, the following additional requirements will apply:
[i]    the use is not located in a Prime Agricultural Area; and
[ii]   the major recreational use policies of the Greenbelt Plan have been satisfied.
1.6.  Recognize and protect lands within the Agricultural System as an important natural resource to the economic viability of agriculture and to this end:
a)    Direct non-farm uses to the Urban Area, Hamlets and Rural Clusters unless specifically permitted by policies of this Plan.
b)    Promote the maintenance or establishment of woodlands and treescapes on farms.
c)    Encourage farmers to adopt farm practices that will sustain the long term productivity of the land and minimize adverse impact to the natural environment.
1.7.  Require that new land uses, including the creation of lots, and new or expanding livestock facilities within the Agricultural System comply with the provincially developed Minimum Distance Separation formulae.
1.8.  Require an Environmental Impact Assessment for new development in accordance with Sections 118(3), 118(3.1) and 139.3.7(4).
1.9.  Ensure that Key Features, identified in Section 115.3 that may exist outside the Regional Natural Heritage System are protected in accordance with Section 139.12.
2.    Recognize, encourage and protect agriculture as an important industry in Halton and as the primary long-term activity and land use throughout the Agricultural System, and to this end:
a)    Support and develop plans and programs that promote and sustain agriculture.
b)    Monitor, investigate and periodically report on its conditions, problems, trends and means to maintain its competitiveness.
c)    Adopt a set of Livestock Facility Guidelines to support and provide flexibility to livestock operations and to promote best management practices in improving their compatibility with non-farm uses. These guidelines shall be developed in accordance with Provincial Plans and policies, including but not limited to Minimum Distance Separation formulae and the Right to Farm legislation.
d)    Require Local Municipalities to apply provincially developed Minimum Distance Separation formulae in their Zoning By-laws.
e)    Require the proponent of any non-farm land use that is permitted by specific policies of this Plan but has a potential impact on adjacent agricultural operations to carry out an Agricultural Impact Assessment (AIA), based on guidelines adopted by Regional Council.
f)     Support programs to reduce trespassing on agricultural operations and discourage the location of public trails near agricultural operations.
g)    Preserve the agricultural land base by protecting Prime Agricultural Areas as identified on Map 1E.
3.  Recognize, encourage and support secondary industries essential to Halton's agricultural industry and as a major contributor to its economic base and to this end:
a)    Promote the location of major secondary agricultural processing, manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing operations within the Urban Area.
b)    Promote life science industries in Halton that complement and support agriculture, where appropriate.
c)    Promote the location of farm support operations within the Urban Area and within Hamlets.
d)    Ensure that Local Official Plans provide opportunities and directions for the development of these industries.
4.  Recognize, encourage, protect and support Halton's farmers and agricultural operations and to this end:
a)    Consult with and support Halton's farm organizations.
b)    Maintain a broad-based Agricultural Advisory Committee to advise Council on agriculture-related matters and review and comment on AIAs provided under this Plan.
c)    Provide sewage sludge suitable for fertilizer, subject to Regional and Provincial environmental protection guidelines.
d)    Ensure, in cooperation with the Local Municipalities, enforcement of Weed Control By-laws.
e)    [Section number not in use.]
f)     Promote diverse and innovative farming that caters to local and regional specialty markets.
g)    Introduce programs that will encourage visitors to experience and understand agricultural operations in Halton.
h)    Support a farm-fresh produce network that promotes direct sales of farm produce and related products to residents, local businesses and visitors.
i)     Support provincial and federal programs to attract farmers to Halton.
j)     Encourage the Local Municipalities to:
[i]    permit, without creating a new lot, one second dwelling within the existing farm building cluster of an active farm for accommodating full-time farm help. Such permission shall be restricted to only portable or mobile dwellings for farm help within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area.
[ii]   adopt Zoning By-laws that will allow home occupations, cottage industries, home industries on commercial farms, on-farm businesses and agriculture-related tourism in accordance with policies of this Plan.
[iii]  permit or provide permanent or temporary facilities for farmers' markets in the Urban Area or Hamlets.
[iv]  enact municipal by-laws and conduct by-law enforcement in a manner that is sensitive to and does not present barriers to normal farm practices.
j.1)  Encourage Conservation Authorities to recognize normal farm practices including the importance of keeping agricultural drainage systems in good repair;
k)    Encourage the Provincial government to:
[i]    lease to farmers Provincially owned lands on a long-term basis for agricultural use.
[ii]   maintain a property tax system that encourages farming and reflects the true farm, i.e. productive, value of lands.
l)     Encourage the Federal Government to pursue a national agricultural policy that provides incentives to farmers and agricultural operations and supports the agricultural industry in the global markets.
5.   Develop and implement programs and plans to support and sustain agriculture in Halton, which may include, among others, the following:
a)    an agricultural facilitator acting as a direct and on-going liaison between the agricultural community and Regional Council,
b)    development of an economic development and investment strategy for agriculture in Halton,
c)    marketing and promotion of local agricultural products to Halton communities,
d)    farm succession planning including attracting new, young and immigrant farmers to Halton,
e)    financial support to promote environmental stewardship including the preparation of Environmental Farm Plans and Environmental Impact Assessments for agricultural buildings, and preservation and enhancement of natural areas and functions,
f)     fiscal tools including innovative tax policies, reduced development charges, and venture capitals for innovative agriculture,
g)    development and implementation of education programs to promote public awareness and support for the agricultural industry,
h)    programs for securing agricultural lands from non-farming landowners for long term agricultural uses by farmers, and
i)     use of Community Improvement Plans under the Planning Act to promote and support agriculture.

Hamlets and Rural Clusters

102.      The objectives of Hamlets and Rural Clusters are:

1. To provide limited opportunities for rural, non-farm residences in identifiable communities.
2. To accommodate rural, non-farm uses.

103.      Hamlets are compact rural communities designated to accommodate future residential growth in the rural area and small scale industrial, commercial and institutional uses serving the farming and rural communities. The range of uses permitted in Hamlets are in accordance with the policies of this Plan and approved Area-Specific Plans for Hamlets. Hamlets cannot be expanded and only minor rounding out of the boundary may be considered.

103.1    Hamlets located outside the Greenbelt Protected Countryside are not permitted to expand into the Greenbelt Plan Area.

104.      Rural Clusters are existing small settlement areas with a historic identity, where limited residential growth and some small scale commercial and institutional uses serving the local community may be permitted. The locations and boundaries of Rural Clusters are identified in Local Official Plans. The range of uses permitted in Rural Clusters are in accordance with policies of this Plan and Local Official Plans.

