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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 20, 2023 - CouncilTHE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA MUNICIPAL OFFICE 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville, ON Council Chambers – HYBRID Thursday, July 20, 2023 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Public Planning Meeting – 2 Applications The July 20, 2023 Council Meeting will allow for a hybrid meeting function. You may attend in person or virtually through the live-stream on the Municipality of Bayham’s YouTube Channel 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF 3. REVIEW OF ITEMS NOT LISTED ON AGENDA 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS 5. PRESENTATIONS 6. DELEGATIONS A. Jacob Hanlon re Food Cycle Science B. Petrusia Hontar re St. Thomas Elgin Local Immigration Partnership 7. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING(S) A. Special Council Meeting held June 15, 2023 B. Regular Council Meeting held June 15, 2023 C. Special Council Meeting held July 6, 2023 8. MOTIONS AND NOTICE OF MOTION 9. OPEN FORUM 10. RECREATION, CULTURE, TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 10.1 Correspondence 10.1.1 Receive for Information 10.1.2 Requiring Action 10.2 Reports to Council 11. PHYSICAL SERVICES – EMERGENCY SERVICES 11.1 Correspondence Council Agenda July 20, 2023 2 11.1.1 Receive for Information 11.1.2 Requiring Action 11.2 Reports to Council A. Report PS-12/23 by Steve Adams, Manager of Public Works/Drainage Superintendent re Vienna Community Park Multi-Use Court RFP 23-02 Award 12. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES – SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSERVATION 12.1 Correspondence 12.1.1 Receive for Information A. Notice of Decision of Minor Variance Application A-04/23 Flett B. Notice of Decision of Minor Variance Application A-05/23 Toms C. Notice of Decision of Minor Variance Application A-06/23 Redsell D. Notice of Decision of Minor Variance Application A-07/23 Holcombe E. Notice of Meeting re Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA-06/23 Gregory Underhill Farms Ltd. F. Notice of Meeting re Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA-07/23 Crevits 12.1.2 Requiring Action 12.2 Reports to Council A. Report DR-02/23 by Steve Adams, Manager of Public Works/Drainage Superintendent re 2nd Quarter Drainage Report B. Report DS-44/23 by Margaret Underhill, Planning Coordinator/Deputy Clerk re Consent Application E50-23 Unger, 53579 Calton Line C. Report DS-45/23 by Margaret Underhill, Planning Coordinator/Deputy Clerk re Consent Application E45-23 Algar Farms Ltd., Concession 3 Lots 1, 2 and 3 D. Report DS-46/23 by Margaret Underhill, Planning Coordinator/Deputy Clerk re Draft PPS 2023 Review 13. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION 13.1 Correspondence 13.1.1 Receive for Information A. Township of South Glengarry re Reducing Municipal Insurance Costs B. Town of Halton Hills re Reducing Municipal Insurance Costs C. County or Elgin re Home-Based Childcare Operator Regulations Council Agenda July 20, 2023 3 D. City of Quinte West re Legislative Amendments to Improve Municipal Codes of Conduct and Enforcement E. City of Port Colborne re the Right-to-Repair Movement F. Town of Matachewan re Tax Sale Proceeds G. Township of Georgian Bluffs re Bill 23 H. Town of Essex re Code Red and Code Black Frequency I. Alexandra Hospital Ingersoll & Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital re 2022-2023 Annual Report J. Long Point Region Conservation Authority re June 7, 2023 Meeting Minutes K. Elgin County re June 27, 2023 County Council Highlights L. Elgin County re July 11, 2023 County Council Highlights M. Elgin County re Village of Vienna Speed Limit Amendment 13.1.2 Requiring Action 13.2 Reports to Council 14. BY-LAWS A. By-law No. 2023-058 Being a by-law to authorize the execution of a land use agreement between the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham and the Straffordville Community Committee 15. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 16. OTHER BUSINESS 16.1 In Camera 16.2 Out of Camera 17. BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL A. By-law No. 2023-059 Being a by-law to confirm all actions of Council 18. ADJOURNMENT FOODCYCLER ™ M U N I C I PA L S O L U T I O N S T h e F u t u r e o f F o o d Wa s t e . 99 M u n i c i p a l P a r t n e r s h i p s A c r o s s C a n a d a Canadian company based out of Ottawa, ON Founded in Cornwall in 2011 –Company is 100% focused on Food Waste Diversion Solutions Products available in North America through FoodCycler Municipal / Vitamix and internationally through network of distributors & OEM partners Finalists in Impact Canada/AAFC’s Food Waste Reduction Challenge Globe & Mail Canada’s Top Growing Companies (2021 & 2022) Deloitte Fast 50 CleanTech award winners (2021) Approved supplier with Canoe Procurement Group of Canada A B O U T U S F o o d C yc l e S c i e n c e 99 C a n a d i a n M u n i c i p a l Pa r t n e r s h i p s 8 P r o v i n c e s 1 T e r r i t o r y T R U S T E D C A N A D I A N S O L U T I O N C o a s t t o C o a s t t o C o a s t T H E P R O B L E M –F O O D WA S T E 63%of food waste is avoidable Household waste is composed of 25-50%organic waste Food waste weight is up to 90%liquid mass (which is heavy) The average Canadian household spends $1,766 on food that is wasted each year Each year food waste in Canada is responsible for 56.6 Million tonnes of CO2 equivalent of GHG LANDFILL + WASTE COSTS ~25-50% of household waste is organic waste Landfills are filling up fast, creating cost and environmental issues Hauling, transfer, and disposal services are a major cost factor and environmental contributor ENVIRONMENT Landfilled organic waste produces methane, which is 25 times more harmful than CO2 1 tonne of food waste is equivalent to 1 car on the road for one year COMMUNITY Food in the garbage: More frequent collection or trips to the disposal site Unpleasant odours Animals, pests & other visitors Removing food waste from garbage: Volume is reduced by up to 50% Less frequent collection, fewer trips to disposal site, save on bag tags Keeps odours out, makes garbage much less “interesting” for animals M U N I C I PA L I M PAC T Wa s t e i s a m u n i c i p a l r e s p o n s i b i l i t y GREEN BINS Major capital expenditure to invest in processing & collection infrastructure Contamination is an ongoing challenge GHG emissions and safety concerns from collection vehicles Participation rates are often lower than desired, particularly in multi-residential dwellings BACKYARD COMPOST Space, ability, and know-how are limiting factors Most users do not compost in winter or inclement weather May attract pests/animals or create unpleasant odors Participation rates are relatively low and stagnant Can produce methane if done incorrectly LANDFILL Easiest solution and often perceived as the most cost-effective in the short term Waste is typically out of sight and out of mind for consumers High levels of GHG emissions, particularly methane Long-term environmental hazard requires monitoring / maintenance Landfill capacity is quickly running out H AV E N ’ T W E S O LV E D T H I S A L R E A DY ? T H E S O L U T I O N ? T H E F O O D C YC L E R FOODCYCLER ™ FC-30 FOODCYCLER ™ Eco 5 2.5L 30.5L 4 -8 H O U R S 0 . 8 k W h 2 R E F I L L A B L E F I L T E R S B A C K 5 . 0 L 28.9L 6 -8 H O U R S 1 . 3 k W h T O P VOLUME CAPACITY UNIT VOLUME PROCESSING TIME POWER CONSUMPTION PER CYCLE ODOUR CONTROL VENT LOCATION 1 R E F I L L A B L E F I L T E R T H E F O O D C YC L E R P R O D U C T FA M I LY Full bucket of wet, smelly food waste Handful of dry, sterile, odourless & nutrient-rich by-product 4-8 HOURS (Overnight) 0.8-1.5 kWh (Equivalent to a laptop) $0.10-$0.15 per cycle ($2-4 per month) 9 0 % F O O D WA S T E R E D U C T I O N 2.5L / 5L 100 g / 200 g F O O D I L I Z E R ™: B E N E F I C I A L U S E S The FoodCycler by-product is a dry, sterile, odourless and nutrient-rich biomass with many beneficial uses and practical applications: Add to garden soil Add to backyard composter/tumbler/green cone Integrate to existing Leaf & Yard waste systems Pelletize/briquette as home heating alternative Drop off at compost site Drop off to a local farm Drop off to a community garden Add to Green Bin (where available) I M PAC T: E N V I R O N M E N T T h e Pa t h t o N e t Z e ro Put in Bin Food Waste Throw in Bin Hauling Truck Collection Transfer Station Disposal / Processing Haul Compost Use in Soil Food Waste Put in FoodCyclerUse in Soil I M PAC T: E C O N O M I C T r a d i t i o n a l W a s t e M a n a g e m e n t F o o d C y c l e r Constituents want solutions to reduce their environmental impact Waste is perceived as a government problem and regulations are coming Food waste is “low-hanging fruit” to achieving higher diversion and addressing the environmental impact of waste THE TIME IS NOW "I’ve received a number of positive messages from residents saying, “sign me up, where can I get mine." I’m 100 per cent in favor of it." Deputy Mayor Lyle Warden, (South Glengarry ON) "It alleviates a lot of the concerns that people might have with backyard composting. The time commitment, the location, pests and animals..." Kylie Hissa, Strategic Initiatives Officer (Kenora, ON) “We were extremely happy with this program and loved that it made us aware of our daily waste.“ Pilot participant in South Glengarry ”It’s a great tool to reduce household waste. Appreciate that the municipality is being innovative and piloting different solutions.” Pilot participant in Hornepayne I M PAC T: P R E S S U R E Re g u l a t o r y + S o c i a l T H E F O O D C YC L E R P I L OT S T h e r e s u l t s a r e i n . 6000+ H o u s e h o l d s 50+ M u n i c i p a l i t i e s Completed pilots in: Participation Rate 98% •98% of pilot participants will continue using the FoodCycler after the pilot period Recommendation Rate 96% •96% of users would recommend the FoodCycler to friends/family/neighbours User Experience Rating 4.6/5 •4.6 out of 5 star rating for the overall user experience of the FoodCycler Net New Diversion 300 kg •Each participating household is estimated to divert approximately 300 kg of food waste per year Awareness + Prevention 77% •77% of pilot participants resolved to waste less food as a result of increased awareness Federal Funding ✓Semi-Finalists in Stage 1 received $100,000 ✓Finalists in Stage 2 received $400,000 ➢Finalists will compete in Stage 3 to win one of two Grand Prizes of up to $1,500,000 I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H : F O O D WA S T E R E D U C T I O N C H A L L E N G E I m p a c t C a n a d a F i n a l i s t s S TA R T 12 WE E KS E ND PILOT TIMELINE Residents purchase FoodCycler at a subsidized rate from Municipal Office (or other designated location) Participants use the unit for a period of 12 weeks. Number of cycles per week are tracked to estimate total diversion achieved. Participants fill out an exit survey, providing their review of the program and any other feedback. Survey results used to evaluate program success. Tailored program design and implementation. Grants may be available, with support from Food Cycle Science. NE XT S T E P S P I L OT P R O G R A M 1 2 We e k s f ro m S t a r t t o F i n i s h F U N D E D P I L OT P R O G R A M O P T I O N S M u n i c i p a l S u b s i dy M o d e l FOODCYCLER ™ FC-30 FOODCYCLER ™ Eco 5 $500 -$200 -$50 $100 $815 -$265 -$150 $100 RETAIL PRICE MUNICIPAL DISCOUNT IMPACT CANADA INVESTMENT MUNICIPAL SUBSIDY RESIDENT COST$150 $300 ** F U N D E D P I L OT P R O G R A M O P T I O N S P i l o t S c o p e Re c o m m e n d a t i o n s Municipality Population Pilot Scope Municipal Investment < 2,500 Residents 50 Households $5,000 2,500 – 10,000 Residents 100 Households $10,000 10,000 – 20,000 Residents 200 Households $20,000 > 20,000 Residents 250+ Households $25,000+ -Plus shipping costs and applicable taxes PA R T N E R S H I P B E N E F I T S W hy p i l o t w i t h u s ? Opportunity to trial a food waste diversion solution at a cost well below market prices Immediate impact of reduced residential waste volumes thus increasing diversion rates Reduced costs associated with waste management (collection, transfer, disposal, and landfill operations) The reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation and decomposition of food waste in landfills Extend the life of your landfill(s) Opportunity to support Canadian innovation and clean tech Opportunity to provide residents with an innovative solution that reduces waste and fights climate change, at an affordable price Obtaining data that could be used to develop a future organic waste diversion program Next Steps: Receive presentation as information. If interested in partnering, refer to Staff for a recommendation to Council. Jacob Hanlon Municipal Program Coordinator Email: jacbh@foodcycler.com Phone: 613-316-4094 The Municipal Solutions Team municipal@foodcycler.com THANK YOU! ANY QUESTIONS? 2023‐07‐04 1 St. Thomas Elgin Local Immigration Partnership MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM DELEGATION┃JULY 20 What is STELIP? o St. Thomas Elgin Local Immigration Partnership o Funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada o Established in 2011 o Community capacity building project to better support immigrant integration o Does not directly serve the immigrant population, works with the community 1 2 2023‐07‐04 2 Our Vision St. Thomas and Elgin County communities will be a culturally diverse, welcoming, caring, and inclusive community that will retain current residents, welcome newcomers, and provide them the opportunity to successfully integrate, contribute to, and benefit from social, cultural, and economic inclusion. STELIP Council o Central Community Health Centre o Elgin Business Resource Centre o Elgin County Economic Development o Elgin County Library o Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning & Development Board o Employment Services Elgin o Fanshawe College Community Career and Employment Services o Fanshawe College St. Thomas/Elgin Campus o Mennonite Community Services o Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs o Service Canada o St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce o St. Thomas Economic Development/Small Business Enterprise Centre o St. Thomas Elgin Social Services o St. Thomas Police Service o St. Thomas Public Library o St. Thomas Islamic Centre o Thames Valley District School Board o WILL Immploy o YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin o YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin Settlement Services 3 4 2023‐07‐04 3 Our Priority Areas o Workforce Development and Employer Supports o Community Readiness o Equitable Supports o Education o Civic and Social Inclusion Local Research o Experiences of Discrimination Study o Immigrant Survey 5 6 2023‐07‐04 4 Culturally Inclusive Events Guide o Planning Events that Are Culturally Appropriate: A Guidebook o Free guidebook o Meant to help community members start asking questions, reflecting, and planning from a perspective that considers cultural appropriateness Newcomer Information Package o First developed in 2012 and was recently updated in 2023 o A guidebook for newcomers that helps them understand and access services in the community o A tool for service providers who serve newcomer clients 7 8 2023‐07‐04 5 Bayham Demographics Population 2021 7,096 Median Age of Population: 34.4 years Population Decline: -4.1% Bayham Demographics RECENT IMMIGRANTS 75 (1%) Places of Origin •Mexico (30) •USA (20) •Philippines (15) ALL IMMIGRANTS 1300 (6.5%) Places of Origin •Mexico (920) •United Kingdom (90) •USA (70) Visible Minority: 2% 9 10 2023‐07‐04 6 Bayham Demographics RECENT IMMIGRANTS ALL IMMIGRANTS Family Sponsorship 30% 55% 12% 3% Bayham Demographics 1 YEAR PREVIOUSLY 425 5 YEARS PREVIOUSLY 1735 Mobility - Migrants 6% 94% 27% 73% 11 12 2023‐07‐04 7 Successful integration of immigrants is essential because: o 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan means that over 465,000 new immigrants are expected to arrive in Canada each year o Canada is depending on immigration to facilitate post-COVID recovery o Maintaining the vitality of smaller Canadian communities depends on the attraction and retention of immigrants Creating a Welcoming, Caring, and Inclusive Community o Welcoming Communities Toolkit: o http://p2pcanada.ca/library/measuring-welcoming-communities-a-toolkit-for-communities-and-those-who-support-them/ o 19 characteristics o Phase 1: Measure and Compare o Phase 2: Marketing 13 14 2023‐07‐04 8 www.stelip.ca @StThomasElginLIP @theSTELIP 15 Planning Events that are Culturally Inclusive: A Guidebook St. Thomas-Elgin Local Immigration Partnership 1 Contents Introduction ................................................................................................... 2 About STELIP ............................................................................................... 3 Select Definitions ........................................................................................... 4 The Planning Mindset .................................................................................... 6 Scheduling and Venue Selection ................................................................... 7 Selecting Themes, Decorations and Costumes ............................................. 8 Communication and Promotion ..................................................................... 9 Food and Drink .............................................................................................. 9 Selecting Entertainment .............................................................................. 10 Ensuring a Respectful Environment ............................................................. 11 Land Acknowledgements ............................................................................ 12 Conclusion .................................................................................................. 13 Additional Resources................................................................................... 14 2 Introduction What is a culturally inclusive event? This guide will help you plan community events that are culturally inclusive. But what does “culturally inclusive” mean, exactly? Ultimately, a culturally inclusive event is safe, respectful, and welcoming for community members of all races, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Ensuring your event is culturally inclusive means approaching all elements of event planning with that goal in mind, from scheduling and venue selection, to choosing food and drink, selecting themes and decoration, booking entertainment and more. Why is it important to make sure events are culturally inclusive? Above all, it is important to ensure events are culturally inclusive so that everyone in our community feels safe, respected, and welcomed. Additionally, as our communities become more diverse, and our collective knowledge of equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice concepts increases, there is more understanding of the negative impact of events that are not culturally inclusive. What is the purpose of this guide? This guide is meant to be a tool to help you plan culturally inclusive community events. It can’t give you all the answers but will help guide you in how to consider the cultural inclusiveness of your event. We understand the unique challenges associated with planning community events, including limited time and resources, particularly if the event is run by volunteers. Additionally, we acknowledge that “community events” is a wide category that encompasses a number of very different types of events. Some information may not be applicable to your situation or may be impossible for you to implement. For these reasons, this guide is NOT a prescriptive list, but rather a tool to help you start asking questions, reflecting, and planning from a perspective that considers cultural inclusiveness. It is a starting point for learning. Sometimes we have assembled information into a checklist, but it is still meant to be a general guide. This guide is broken down into sections, so you can read the whole thing or skip to the most applicable sections. The first section outlines general suggestions for considering the cultural appropriateness of your event. The final section gives a checklist overview of 3 the entire document. The middle sections take the time to dive deeper into some aspects of event planning. About STELIP The St. Thomas-Elgin Local Immigration Partnership (STELIP) is a collaborative community initiative that aims to build welcoming, caring, and inclusive communities by supporting the integration of immigrants and promoting the value of diversity. STELIP is funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada and has been working in the community since 2011. 