105.      New lots may be created in Hamlets or Rural Clusters provided that they conform to the policies of this Plan and policies in Local Official Plans and, in the case of Hamlets, to an approved Area-Specific Plan. Any development with three or more residential lots or their equivalent will require the preparation of a hydrogeological study in accordance with the Region’s Guidelines for Hydrogeological Studies and Best Management Practices for Groundwater Protection and to the satisfaction of the Region and the Ministry of the Environment or its delegate.

106.      It is the policy of the Region to:

1. Require the Local Municipalities to prepare Area-Specific Plans for Hamlets in accordance with Section 77(5) as applicable and with the objectives of providing for compact, non-ribbon form of growth and maintaining the Hamlet character of the community.
2. Apply the following conditions to development within Hamlets:
   a)    Development shall conform to the approved Area-Specific Plan for the Hamlet, relevant policies of this Plan, and, if the Hamlet is located within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area, appropriate detailed development criteria for a Minor Urban Centre in the Niagara Escarpment Plan.
   b)    Development proposals with three or more residential lots must be submitted by plan of subdivision and accompanied by a hydrogeological study in accordance with Region’s Guidelines for Hydrogeological Studies and Best Management Practices for Groundwater Protection.
   c)    Non-residential uses cannot exceed a gross floor area of 500 sq m and will require a hydrogeological study, if deemed necessary by the Region.
3. [Section number not in use.]
4. Permit, but not require, Local Official Plans to designate Rural Clusters. Such designation will be based on the following conditions:
   a)    Rural Clusters are existing settlement areas with a historic identity consisting of residential and non-farm, non-residential uses.
   b)    The boundaries are clearly defined in the Local Official Plan, based on existing uses and in a compact manner without outward extension of ribbon development along a roadway.
   c)    Only a limited number of new lots may be created within, not beyond, the existing settlement pattern.
   d)    If the Rural Cluster is located within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area, development must meet the appropriate detailed development criteria for a Minor Urban Centre in The Niagara Escarpment Plan.
   e)    The Local Official Plan will set out development guidelines.

Mineral Resource Extraction Areas

107.    The objectives of the Mineral Resource Extraction Areas are:

1.   To ensure as much of the mineral aggregate resources as is realistically possible shall be made available within the Region to supply mineral resource needs.
2.   To protect legally existing mineral aggregate operations from incompatible land uses.
3.   To ensure that mineral aggregate resource extraction occur in a manner that minimizes social, environmental and human health impacts.
3.1  To ensure that the functions and features of the Region’s Natural Heritage System are maintained or, where possible, enhanced during and after the extraction operations.
4.   To provide policies and criteria for evaluating new licence applications for mineral aggregate operations.
5.   To ensure the progressive and final rehabilitation of mineral aggregate operations to the appropriate after use.

108.      This designation includes areas covered by a valid licence issued pursuant to the Aggregate Resources Act, as shown in Map 1.

109.      Subject to other policies of this Plan, applicable policies of the Greenbelt Plan and Niagara Escarpment Plan, applicable Local Official Plan policies and Zoning By-laws, and site plan and conditions of the licence under the Aggregate Resources Act, the following uses may be permitted:

1.   agricultural operations,
1.1  normal farm practices,
2.   existing uses,
3.   mineral aggregate operations licensed pursuant to and in compliance with the Aggregate Resources Act.
4.   associated facilities to a mineral aggregate operation used in extraction, transport, beneficiation, processing or recycling of mineral aggregate resources and derived products such as asphalt and concrete, or the production of secondary related products, provided that such associated facilities are:
a)    [Section number not in use].
b)    directly associated with the extraction of mineral aggregate resources from an integrated mineral aggregate operation, which may consist of more than one Aggregate Resources Act License;
c)    designed to be temporary and not to be utilized after extraction has ceased; and
d)    located in a manner that does not affect the final rehabilitation or enhancement of the site in accordance with an approved rehabilitation and enhancement plan.
5.   non-intensive recreation uses such as nature viewing and pedestrian trail activities,
6.   forest, fisheries and wildlife management,
7.   archaeological activities,
8.   essential utility and transportation facilities,
9.   incidental uses,
10.   uses permitted in an approved Niagara Escarpment Park and Open Space Master/Management Plan, if the subject land is located within the Niagara Escarpment Plan area,
11.  watershed management and flood and erosion control projects carried out or supervised by a public authority, and
12.  a clay products manufacturing plant, with buildings and uses accessory to the adjacent shale quarry, on part Lot 3, Concessions I and II, former Township of East Flamborough in the City of Burlington.