4 Select Definitions EDI: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Generally used to refer to initiatives that seek to centre equity, diversity and inclusion in professional settings. Equity: The principle of considering people's unique experiences and differing situations, and ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities that are necessary for them to attain just outcomes. Equity aims to eliminate disparities and disproportions that are rooted in historical and contemporary injustices and oppression. Diversity: The variety of identities found within an organization, group or society. Diversity is expressed through factors such as culture, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, language, education, ability, family status or socioeconomic status. Inclusion: The practice of using proactive measures to create an environment where people feel welcomed, respected and valued, and to foster a sense of belonging and engagement. This practice involves changing the environment by removing barriers so that each person has equal access to opportunities and resources and can achieve their full potential. Racialized: Refers to a person or group of people categorized according to ethnic or racial characteristics and subjected to discrimination on that basis. Visible minorities: Persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non- Caucasian in race or non-white in colour. Although the terms "members of visible minorities" and "visible minorities" are used in legal and statistical contexts in Canada, they are considered outdated and can be inaccurate in a general context as they do not always reflect provincial, territorial or other regional demographic compositions in Canada. Person of Colour: A person who is especially of African, Asian or mixed racial or ethnic descent. (Plural: People of Colour) BIPOC: Black, Indigenous and people of colour. The abbreviation "BIPOC" is used to refer to people of colour and was designed to emphasize the particular experiences of Black people and Indigenous people with discrimination as contrasted with other non-white groups of people. (Source: Canada Guide on Equity Diversity, and Inclusion Terminology) 5 A note on racialized, visible minority, POC, and BIPOC terminology Generally, the most accepted term is “racialized”, although it is fairly new and potentially not as well known. “Visible minority” is generally seen as outdated. With many of the other terms, opinions vary on the usage and usefulness of the terms. The Canada Guide on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Terminology explains: “Some people prefer the term "people of colour" or “BIPOC” over "non-white people," or vice versa, for various reasons. For example, the term "people of colour" implies that "white" is not a colour, while the term "non- white people" implies that being white is the norm.” When in doubt, it is best to be as specific as possible, eg: Black, East Asian etc. See the “notes” section under each definition in the Canada Guide on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Terminology. 6 The Planning Mindset The most important thing you can do while planning a culturally inclusive event is to approach the planning with an open, curious, and conscientious perspective. Be interested in learning more about cultures different to your own. Be ready to change your mind and opinions. Try your hardest to be thoughtful and thorough in all your decisions. If you bring this perspective to your planning efforts, you will be well on your way to planning a culturally inclusive event. You will also need a sense of humility. We all make mistakes, and if this is all new information, you will almost certainly make mistakes. That’s okay. What’s more important is that you are willing to listen, learn, and grow from your missteps and mistakes, without being defensive. We want to encourage you to be open to feedback from the community. If there is one section you read in this document, let it be this one. Once you work on cultivating an open, curious, and conscientious perspective, you can apply it to almost any situation to help plan culturally inclusive events.  Consider who is and isn’t included in your event-planning process. Why do you think some voices are not represented? Is there anything you could do to diversify your planning team?  If this is an event you’ve run before, have you received feedback about previous events? Have you considered ways to incorporate the feedback into your planning process? If you haven’t received any feedback, is there a way you can collect feedback in the future?  When planning, consider your event from multiple, different perspectives. How do you think your event will be received by people of different ages, faiths, or cultural backgrounds, for example. Would any of these groups have specific needs during the event? Does your event include anything that could be inappropriate, inaccessible, or offensive to any of these groups?  Are you coming at planning with an open, curious, and conscientious perspective? How can you cultivate this mindset while planning your event? 7 Scheduling and Venue Selection  Have you checked whether the date of your event conflicts with important cultural or religious celebrations? If so, do you think this conflict will interfere with someone’s ability to attend or appreciate your event? Consider whether you should offer accommodations or change the date.  Consider whether it would be appropriate to offer a space for participants to pray, meditate, or reflect quietly during your event. Select Major Religious Holidays Christian: Christmas, Easter Hindu: Holi, Navrati, Diwali Islamic: Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Jewish: Purim, Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah Scenario A local library is offering a day-long workshop for teens. Since there are a number of regular library patrons who are Muslim and pray five times a day, the library makes sure to open a small activity room to be used as a prayer room. At the beginning of the workshop, they tell all workshop participants that the room is available for religious observances throughout the day. 8 Selecting Themes, Decorations and Costumes  Have you avoided using someone’s culture purely as a theme, decoration, or costume? Consider selecting a theme that is not related to a culture, like seasons and weather, colours, decades, or popular media. (Still look out for ways that offensive stereotypes might pop up in these themes!) If your event does include a cultural element:  Do you approach it with a sense of cultural appreciation, not appropriation?  Does your event include people from that culture, as planners, performers, or contributors in some way?  Do you avoid stereotypes and caricatures?  Do you encourage respectful learning and curiosity? Have you ensured that you have accurate information about that culture?  Do you avoid engaging with anything that is sacred to that culture, or otherwise off-limits to outsiders? What is Cultural Appropriation? You might have heard the term “cultural appropriation” applied in situations where people have been criticized for inappropriately engaging with a culture, but it can be confusing to know exactly what cultural appropriation is. Ultimately, cultural appropriation is when someone from an outside, usually dominant, culture takes something from another culture for their own benefit or gain, without understanding its context or engaging in good faith with its cultural origin. Cultural appreciation, on the other hand, is a process of learning, engaging, and creating a relationship with another culture, which can include exploring cultural art, clothing, beliefs etc. For more information, check out Cultural Appreciation and Appropriation in the ETFO’s guide to Cultural Appropriation vs Appreciation. Scenario A volunteer group is planning a celebration for local high school graduates. The theme “Hawaiian Luau” is suggested. Some members are excited by this theme, but another member feels there is potential to misrepresent Hawaiian culture. After discussing, the planning group realizes what they are really excited about is the opportunity to put on a colourful, fun event. They decide on the new theme of “Flower Power”, which will still allow them to decorate 9 the venue in multicoloured flowers and enjoy a summer barbeque but won’t encourage participants to wear poor imitations of traditional Hawaiian dress. Communication and Promotion  Consider making your communication and promotion materials as easy-to-read as possible. Using simple sentences, avoiding small and stylized hard-to-read fonts, and ensuring sufficient contrast between text and background helps make text more accessible to English language learners and people with disabilities.  Consider making any presentation materials available to participants (e.g., slideshows). This can help make presentations more accessible to English language learners and people with disabilities.  Consider if language interpretation services are needed. If you have many participants who don’t speak English, there are options available to provide translation and interpretation. You can check out STELIP’s Interpretation Services Guide in the Resources section for more information. Scenario A local advocacy group is running an information event about available community services. They are anticipating several participants who are English language learners. Some of their participants also have learning or intellectual disabilities. To make the event as accessible as possible, they offer information in written and oral formats. They also ensure all materials are written in plain English. Food and Drink  Have you consulted with participants about their dietary needs? (e.g., Halal, Kosher, vegetarian). Are you able to accommodate all needs?  If you are serving alcohol, are non-alcoholic options also available? Some people avoid alcohol for a variety of reasons, including cultural and religious purposes.  Consider offering takeaway options, particularly if your event falls on a day that some participants are fasting. While many different religions observe fasting, this is most applicable to Muslims observing Ramadan, who fast from sunrise to sunset during the month-long observance. 10 Scenario A business group is running a local networking conference. The organizers note that this conference will fall during the observance of Ramadan. They decide to offer takeout containers alongside the provided lunch. That way, any participants who are fasting can enjoy the food later, especially since they have paid for the event including lunch. Selecting Entertainment  If your event entertainment (activities, guest speakers, etc.) is related to a specific cultural activity or practice, will the roots and history of the activity be acknowledged?  Consider hiring guest speakers and/or entertainers who belong to the specific group they are speaking about. Scenario A group of community volunteers are planning a summer festival. They would like to hire a dance group to run a workshop. They are considering hiring a Bollywood dance group but there are none in the local area. They find two potential groups an hour away. One is from an Indian Cultural Centre, but they are unavailable. The other group is not officially connected to the Indian community. The planning committee wants to make sure that this group will acknowledge the history of Bollywood dancing during their workshop, so the volunteer group schedules a call with the dance group to discuss their concerns and needs. The dance group assures them that they also value being culturally respectful and will acknowledge the history and meaning of Bollywood dance styles during their workshop. 11 Ensuring a Respectful Environment  Consider creating event policies that affirm your commitment to being a safe and respectful environment for everyone, including a specific anti-discrimination policy. Policies can help you plan for how you would address any issues, should they arise. Be clear about how you intend to keep your event safe and respectful for everyone.  Have open discussions about safety, respect, and anti-discrimination with your planning team. This helps ensure you share common goals, vision, and values for your event.  Ensure you or other event organizers feel comfortable responding to potential issues, especially in the case of a participant who is harassing or discriminating against another participant. Check out our Bystander Training in the Resources section for a starting point. Scenario A group of volunteers are running a youth community baseball league. To ensure the safety of all participants in the league, they decide to write an anti- discrimination policy that underlines their zero-tolerance policy for discriminatory behaviour. When an incident unfortunately arises where a parent uses racist language during a baseball game, the organizers are able to use their policy to ask the parent to leave and not return to any games. This ensures the safety of all the youth players and especially racialized youth. 12 Land Acknowledgements  Consider including a land acknowledgement at the beginning of your event. If you include a land acknowledgement:  Make sure it is accurate and you know how to pronounce all the names. You can find the phonetic spelling or listen to audio clips to practice. See the Elgin County Land Acknowledgement in the Resources section.  Consider tailoring the land acknowledgement specifically to the event. What is a Land Acknowledgement? A land acknowledgement is a statement read before an event that recognizes that the land on which the event is held as traditional territory of Indigenous People(s), many of whom continue to call the land their home today. Land acknowledgements should be as accurate and specific as possible, naming individual Indigenous groups. Often land acknowledgements also include information about the treaties that govern the land, if applicable. The purpose of land acknowledgements is to recognize the ongoing presence of Indigenous people in Canada and allow participants to reflect on their relationship to the land. Land acknowledgements are one of many parts of the Reconciliation process. 13 Conclusion There are many different elements to consider when planning a culturally inclusive event. This guide serves as an overview of some of the elements and is a starting point for your planning process. Now that you’ve worked your way through this guide, you are well-positioned to plan culturally inclusive events. You have learned about the perspective needed to plan culturally inclusive events, as well as some of the specific considerations you should plan for. Just remember to be continually open to listening and learning—especially from relevant cultural groups. Thank you for taking the time to embed these questions and considerations into your event planning. The following checklist is a summary of the most important points from all the previous sections and can be used as an overall guide when planning your event.  Have you tried your best to approach planning your event with an open, curious, and conscientious perspective?  Have you listened, learned, and implemented changes from feedback, without being defensive?  When selecting your date, have you considered any potential conflicts with religious or cultural celebrations?  Have you avoided using someone’s culture purely as a theme, decoration, or costume?  If your event does include a cultural element, have you approached it with a sense of cultural appreciation, not appropriation?  Have you tried to make all communication about event as accessible as possible?  If your event includes food or drink, have you met participants’ dietary needs?  If your event entertainment is related to a specific cultural activity or practice, will the roots and history of the activity be acknowledged?  Have you considered creating event policies that affirm your commitment to being a safe and respectful environment for everyone, including a specific anti-discrimination policy?  Have you considered including a land acknowledgement? 14 Additional Resources About the Area (including Land Acknowledgement) (STELIP) Bystander and Allyship Training (STELIP) AODA Accessibility Guidelines (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) Central Elgin Land Acknowledgement (Municipality of Central Elgin) EFTO Cultural Appropriation vs Appreciation Guide (Elementary Teacher’s Federation of Ontario) Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terminology Glossary (Government of Canada) Interpretation Services Guide (STELIP) Land Acknowledgement (City of Toronto) Resources for Service Providers Working with Low German Speaking Mennonites (Opening Doors) Territory Acknowledgement (Native Land) 1 St. Thomas-Elgin Local Immigration Partnership St. Thomas and Elgin County have seen a large demographic shift in the past few years, with a visible increase of diversity in our neighbourhoods, schools, and businesses. Recent census data (2021) shows that the number of immigrants and visible minorities have both increased, supporting anecdotal claims. With this increased diversity comes an increased need for St. Thomas-Elgin Local Immigration Partnership (STELIP) to promote inclusion, celebrate the assets that diversity brings to our communities, and continue to progress the actions of our strategic plan. The partnership is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and began work in 2011 by establishing strong connections in the community to support building a welcoming, caring, and inclusive community. In 2020, we marked the beginning of a five-year strategic plan where STELIP Council Members and the STELIP team work towards attaining the goal laid out in our impact statement: By 2025, 80% of newcomers to St. Thomas-Elgin will progress from settlement to integration within five years of arriving in St. Thomas and Elgin County. Our multisectoral approach is implemented through action plans within the five priority areas of STELIP’s strategic plan: • Workforce Development and Employer Supports • Community Readiness • Equitable Supports • Education • Civic and Social Inclusion Additionally, STELIP has continued to support the collection of measurements and statistics through our community partners that capture their initiatives and how immigrants are accessing services. These measurements are used to support STELIP's annual action planning as well as our community partner's planning and service delivery. Some collected measures are highlighted throughout the document. The following is an overview of STELIP's work during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. 2 3 Contents Building Welcoming, Caring, and Inclusive Communities ........ 4 Workforce Development and Employer Supports ..................... 5 Education ..................................................................................... 8 Community Readiness .............................................................. 10 Equitable Supports .................................................................... 13 Civic and Social Inclusion ......................................................... 18 Ongoing Regional Initiatives and Collaborations .................... 20 Communications ....................................................................... 22 STELIP Council .......................................................................... 25 4 Building Welcoming, Caring, and Inclusive Communities f Our Vision St. Thomas and Elgin County communities will be a culturally diverse, welcoming, caring, and inclusive community that will retain current residents, welcome newcomers, and provide them the opportunity to successfully integrate, contribute to, and benefit from social, cultural, and economic inclusion. Our Mission We are a collaborative community initiative that aims to build welcoming, caring, and inclusive communities by supporting the integration of immigrants and promoting the value of diversity. Our Principles To ensure that the work of those associated with the initiative promotes inclusivity, the following principles have been adopted: Inclusivity – Our work will be inclusive of all immigrants in the St. Thomas-Elgin community regardless of their immigration status, citizenship, age, gender, health status, sexual orientation, and number of years in the community. We will work towards equal participation while promoting social justice. Collaboration – Our work will emphasize developing a strong and respectful relationship with immigrant communities to ensure a welcoming, caring, and inclusive environment. Empowerment – Our work will strive to support new immigrants’ capacity to provide for themselves and their families through their own means and their own decisions. Sustainability – Our work will be planned and evaluated to ensure continued effectiveness and long-term feasibility 5 Workforce Development and Employer Supports Obtaining employment is typically a large milestone in the settlement journey of immigrants. STELIP has always included Employment and Workforce as a priority area of our work. Currently, the community, and Canada in general, are experiencing high levels of workforce shortages that have turned the attention to targeted recruitment of immigrant and internationally-trained talent. As employers are tapping into this talent, they are seeking information to better understand hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. Accomplishments This Year Over the year we partnered with other organizations to provide opportunities to learn and connect with experts in hiring immigrants. STELIP, along with other Southwestern Ontario LIPs, partnered with WILL Immploy to host webinars. In September 2022, the Welcoming and Inclusive Workplaces: How to Recruit and Retain Talent webinar focused on information and best practices for creating welcoming and inclusive workplaces to help attract candidates, foster job satisfaction for new workers, and retain skilled employees. From across the Southwestern Ontario region, 81 participants attended the session. In February 2023, the Hiring International Students: What You Need to Know webinar shared information about the recent changes to the restrictions of international student visas, hiring international students while they are studying and after they complete their degrees and certificates, as well as what companies need to know after international student employees have completed their studies. This session attracted 70 participants from the region. This partnership was an effective way to share important information with limited resources. In partnership with the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board, STELIP hosted a webinar for their Labour Market Information Made Easy Series on addressing the needs of Ukrainian temporary residents called Addressing Ukrainian Needs in the Labour Market. The webinar featured a line-up of speakers, including employers, employment agencies, and service providers to build an understanding of the unique Canada-Ukrainian Authorization for Emergency Travel 6 (CUAET) immigration pathway, its impacts on immigrant integration, and how employers can support non-traditional employment supports like housing, transportation, and English language acquisition. This year the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus took the lead on the Growing Your Workforce Conference in collaboration with the Workforce Planning and Development Boards and Literacy Support Networks across Southwestern Ontario. This year the conference focused heavily on hiring immigrants and refugees, with both keynote speakers presenting on their experiences of hiring and supporting immigrants. When local employers understand how and why they benefit from hiring immigrants, they are more likely to do so. This can increase the number of immigrants who obtain employment that matches their skills, strengthen immigrant integration, and support our local businesses to reach their capacities. Every year, the Elgin Middlesex Oxford (EMO) Workforce Planning and Development Board, a member of the STELIP Council, facilitates the EmployerOne Survey to collect information from local employers about regional workforce issues and challenges. Key takeaways from the 2021 survey, released in 2022, include the fact that nearly half (49%) of employer respondents had positions that were hard-to-fill in the last year, often due to lack of applicants or lack of applicants’ experience and qualifications. Just over half of respondents indicated that retention is a problem and specifically that finding and retaining qualified workers is a challenge (34% reported that recruiting qualified workers was ‘very challenging’; 65% reported that retaining qualified workers was ‘somewhat’ or ‘very challenging’). These results underline the importance of the work we are doing to increase resources for hiring immigrant and internationally trained workers as part of a solution to local workforce shortages. STELIP is a member of Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board’s Workforce Advisory Committee. This committee supports the coordination, planning, development, and evaluation of Elgin Middlesex Oxford WPDB’s planned projects. We ensure the projects are representative of the community, suggest potential partners or stakeholders to include, and advise on resources that can be leveraged. To increase connections with local businesses, STELIP regularly attended the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce Business After 5 networking events. These events were hosted by different local businesses and were a great opportunity to increase the presence of STELIP in the community. 