110.      It is the policy of the Region to:

1.   Require the Local Municipalities to adopt Zoning By-laws, where applicable, to permit the operation of legally existing mineral aggregate operations in accordance with the Aggregate Resources Act and protect them from new land uses incompatible with such operations for reasons of public health, public safety or environmental impact or which would preclude or hinder the expansion or continued use of such operations.
2.   Require that all extraction and accessory operations be conducted in a manner which minimizes environmental impact in accordance with Provincial standards and requirements and Regional and Local Official Plan policies.
3.   Establish as a priority the protection of surface and ground water from the adverse impacts of extraction. Accordingly, the proponent of new or expanded mineral aggregate operations is required to carry out comprehensive studies and undertake recommended mitigation and/or remedial measures and on-going monitoring in accordance with Provincial requirements and policies of this Plan and in consultation with Conservation Authorities.
3.1   Develop and maintain, in consultation and partnership with public agencies, aggregate industry and citizen groups, an Aggregate Resources Reference Manual which serves as a guidance document for Halton, which contains, among other things:
a)    data, information and results of credible research on the Greenbelt and Regional Natural Heritage Systems, and surface and ground water systems in Halton, especially as these relate to the cumulative impacts on those systems of extractive operations in Halton and neighbouring municipalities,
b)    best practices and protocols on mitigative and restorative measures to minimize the social, environmental and human health impacts of extractive operations for both the short and long terms, and
c)    information, studies and proposed plans required to assist in the review of an application for a licence under the Aggregate Resources Act and applications for Official Plan amendments under the Planning Act.
4.    Encourage the applicant to consult, prior to the submission of an application for a new mineral aggregate operation or expansion to an existing operation, the Region, the Province, Conservation Authorities and other relevant agencies to identify the content of studies and information to be provided to support the application, to scope or focus study requirements where appropriate, and to determine a process and an agreement of evaluation and peer review.
5.    Require that air, noise and blasting studies be undertaken in accordance with Provincial regulations and standards and recommendations be implemented to minimize impact on social and human health.
6.    Consider mineral aggregate resource extraction as an interim use and require the rehabilitation of all such sites to form part of the Greenbelt or Regional Natural Heritage System or the Agricultural Area, with the proposed after-uses being in conformity with the applicable policies of that land use designation.
6.1   Require the rehabilitation of mineral aggregate operations on prime agricultural lands, within Prime Agricultural Areas to be carried out so that substantially the same areas and same average soil quality for agriculture are restored.
On prime agricultural lands, complete agricultural rehabilitation is not required if:
a)    There is a substantial quantity of mineral aggregate resources below the water table warranting extraction, or the depth of planned extraction in a quarry makes restoration of pre-extraction agricultural capability unfeasible;
b)    Other alternative locations have been considered by the applicant and found unsuitable. The consideration of other alternatives shall include resources in areas of Canada Land Inventory Class 4 to 7 soils, resources on lands identified as designated growth areas, and resources on prime agricultural lands where rehabilitation is feasible. Where no other alternatives are found, prime agricultural lands shall be protected in this order of priority: specialty crop areas, and Canada Land Inventory Class 1, 2 and 3 lands; and
c)    Agricultural rehabilitation in remaining areas is maximized.
6.2  Any after use not permitted in Section 109 of this Plan shall require an amendment to the Regional Plan and where applicable, the Niagara Escarpment Plan.
7.     Require an amendment to this Plan to designate any new Mineral Resource Extraction Areas, except for an 11.3 ha expansion of an existing sandstone quarry located on the east half of Lot 21, Concession V, former Township of Esquesing, in the Town of Halton Hills.
7.1.   In areas outside the Greenbelt Natural Heritage System, consider applications for new or expanded mineral aggregate operations by amendment to this Plan and/or the Niagara Escarpment Plan in appropriate land use designations other than the following areas:
a)    The Niagara Escarpment Plan Area except the Escarpment Rural Area,
b)    Provincially Significant Wetlands,
c)    Significant habitat of endangered species and threatened species as identified by the Province, except in accordance with the Endangered Species Act, 2007,
d)    For quarries, areas within 200 m of the Escarpment Brow,
e)    The Urban Area, Hamlets and Rural Clusters as identified by policies of this Plan, and
f)     The North Aldershot Policy Area except in accordance with the time limited and area specific Minutes of Settlement dated June 1, 2013 and executed prior to the approval of this Plan.
7.2   In accordance with Section 118(3)d), apply the following systems based approach in the assessment of the impact of a new or expanded mineral aggregate operation on the Region’s Natural Heritage System:
a)    Where the proposal has the potential to negatively affect Key Features of the Regional Natural Heritage System, as identified in Section 115.3(1), require the proponent to demonstrate through an EIA that the proposal will result in no negative impact on the Key Features or their ecological functions for which the area is identified.
b)    In addition to Section 110(7.2)a), where the proposal has the potential to negatively affect the Regional Natural Heritage System, require the proponent to demonstrate through an EIA that the proposal will maintain, restore or where possible enhance the diversity and connectivity of natural heritage features in an area, and the long term ecological functions and biodiversity of natural heritage systems, recognizing linkages between and among natural heritage features and areas, surface water features and ground water features.
c)    Where the proposal has the potential to negatively affect the Greenbelt Natural Heritage System, the provisions of Section 4.3.2 of the Greenbelt Plan apply.
d)    Where the proponent has satisfied the requirements of Sections 110(7.2)a) through 110(7.2)c) as applicable, require any application for a new or expanded mineral aggregate operation to consider a “net environmental gain” approach to the preservation and enhancement of the Greenbelt and/or Regional Natural Heritage System based on the following principles:
A)   Outside Prime Agricultural Areas, or where agricultural rehabilitation is not required in accordance with Section 110(6.1), the site is to be rehabilitated to function as part of the Greenbelt and/or Regional Natural Heritage Systems.
B)    The Key Features and ecological functions of the Greenbelt and/or Regional Natural Heritage Systems will, where possible, be enhanced both in the short and long terms as a result of implementing the rehabilitation plan of the proposed extractive operation and/or an off-site enhancement plan. Such enhancements may include but not necessarily be limited to:
[i]    increase in the spatial extent of the Greenbelt and/or Regional Natural Heritage Systems,
[ii]   increase in biological and habitat diversity,
[iii]  enhancement of ecological system function,
[iv]  enhancement of wildlife habitat,
[v]   enhancement of natural succession,
[vi]  creation of new wetlands or woodlands,
[vii] enhancement of riparian corridors,
[viii] enhancement of groundwater recharge or discharge areas, and
[ix]  establishment or enhancement of linkages between significant natural heritage features and areas.
C)   Priorities for restorations or enhancements to the Greenbelt and/or Regional Natural Heritage Systems through post-extraction rehabilitation shall be based on the following in descending order of priority:
[i]    restoration to the original features and functions on the areas directly affected by the extractive operations,
[ii]   enhancements to the Greenbelt and/or Regional Natural Heritage Systems by adding features and functions on the balance of the site,
[iii]  enhancements to the Greenbelt and/or Regional Natural Heritage Systems by adding features and functions in areas immediately surrounding the site,
[iv]  enhancements to that part of the Greenbelt and/or Regional Natural Heritage Systems in the general vicinity of the site, and
[v]   enhancements to other parts of the Greenbelt and/or Regional Natural Heritage Systems in Halton.
D)   Restorations or enhancements shall proceed immediately after extraction in a timely fashion.
E)    Consideration should be given to the transfer of the ownership of any privately owned rehabilitated or enhanced lands to a public body.
F)    A detailed implementation plan of the proposed restorations and enhancements shall form part of the rehabilitation plan in the site plan or be included as a condition of the licence under the Aggregate Resources Act.
7.3   [Section number not in use.]
7.4   [Section number not in use.]
7.5   [Section number not in use.]
7.6   Consider applications for an amendment to this Plan to designate a new or expanded Mineral Resource Extraction Area under the Planning Act to be complete on the basis of Sections 187(10).
8     Evaluate each proposal to designate new or expanded Mineral Resource Extraction Areas based on its individual merits and consideration of all the following factors:
a)    [Section number not in use.]
b)    [Section number not in use.]
c)    Adverse impacts on, and proposed measures to minimize or address such adverse impacts:
[i]    the Regional Natural Heritage System in accordance with Section 110(7.2),
[ii]   quality and quantity of surface and ground waters,
[iii]  adjacent sensitive land uses including their source of drinking water,
[iv]  any Cultural Heritage Resources,
[v]   transportation system,
[vi]  the surrounding agriculture and rural communities,
[vii] visual character of the area,
[viii] air quality, and
[ix]  the Greenbelt Natural Heritage System in accordance with Section 110(7.2)
c.1)  cumulative impacts of the proposal and other extractive operations in the general area,
d)    proposed rehabilitation plan and compatibility of the proposed after-use with the goals and objectives of this Plan, and
e)    risk of public financial liability during and after extraction where continuous active on-site management is required.
8.1   Support the progressive and final rehabilitation of extractive operations that:
a)    takes place in a timely fashion;
b)    limits the amount of disturbed area on an on-going basis ;
c)    adopts prevailing best management practices; and
d)    conforms with the applicable policies of the Greenbelt Plan.
8.2   Discourage the use of adaptive management plans or similar measures that will require continuous or perpetual active on-site management post rehabilitation.
9.    Ensure coordination among the Region, Local Municipalities, Ministry of Natural Resources, affected conservations authorities, Niagara Escarpment Commission and other agencies in the review and public consultation of proposals to designate new or expanded Mineral Resources Extraction Areas.
9.1   Encourage the proponent of new or expanded Mineral Resource Extraction Areas to have regard to the Aggregate Resources Reference Manual for Halton under Section 110(3.1) of this Plan and to engage in pre-consultation with the Region and public agencies in accordance with Section 110(4).
10.   Ensure that Regional policies, standards and criteria are duly considered in the location, regulation and rehabilitation of wayside pits and quarries.
11.   Require the proponent of a new or expanded Mineral Resource Extraction Area to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Region that the transportation of aggregate and related products associated with the proposed extractive operation can be adequately accommodated by the transportation system in Halton. Any improvements to the Regional and Local transportation infrastructure to accommodate the transportation of aggregate shall be at the expense of the proponent. If applicable, alternative routes and alternative modes for transporting the products shall be considered and evaluated.
12.   Provide to Regional Council no less frequently than every two years a State of Aggregate Resources in Halton report that contains, among other things:
a)    number of active licences, as well as new, suspended, revoked, and surrendered licenses,
b)    an overview of active extractive operations in Halton, including the total area under extraction, the amount of aggregate produced, and the primary destinations of these products,
c)    history of complaints on the extractive operations and transportation of aggregate products and their status,
d)    history of violations of site plan or conditions of licence under the Aggregate Resources Act and their status,
e)    status of the implementation of approved rehabilitation plans,
f)     status of the operation and implementation of approved adaptive management plans,
g)    an assessment of the cumulative impact of extractive operations on both the Greenbelt and Regional Natural Heritage Systems, and
h)    number and status of active and potential applications to designate Mineral Resource Extraction Areas.