7 Upcoming Plans A sub committee of STELIP has formed to focus on Immigrant Workforce, Employment, and Entrepreneurship collaboration and initiatives for the region. This group has several initiatives planned to strengthen the regional capacity to integrate immigrants into the workforce. A local resource is being developed to support employers as they increase immigrant inclusion in their workforce and develop strategies to support retention. This guide will provide tools that can be implemented locally and connect employers with service providers that can support their work. Additionally, a localized mentorship program is being developed by WILL Immploy. This program will take a traditional mentorship model and adapt it to match the major economic sectors in the region. To supplement this initiative, a local event will bring together employers, service providers, and immigrants. 8 Education STELIP continues to support agencies that provide educational opportunities to newcomers. Education is crucial in our community to give newcomers the support to build skills to communicate, obtain employment, make connections, and integrate into their new home. Locally, educational opportunities range from English language classes, adult literacy supports and classes, volunteer-led sessions, and international student enrollment at post-secondary institutions. Accomplishments This Year The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin continued to offer English language classes, with 46 learners enrolled throughout the year. An additional seven learners are currently on the waitlist. These classes were supplemented by English Language Conversation Circles, which give learners a chance to practice their skills in a more informal and social environment. This year, in response to the invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent arrival of Ukrainians to Canada, the St. Thomas Public Library hosted weekly volunteer-led Ukrainian Conversation Circles to support Ukrainian newcomers’ language skills. Fifteen families took part in these Conversation Circles. The St. Thomas Library also offers “English to Go” kits, an English language learning resource that was borrowed fifteen times this year. Mennonite Community Services, in partnership with YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin who provided the English Language classes, continued to offer their Family Education and Support Program Aylmer (FESPA) to increase social interaction and build the skills necessary for newcomer women and preschoolers to adapt and adjust to life in Canada. This program supported 60 women and continues to be an opportunity to increase access to services for the Low German Speaking Mennonite women in the region, a group that tends to have low levels of literacy and face additional barriers to accessing learning supports. Fanshawe College operates a satellite campus in St. Thomas, which continued to see growth in its international student enrollment (188 international students over 9 the course of the 2022-2023 school year). Through connections established with the Associate Dean of the Fanshawe Regional Campus and the International Student Engagement Manager, STELIP worked to strengthen supports for international students. We provided a listing of local cultural and religious groups to international students to help connect them to the community. Additional resources will be developed to meet the needs of the international students that come to St. Thomas to study. We also had a booth with YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin Settlement Services at Fanshawe College’s Ask Us event, providing students an opportunity to ask questions about available supports. At this booth we promoted the Experiences of Discrimination study and the Global Flavours event and connected with students in general. Lastly, the Associate Dean of the Fanshawe Regional Campus joined the STELIP Council to strengthen ties to the campus. Plans for the Upcoming Year As the International Student enrollment at the St. Thomas/Elgin Fanshawe campus continues to grow, STELIP is committed to strengthening the local supports available to this population. Many international students pursue a pathway to immigration after they complete their studies. Ensuring local international students have a positive experience, feel supported, and establish connections is an important strategy to retain this educated newcomer population. 10 Community Readiness STELIP supports a range of community engagement strategies and community-based public education initiatives that improve community readiness, ensuring that our community has the knowledge and tools to successfully welcome immigrants. Positive community sentiment toward immigration and diversity is an important component of a welcoming community that fosters immigrant retention. Accomplishments This Year STELIP is a member of the Community Conversations planning committee alongside the St. Thomas Library, Elgin County Library, Rainbow Optimist Southwestern Ontario, and the Elgin-St. Thomas Coalition to End Poverty. Community Conversations is a series of free community-building events that provide opportunities for underrepresented and marginalized groups to lead conversations and for the community to build connections with each other. This year, two different Community Conversations events were held: one in partnership with the Deshkan Ziibi Indigenous Women’s Association, and another with the St. Thomas Islamic Centre. A combined total of 250 participants attended these events. During both events, community members were invited to learn more about the respective hosts’ culture through activities, performances, and guest speakers. The committee also curated a list of learning resources to complement each event, which are available on our website. The St. Thomas Public Library hosted a monthly book club, which featured seven diverse books that prompted discussions about equity, diversity, and inclusion. This program helped bring these topics to a subset of the population that is not always 11 exposed to diverse populations. The group discussed the books amongst themselves but also had the opportunity to have an author join the conversation. Increasing the opportunity for equity and diversity topics to be discussed and explored locally helps develop a local environment that is more welcoming and inclusive. Another annual STELIP event is Global Flavours: An International Taste Experience of St. Thomas & Elgin. This event is run in partnership with the local tourism boards, Railway City Tourism and Elgin County Tourism, and celebrates the diversity of food and cultures found across the region. The community was invited to visit any of the participating restaurants throughout the month of February, and either collect a stamp on a “passport” or points on an app, making them eligible to win prizes at the end of the month. A total of 18 restaurants, representing diverse cuisines from Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, South Asia, East Asia and more, and over 50 teams of participants took part in the event. STELIP had a table at the Horton Market to launch our Global Flavours event. We handed out Global Flavours passports and cards with information about Global Flavours, ran a craft activity for kids, and sold copies of our cookbook. We also used the opportunity to promote recruitment for the second phase of our discrimination research by handing out flyers and other public outreach. We interacted with an estimated 70 people. STELIP was also featured on the local Rogers television program “Meet the Makers”, hosted by the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce. The series is hosted by the CEO of the Chamber as he tours the community and connects with people that are helping the community grow and prosper. The video highlighted our work in the community and shared some ongoing initiatives and campaigns. The episode aired on the local Rogers network and is available on YouTube. The video had over 80 views in the four months since it had been posted. 12 Plans for Next Year STELIP, in partnership with Western University’s Network for Economic and Social Trends, is currently in the process of conducting qualitative research to deepen the understanding of Experiences of Discrimination in St. Thomas and Elgin County. This research will consist of interviews with 30 different respondents to capture the specifics of an experience of discrimination that took place in a workplace, public space, or by the police in St. Thomas or Elgin County in the last three years. This research will build on the quantitative survey administered by STELIP and Western University in 2021, which found that 7 in 10 immigrant and visible minority respondents reported experiencing discrimination in St. Thomas and Elgin County. 13 Equitable Supports It is imperative that community supports can serve immigrants and newcomers effectively and achieve similar outcomes to non- immigrant clients. Additional supports should be offered accordingly to immigrants to achieve equitable outcomes, for example, interpretation services or transportation. STELIP is committed to working toward equitable supports to ensure immigrants are able to thrive by working with community partners to increase awareness of available immigrant services and supports, strengthening referral networks between agencies that have immigrant clients, and developing programs and tools that meet immigrants’ needs. Accomplishments This Year Our flagship event is our annual Walk With Me service provider networking event, which brings together local frontline service providers to network and learn from each other. In addition to offering professional development opportunities, the goal of this event is to increase referrals between agencies that serve immigrants by increasing frontline service providers’ knowledge of community programs, resources, and services. This year was the 11th annual event and saw 80 service providers representing 31 agencies in attendance. Participant feedback showed that half of all participants indicated they would be using the learning and contacts to improve client service. A follow-up survey sent out three months later found that 70% of respondents had 14 connected with new contacts and 40% had made referrals based on new contacts from Walk With Me. Canada welcomed refugees from Afghanistan, many of whom were temporarily housed in hotels in Toronto and other Resettlement Assessment Program (RAP) centres that have been designated to support Government Assisted Refugees. STELIP created, by request of IRCC, a video to showcase the St. Thomas-Elgin region, which was played on the hotel’s internal television channels along with videos from other communities to assist refugees in selecting a region to settle in. In response to the invasion of Ukraine, and the subsequent arrival of displaced Ukrainians in Canada, STELIP created an online resource and information hub to support Ukrainian newcomers and agencies supporting Ukrainian newcomers. The information available on the website was available for three distinct groups: residents who want to support the people arriving, Ukrainians who want to come to Canada and Ukrainians who have already settled in St. Thomas and Elgin. The information on the website was also useful for local service providers as they were learning how to support this population. STELIP attended the Low German Conference Diverse Paths: An Exploration of Low German-Speaking Mennonite Experiences. This event was a great opportunity to connect with other communities and service providers supporting this population and build an understanding of the culture and history of this underrepresented group. STELIP is a member of the steering committee of the Low German Speaking Mennonite Community of Practice (Low German COP), alongside other community partners including Southwestern Public Health, Mennonite Community Services, Mennonite Central Committee, and Thames Valley District School Board. The Low German COP has members from Elgin, Oxford, and Norfolk counties, representing 40 agencies across all sectors. The group met three times to share updates and promising practices, discuss challenges, develop resources, and learn from guest speakers about meeting the needs of the local Low German Speaking Mennonite community. A strategic planning session was held to help develop a project to better support service provision in the community. From this, two specific areas of focus were identified: one to increase access to interpretation services and another to increase cultural awareness of the Low German speaking Mennonite population. To address the first need, an introduction to the interpretation accreditation course was developed for service providers, particularly in healthcare, currently offering services in Low German without an accredited interpretation certificate. This session helped build an understanding of the importance of accredited interpretation and to 15 introduce participants to the accreditation course. The sessions were facilitated by Access Alliance and Mennonite Central Committee Ontario. To address the need for increased cultural understanding, a resource guide for service providers is under development. Another community program that serves the needs of Low German Speaking Mennonites in Elgin County is the Bridge program facilitated by the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), a member of the STELIP Council. The pilot program implemented at Straffordville Public School and Summers’ Corners Public School offers alternative classrooms that meet the cultural needs of Low German Speaking Mennonite students, including keeping siblings together and allowing students to take leave and bring work with them while visiting relatives outside of Canada or helping their families with agricultural tasks. Forty-nine students were enrolled in the program in September 2022, and the program was further expanded during the school year due to community interest. Some of the students had never attended school before. Students who complete Grade 8 can then attend East Elgin Secondary School, which also offers alternative programming that can meet the needs of Low German Speaking Mennonite students. The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin also facilitates the Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) program, which provides settlement services to families attending local Catholic and Public school boards. SWIS supported 43 unique clients from 29 families, through seven schools connected to SWIS. This project continues to grow and is expanding into more schools across the community providing an additional access point for immigrants to get the supports they need to successfully integrate into the region. We supported the STEAM Education Centre’s project to create trail signs that welcome visitors to local paths in multiple languages. This project culminated in the development of two unique new signs that welcome visitors to Springwater Conservation Area and include a QR code link to information about the trail that can be translated into different languages. The signs were designed by Fanshawe College students, who were immigrants and newcomers themselves. An additional sign will be displayed at the Elevated Park in St. Thomas. 16 STELIP is a member of the Elgin Children’s Network (ECN), a group focused on service provision to preschool aged children. This group has the vision of “children and families are happy and healthy in Elgin County”. This group met quarterly to inform and promote professional learning opportunities, bridged agencies for increased collaboration, and promoted the value of literacy. STELIP is also a member of the Community Action Network (CAN), a group working to improve the lives of children, youth, and families through service coordination in Elgin County. The group includes a variety of service providers that connected to collaborate on community initiatives and to learn about local service updates. The priority areas in 2022 included youth homelessness, youth engagement, and anti- human trafficking. Plans for Next Year A number of upcoming STELIP initiatives will support the development of equitable supports in our community. We will be launching a Planning Events that are Culturally Inclusive Guidebook later in 2023. This resource is designed to comfortably guide community members through the process of planning a culturally safe and inclusive event, with an emphasis on how to develop the necessary critical thinking skills, humility, and curiosity needed to consider the cultural inclusiveness of an event. The guidebook is divided into sections that cover various aspects of event planning, including scheduling, choosing food and drink, selecting themes and decorations, and booking entertainment, as well as offer brief explanations of key concepts and links to further learning resources. An updated version of our Newcomer Information Package will also be available later in 2023. This resource first launched ten years ago and is available at various agencies that serve immigrant clients across the St. Thomas and Elgin County area. It explains important concepts about Canadian life and outlines key resources in the community, covering topics like Settlement Services, Housing, Employment, Education, Healthcare, and Safety. We are in the preliminary stages of developing supports for local organizations who have started, or are looking to start, an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee. In the interest of sharing EDI resources and learning in the most effective way possible, we are exploring the possibility of creating an EDI Community of Practice or some other multi-agency group. Currently, we have surveyed local organizations to get a sense of interest for joining such a group. 17 STELIP is also a member of the Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition, supporting the rollout of information to the newcomer population who were identified as a priority by the Lifesaving Society. The local coalition is developing a strategy to provide important information to families who have minimal understanding of water safety practices. The plan includes ensuring information is available in languages spoken by local immigrants, providing information to individuals and families in appropriate spaces, and finding opportunities for individuals to experience swimming. We continue to advocate for better provision of interpretation and translation services in the community. One outcome of this work is an updated listing on the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce’s website, where members will list which languages service is available in, alongside other contact information. The website listing will be updated in summer 2023 and will support residents with limited English language skills to access services that can better meet their needs. Enhancing community connections is an important role of STELIP and a key method to improving service delivery in the community. STELIP is working to increase access to the SWIS program in the community through strengthened relationships with the local school boards and schools in the area. 18 Civic and Social Inclusion Civic and social inclusion is a vital part of an immigrants’ integration process; an immigrant who is included in the civic and social life of their community is much more likely to feel integrated and at home. Accomplishments This Year STELIP partnered with community organizations, particularly YWCA Settlement Services, to run events that connect newcomers to enhance their civic and social inclusion. This year, we ran three joint events with YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin Settlement Services: a Summer Barbeque, a Newcomer Welcoming Tour, and a Family Literacy Day event. We also joined the St. Thomas City Hall tour as part of their Newcomer Networking Circles. Each of these events provide social opportunities for newcomers. The Newcomer Welcoming Tour also gave newcomers a chance to tour and orient themselves with community resources, including the library, police station, fire station, MP and MPP’s office, youth centre, and child and family centre. The Literacy Day event also featured free books and literacy-themed activities. Ninety newcomers attended the summer barbeque, 40 newcomers attended the Newcomer Welcoming Tour, and 30 newcomers attended the Family Literacy Day event. We also had the opportunity to join the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin Settlement Services’ St. Thomas City Hall tour as part of their Newcomer Networking Circles program. Fifteen newcomers had the chance to tour St. Thomas City Hall and hear from representatives from the various municipal departments, as well as from the Mayor of St. Thomas. Newcomers had the chance to ask questions and engage in discussions, covering topics like transportation services and employment. 