Protection of Mineral Aggregate Resources

111.      The objectives of the Region are:

1. To recognize existing mineral aggregate operations and protect them from activities that would preclude or hinder their continued use or expansion.
2. To protect known mineral aggregate deposits and areas of high potential mineral aggregate resources, as shown on Map 1F, for potential future extraction.
   The Region recognizes that within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area, these objectives are subject to the priorities set by the purpose, objectives and policies of the Niagara Escarpment Plan.
3. To support mineral aggregate resource conservation.

112.      It is the policy of the Region to:

1. Protect high potential mineral aggregate resource areas consisting of primary and secondary sand and gravel resource areas and selected bedrock/shale resource areas, except for those areas considered to be unsuitable for extraction based largely on Section 110(7.1) of this Plan, Provincial policies and Provincial Plans. The resource areas thus identified are generally shown on Map 1F using mapping supplied by the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry or the Ministry of Natural Resources. Map 1F is not drawn to scale and the boundaries are only approximate. The identification of these mineral aggregate resource areas on Map 1F does not imply that extraction in these areas conforms to Provincial Plans or policies, nor does it imply support by the Region for any licence application under the Aggregate Resources Act in these areas or for any amendment to this Plan thereof.
2. Require the proponent of any land use changes through Regional or Local official plan amendments, zoning amendments or consents on land that is located wholly or partially within 300m of a sand and gravel deposit or 500m of a selected bedrock and shale resource identified under Section 112(1) and that has the potential to preclude or hinder continued extraction or expansion of existing operations, establishment of new operations or access to the mineral aggregate resources in accordance with policies of this Plan and any Provincial Plan, to demonstrate through the appropriate studies to the satisfaction of the Region and Local Municipality that:
   a)    extraction would not be feasible; or
   b)    the proposed land use or development serves a greater long term public interest; and
   c)    issues of public health, public safety and environmental impact  related to the proposed land use or development being located adjacent to a potential future extraction operation are addressed.
3. Monitor regularly the amount of aggregate production in Halton, in comparison with other Regions in the Province

Natural Heritage System

113.      The Natural Heritage System consists of the Greenbelt Natural Heritage System and the Regional Natural Heritage System.

114.      The goal of the Natural Heritage System is to increase the certainty that the biological diversity and ecological functions within Halton will be preserved and enhanced for future generations.

114.1    The objectives of the Natural Heritage System are:

1.   To maintain the most natural Escarpment features, stream valleys, wetlands and related significant natural areas and associated Cultural Heritage Resources.
2.   To maintain and enhance the landscape quality and open space character of Escarpment features.
3.   To provide a buffer to prominent Escarpment features.
3.1  To support agriculture as a complementary and compatible use outside the Key Features.
3.2  To recognize and support agriculture as a primary activity within Prime Agricultural Areas, in accordance with Sections 139.9, 139.9.1 and 139.9.2.
4.   To direct developments to locations outside hazard lands.
5.   To protect or enhance the diversity of fauna and flora, ecosystems, plant communities, and significant landforms of Halton.
6.   To protect or enhance Key Features, without limiting the ability of existing agricultural uses to continue.
7.   To protect or enhance fish habitats.
8.   To preserve and enhance the quality and quantity of ground and surface water.
9.   To contribute to a continuous natural open space system to provide visual separation of communities and to provide continuous corridors and inter-connections between the Key Features and their ecological functions.
10.  To protect significant scenic and heritage resources.
11.  To protect and enhance the Halton waterfront as a major resource that is part of the Provincially significant Lake Ontario and Burlington Bay shoreline.
12.  To preserve native species and communities that are rare, threatened or endangered based on regional, provincial or national scales of assessment.
13.  To preserve examples of the landscape that display significant earth science features and their associated processes.
14.  To preserve examples of original, characteristic landscapes that contain representative examples of bedrock, surface landforms, soils, flora and fauna, and their associated processes.
15.  To preserve and enhance air quality.
16.  To provide opportunities for scientific study, education and appropriate recreation.
17.  To preserve the aesthetic character of natural features.
18.  To provide opportunities, where appropriate, for passive outdoor recreational activities.