19 Several immigrants and racialized business owners were celebrated at local awards ceremonies this past year. At the Bridges to Better Business Small Business Awards, hosted by the Elgin St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre, immigrant and racialized business owners won three awards: the Inspirational Entrepreneur, the St. Thomas Small Business Award, and the Elgin County Economic Development Award. Similarly, at the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce Impact Awards, immigrant and racialized business owners won two awards: Exceeding Everest and Standing Ovation. Representation matters: when local racialized residents and immigrants are publicly celebrated it serves to inspire others in the community and brings positive awareness to these growing populations. The symbolic culmination of an immigrant’s settlement journey is the acquisition of citizenship status. Locally, 51 individuals connected to local settlement agencies received their Canadian Citizenship. These individuals are now able to hold a Canadian passport and vote, in essence, become fully participating residents. This status transition is worth celebrating! We supported and collaborated with YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin to have Safia Siddiqi speak at their annual Women’s Day event. Safia, a renowned poet and former Afghan Parliamentarian, recently moved to St. Thomas and is eager to connect with her new community. This speaking engagement allowed her to share her life story and facilitated some connections with women in our area. Plans for Next Year After delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canada Connects program will be fully launched in the community, facilitated by YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin Settlement Services. The Canada Connects program is a social mentorship program that matches newcomers to Canada with Canadian citizens or long-time community members. Matches can be one-on-one, family-to-family or a volunteer(s) with a newcomer family. This initiative will provide newcomers with opportunities to learn about life in Canada, practice their English language skills, and build connections in the community. Volunteer mentors will also be able to strengthen their cross-cultural understanding and communication skills and help foster newcomers’ sense of belonging. 20 Ongoing Regional Initiatives and Collaborations Southwestern Ontario Local Immigration Partnerships (SWOLIP) The LIPs of Southwestern Ontario met three times this year, twice virtually and once in person. The SWOLIP members meet regularly to learn about initiatives being implemented in the region by other LIPs, to receive information about relevant services and programs, and to find commonalities to provide opportunities to collaborate. This group will continue to meet and leverage resources to strengthen regional collaboration. The STELIP Manager continued to attend Western Ontario Wardens Caucus (WOWC) Economic Development Committee as a representative of SWOLIP. Because municipal elections were held this year, the group did not meet from the fall to the New Year to allow for newly elected wardens to start their terms. The strategic plan that was adopted ensured the new municipal representatives continue to work on increasing immigrant integration in their regions with initiatives that will create welcoming communities and support a diverse workforce. Pathways to Prosperity National Conference and National LIP Conference The 2022 conference Next Gen Canada: Immigration and Diversity as Pathways to Prosperity was held in Ottawa in November. The event included presentations from the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, Sean Fraser, and a keynote presentation from Nora Loreto, titled Welcoming Immigrants in an Era of Community Obliteration. The other workshops and plenary sessions focused on immigration trends and integration challenges. It provided an opportunity for networking across the sector with academics, government, service providers and other LIPs. STELIP presented about the Southwestern Ontario LIPs (SWOLIP) at the National LIP conference facilitated by Pathways to Prosperity (P2P). The presentation outlined the establishment of the LIPs and the formation of the SWOLIP group. The outcomes of the SWOLIP meetings, including collaborative projects and information sharing, demonstrated how regional LIP partnerships can be leveraged. 21 National LIP Secretariat After several years of partial funding and incremental formation, the National LIP Secretariat is now operating at full capacity. As the number of LIPs increases, having a formal organization structure in the form of the National LIP Secretariat will help facilitate collaboration and disseminate information and training to LIPs. STELIP continues to participate in planning sessions and support the work of the Secretariat. STELIP is a member of a committee that helps organize the LIP Basecamp account. The committee meets quarterly. The committee expedites the registration of LIP staff and other stakeholders to Basecamp and helps facilitate important connections and conversation. This committee also supports connecting LIP staff to the Settlenet.org platform, specifically the LIP group on the platform. Immigrant Survey STELIP partnered with eight LIPs across Canada to undertake a community survey of immigrants in the region. The survey will be administered in June 2023. This survey will help build an understanding of the experiences, challenges, strengths, and recommendations of immigrants in the Elgin-St. Thomas region to help inform community collective action, programming and supports, policy development, and public discourse. 22 Communications STELIP Website Our website (www.stelip.ca) was updated in 2022. Every webpage was audited, and relevant updates were made as needed to reflect current programs, resources, and information about STELIP. To enhance the accessibility of the website, accessibility measures were also considered throughout the process, updating alt text for photos, text contrast, the website footer, site structure and more according to AODA best practices. Accessibility will continue to be a work-in-progress on the website. Website analytic capabilities were added in February 2023. Since that time, the website has seen 479 unique visitors and 1186 site visits. Aside from the homepage, some the most popular pages included the Global Flavours, Experiences of Discrimination Survey, and Community Conversations pages. Newsletter A total of four newsletters were sent over the course of the 2022-2023 fiscal year, in May, September, November, and February. The newsletters highlighted news and events related to immigration and integration from STELIP, our Council member agencies, other local organizations, and IRCC. As of March 2023, we have 318 subscribers to our mailing list. Social Media STELIP is active on several social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Our primary audiences are community members and local service providers, which both encompass our council members as well. Our secondary audiences include businesses, newcomers, and elected officials. For the most part, these audiences remain consistent across platforms; however, on Twitter we are more focused on engaging service providers. Twitter Number of Followers 378 Number of New Followers in 2022-23 22 Number of Posts 92 Cumulative Impressions 9,351 23 . Facebook Number of Followers 977 Number of Posts 148 Cumulative Reach 15,464 Instagram Number of Followers 852 Number of Stories 63 Number of Posts 83 Cumulative Reach 1,303 Notable Social Media Campaigns Breaking Down Elgin County Census Data A seven-part series that summarized local population, immigration, visible minority and ethnic background, language, religion, education, and employment statistics. This series helped our audiences understand the basic demographic characteristics of the Elgin County Census Division. How Does Immigration Work? A four-part series that explained the most common immigration pathways in a simple, easy-to-understand manner. This campaign was developed in response to community needs. There was anecdotal evidence that many community members have limited understanding of Canada’s immigration system. 24 STELIP Resource Spotlight A five-part series that highlighted various resources available on STELIP’s website, and explained what the resource is and who it’s for. The resources spotlighted included: Serving Immigrant and Newcomer Clients training (for service providers), Before You Sign (training for service providers about legal information), Ukrainian Temporary Residents information, and Know the Facts: Refugee Sponsorship, and Interpretation Services Guide. Breaking Down Results of the St. Thomas and Elgin Discrimination Survey A five-part series that highlighted results from our discrimination survey, including where discrimination is happening, the presumed basis for discrimination, top types of discrimination experienced (inappropriate jokes, derogatory language, verbal abuse etc.), and the impacts of discrimination in St. Thomas and Elgin County. This series helped communicate the context around the research design and rationale, as well as the importance of the research outcomes to our audiences. 25 STELIP COUNCIL Community Member Bilal Khalife (outgoing) Elgin Business Resource Centre Chloe Walker (outgoing); Jennifer Grigg (incoming) Elgin County Economic Development Carolyn Krahn Elgin County Library Séanin Steele Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning & Development Board Emilian Siman Employment Services Elgin Jackie Van Ryswyk Fanshawe College Community Career and Employment Services John Griffiths Fanshawe College St. Thomas/Elgin Campus Melanie Neerhof Mennonite Community Services Eddy Rempel (on leave); Anna Bergen (temporary) Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs Jeff Kinsella (outgoing); Serena Viola (incoming) Service Canada Colleen Hynes (outgoing); Élisabeth Brito (incoming) St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce Paul Jenkins St. Thomas Economic Development/ Small Business Enterprise Centre Tara McCaulley (outgoing); Mike Kerkvliet (incoming) St. Thomas Elgin Social Services Teresa Sulowski 26 St. Thomas Police Service Tanya Calvert (outgoing); Samantha Wakefield (incoming) St. Thomas Public Library Dana Vanzanten St. Thomas Islamic Centre Zeeshan Ejaz Syed Thames Valley District School Board Michael Tamasi WILL Immploy Carly MacArthur YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin Shelley Harris YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin Settlement Services Juliane Hundt STELIP Project Team Fiona Murray STELIP Communication Coordinator Petrusia Hontar STELIP Project Manager Shelley Harris Director of Education and Settlement MEASURING WELCOMING COMMUNITIES: A TOOLKIT FOR COMMUNITIES AND THOSE WHO SUPPORT THEM Authors: Victoria M. Esses Leah K. Hamilton Awish Aslam Priscila Ribeiro Prado Barros March 2023 A report by | Un rapport par : Acknowledgements: This project received funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. We would like to thank our colleagues at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for their insightful feedback on the conceptualization and content of this toolkit, and Enrico del Castello and Angela Joya for their enthusiasm about the toolkit and their support in arranging IRCC feedback. We would also like to thank attendees at the Pathways to Prosperity 2022 National Conference for their valuable comments and contributions. Thanks too to Aurelie Lacassagne and her team for their translation of the toolkit and all accompanying materials, and to Laura French Bourgeois for her additional translation support. Suggested citation: Esses, V.M., Hamilton, L.K., Aslam, A., & Barros, P.R.P. (2023). Measuring welcoming communities: A toolkit for communities and those who support them. Pathways to Prosperity Partnership. http://p2pcanada.ca/library/measuring-welcoming-communities-a-toolkit-for- communities-and-those-who-support-them/ Table of Contents INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW WELCOMING COMMUNITIES TOOLKITS .................................... 1 A Five Step Approach for Working Toward Welcoming Communities .................................. 2 MEASURING WELCOMING COMMUNITIES: A TOOLKIT FOR COMMUNITIES AND THOSE WHO SUPPORT THEM ..................................................................................................................... 5 What is a Welcoming Community? ..................................................................................... 5 Characteristics of a Welcoming Community ....................................................................... 6 Indicators to Assess the Characteristics .............................................................................. 8 Characteristics of a Welcoming Community and Their Indicators ...................................... 10 Access to Affordable, Adequate, and Suitable Housing ....................................................... 10 Employment and Entrepreneurship Opportunities .............................................................. 12 Access to Suitable Health Care, Including Mental Health Care ............................................ 14 Positive Attitudes Toward Immigrants of All Racial, Cultural, and Religious Backgrounds .......................................................................................................................... 16 Access to Immigrant-Serving Agencies that Meet Immigrants’ Needs ................................ 18 Access to Transportation ...................................................................................................... 20 Educational Opportunities .................................................................................................... 22 Ongoing Commitment to Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression ............................................... 25 Access to Services and Supports for French-Speaking Immigrants by French Speakers ..... 28 Immigrant-Responsive Municipal Features and Services ..................................................... 30 Coordination and Collaboration Among Community Organizations and Different Levels of Government Working Toward Welcoming Communities .................................................... 31 Equitable Neighbourhoods ................................................................................................... 33 Opportunities to Form and Join Social and Community Networks ...................................... 35 Immigrant-Responsive Police Services and Justice System .................................................. 37 Access to Inclusive Public Spaces, Facilities, and Programs ................................................. 40 Positive Indigenous-Immigrant Relations and Understanding ............................................. 42 Access to Diverse Religious and Ethnocultural Organizations .............................................. 44 Civic and Political Participation Opportunities ..................................................................... 46 Equitable Media Coverage, Representation, and Content ................................................... 48 Accompanying Materials ..................................................................................................... 49 References .......................................................................................................................... 51 Page 1 of 67 INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW WELCOMING COMMUNITIES TOOLKITS More than a decade after the original Characteristics of a Welcoming Community report was released,1 we are pleased to provide a new set of toolkits for measuring and promoting welcoming communities. Similar to the original report, these toolkits focus on (1) what characteristics constitute a welcoming community and how we can go about measuring them, and (2) how we can promote communities that are more welcoming. In response to feedback we have been receiving, these toolkits are practical in nature and provide specific guides for action. These guides will allow communities to engage in a process of self-evaluation and work to make their communities more welcoming. Toolkits for measuring and promoting welcoming communities are particularly important at this time for several reasons. First, Canada is following an ambitious plan to admit record numbers of immigrants per year in order to support our post-COVID recovery and fill extensive labour market needs.2 Thus, the integration of these newcomers must be systematically supported to achieve the intended goals of the Canadian immigration program. To do so requires tools for determining gaps in the welcome experienced by immigrants and systematic, evidence-based strategies for filling these gaps. Second, increasing emphasis has been placed on regionalization – the attraction and retention of immigrants in communities outside of the large metropolises – in order to maintain the vitality of smaller Canadian communities.3 Increasing emphasis has also been placed on the need to actively maintain and build Francophone minority communities through immigration.4 To do so requires that these communities actively work to establish themselves as welcoming communities for immigrants. This includes an assessment of communities’ current situation using specific measurable indicators, an identification of targets for change based on this assessment, consideration of the optimal strategies for promoting this change, and subsequent research to evaluate the success of these strategies. Finally, creating welcoming communities is a social justice issue in that, as Canada works diligently to attract new immigrants to this country, it has a moral obligation to provide them with the welcome they require in order to thrive. But why invest in the design of new toolkits, rather than depending on the 2010 report? New toolkits are required in order to respond to emerging research and awareness of what makes a community welcoming, and to the increasing emphasis on outcome measurement within our ecosystem, including at the community level (i.e., community impact). This is essential to ensure that the work we are doing to support the settlement and integration of immigrants and to promote more welcoming communities is having an impact. New toolkits are also needed in order to take advantage of the many new promising practices in settlement and integration that have been developed and evaluated over the past decade. Many of these new promising Page 2 of 67 practices have an evidence base for asserting their effectiveness, providing assurance to those who use them. Toolkit I: Measuring Welcoming Communities, provided here, addresses the first of these needs by presenting a new evidence-based list of characteristics of a welcoming community – some similar to the original list, some based on the original list but revised, and some brand new – and a comprehensive list of indicators for each characteristic from which communities can select those that they would like to, and are able to, measure. Toolkit II: Promoting Welcoming Communities, to be completed later in 2023, will address the need for identifying and sharing promising practices that can be used to boost each of the characteristics of a welcoming community. This second toolkit will allow communities to select those features of promising practices that can be applied in their own communities in order to replicate success. A Five Step Approach for Working Toward Welcoming Communities In order to systematically work toward creating a welcoming community, we propose a five- step approach: Step 1: Assessment of the current state of the community – using Toolkit I Step 2: Creation of short-term and long-term goals – using Toolkit I Step 3: Implementation (adjustment) of policies and programs that are designed to target gaps and weaknesses and work toward these goals – using Toolkit II Step 4: Systematic research to evaluate the effectiveness of these policies and programs – using Toolkit I Step 5: Ongoing assessment of the state of the community – using Toolkit I, and feedback to Step 2 Step 1. To begin to work toward creating a welcoming community, it is necessary to know where a community currently stands in terms of its welcome, and the gaps and opportunities that may exist. Toolkit I can be used to identify priorities for the community and to assess the current state of the community in terms of those priorities. Toolkit I describes the characteristics that make up a welcoming community and provides indicators for each characteristic. Using this toolkit, communities can determine priority characteristics for their community and then use an array of the indicators provided to assess gaps and opportunities in these characteristics. Importantly, this assessment provides an essential baseline as a point of comparison against which later progress can be measured, with the indicators also pointing to specific targets for intervention. Page 3 of 67 Step 2. Next, it is necessary to create short- and long-term goals that the community can realistically pursue. Once again, it is important to focus on indicators at this stage, as provided in Toolkit I, because they provide concrete information about the types of policies and programs that are likely to be successful