114.2    Those parts of the Natural Heritage System that are outside the Key Features or where the only Key Feature is a significant earth science area of natural and scientific interest also form parts of the Agricultural System, as described in Section 92 and shown on Map 1E. Within these areas, agriculture is recognized, supported and promoted in accordance with policies of the Agricultural System.

Regional Natural Heritage System

115.      [Section number not in use.]

115.1    [Section number not in use.]

115.2    The Regional Natural Heritage System consists of:

1. areas so designated on Map 1,
2. the shoreline along Lake Ontario and Burlington Bay, and
3. significant habitats of endangered species and threatened species not included in the designation on Map 1.

115.3    The Regional Natural Heritage System is a systems approach to protecting and enhancing natural features and functions and is scientifically structured on the basis of the following components:

1. Key Features, which include:
   a)    significant habitat of endangered and threatened species,
   b)    significant wetlands,
   c)    significant coastal wetlands,
   d)    significant woodlands,
   e)    significant valleylands,
   f)     significant wildlife habitat,
   g)    significant areas of natural and scientific interest,
   h)    fish habitat,
             Key Features that have been identified are shown on Map 1G.
2. enhancements to the Key Features including Centres for Biodiversity,
3. linkages,
4. buffers,
5. watercourses that are within a Conservation Authority Regulation Limit or that provide a linkage to a wetland or a significant woodland, and
6. wetlands other than those considered significant under Section 115.3(1)b).

115.4    Included within the Regional Natural Heritage System are:

1. Escarpment Natural Area and Escarpment Protection Area as identified in the Niagara Escarpment Plan, and
2. Regulated Flood Plains as determined, mapped and refined from time to time by the appropriate Conservation Authority.
3. Parts of the Agricultural System, being those areas of the Regional Natural Heritage System outside the Key Features or where the only Key Feature is a significant earth science area of natural and scientific interest, where agricultural operations are promoted and supported as compatible and complementary uses in the protection of the Regional Natural Heritage System in accordance with policies of the Agricultural System.

116.      The designation of lands in the Regional Natural Heritage System does not imply that they are open to the public nor that they will necessarily be purchased by a public agency.

116.1    The boundaries of the Regional Natural Heritage System may be refined, with additions, deletions and/or boundary adjustments, through:

a)    a Sub-watershed Study accepted by the Region and undertaken in the context of an Area-Specific Plan;
b)    an individual Environmental Impact Assessment accepted by the Region, as required by this Plan; or
c)    similar studies based on terms of reference accepted by the Region.

Once approved through an approval process under the Planning Act, these refinements are in effect on the date of such approval. The Region will maintain mapping showing such refinements and incorporate them as part of the Region’s statutory review of its Official Plan.

116.2    Notwithstanding Section 116.1, within the North Oakville East Secondary Plan Area, the Regional Natural Heritage System will be delineated and implemented in accordance with Town of Oakville Official Plan Amendment No. 272.

116.3    Notwithstanding Section 116.1, within the North Oakville West Secondary Plan Area, the Regional Natural Heritage System will be delineated and implemented in accordance with the decision of the Ontario Municipal Board with respect to Town of Oakville Official Plan Amendment No. 289.

117.      [Section number not in use.]

117.1    Subject to other policies of this Plan, applicable policies of the Greenbelt Plan and Niagara Escarpment Plan, and applicable Local Official Plan policies and Zoning By-laws, the following uses may be permitted:

1. All types, sizes and intensities of agricultural operations except within the following areas:
   a)    Escarpment Natural Area, and
   b)    Key Features of the Regional Natural Heritage System;
   notwithstanding Section 117.1(1)b), agricultural operations are permitted within the Regional Natural Heritage System where the only Key Feature is a significant earth science area of natural and scientific interest,
2. normal farm practices,
3. existing uses including existing agricultural operations,
4. single detached dwelling on existing lots, unless the lot is identified as Agricultural Purposes Only (APO) in the Local Official Plans and/or Zoning By-laws.
5. dwellings accessory to agricultural operation, except within the Escarpment Natural Area and which must be mobile or portable if located elsewhere within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area, and not on properties identified as Agricultural Purposes Only (APO) in the Local Official Plans and/or Zoning By-laws.
6. non-intensive recreation uses such as nature viewing and pedestrian trail activities, only on publicly owned lands or on the Bruce Trail,
7. forest, fisheries and wildlife management,
8. archaeological activities,
9. essential transportation and utility facilities,
10. accessory buildings or structures,
11. incidental uses,
12. uses permitted in an approved Niagara Escarpment Park and Open Space Master/Management Plan, if the subject land is located within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area,
13. home occupations and cottage industries with a gross floor area not exceeding 100 sq m or 25 per cent of the residential living area, whichever is lesser,
14. [Section number not in use.]
15. essential watershed management and flood and erosion control projects either carried out or supervised by a public authority or, approved in a Local Official Plan as of December 16, 2009.
16. outside the Escarpment Natural Area or the Key Features of the Regional Natural Heritage System other than those areas where the only Key Feature is a significant earth science area of natural and scientific interest, the following uses only if located on a commercial farm and secondary to the farming operation:
    a)    home industries with a gross floor area not exceeding 200 sq m,
    b)    retail uses with a gross floor area not exceeding 500 sq m and the majority of the commodities for sale, measured by monetary value, produced or manufactured on the farm,
    c)    agriculture-related tourism uses with a gross floor area not exceeding 500 sq m,
    d)    small-scale businesses that provide supplementary income to the farming operation provided that:
    [i]    such uses are permitted by specific Local Official Plan policies and Local Zoning By-laws;
    [ii]   their scale is minor and does not change the appearance of the farming operation;
    [iii]  their impact such as noise, odour and traffic on surrounding land uses is minimal and will not hinder surrounding agricultural uses; and
    [iv]  they meet all Regional criteria as stated in the On-Farm Business Guidelines adopted by Council.
    e)    subject to site plan approval by the Local Municipality, horticultural trade uses provided that:
    [i]    the use meets all the criteria under Sections 100(21)d);
    [ii]   the farm property accommodating the use is at least 4 hectares in size ;
    [iii]  at least 70 per cent of the arable area of the farm property accommodating the use is dedicated to the growing of horticultural plants;
    [iv]  the use is located within the existing farm building cluster, with only minor rounding out of the cluster permitted provided that there are no tree removals;
    [v]   the gross floor area for the use does not exceed 500 sq m;
    [vi]  the outdoor storage area for the use does not exceed 1,000 sq m;
    [vii] the use including buildings, outdoor storage, parking areas, and loading/unloading zones is adequately screened from neighbouring properties and public highways; and
    [viii] the use can be accommodated by the private water supply and waste water treatment systems located on the property.
    f)     veterinary clinics, serving primarily the agricultural community;
    g)    animal kennels, in conjunction with a single detached dwelling; and
    h)    bed and breakfast establishments with three or fewer guest rooms.
17. with a valid licence issued pursuant to the Aggregate Resources Act, mineral aggregate resource extraction and accessory uses on the expanded portion of an existing sandstone quarry located on the east half of Lot 21, Concession V, former Township of Esquesing, in the Town of Halton Hills.
18. greenhouses, stockpiling and processing of soil, processing and sale of local farm products, sale of garden centre or landscaping products, sale and storage of bulk firewood and hay, cold storage and fruit packing operation, and incidental facilities necessary to support these uses on approximately 7.1 hectares of lands described as Parts 1, 2 and 3, Plan 20R-15247 located on Part Lot 18, Concession I, North of Dundas Street in the City of Burlington.
19. activities related to the installation of and access to facilities and servicing related to the water management and monitoring system as identified in the approved Water Management System associated with the quarry located in Part of Lots 20, 21, 24, and 25, Concession 3 and Part of Lot 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 Concession 4, in the Town of Halton Hills.
20. berming, screening, temporary stockpiling of earthen material, accessory structures and facilities normally associated with a mineral extraction operation, and facilities and servicing for, and related to the water management and monitoring system for the Acton quarry extension located within the setback of the license area of the quarry in Part of Lot 24, Concession 3 and Part of Lots 21 and 22, Concession 4, in the Town of Halton Hills.