in reaching these goals. For example, the goal of retaining more immigrants who come to a community does not tell us how to go about doing so. In contrast, the goal of increasing the availability of housing that is of adequate quality or the goal of reducing the unemployment rate for immigrants suggest the types of policies and programs that should be implemented. The promising practices to be presented in Toolkit II will provide strategies for meeting specific goals. Although we have suggested that it is useful to assess the current state of the community before creating goals, it is important to note that Steps 1 and 2 are likely to be interactive, influencing each other in a variety of ways. For example, although an assessment may highlight gaps and weaknesses that need to be addressed in the goals for the community, it is also the case that the goals are likely to drive the key indicators that are measured during the assessment stage. Thus, the first two steps may involve an iterative process, with the initial assessment driving the establishment of goals, and these goals then driving further, more detailed, assessments. Step 3. Following the completion of the first two steps, it is appropriate to systematically introduce targeted programs and policies (or to adjust existing policies and programs) to fill gaps and achieve goals. As mentioned, using specific indicators to assess the strength of the welcome of a community as well as to set community goals facilitates the identification of policies and programs that specifically target these indicators. Toolkit II will provide a variety of promising practices that target the specific characteristics and their indicators, and will describe key structures and processes that make up these promising practices. These policies and programs may be introduced at the local, regional, or national level. Irrespective, on-the- ground work is essential for identifying gaps and needs, and for determining the policies and practices that will most effectively achieve desired outcomes. Step 4. This is the step at which the process often breaks down. Without further measurement to assess the effectiveness of policies and programs, money may be spent on interventions without knowing whether they are indeed achieving desired outcomes or are responsible for outcomes that can be observed. Thus, it is essential to go beyond implementing new policies and programs that address gaps and goals to systematically evaluating their effectiveness. Such evaluation can, once again, make use of the indicators associated with particular characteristics of a welcoming community provided in Toolkit I in order to provide a metric for success. Further adjustments can then be made to improve the quality of these programs and policies and to Page 4 of 67 eliminate those that are falling far short of the mark. Repeated assessments over time are also useful for determining whether policies and programs are continuing to be effective despite changing circumstances and conditions in the community. Step 5. While evaluation of specific programs and policies is essential, it is also the case that ongoing assessments of community characteristics using Toolkit I are a crucial component of working toward welcoming communities. By comparing such assessments to initial baseline conditions, it is possible to determine whether short- and long-term goals are being met, whether new goal setting is required, and the overall extent of progress that has been made. An iterative process may then be established in which the various stages of working toward a welcoming community are revisited. Page 5 of 67 MEASURING WELCOMING COMMUNITIES: A TOOLKIT FOR COMMUNITIES AND THOSE WHO SUPPORT THEM This toolkit (Toolkit I) is designed to assist communities and those who support them in assessing their degree of welcome to immigrants and identifying potential gaps that will need to be filled. Importantly, it can also be used to determine whether new policies and programs implemented to promote a more welcoming community are having their intended impact. It contains a description of 19 key characteristics of a welcoming community, based on a thorough review of the current state of knowledge concerning welcoming communities. For each characteristic we also provide a comprehensive list of indicators that can be used for measuring the community’s degree of welcome on that characteristic. This toolkit also includes the following practical guides: http://p2pcanada.ca/library/measuring- welcoming-communities-a-toolkit-for-communities-and-those-who-support-them/ • A presentation deck to facilitate conversations within a community • Tool 1 – A set of questions that can be used to conduct an environmental scan and identify crucial features of a community that may influence approaches to assessing and working toward a more welcoming community • Tool 2 – A checklist to rank order the importance of the 19 characteristics for a given community and determine which are a priority for measurement • Tool 3 – A checklist to select which indicators will be used to assess selected characteristics and what comparisons will be made using these indicators What is a Welcoming Community? In defining what we mean by a welcoming community, two key dimensions must be considered. First, a welcoming community has a geographic dimension – it is a town, city, or region in which immigrants feel valued and their needs are served. Within this geographic dimension, the focus may be on a specific group of immigrants, as is the case for a Francophone minority community. The second dimension of a welcoming community is a discourse dimension focusing on the responsibilities of the receiving community. The discourse dimension reinforces that communities have agency and can engage in actions that facilitate the integration of immigrants. For some communities, being a welcoming community is a crucial component of efforts to attract and retain immigrants. A welcoming community attracts and retains immigrants by identifying and removing barriers, promoting a sense of belonging, meeting diverse needs, and offering services and supports that promote the successful economic, socio- cultural, and civic-political integration of immigrants.5 Page 6 of 67 Building on these dimensions, we define a welcoming community as a collective effort to design and sustain a place where immigrants feel that they belong and that supports immigrants’ economic, socio-cultural, and civic-political integration. A welcoming community has structures, processes, and practices in place to meet the needs and promote the inclusion of immigrants in all aspects of life, and actively works to ensure these are effective. Throughout this toolkit, when we use the term immigrants, we are referring to individuals born outside of Canada from diverse racial, cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds, and their intersections, who may have entered Canada under different immigration streams and whose needs may vary. We must also consider the policy context of two official languages in Canada – English and French – and the specific needs of French-speaking immigrants and of Francophone minority communities. It is important to keep in mind the Canadian vision that French-speaking immigrants have an opportunity to settle and thrive in French, and to contribute to Canadian society and to the vitality of Francophone minority communities.6, 7, 8 This is particularly urgent as Canada often falls far short of its annual target of French-speaking immigrants constituting at least 4.4% of new permanent residents destined outside Quebec.9, 10 Of note, however, Canada did meet its target for French-speaking immigrants outside of Quebec in 2022.11 Characteristics of a Welcoming Community Working toward welcoming communities requires identification of the key characteristics that constitute a welcoming community. Building on our original list of 17 characteristics and the current state of knowledge concerning welcoming communities, we identified 19 characteristics of a welcoming community for the current toolkit. Some of these characteristics are similar to, or revised versions of, those in the earlier report, 12 and some are new characteristics reflecting enhanced awareness of issues that impact immigrants and the communities in which they reside. The rank ordering of the importance of the 19 characteristics shown here was developed based on several sources. We turned to our earlier report and the updated literature on welcoming communities to develop a tentative rank order. Then we polled 259 key informants from all levels of government, the settlement sector, postsecondary institutes, Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs), Réseaux en immigration francophone (RIF), and others working in the area of immigrant integration as to the relative importance of the 19 characteristics. These polls were offered in both English and French. Looking across these various sources, we identified the following rank order of the characteristics of a welcoming community: Page 7 of 67 Cluster A 1. Access to Affordable, Adequate, and Suitable Housing 2. Employment and Entrepreneurship Opportunities 3. Access to Suitable Health Care, Including Mental Health Care 4. Positive Attitudes Toward Immigrants of All Racial, Cultural and Religious Backgrounds 5. Access to Immigrant-Serving Agencies that Meet Immigrants’ Needs Cluster B 6. Access to Transportation 7. Educational Opportunities 8. Ongoing Commitment to Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression 9. Access to Services and Supports for French-Speaking Immigrants by French Speakers 10. Immigrant-Responsive Municipal Features and Services Cluster C 11. Coordination and Collaboration Among Community Organizations and Different Levels of Government Working Toward Welcoming Communities 12. Equitable Neighbourhoods 13. Opportunities to Form and Join Social and Community Networks 14. Immigrant-Responsive Police Services and Justice System 15. Access to Inclusive Public Spaces, Facilities, and Programs 16. Positive Indigenous-Immigrant Relations and Understanding 17. Access to Diverse Religious and Ethnocultural Organizations 18. Civic and Political Participation Opportunities 19. Equitable Media Coverage, Representation, and Content Developing this final rank-ordered list of characteristics was somewhat challenging. We found a lot of consensus that the top 5 characteristics (Cluster A) are the core, most important characteristics of a welcoming community; we found some consensus that the next 5 characteristics are also important (Cluster B); and we found some consensus about the lower importance of the last 9 characteristics (Cluster C). However, within clusters, opinions about the ranking of characteristics was less consistent. Thus, the clustering of characteristics and ordering of the 3 clusters is more definitive than the ranking of the characteristics within each cluster. It is important to emphasize that the rank ordering of characteristics provided here is a generalization that may not apply to all communities. The importance of each characteristic for Page 8 of 67 any given community will depend on several factors. These include, but are not limited to: community size and location (e.g., smaller versus larger community, proximity to other communities); regional and local economies, and labour and housing markets; community demographic composition and trends (e.g., current percentage of immigrants, community history of immigration, levels of socio-cultural diversity); and unanticipated events that may significantly impact a community (e.g., COVID-19, climate emergencies). The importance of each characteristic for a given community is also expected to change over time. Communities are constantly evolving. Thus, when using this toolkit to assess the extent to which a community is welcoming, each community should use the checklist (Tool 2) to determine their own rank order of the characteristics’ importance. Below we describe each of the 19 characteristics individually. However, interested parties should keep in mind that the characteristics are likely to be mutually reinforcing and may interact in building upon or reducing the impact of one another. For example, educational opportunities and employment/entrepreneurship opportunities may together have a larger impact than the additive effects of each alone, demonstrating an interactive effect. In terms of mutually reinforcing effects, opportunities to form and join social and community networks may facilitate employment/entrepreneurship opportunities. At the same time, employment/entrepreneurship opportunities may facilitate access to social and community networks. Finally, it is critical for communities to take into consideration the intersecting needs of multi- barriered immigrants such as racialized women, youth, seniors, refugees, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, and those who have experienced trauma. Indicators to Assess the Characteristics The indicators provided here are quantitative and qualitative measures that can be used to assess the level of each characteristic in a community. Baseline indicators will provide information to communities on where they currently stand in terms of the characteristics of a welcoming community and where efforts to improve particular characteristics are most needed. When new policies and programs are then implemented to promote a more welcoming community, the indicators can be used to measure whether the policies and programs are having their desired impact on particular characteristics, and in this case would be termed outcome indicators. For each characteristic, we have provided a comprehensive list of indicators that can be used to assess the degree to which a given community fits the criteria of a welcoming community. Page 9 of 67 Similar to rank ordering the characteristics, each community should select from the lists provided those indicators that are most useful and feasible for them to assess at a given point in time (see Tool 3 for a checklist). It is essential, however, to examine multiple indicators for each characteristic as no single indicator can capture the full breadth of each characteristic. An assessment of multiple indicators will provide a much fuller and more accurate depiction of the state of the characteristic. For example, knowing that unemployment rates and underemployment rates within a community are low paints a much different (and rosier) picture than knowing that unemployment rates are low without any information on underemployment. Some indicators can be measured objectively (e.g., housing affordability) while others are more subjective and based on people’s perceptions and experiences (e.g., level of satisfaction with current housing situation). Both types of indicators are important to assess as together they provide insight into the state of the community and the impact on immigrants. Moreover, efforts should be made to understand what accounts for the current indicator level within a particular context. For instance, positive attitudes toward immigrants may exist in a community because previous cohorts of immigrants were economic migrants. These positive attitudes may change if future cohorts comprise people immigrating under non-economic categories. When using the indicators, meaningful comparisons are necessary (see Tool 3). Many of the indicators will need to be measured for immigrants in comparison to non-immigrants. Comparisons between current and previous cohorts of immigrants can also be useful. Moreover, comparisons can be made among different groups of immigrants (e.g., by age, gender, racialization, linguistic background, admission category), including multi-barriered immigrants. Importantly, comparisons can also be made before and after new initiatives are implemented to determine their effectiveness. And of course, comparisons can be made among communities. The selection of specific comparisons will depend on the key issues being considered and the purpose of the comparisons. For example, if a particular community wishes to determine whether it is making progress toward building a welcoming community, a time series analysis within the community would seem most useful, while potentially taking into account the regional, national, and global context (e.g., economic recession). Communities and those who support them are encouraged to keep these considerations in mind and to use this toolkit in a way that serves their needs and goals. Page 10 of 67 Characteristics of a Welcoming Community and Their Indicators Cluster A Access to Affordable, Adequate, and Suitable Housing Searching for and securing a place to live is a crucial first step immigrants must take when arriving in a new community.13, 14, 15 With the passing of the National Housing Strategy Act in 2019, Canada officially recognized housing as a human right and committed to achieving equitable housing outcomes.16 Affordable, adequate, and suitable housing is not only a basic need; for immigrants, it is one of the most consequential routes to social and economic inclusion in the receiving community.17, 18, 19 Research shows that housing is a conduit to schools, jobs, and key services and amenities that support the settlement process.20 Institutional and systemic barriers to accessing suitable housing have a varied impact among and within different immigrant groups and regional contexts, particularly with the changing geographies of immigrant settlement patterns.21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Meeting immigrants’ housing needs in small and rural communities can bolster regionalization policies intended to attract and retain immigrants to help address skill shortages and revitalize the population.27, 28 While (sub)urban areas must continue to develop sustainable solutions to immigrants’ housing needs, broader regional distribution can ease the pressure on the absorptive capacity of large urban centres, where immigrants traditionally prefer to settle, but where they are more likely to experience overcrowding29 and live in core housing need (dwellings considered unsuitable, inadequate, or unaffordable).30, 31 Key Indicators • Housing affordability: percent of before tax household income (from all sources) spent on housing (aiming for less than 30%) • Availability of subsidized, non-profit, and co-op housing • Availability of housing that is of adequate quality (e.g., not in need of major repairs or renovations; no infestations) • Evidence of overcrowded housing (based on age, sex/gender, and number of household members) • Rate of core housing need (living in an unsuitable, inadequate, or unaffordable dwelling and unable to afford alternative housing in the community) • Rate of supply and vacancy of suitable housing (e.g., availability of rentals/homes for purchase that are accessible by transit and adequate in size) Page 11 of 67 • Evidence of housing stability • Rate of homeownership • Rate of unsheltered homelessness/unhoused • Rate of “hidden homelessness” (e.g., involuntary “doubling-up,” couch surfing, sharing accommodations) • Evidence of discrimination in acquiring and living in housing (from property managers, landlords, and/or real estate agents) • Availability of reliable information in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about housing markets in Canada and tenants’ rights and responsibilities • Level of knowledge about the housing market and how to obtain housing in Canada • Level of knowledge of rights and responsibilities as tenants and homeowners • Level of satisfaction with: o information for immigrants about housing markets in Canada and tenants’ rights and responsibilities o one’s current housing situation Page 12 of 67 Employment and Entrepreneurship Opportunities Evidence suggests that employment and entrepreneurship opportunities are important characteristics of a welcoming community.32, 33, 34, 35 Indeed, the presence of such opportunities is a key factor in attracting and retaining immigrants to particular destinations.36, 37, 38 Employment (including self-employment and entrepreneurship) is important for several reasons. First, it is the primary source of income through which most individuals and families meet their basic needs for housing and food.39, 40 Second, employment facilitates social connections, language skills, and other dimensions of integration.41, 42, 43 Third, many immigrants to Canada (especially those who immigrated under the Economic Immigrant category) arrive with the expectation that they will be able to obtain employment commensurate with their education, competencies, and prior work experience.44, 45 When these expectations are not met, incentives to remain in particular communities – and in Canada – are reduced.46, 47 The shrinking domestic labour pool and significant need for workers across the country increases the urgency to integrate immigrants into the Canadian labour market in a timely fashion.48 Key Indicators • Rate of employment of working age immigrants • Rate and duration of unemployment of working age immigrants • Rate of underemployment: percent overqualified for the work they do, rate of employment in lower skilled jobs • Evidence of wages commensurate with education and experience • Rate of promotion within organizations commensurate with qualifications • Rate of employee turnover • Rate of participation in professional organizations • Evidence of discrimination and exploitation perpetrated by employers (in hiring and at work) • Evidence of discrimination and exploitation perpetrated by other people at work (e.g., coworkers, customers) • Evidence of inclusive and accommodating workplace policies and practices • Evidence that workplaces are equitable and inclusive, including of French-speaking immigrants • Level of job satisfaction • Rate of self-employment • Rate of success among entrepreneurs in both the short and long term Page 13 of 67 • Availability of reliable information in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about workers’ rights in Canada • Availability of reliable information in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about supports and services available for immigrant employment and entrepreneurship • Level of knowledge