118.      It is the policy of the Region to:

1.   Require Local Official Plans and Zoning By-laws to recognize the Regional Natural Heritage System as identified in this Plan and include policies and maps to implement policies of this Plan and to incorporate any refinements made thereto through Section 116.1.
1.1  Require Local Municipalities, when undertaking the preparation of Area-Specific Plans, Zoning By-law amendments and studies related to development and/or site alteration applications, to protect, through their Official Plans and Zoning By-laws, the Key Features listed in Section 115.3(1) but not mapped on Map 1G in accordance with policies of this Plan.
2.  Apply a systems based approach to implementing the Regional Natural Heritage System by:
a)    Prohibiting development and site alteration within significant wetlands, significant coastal wetlands, significant habitat of endangered and threatened species and fish habitat except in accordance with Provincial and Federal legislation or regulations;
b)    Not permitting the alteration of any components of the Regional Natural Heritage System unless it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the natural features and areas or their ecological functions; in applying this policy, agricultural operations are considered as compatible and complementary uses in those parts of the Regional Natural Heritage System under the Agricultural System and are supported and promoted in accordance with policies of this Plan;
c)    Refining the boundaries of the Regional Natural Heritage System in accordance with Section 116.1; and
d)    Introducing such refinements at an early stage of the development or site alteration application process and in the broadest available context so that there is greater flexibility to enhance the ecological functions of all components of the system and hence improve the long-term sustainability of the system as a whole.
3.   Require the proponent of any development or site alteration that meets the criteria set out in Section 118(3.1) to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), unless:
a)    the proponent can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Region that the proposal is minor in scale and/or nature and does not warrant an EIA,
b)    it is a use conforming to the Local Official Plan and permitted by Local Zoning By-laws;
c)    it is a use requiring only an amendment to the Local Zoning By-law and is exempt from this requirement by the Local Official Plan; or
d)    exempt or modified by specific policies of this Plan.
The purpose of an EIA is to demonstrate that the proposed development or site alteration will result in no negative impacts to that portion of the Regional Natural Heritage System or unmapped Key Features affected by the development or site alteration by identifying components of the Regional Natural Heritage System as listed in Section 115.3 and their associated ecological functions and assessing the potential environmental impacts, requirements for impact avoidance and mitigation measures, and opportunities for enhancement.  The EIA, shall, as a first step, identify Key Features on or near the subject site that are not mapped on Map 1G.
3.1.  Set the criteria for the requirement of an EIA for proposed developments and site alterations as follows:
a)    agricultural buildings with a footprint not exceeding 1,000 sq m or single detached dwellings on existing lots and their incidental uses that are located wholly or partially inside or within 30 m of any Key Feature of the Regional Natural Heritage System other than those areas where the only Key Feature is a significant earth science area of natural and scientific interest; if the proposed buildings or structures are located entirely within the boundary of an existing farm building cluster surrounded by woodlands, no EIA is required as long as there is no tree removal within the woodlands;
b)    agricultural buildings with a footprint over 1,000 sq. m that are located wholly or partially inside or within 30m of the Regional Natural Heritage System; and
c)    all other developments or site alterations, including public works, that are located wholly or partially inside or within 120m of the Regional Natural Heritage System.
3.2   [Section number not in use.]
3.3   Assist the proponent in carrying out the EIA required for an agricultural building under Section 118(3.1) through a scoped EIA and/or by providing financial aid and/or in-kind service.
4.     Require that the recommendations of an Environmental Impact Assessment, including the placement of lot lines and structures, carried out under Section 118(3) and endorsed by the Region be implemented through official plan amendments, zoning by-laws, site plan control, conditions of planning approval or regulations by the appropriate authority.
4.1   Apply, as appropriate, policies of this Plan that support and promote agriculture and normal farm practices on those parts of the Regional Natural Heritage System under the Agricultural System where such uses are permitted. These policies include but are not limited to Sections 101(2) to 101(5).
5.    Ensure that the Local Municipalities will enhance, through the development process and where appropriate, the function of the Regional Natural Heritage System within the Urban Area by locating local open space adjacent to or near the Regional Natural Heritage System.
6.    Encourage the development of trails within the Regional Natural Heritage System provided that:
a)    the trails are located on publicly owned lands or are part of the Bruce Trail;
b)    the trails and associated activities do not impact negatively on ecologically sensitive areas or resource uses such as agricultural operations;
c)    proper regard is given to the issues of trespassing on private properties and liability in the event of property damages or personal injuries; and
d)    adjacent landowners potentially affected by the trails are consulted.
7.    Obtain, or encourage the Local Municipalities, Conservation Authorities and other public agencies to obtain, through the development approval process and as permitted by legislation, parts of the Regional Natural Heritage System.
8.    Promote the concept and functions of the Regional Natural Heritage System and encourage landowners and local residents to participate in its identification, protection, enhancement, and maintenance.
9.    Promote, in conjunction with other public agencies and through stewardship programs, the donation of privately owned lands in the Regional Natural Heritage System to public agencies or charitable organizations, or the transfer of the responsibilities for the protection of the ecological functions and features on such lands to a public agency or charitable organization through a conservation easement agreement.
10.   Support the interconnection of Halton's Regional Natural Heritage System with those in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and neighbouring municipalities.
11.   Require that Local Zoning By-laws prohibit new construction and the expansion or replacement of existing non-conforming uses within hazard lands, except where specifically exempted or identified as a Special Policy Area in the Local Official Plan. Special Policy Areas, including any policy or boundary changes thereto, must be approved by the Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing prior to municipal adoption.
12.   Require that Local Zoning By-laws impose for development appropriate setbacks from Regulated Flood Plains, based on the kind, extent and severity of existing and potential hazard to public safety. Special consideration should be given to agriculture-related buildings, including dwellings, to maintain the long term viability of existing agricultural operations, without compromising the safety of such buildings or their occupants.
13.   Encourage the Local Municipalities to adopt a One-Zone Concept whereby new development in the Flood Plains, defined by the regulatory flood standard, is to be prohibited or restricted.
14.   Encourage the Local Municipalities to:
a)    acquire public open space on tableland adjacent to watercourses and along the waterfront within the Urban Area;
b)    identify and designate along or near the waterfront of Lake Ontario and Burlington Bay, a continuous waterfront trail, making use of public road allowances in locations where public waterfront properties are not available; and
c)    incorporate in their Zoning By-laws setback requirements for development along the shoreline of Lake Ontario and Burlington Bay.
15.   For property immediately adjacent to Lake Ontario or Burlington Bay that is the subject of a development or redevelopment application:
a)    Require, as a condition of approval, the proponent to investigate and implement as necessary shoreline erosion protection measures to the satisfaction of Conservation Halton, and the Local Municipality.
b)    Require the Local Municipality to establish, in consultation with Conservation Halton, building setbacks sufficient to assure the long term safety of the structure(s).
c)    Encourage the Local Municipality to obtain, through dedication, agreement or purchase, suitable waterfront property along Lake Ontario or Burlington Bay, for public access and as part of a continuous trail system along or adjacent to the waterfront.
d)    Require, where the siting or size of a development warrants, that the proponent minimize any adverse effect on on-shore lake breezes and views of Lake Ontario or Burlington Bay from public places such as roads, parks and trails.
16.   Prepare jointly with Conservation Halton a Lake Ontario and Burlington Bay Shoreline Protection and Management Plan, with participation of the private owners of waterfront properties, the City of Burlington, the Town of Oakville, and the Provincial and Federal governments.
17.   Require that Local Zoning By-laws restrict development, including water lots, in Lake Ontario or Burlington Bay, subject to the approval of Conservation Halton, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Local Municipality, and permit, in this regard, only open space uses, docks or erosion protection works.
18.   Encourage the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Conservation Authorities to develop management programs for the regeneration of fisheries and wildlife resources along the shoreline of Lake Ontario, Burlington Bay and their tributaries.
19.   Enact a tree conservation by-law, in accordance with Section 147(5)a) of this Plan.
20.   Prohibit the creation of new lots for residential purposes, except in Hamlets or Rural Clusters, or to permit the severance of a residence surplus to a farm operation, subject to the other policies of this Plan.
21.   Permit sewage and water services as described in Section 101(1.3).
22.   Recognize and protect lands within Prime Agricultural Areas, as shown on Map 1E, in accordance with Sections 139.9, 139.9.1 and 139.9.2.
23.   Require new land uses within the Regional Natural Heritage System that abuts the Urban Area, including the creation of lots, and new or expanding livestock facilities to comply with the provincially developed Minimum Distance Separation formulae.

119.      [Section number not in use.]

120.      [Section number not in use.]

121.      [Section number not in use.]

122.      [Section number not in use.]

123.      [Section number not in use.]

124.      [Section number not in use.]

125.      [Section number not in use.]

126.      [Section number not in use.]

127.      [Section number not in use.]

128.      [Section number not in use.]

129.      [Section number not in use.]

130.      [Section number not in use.]

131.      [Section number not in use.]

132.      [Section number not in use.]

Regional Waterfront Parks

133.   The objectives of the Regional Waterfront Parks are:

1. To maximize public accessibility to the Halton waterfront by increasing the amount of well distributed public open space.
2. To provide a variety of recreational, cultural and tourism opportunities along the Halton waterfront.

134.    Included in this designation are the following Parks, with their general locations shown on Map 1 and detailed boundaries shown on Map 2:

1. Burlington Beach,
2. Burloak Park, and
3. Bronte Harbour.

135.    Subject to other policies of this Plan and applicable Local Official Plan policies and Zoning By-laws, and in accordance with approved master plans, the following uses may be permitted:

1. existing uses,
2. recreation uses,
3. forest, fisheries and wildlife management,
4. archaeological activities,
5. transportation and utility facilities,
6. watershed management and flood and erosion control projects carried out or supervised by a public agency.
7. specialized waterfront commercial, institutional and tourism-related uses,
8. marine and harbour facilities,
9. cultural and historical facilities,
10. public works, and
11. uses complementary to the Waterfront Park as permitted in the approved master plan.