of workers’ rights in Canada • Level of knowledge of supports and services available for immigrant employment and entrepreneurship • Level of satisfaction with: o the availability and quality of local French- and English-speaking labour market opportunities o the extent to which workplaces are equitable and inclusive o the availability and quality of entrepreneurship opportunities in the community o information for immigrants about workers’ rights in Canada o information for immigrants about supports and services for immigrant employment and entrepreneurship Page 14 of 67 Access to Suitable Health Care, Including Mental Health Care Canada ranks above most other countries in the world when measuring population-level indicators of health, but inequities in health status and access to suitable services and care providers across social groups, including immigrants, are widely recognized.49, 50, 51, 52 For instance, recent immigrants are considerably less likely to have regular access to a primary health-care provider when compared to more established immigrants.53 Importantly, although immigrants generally show an initial health advantage over the Canadian population on arrival in Canada (the “healthy immigrant effect”), research suggests that immigrants’ physical and mental health deteriorate with longer residence in Canada.54, 55, 56 This is due, in part, to the difficulties and stressors they encounter as they adapt to their new environment. Thus, access to suitable health care services and providers is vital to maintaining immigrants’ physical and mental well-being and fostering a welcoming community.57, 58 Although Canada is lauded for its universal health care system, equitable access to services and care providers for immigrants is impeded by systemic barriers, including language barriers, long wait times to access services, transportation challenges, high costs of services and medications, and stigma for seeking services (particularly for mental health).59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64 These (and other) systemic barriers make certain groups of immigrants (e.g., refugees, racialized women, 2SLGBTQI+, youth, seniors, immigrants with disabilities) more vulnerable to receiving inadequate and/or untimely care, putting them at greater risk for unmet health care needs, though targeted programming can help mitigate these challenges.65, 66, 67 Without culturally responsive and respectful services and care providers, Canada’s health care system is ill- equipped to meet immigrants’ needs, and this will only become a more pressing matter as the ethnocultural and religious diversity of Canada’s immigrant population continues to grow.68 Ultimately, improving access to quality care that is responsive to the diverse health needs of immigrants is necessary to reduce inequities and create a welcoming community. Key Indicators • Self-perceived physical health • Rate of self-perceived unmet physical health care needs • Evidence of physical health outcomes (e.g., mortality rate, disease incidence, conditions that require hospitalization) • Self-perceived mental health • Rate of self-perceived unmet mental health care needs • Evidence of mental health outcomes (e.g., depression, anxiety) • Rate of addictions Page 15 of 67 • Availability and accessibility of suitable health care services and providers, including mental health services and providers (e.g., access to a regular health care provider/family doctor, wait times between making appointments and at facilities, availability/wait for specialists) • Availability of (mental) health care services in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals, and interpretation and translation services • Availability of reliable information in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about how to access (mental) health care services in the community • Level of knowledge about (mental) health care services in the community and how to access them • Availability and accessibility of specialized services to meet the (mental) health care needs of multi-barriered groups (e.g., racialized women, youth, seniors, 2SLGBTQI+, refugees, immigrants with disabilities) • Availability of reliable information in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about how to access specialized (mental) health care services for multi-barriered groups in the community • Evidence of effectiveness of specialized services in meeting the (mental) health care needs of multi-barriered groups • Health care providers’ level of awareness and understanding of mental health symptoms among immigrants • Rate of coverage for prescription drugs, paramedical specialists (e.g., physiotherapy, counselling), medical devices, and dental and vision care • Level of satisfaction with: o the approachability of the health care system and health care providers, including mental health services and providers o the quality of health care services provided, including mental health services o the administrative delivery of (mental) health care services o interpersonal quality of care (e.g., courtesy and respect, language/communication barriers, ability to engage in treatment decisions, experiences of interpersonal discrimination, trust in health care provider, adequate time spent with patient, culturally responsive, trauma informed) o the delivery and quality of specialized services in meeting the (mental) health care needs of multi-barriered groups o information for immigrants about how to access (mental) health care services in the community, including specialized services for multi-barriered groups Page 16 of 67 Positive Attitudes Toward Immigrants of All Racial, Cultural, and Religious Backgrounds Positive attitudes can be seen in feelings, opinions, and behavioural intentions toward immigrants of all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds, and their intersections. This includes French-speaking immigrants, who are important contributors to Francophone minority communities and to the larger society in Canada.69, 70 Positive attitudes are important because they can determine the public’s behaviour toward immigrants, and affect their reactions to immigration policies and practices.71, 72, 73, 74, 75 It is also easy to see how positive attitudes are likely to affect other characteristics and indicators of a welcoming community, such as employment and entrepreneurship opportunities; access to affordable, adequate, and suitable housing; and an ongoing commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression. Besides these effects, it is important to note that experiences of prejudice and discrimination have a strong negative impact on immigrants’ mental and physical health.76, 77, 78, 79, 80 Thus, while positive attitudes represent an important characteristic of a welcoming community in themselves, their presence can also act as a facilitator of other characteristics of welcoming communities. Key Indicators – note that French-speaking immigrants are an important consideration in assessing each of the indicators for this characteristic • Evidence of positive attitudes toward immigration and toward racial, cultural, and religious diversity in the community • Evidence of positive attitudes toward immigrants of all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds, and their intersections, in the community • Rate of hate crimes targeting immigrants across all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds in the community • Rate of discrimination toward immigrants across all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds in the community • Evidence of social cohesion among immigrants and non-immigrants of all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds • Evidence of sense of inclusion within the community among immigrants of all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds • Evidence of mainstream organizations and institutions making reasonable efforts to be inclusive and accommodating of immigrants from all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds • Evidence of support by community leaders across a variety of sectors (e.g., business, civic, social) for the concerns and interests of immigrants from all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds Page 17 of 67 • Level of satisfaction with: o the degree of respect and value community members give to immigrants from all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds in the community o mainstream organizations’ and institutions’ efforts to be inclusive and accommodating of immigrants from all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds o the support by community leaders across a variety of sectors (e.g., business, civic, social) for the concerns and interests of immigrants from all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds Page 18 of 67 Access to Immigrant-Serving Agencies that Meet Immigrants’ Needs Immigrant-serving agencies are the primary point of contact for many immigrants upon arrival to Canada, and they are a pillar of any welcoming community. These agencies provide settlement services and supports, with the objective of orienting immigrants to daily life in their local community.81 Services and supports typically offered include information, programming, and referrals related to employment, education, language assessment and training, housing, obtaining official documents, and accessing community and mainstream social services (e.g., health care).82, 83, 84 In 2017, IRCC completed a formal evaluation of its Settlement Program, which funds immigrant- serving agencies through service provider agreements.85 The evaluation included a survey of more than 15,000 immigrants across Canada to capture high-level information about their settlement outcomes.86, 87 The findings showed not only a growing demand for services, but they also captured evidence of the effectiveness of immigrant-serving agencies in meeting immigrants’ needs.88 For example, a robust majority of clients (96%) who received services reported positive outcomes, such as finding employment, improving English or French language skills, and building community connections.89 Support services, such as transportation, child care, and translation, were identified by respondents as crucial to facilitating access to agencies, and women and refugees were most likely to report that they rely on these enabling services.90 Immigrant-serving agencies also deliver school and employment supports for children and youth, and extra-curricular and recreational programming, all of which have demonstrable benefits for their social inclusion.91, 92 Key Indicators • Availability of immigrant-serving agencies with a variety of services (e.g., needs assessment, information and orientation, language training, employment-related services) – in person and/or online – provided in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals • Availability of reliable information in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about immigrant-serving organizations in the community, the services they provide, and how to access them • Level of knowledge of immigrant-serving agencies in the community, the services they provide, and how to access them • Evidence of effectiveness of immigrant-serving agencies in meeting immigrants’ needs • Evidence that services are delivered in an equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive manner, giving consideration to the needs and specificities of immigrants’ diverse racial, cultural and religious backgrounds • Evidence of intercultural competency among agency staff Page 19 of 67 • Availability of specialized services to meet the needs of multi-barriered groups (e.g., racialized women, youth, seniors, 2SLGBTQI+, refugees, immigrants with disabilities) • Availability of reliable information in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about specialized services to meet the needs of multi-barriered groups and how to access them • Evidence of effectiveness of specialized services in meeting the needs of multi-barriered groups • Availability of supports that facilitate the use of immigrant services (e.g., childcare, transportation, translation, interpretation, flexible service delivery options and timing) • Level of satisfaction with: o the delivery and quality of services provided by immigrant-serving agencies o the delivery and quality of specialized services for multi-barriered immigrants provided by immigrant-serving agencies o interpersonal treatment from agency staff (e.g., courtesy and respect, patience with language/communication barriers if seeking assistance, experiences of interpersonal discrimination) Page 20 of 67 Cluster B Access to Transportation Access to public transportation is imperative to creating a welcoming community. It affects people’s ability to get to school, work, take part in leisure and recreational activities, access services (e.g., health care), and meet their daily needs (e.g., shopping for food).93, 94, 95, 96 This is particularly true for immigrants, who are more than twice as likely as non-immigrants to commute using public transportation.97 Of note, research finds that among immigrants, women are more likely to rely on public transportation than men.98 The availability and accessibility of public transportation is, therefore, also conducive to immigrant women’s equitable participation in society. Underdeveloped public transportation systems are a common barrier to attracting and retaining immigrants,99 and those who reside in suburbs, small centres, and rural areas, where public transportation may be inadequate or virtually non-existent, are more likely to be put at risk for transportation-related social exclusion.100, 101, 102 In these settings, private transportation (e.g., owing a vehicle) may be required, but this can be expensive, and immigrants may not qualify for loans if they do not have an established banking history in Canada.103 Even in metropolitan areas where multi-modal public transportation infrastructure is highly developed, however, cost to access public transportation can be prohibitive, and concerns about safety and interpersonal discrimination when using public transit can deter usage.104, 105 Key Indicators • Availability of transportation options for access to regularly needed sites and services (e.g., employment, schools, settlement services, cultural and religious organizations, health services, recreational) • Availability of accessible transit services for immigrants with disabilities • Proportion of monthly income spent on transportation • Evidence of sense of safety when using public transit • Availability and accessibility of reliable information in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about public transit • Level of knowledge of transportation services locally and regionally • Level of satisfaction with: Page 21 of 67 o public transit service quality and ease of navigation, including factors such as: availability, inter- and intra-municipal coverage, frequency, hours of service, reliability, price structure, comfort, accessibility o ease of mobility and access to regularly needed sites and services o the availability and quality of multi-modal transit choices: public transit, car share programs, private transportation o interpersonal treatment from transit operators and staff and from other passengers when using public transit (e.g., courtesy and respect, patience with language/communication barriers if seeking assistance, experiences of interpersonal discrimination) o the delivery and quality of accessible transit services for immigrants with disabilities Page 22 of 67 Educational Opportunities There is consensus among welcoming community proponents and government agencies that educational opportunities are a key characteristic of a welcoming community.106, 107, 108, 109, 110 For adult immigrants, such opportunities may include language and workplace-ready classes, educational upgrading/bridging programs, and (re)training options available through post- secondary schooling.111, 112, 113 Because internationally trained immigrants often face difficulty having their credentials recognized in Canada, many choose to pursue some form of Canadian education to find suitable work and improve their labour market outcomes; thus, proximity to educational institutions is important.114 For immigrants living in small and rural communities who have to travel long distances to access such opportunities, flexible delivery options (e.g., virtual/hybrid) and times can improve accessibility.115, 116 Supports for childcare, transportation, and financial aid have also been shown to improve access to educational opportunities for adult immigrants.117, 118, 119, 120 Because schools play a pivotal role in their social inclusion, educational opportunities that address the needs of immigrant children and youth are also vital to a welcoming community.121 These may include the availability of schools for French speakers in the local community, comprehensive English-Language Learner and French-Language Learner programs in schools, the availability of translators and interpreters in schools to bridge communication with parents/caregivers, homework clubs, and opportunities for extra-curricular involvement.122, 123, 124 In schools, the rise in ethnic, racial, cultural, and religious diversity among immigrant children and youth is also garnering more attention and highlights the need for an equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive education system that promotes the academic and social inclusion of students from all backgrounds.125, 126, 127, 128 Key Indicators Adults • Availability of educational opportunities (e.g., language, computer, job skills, and workers’ rights classes; programs for upgrading education levels; post-secondary options), offered in both official languages, that support social and economic inclusion • Availability of reliable information in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about educational pathways that fit the needs of immigrants and lead to desired careers (e.g., credential recognition/equivalency certificates, educational opportunities for upgrading and (re)training, post-secondary programs) • Availability of reliable information in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about educational opportunities in the community Page 23 of 67 • Level of knowledge of educational pathways and of educational opportunities in the community and how to access them • Availability of supports that improve access to educational opportunities (e.g., childcare, transportation, loans and scholarships, flexible delivery options and timing, help accessing international credential and degree recognition) • Availability of educational supports and programs for multi-barriered groups (e.g., racialized women, youth, seniors, refugees, immigrants with disabilities) • Geographic proximity to educational institutions offering equivalency, upgrading, and (re)training in both official languages • Level of knowledge of supports that facilitate enrollment in educational opportunities • Rate of enrollment in educational programs • Rate of attendance in educational programs • Rate of completion of educational programs • Evidence of effectiveness of educational programs in achieving curriculum objectives (e.g., increased level of language fluency, bridge training) • Level of satisfaction with: o educational programs in achieving curriculum objectives (e.g., increased level of language fluency) o information about educational pathways and about educational opportunities in the community o the availability and quality of supports that facilitate enrollment in and improve access to educational opportunities o the availability and quality of supports and programs for multi-barriered groups Children/Youth • Rate of school attendance • Rate of secondary school completion • Availability of schools for French speakers in local community • Availability of Settlement Workers in Schools • Availability of trained translators and interpreters in schools to bridge communication • Availability of comprehensive and well-supported English-Language Learner programs and French-Language Learner programs in schools • Availability of educational supports and programs for immigrant children and youth with disabilities • Availability of educational supports and programs for refugee children and youth • Availability of breakfast/lunch programs in schools • Availability of outerwear programs in schools Page 24 of 67 • Availability of reliable information for parents/caregivers in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about the local school system(s) • Level of parental/caregiver engagement and awareness of children’s educational and social opportunities and experiences • Level of academic achievement and classroom engagement • Evidence of effectiveness of educational supports, resources, and opportunities in schools to support student learning • Evidence of social inclusion through participation in extra-curricular activities • Evidence of sense of safety in school settings • Evidence of social exclusion through discrimination, racism, bullying, conflicts, and violence in school settings • Evidence of equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive school leadership, curriculum, and pedagogy • Evidence of equitable and inclusive school environments, including policies and programs that consider cultural and religious norms, practices, and dietary restrictions • Evidence of intercultural competency among teachers and staff • Level of satisfaction with: o information about the local school system(s) as provided to parents/caregivers o the delivery and quality of educational programs o the availability and quality of educational supports, resources, and opportunities in schools to support student learning (among parents/caregivers and children) o the availability and quality of supports and programs for immigrant children and youth with disabilities o the availability and quality of supports and programs for refugee children and youth o responses to and condemnation of incidents of discrimination, racism, bullying, conflicts, and violence in school settings o intercultural competence among teachers and staff Page 25 of 67 Ongoing Commitment to Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression The structural nature of racism and other intersecting systems of oppression pervade every aspect of immigrants’ settlement and long-term outcomes in Canada, including employment, housing, education, and health.129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137 The long-standing need for communities to establish an ongoing commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression has garnered increasing attention as public manifestations of White supremacy perpetually devastate communities of all sizes, and members of racialized groups continue to experience discrimination in their daily lives.138, 139, 140, 141 Communities can take steps to mitigate the structural and individual level impact of racism and other systems of oppression by developing and committing to local anti-racism and anti- oppression strategies.142, 143 Because social groups and individuals experience harm in different ways, it is crucial to take an intersectional approach that considers how aspects of immigrants’ identities – such as immigration class, gender, sexuality, , religion, age, and disability – intersect with racialization.144, 145, 146, 147 Any steps taken to identify and address underlying and systemic racism and other interlocking systems of oppression in the local context should also take a community-driven approach (i.e., the communities directly impacted are involved in all stages). Such an approach prioritizes the needs of the community before the needs of institutions, and should ensure transparency, including monitoring and publicly reporting measurable outcomes.148, 149 As stated in descriptions of other characteristics of a welcoming community, immigration will continue to help Canada’s ethnic, racial, cultural, and religious diversity flourish, and an ongoing commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression is fundamental to maintaining a strong and united social fabric, which is indispensable to any welcoming community. Key Indicators • Evidence of a community-driven approach (i.e., the communities directly impacted are involved in all stages) to identifying and addressing underlying and systemic racism and other interlocking systems of oppression in the local context • Evidence of effectiveness of the community-driven approach to addressing racism and oppression • Evidence of ongoing public commitment and transparency around anti-racism and anti- oppressive initiatives, including monitoring and reporting measurable outcomes • Evidence of effectiveness of ongoing public commitment and transparency around anti- racism and anti-oppressive initiatives • Evidence of anti-racism and anti-oppression messaging through public education and awareness campaigns Page 26 of 67 • Evidence of effectiveness of anti-racism and anti-oppression messaging through public education and awareness campaigns • Evidence of ongoing initiatives to create awareness of and celebrate diverse racial, cultural, and religious traditions of immigrants • Evidence of effectiveness of ongoing initiatives to create awareness of and celebrate diverse racial, cultural, and religious traditions of immigrants • Evidence of ongoing initiatives to develop understanding and build solidarity between diverse racial, cultural, and religious communities • Evidence of effectiveness of ongoing initiatives to develop understanding and build solidarity between diverse racial, cultural, and religious communities • Evidence of easily accessible avenues to report racism and other intersecting forms of discrimination • Rate of reporting of racism and other intersecting forms of discrimination across available avenues • Evidence of responses to and condemnation of incidents of racism and other intersecting forms of discrimination by municipal and community leaders • Evidence of effectiveness of responses to and condemnation of incidents of racism and other intersecting forms of discrimination by municipal and/or community leaders • Availability and accessibility of ongoing anti-racism and anti-oppression policies, training, and resources across organizations and institutions that provide public services (e.g., education, health, civil service, housing, transportation, social services, recreation) • Evidence of effectiveness of ongoing anti-racism and anti-oppression policies, training, and resources across organizations and institutions that provide public services (e.g., education, health, civil service, housing, transportation, social services, recreation) • Availability and accessibility of anti-racism and anti-oppression policies, training, and resources for employers and employees • Evidence of effectiveness of anti-racism and anti-oppression policies, training, and resources for employers • Availability and accessibility of anti-racism and anti-oppression policies, training, and resources for local media • Evidence of effectiveness of anti-racism and anti-oppression policies, training, and resources for local media • Availability and accessibility of anti-racism and anti-oppression training and resources for members of the general public • Evidence of effectiveness of anti-racism and anti-oppression training and resources for members of the general public • Level of satisfaction with: Page 27 of 67 o the community-driven approach to address racism and oppression o ongoing public commitment and transparency around anti-racism and anti- oppressive initiatives o anti-racism and anti-oppression messaging through public education and awareness campaigns o ongoing initiatives to create awareness of and celebrate diverse racial, cultural, and religious traditions of immigrants o ongoing initiatives to develop understanding and build solidarity between diverse racial, cultural, and religious communities o responses to and condemnation of incidents of racism and other intersecting forms of discrimination by municipal and community leaders o ongoing anti-racism and anti-oppression policies, training, and resources across organizations and institutions that provide public services (e.g., education, health, civil service, housing, transportation, social services, recreation) o anti-racism and anti-oppression policies, training, and resources for employers and employees (among employers and employees) o anti-racism and anti-oppression policies, training, and resources for local media o anti-racism and anti-oppression training and resources for members of the general public Page 28 of 67 Access to Services and Supports for French-Speaking Immigrants by French Speakers The federal government recognizes that immigration is a valuable mechanism for maintaining the vitality and enhancing the development of French-speaking minority communities across Canada (outside of Quebec).150 An increasing number of municipalities are also recognizing the cultural, demographic, and economic benefits of supporting Canada’s French-speaking community and have declared themselves bilingual in an effort to foster a welcoming and inclusive society for French-speaking immigrants.151 Accordingly, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s 2017 evaluation of the Immigration to Official Language Minority Communities Initiative highlights the need to implement service delivery “by and for” French speakers. This includes (a) services delivered by Francophone organizations; (b) formal consultation mechanisms and respect for Francophone community architecture; (c) taking into account the expertise of Francophone communities in the design of policies and programs; and (d) separate funding streams for Francophone services (e.g., the Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative).152, 153 Following consultations with French-speaking immigrants, community members, and over 350 interested parties (including the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne (FCFA) and the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO)), in 2018, IRCC launched l'initiative des communautés francophones accueillantes/the Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative.154 Consultations confirmed that one of the most pressing barriers impeding French-speaking immigrants’ access to settlement supports and services is the shortage of French immigrant-serving agencies.155 When French-speaking immigrants are referred to English settlement services or those that offer services in both official languages, these agencies often have little to no understanding of the unique needs and strengths of French-speaking communities and institutions.156 Moreover, agencies delivering services in both official languages tend to offer an uneven distribution of provisions, favouring English- speaking immigrants.157 Thus, a “par et pour” (by and for) French-speaking institutions and communities approach to designing and delivering integrated services and supports is an essential element for ensuring an inclusive and welcoming community.158 Key Indicators • Availability of French immigrant-serving agencies with a variety of services – in person and/or online (e.g., needs assessment, information and orientation, employment-related services) • Availability of reliable information about French immigrant-serving organizations in the community, the services they provide, and how to access them Page 29 of 67 • Level of knowledge of French immigrant-serving agencies in the community, the services they provide, and how to access them • Evidence of effectiveness of French immigrant-serving agencies in meeting French-speaking immigrants’ needs • Availability of specialized services by French agencies to meet the needs of multi-barriered groups (e.g., racialized women, youth, seniors, 2SLGBTQI+, refugees, immigrants with disabilities) • Availability of reliable information about specialized services by French agencies to meet the needs of multi-barriered groups • Evidence of effectiveness of specialized services by French agencies in meeting the needs of multi-barriered groups • Availability of supports that facilitate the use of French immigrant services (e.g., childcare, transportation, flexible service delivery options and timing) • Perceptions of connections (formal and informal) between recent French-speaking immigrants, the more established French-speaking immigrant community, and the French- speaking non-immigrant community • Level of satisfaction with: o the delivery and quality of services for French-speaking immigrants o the delivery and quality of specialized services for multi-barriered French-speaking immigrants o interpersonal treatment from agency staff (e.g., courtesy and respect, experiences of interpersonal discrimination) o connections (formal and informal) between recent French-speaking immigrants, the more established French-speaking immigrant community, and the French-speaking non-immigrant community Page 30 of 67 Immigrant-Responsive Municipal Features and Services Evidence suggests that municipalities play an important role in attracting and retaining immigrants.159, 160, 161 The more prepared municipalities are to meet the needs of immigrants, especially those who face multiple barriers to navigating the Canadian landscape, the higher the likelihood of attracting and retaining them.162, 163, 164, 165 This is particularly challenging for small and rural centres where municipal administrations historically faced more difficulty in balancing the demands of immigrants and the receiving community.166, 167 In addition, reports on the evaluation of settlement services and supports have demonstrated that the needs of immigrants and immigrant groups may change as they become established in a community.168, 169, 170, 171 Municipalities must therefore continually assess, evaluate, and adapt their immigrant- related features and services in order to address the needs of their unique communities.172, 173 Key Indicators • Availability of features and services sensitive to the needs of immigrants – in person and online (e.g., information available in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals, information available in different formats, services specifically for immigrants) • Availability of reliable information in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals on municipal services and how to access them • Presence of structures, measures, regulations, programs, and services that consider the needs and specificities of immigrants, including French-speaking immigrants • Level of knowledge of municipal services and how to access them • Rate of use of municipal services • Perceptions of the effectiveness of services (e.g., easy to access, available, meet their needs) • Evidence of effectiveness of services in supporting immigrants’ settlement and integration • Evidence of intercultural competence among municipal employees • Municipal staff’s perception that they are able to meet immigrants’ needs • Evidence of positive messaging about immigrants and their contributions to the community • Evidence of effectiveness of positive messaging about immigrants and their contributions to the community • Level of satisfaction with: o the delivery and quality of services o interpersonal treatment from municipal staff (e.g., courtesy and respect, patience with language/communication barriers if seeking assistance, experiences of interpersonal discrimination) o municipal portrayals of immigrants Page 31 of 67 Cluster C Coordination and Collaboration Among Community Organizations and Different Levels of Government Working Toward Welcoming Communities Coordination and collaboration among community organizations and different levels of government involved in immigrant settlement and integration is an important characteristic of a welcoming community for several reasons.174, 175, 176, 177, 178 First, coordination and collaboration promote the integration of actors invested in immigration and immigrant issues across sectors (e.g., settlement services, government, researchers, religious and ethnocultural organizations, health, and education).179, 180, 181, 182 A joint approach heightens actors’ awareness of the community’s strengths and gaps in meeting immigrants’ needs and may allow for innovative solutions to address shortcomings together, while avoiding duplication.183, 184, 185, 186, 187 Second, coordination and collaboration strengthen the exchange of information between interested parties and minimize competition for funding and resources as actors coordinate their efforts and leverage joint assets and resources in pursuit of common goals (e.g., joint applications for funding; integrated process of assessments and referrals).188, 189 Third, the participation of a range of actors in the decision-making process may trigger new and unexpected partnerships among different levels of government and community organizations.190, 191, 192, 193, 194 Thus, coordination and collaboration are critical because they ensure that community organizations and different levels of government work together and optimize the use of their resources and assets to ensure that immigrants receive the supports they require to successfully integrate into Canadian society.195 Key Indicators • Rate of referrals among organizations serving immigrants within a community • Level of service duplication among organizations serving immigrants within a community • Availability of mechanisms for consultation and exchange of information among organizations serving immigrants (organizations providing both direct and indirect services), and with mainstream organizations and all levels of government • Perceptions of organizations serving immigrants regarding the availability and accessibility of opportunities to form and join collaborative arrangements at the local, regional, provincial/territorial, and national levels • Rate of participation of organizations serving immigrants in consultation initiatives at the local, regional, provincial/territorial, and national levels Page 32 of 67 • Level of representation of organizations serving immigrants in consultation initiatives (e.g., availability of seats for these organizations) at the local, regional, provincial/territorial, and national levels • Rate of participation of organizations serving immigrants in collaborative decision-making initiatives (including local, regional, provincial/territorial, and national collaborative initiatives/partnerships/projects/programs) • Evidence of effectiveness of coordinated collaborative initiatives (e.g., sharing of financial/technological resources, sharing knowledge, more effective services) • Perceptions of organizations serving immigrants regarding inter-/intra-sectoral competition over funding and resources • Level of satisfaction with: o the rate of referrals among organizations serving immigrants o mechanisms for consultation and collaboration o participation and representation in consultations and collaborations o coordination and collaboration initiatives Page 33 of 67 Equitable Neighbourhoods Neighbourhood characteristics play a fundamental role in making immigrants feel welcome in their new communities.196, 197 Choosing one’s neighbourhood goes beyond finding affordable housing, transportation, and schools.198, 199 Evidence suggests that immigrants are increasingly concerned about quality of life, which includes proximity to key services and facilities, and safe neighbourhoods that are well maintained.200, 201, 202 Having services and facilities in or close to their neighbourhood is especially important for single mothers, who lack the time and mobility to search for services outside their neighbourhood.203 Before arriving in a community, a major concern among immigrants is finding a place to live near their workplace, schools, transportation, and health care.204, 205 As they acclimatize to their new environment, immigrants look for additional services and features nearby, such as playgrounds, libraries, and grocery stores.206, 207, 208 Providing immigrants with these amenities and services in their neighbourhoods can be challenging.209, 210 Nonetheless, communities need to ensure that neighbourhoods in which large numbers of immigrants settle are safe and have the features, amenities, and services to support immigrants’ quality of life and integration. Indeed, equitable neighbourhoods have a powerful influence on immigrants’ decision to remain in the community. Key Indicators • Evidence of neighbourhood safety o Crime rates o Injury rates o Evidence of safety infrastructure (e.g., bike lanes, lighting) o Level of satisfaction with:  sense of safety in one’s neighbourhood  safety infrastructure in one’s neighbourhood • Evidence of environmental justice o Rates of biological and chemical hazards o Availability of and access to clean water o Rates of neighbourhood maintenance (e.g., snow removal, street cleaning) o Level of satisfaction with  environmental safety  neighbourhood maintenance • Evidence of food security o Food desert rates o Level of satisfaction with: Page 34 of 67  availability and access to food in or close to the neighbourhood  availability of culturally appropriate and nutritious food in or close to the neighbourhood • Evidence of neighbourhood public facilities and community organizations o Availability of public facilities in or close to the neighbourhood (e.g., public library, recreation centre, playground) o Evidence of public facilities implementing inclusive and accommodating practices that consider the needs and specificities of diverse immigrants o Evidence of infrastructure that promotes accessibility (e.g., sidewalk ramps, parks with accessible equipment for children with disabilities) o Availability of community-based organizations close to the neighbourhood (e.g., family support services, childcare, places of worship) o Evidence of community-based organizations implementing inclusive and accommodating practices that consider the needs and specificities of diverse immigrants o Level of satisfaction with:  the availability and quality of public facilities in or close to the neighbourhood  the availability and quality of community-based organizations in or close to the neighbourhood  infrastructure that promotes accessibility Page 35 of 67 Opportunities to Form and Join Social and Community Networks Evidence suggests a strong positive relationship between opportunities to form and join social and community networks and individuals’ sense of belonging to a community.211, 212, 213 Though they may overlap, the difference between social and community networks pertains to the nature of the ties that hold them together. Social networks are formed through interpersonal relationships, such as kinship and friendship, whereas community networks derive from a common interest, geographical location, occupation or profession, and/or hobby.214, 215 The existence of networks, along with the prospect of building them, is instrumental in immigrants ' decisions to move or stay in a community. This is true for both large and small cities and towns.216, 217, 218, 219 Social and community networks can be informal or formal. Informal networks help immigrants learn about their new community and establish friendships through shared activities, such as Neighbour Day and community gardens.220, 221, 222, 223 Formal networks are instrumental in forging partnerships between immigrants and the receiving community in terms of financial support, job searches and referrals, and establishing businesses.224, 225 Social and community networks are thus important determinants of well- being and economic integration, influencing one ’s mental health, health behaviour, and the ability to access supports and services.225F 226, 226F 227 For these reasons, social and community networks are a crucial characteristic of a welcoming community. Key Indicators • Rate of participation in: o neighbourhood activities (e.g., Neighbour Day, community gardens) o other local events and activities o local online community groups o local events and activities pertaining to immigrants’, including French-speaking immigrants’, diverse racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds • Perceptions of intercultural understanding between immigrants and members of the receiving community (from the perspective of immigrants and members of the receiving community) • Perceptions of intercultural understanding between