136.      It is the policy of the Region to:

1. Prepare and approve Waterfront Park master plans, in partnership with Conservation Halton and the Local Municipalities, appropriate Provincial ministries and Federal departments, and other affected public bodies. Such plans shall examine, where appropriate, transportation impacts, parking, servicing, construction activity, boat storage, compatibility with surrounding land uses, connections to the waterfront trail as described under Section 118(14)b), public safety, interpretive facilities, a variety of recreation uses, the effect on water intakes and storm outfalls, and any other identified concerns or requirements. The study areas of such master plans can extend beyond the boundaries of the Waterfront Parks as shown on Map 2.
2. Enter into partnership agreements with senior levels of government, Conservation Halton, the Local Municipality and/or other public or private bodies, for the development, financing and/or management of each Waterfront Park.
3. Upon substantial completion of the development of a Waterfront Park in accordance with its master plan, transfer the management and day-to-day operation of the Park to the Local Municipality or Conservation Halton as part of the partnership agreement under Section 136(2) or through a separate agreement. Included in the agreement will be a park management plan and financial obligations of the Region including the funding of new capital facilities of a regional scale and supported by the master plan.
4. Consider proposals by, and enter into joint-venture agreements with, individuals or organizations to lease public waterfront property and/or develop Park components and associated activities in accordance with approved Waterfront Park master plans.
5. Protect significant physical and biological features within Waterfront Parks.
6. Consult the Local Municipalities and Conservation Halton on the identification and protection of heritage resources within Waterfront Parks.
7. Review Waterfront Park master plans periodically based on, among other things, demand for various recreation activities.

North Aldershot Policy Area

137.   The objectives of the North Aldershot Policy Area are:

1. To recognize and maintain the distinct and unique character of the North Aldershot area within the context of the surrounding built up area.
2. To provide limited amount of development in certain locations while preserving significant natural areas and maintaining the predominantly rural and open space character of the landscape.

138.      Subject to other policies of this Plan and the Niagara Escarpment Plan and applicable Local Official Plan policies and Zoning By-laws, the following uses may be permitted:

1.   agricultural operations,
1.1  normal farm practices,
2.   existing uses,
3.   single detached dwelling on existing lots,
4.   dwelling(s) accessory to an agricultural operation,
5.   non-intensive recreational uses such as nature viewing and pedestrian trail activities, only if the lands are publicly owned or are part of the Bruce Trail,
6.   recreation uses including golf courses and driving ranges, subject to the following conditions:
a)    any changes to the natural topography are kept to a minimum;
b)    buildings and structures are minor in scale and are located in a manner that will secure an open-space character of the area;
c)    there is no overnight accommodation for users or guests of the facility;
d)    landscaping and berms are provided where necessary to secure an open-space character of the area;
e)    the impact on adjacent agricultural operations is kept to a minimum, through the preparation by the proponent of an Agricultural Impact Assessment to the satisfaction of the Region;
f)     if the use involves significant taking of ground or surface water, the proponent must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Region, through appropriate studies involving a water budget analysis, that there is no adverse impact to water resources in the general area; and
g)    the design and construction of the use are in keeping with the Golf Course and Recreational Facilities Best Management Guidelines adopted by Regional Council.
7.   forest, fisheries and wildlife management,
8.   archaeological activities,
9.   transportation and utility facilities,
10.   accessory buildings or structures,
11.   incidental uses,
12.   [Section number not in use.]
13.   [Section number not in use.]
14.   uses permitted in Local Official Plan and Zoning By-laws established in accordance with the planning framework set out in the North Aldershot Inter-Agency Review Final Report (May 1994),
15.   home occupations and cottage industries with a gross floor area not exceeding 100 sq m or 25 per cent of the residential living area, whichever is lesser,
16.   bed and breakfast establishments with three or fewer guest bedrooms,
17.   veterinary clinics,
18.   animal kennels in conjunction with a single detached dwelling,
19.   watershed management and flood and erosion control projects carried out or supervised by a public agency, and
20.    [Section number not in use.]
21.    following uses only if located on a commercial farm and secondary to the farming operation:
a)    home industries with a gross floor area not exceeding 200 sq m,
b)    retail uses with a gross floor area not exceeding 500 sq m and the majority of the commodities for sale, measured by monetary value, produced or manufactured on the farm,
c)    agriculture-related tourism uses with a gross floor area not exceeding 500 sq m, and
d)    businesses that may not be related to agriculture provided that:
[i]    such uses are permitted by specific Niagara Escarpment Plan policies if applicable, Local Official Plan policies and Local Zoning By-laws;
[ii]   their scale is minor and does not change the appearance of the farming cooperation;
[iii]  their impact such as noise, odour and traffic on surrounding land uses is minimal and will not hinder surrounding agricultural uses; and
[iv]  they meet all Regional criteria as stated in the On-Farm Business Guidelines adopted by Council.

138.1  Uses permitted under Section 138 is further subject to a revision to the boundary of the Regional Natural Heritage System within and adjacent to the North Aldershot Policy Area, based on the designations and policies of the Greenbelt Plan and the concept of a systems approach as described under Section 115.3 of this Plan. Upon such a revision, policies of the Regional Natural Heritage System of this Plan and of the Greenbelt Plan shall apply based on the revised boundary.

139.    It is the policy of the Region to:

1. Require the City of Burlington to incorporate in their Official Plan policies to guide any development within the North Aldershot Policy Area in accordance with the planning framework set out in North Aldershot Inter-Agency Review Final Report (May 1994).
2. Require that any development in the North Aldershot Policy Area be based on individual well and septic systems except in those locations where urban services are permitted in accordance with Section 139(3).
3. Permit the extension of urban services to those locations within the North Aldershot Policy Area shown as "Eligible for Urban Services" on Map 1 provided that:
   a)    a feasibility study has been prepared to the satisfaction of the Region;
   b)    Regional Council deems it prudent to extend services;
   c      the landowner/developer has met the financial obligations as specified by the Region; and
   d)    sufficient servicing capacity is available as determined by the Region.
4. Permit the creation of new lots in the North Aldershot Policy Area as set out in the City of Burlington Official Plan and Zoning By-law and subject to:
   a)    the provisions of the Region's Urban Services Guidelines and the completion of a detailed hydrogeological study in accordance with Region’s Guidelines for Hydrogeological Studies and Best Management Practices for Groundwater Protection, if the subject lands are not "Eligible for Urban Services" as identified on Map 1, or
   b)    the provisions of the Region's Urban Services Guidelines, if the subject lands are "Eligible for Urban Services" as identified on Map 1.
5. Apply the criteria in the Provincial documents Minimum Distance Separation formulae to protect farming from incompatible uses. In applying these Provincial criteria, those areas identified as "Eligible for Urban Services" on Map 1 will be treated as Urban Area.

139.1    [Section number not in use]

139.2    [Section number not in use]