French-speaking immigrants and French-speaking members of the receiving community (from the perspective of immigrants and members of the receiving community) • Perceptions of connections (informal and formal) among recent immigrants, more established immigrants, and non-immigrants (from the perspective of immigrants and non- immigrants) Page 36 of 67 • Perceptions of connections (informal and formal) among recent French-speaking immigrants, more established French-speaking immigrants, and French-speaking non- immigrants (from the perspective of immigrants and non-immigrants) • Evidence of sense of belonging to local community • Evidence of sense of inclusion within the local community • Evidence of sense of social isolation • Level of satisfaction with: o the availability and quality of neighbourhood activities, other local events and activities, and online community groups o the availability, quality, and openness of social and community networks, including immigrant networks o intercultural understanding in the community o connections between immigrants and members of the receiving community o connections between French-speaking immigrants and French-speaking members of the receiving community Page 37 of 67 Immigrant-Responsive Police Services and Justice System Immigrant-responsive police services and justice system are central characteristics of a welcoming community.228, 229, 230 Evidence suggests that a lack of knowledge about the police and justice system in Canada, together with language and cultural barriers, are main reasons why immigrants fear police and the justice system.231, 232, 233 Immigrants have reported difficulty understanding police services, including how to use 911 emergency services, how to report a crime, and how to identify financial scams, identity theft, and internet crimes.234, 235 Thus, immigrant-responsive police services, of which immigrants have knowledge and which immigrants have support to access, promote increased and more appropriate use of police services.236, 237 Lack of familiarity with the justice system in Canada is another challenge for immigrants, especially when they need to access legal services.238, 239 Once again, knowledge of legal services available to them and supports to access these services are likely to lead to a more immigrant-responsive justice system.240 In both cases, immigrant-responsive services also require that staff and professionals in these sectors are sensitive to the needs of immigrants and culturally responsive in their interactions with immigrants.241, 242, 243 In this way, immigrant-responsive police services and the justice system are understood, valued, and used by immigrants where needed. Key Indicators Police Services • Availability of reliable information in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about police services in the community and how to access them • Perceptions of the police, including: o trust in the police o level of knowledge/understanding of the role of the police in Canada o confidence in the police o comfort in contacting the police • Rate and quality of police services across different neighbourhoods, including those with a high proportion of immigrants, and across different immigrant groups (e.g., call response times, police stop rates, excessive use of force, police homicide) • Availability of supports that facilitate utilization of police services (e.g., interpreters, translation) • Police officers’ perceptions that they are able to effectively serve immigrant communities • Rate of immigrant involvement in police work, including volunteer work Page 38 of 67 • Evidence of police efforts to build trust and goodwill among immigrants from diverse racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds • Evidence that police services are delivered in an equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive manner • Evidence of intercultural competence among police • Evidence of racism and discrimination by the police • Level of satisfaction with: o police services o information about police services in the community and how to access them o the availability, quality, and openness of police support services o interpersonal treatment from police (e.g., courtesy and respect, patience with language/communication barriers if seeking assistance, experiences of interpersonal discrimination) Justice System • Availability of reliable information in both official languages and top languages of new arrivals about the justice system and how to access it • Level of knowledge/understanding of the justice system, including rights and responsibilities in Canada, Canadian law, and the legal system • Evidence of positive perceptions of the justice system, including trust in the legal system • Evidence of intercultural competence among legal/judicial staff and professionals • Evidence that legal services are delivered in an equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive manner • Affordability of judicial/legal services • Rates of sentencing • Rates of legal processes (claims, disputes, hearings) • Rate of immigrants involved in judicial professions • Availability of supports that facilitate use of legal and court representation (e.g., referral services, legal aid, translation, and interpretation) • Perceptions of availability and appropriateness of legal/judicial services • Court and legal representatives’ perceptions that they are able to effectively serve immigrant communities • Evidence of racism and discrimination within the justice system, including by legal/judicial staff and professionals • Level of satisfaction with: o the accessibility and quality of legal services o information about legal services in the community and how to access them Page 39 of 67 o the availability, quality, and openness of legal support services o interpersonal treatment when navigating the justice system, including by staff and professionals (e.g., courtesy and respect, patience with communication barriers if seeking assistance, experiences of interpersonal discrimination) Page 40 of 67 Access to Inclusive Public Spaces, Facilities, and Programs Public spaces, facilities, and programs are by definition open and accessible to all community members.244 They include: 1) indoor and outdoor public spaces, such as government buildings, libraries, community centres, playgrounds, green spaces, town squares, hiking trails, and beaches, 2) public recreation facilities, such as municipal aquatic and recreation centres, arenas, arts centres, golf courses, leisure centres, skateparks, and tennis courts, and 3) public programs such as festivals and registered recreation, arts, and library programs for children, youth, and seniors. The use of public spaces, facilities, and programs by immigrants is important because they provide opportunities for intercultural exchange and the formation of social connections that can ease integration into the community.245, 246 This may be particularly important for youth, as use of public facilities to participate in recreational activities fosters positive social and physical development, as well as identification with peer groups.247, 248, 249 The use of public spaces and facilities has been increasingly associated with well-being and individuals’ sense of belonging. This is especially the case in small and rural communities where the availability of inclusive public spaces and facilities (e.g., recreation facilities) is an important asset for attracting and retaining immigrants.250, 251, 252, 253 Key Indicators • Availability of inclusive public spaces, facilities, and programs (e.g., culturally appropriate public spaces and facilities, diverse calendar of activities/modalities, programs and facilities for immigrants), including for multi-barriered groups (e.g., racialized women, youth, seniors, 2SLGBTQI+, refugees, immigrants with disabilities) • Availability of reliable information in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about public spaces, facilities, and programs (general programs and programs for multi-barriered groups) • Level of knowledge of public spaces, facilities, and programs in the local community (general programs and programs for multi-barriered groups) • Rate of usage of public spaces, facilities, and programs by immigrants (including immigrants from multi-barriered groups) • Evidence of sense of inclusion in public spaces, facilities, and programs (including among immigrants from multi-barriered groups) • Evidence of intercultural competence and understanding of immigrants’ needs (including immigrants from multi-barriered groups) among administrators and staff of public spaces, facilities, and programs Page 41 of 67 • Level of satisfaction with: o the availability and quality of public spaces, facilities, and programs, including for multi-barriered groups o information about public spaces, facilities, and programs, including for multi- barriered immigrants o interpersonal treatment from administrators and staff of public spaces, facilities, and programs (e.g., courtesy and respect, patience with language/communication barriers if seeking assistance, experiences of interpersonal discrimination) o interpersonal treatment from other members of the public while using public spaces, facilities, and programs Page 42 of 67 Positive Indigenous-Immigrant Relations and Understanding Until recently, immigrants received little information about Indigenous peoples upon arrival in Canada and often had little knowledge of Indigenous history, relations with settler Canadians, and immigrants’ responsibilities as new settlers.254 Similarly, there were few opportunities for immigrants and Indigenous peoples to come together and learn about one another's histories and cultures. Misunderstandings and stereotypes are known to result from such situations.255, 256, 257 This has started to change, particularly with the release of the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada in 2015.258 The report specifically emphasizes the need to present immigrants to Canada with “a more inclusive history of the diverse Aboriginal peoples of Canada, including information about the Treaties and the history of residential schools,” and to recognize the importance of Indigenous peoples’ role in decision-making surrounding issues that might affect them, which we would argue includes immigration and immigrant integration.259, 260 In recognition of these recommendations and the potential for immigrants and Indigenous peoples to come together for increased mutual understanding and common cause, positive Indigenous-immigrant relations and understanding must be considered an important characteristic of a welcoming community.261 Key Indicators • Evidence of positive mutual attitudes between immigrants and Indigenous peoples in the community • Rate of discrimination and conflict between immigrants and Indigenous peoples in the community • Availability of reliable information for immigrants in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about Indigenous peoples’ history, languages, knowledge, cultures, traditional practices, contributions, and rights in Canada • Level of immigrants’ knowledge of and respect for Indigenous peoples’ history, knowledge, languages, cultures, traditional practices, contributions, and rights in Canada • Evidence of safe spaces for intercultural understanding between immigrants and Indigenous peoples (e.g., workshops and meetings to discuss and work on issues of common interest) • Evidence of Indigenous peoples’ role in decision-making and activities to welcome immigrants to the community • Level of satisfaction with: o information for immigrants about Indigenous people’s history, languages, knowledge, cultures, traditional practices, contributions, and rights in Canada Page 43 of 67 o safe spaces for intercultural understanding between immigrants and Indigenous peoples o Indigenous peoples’ involvement with immigrants (from the perspective of Indigenous peoples and immigrants) o immigrants’ knowledge about and involvement with Indigenous peoples (from the perspective of immigrants and Indigenous peoples) Page 44 of 67 Access to Diverse Religious and Ethnocultural Organizations Through formal and informal programming and services, religious/faith-based and ethnocultural organizations have and continue to play a vital role in creating welcoming communities. 262, 263, 264, 265, 266 As immigrants grow Canada’s ethnocultural and religious diversity, these organizations have become increasingly important in making them feel at home.267, 268 Religious and ethnocultural organizations provide immigrants with the opportunity to build bridges with the receiving community and increase their sense of inclusion and participation in community life.269, 270, 271 The availability of cultural and religious amenities (e.g., shops, restaurants, social clubs/associations, recreational activities, language schools, places of worship) have also been shown to influence immigrants’ attraction to and retention in communities.272, 273 More than ever, the presence of religious and ethnocultural organizations should be considered when describing the characteristics of a welcoming community. Key Indicators • Availability and accessibility of diverse religious and ethnocultural organizations • Availability of reliable information in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about religious and ethnocultural organizations in the community, the services/programming they provide, and how to access them • Level of knowledge of religious and ethnocultural organizations in the community, the services/programming they provide, and how to access them • Availability and accessibility of religious and ethnocultural services and amenities in the community (e.g., shops, restaurants, social clubs/associations, recreational activities, language schools, places of worship) • Availability of information in both official languages and top languages of new arrivals about religious and ethnocultural services and amenities in the community • Level of knowledge of religious and ethnocultural services and amenities in the community • Level of involvement in local religious and ethnocultural communities • Evidence of sense of attachment to local religious and ethnocultural communities • Evidence of social connections and support between recent immigrants and co-ethnic and co-religionist immigrants with longer residence as well as co-ethnic and co-religionist non- immigrants • Availability and accessibility of information, programs, and services to assist with immigrant settlement and welcoming offered through religious and ethnocultural organizations in both official languages and top languages of new arrivals • Evidence of effectiveness of information, programs, and services to assist with immigrant settlement and welcoming offered through religious and ethnocultural organizations Page 45 of 67 • Availability of specialized services and supports to meet the needs of multi-barriered groups within religious and ethnocultural communities (e.g., racialized women, youth, seniors, 2SLGBTQI+, refugees, immigrants with disabilities) • Evidence of effectiveness of specialized services and supports to meet the needs of multi- barriered groups within religious and ethnocultural communities • Level of satisfaction with: o information, programs, and services to assist with immigrant settlement and welcoming offered through religious and ethnocultural organizations o specialized services and supports to meet the needs of multi-barriered groups within religious and ethnocultural communities o information about religious and ethnocultural organizations in the community o interpersonal treatment by diverse religious and ethnocultural organizations, including by non-immigrant members and those in leadership positions (e.g., courtesy and respect, patience with language/communication barriers if seeking assistance, experiences of interpersonal discrimination) Page 46 of 67 Civic and Political Participation Opportunities Civic and political participation can take many forms. Participation may involve becoming a citizen, being actively involved in electoral processes, volunteering in community organizations, or taking up leadership positions in the community.274, 275 Evidence suggests that active civic and political participation raises the likelihood of immigrant retention, in part because participation fosters feelings of inclusion.276, 277 However, immigrants need support to learn about Canada’s political and civic landscape.277F 278, 278F 279. This is particularly the case for those arriving from countries with different civic and political participation expectations.279F 280 By providing support, communities can help immigrants navigate their rights and responsibilities in Canada, and effectively take part in the decision-making process of issues that affect them.280F 281, 281F 282 As a result, immigrants become empowered citizens with a legitimate voice in civic and democratic life.282F 283 Key Indicators • Availability of reliable information in both official languages and other top languages of new arrivals about civic and political participation opportunities • Level of knowledge of civic and political participation opportunities • Rate of citizenship acquisition • Rate of participation in political processes (e.g., attend council meetings, attend candidate/voting information sessions, actively support candidates) • Voter registration rates in local, provincial, and federal elections • Level of political representation at all levels of government • Rate of participation in community organizations, clubs, and social service organizations • Rate of volunteering in immigrant-specific and general service agencies • Rate of participation in political activism (e.g., protests, demonstrations, petitioning elected officials, etc.) • Percentage of immigrants in leadership positions and on boards in community organizations • Evidence that opportunities for civic and political participation are made available in an equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive manner, including for French-speaking immigrants • Level of satisfaction with: o services to support citizenship o political participation opportunities o civic participation opportunities o immigrant representativeness in community organizations o the openness of community organizations, clubs, and social service organizations Page 47 of 67 o opportunities for leadership positions and positions on boards of community organizations Page 48 of 67 Equitable Media Coverage, Representation, and Content “Media” is best described as a medium where information is widely shared and communicated, such as through radio, television, newspaper, and internet sources.284 Media is used for the purpose of both disseminating and exchanging information. Mass media’s impact on immigrants rests on its ability to: (1) provide immigrants with critical information about settlement and the receiving community more broadly, (2) influence perceptions of immigrants and immigration among members of the receiving community, and (3) act as a tool that immigrants can use to gauge society’s perceptions of immigrants (i.e., an indicator of how welcoming a community is).285, 286 Evidence suggests that equitable media is a key factor that influences immigrants’ sense of inclusion by: (1) helping to overcome language barriers through providing content in languages commonly spoken by immigrants; (2) including content produced by immigrants, increasing the representation of immigrants within media channels; (3) dedicating programming to issues of interest to immigrants; and (4) most importantly, disseminating fair and positive messaging about immigrants and their socio-cultural, civic-political, and economic contributions to the local community.287, 288, 289 For this reason, equitable media coverage, representation, and content is an important characteristic of a welcoming community. Key Indicators • Availability of local media in languages commonly spoken by immigrants (in addition to both official languages) • Rate of local media coverage of issues related to immigration, immigrants, and racial, religious, and cultural diversity • Rate of immigrants’ involvement in local media production • Tone of local media coverage of issues related to immigration, immigrants, and racial, religious, and cultural diversity • Evidence of bias, racism, and negative stereotyping in the local media (e.g., use of terms that reinforce negative sentiments about immigration and immigrants) • Level of satisfaction with local media coverage, representation, and content relating to immigrants and immigration Page 49 of 67 Accompanying Materials http://p2pcanada.ca/library/measuring-welcoming-communities-a-toolkit-for-communities- and-those-who-support-them/ Presentation • This presentation deck can be used for interested parties/community engagement forums at the start of a measurement process • It provides an overview of the purpose and procedure for measurement, and walks the audience through the 3 tools described below for assessing the extent to which a community is welcoming • Prior to the presentation, the presenter(s) should read the full Toolkit so that they are able to elaborate on key points and answer questions • The Toolkit can also be distributed to participants in advance of a forum Tool 1: Environmental Scan • Tool 1 is designed to help identify features of your community that may impact your approach to creating and promoting a welcoming community • By working through the 12 questions collectively, a common base for thinking about your community will be established Tool 2: Characteristics Ranking Exercise • Tool 2 is designed to help decide on priority characteristics for making your community more welcoming • Thinking about the unique features of your community identified using Tool 1, rank the 19 characteristics of a welcoming community from 1 (most important) to 19 (least important) in terms of their importance for your community • This exercise can be done individually (with an average across participants then calculated) or collectively (if a consensus-driven approach is preferred) Tool 3: Choosing Comparators and Indicators • Tool 3 is designed to help select comparisons to be made and indicators to be used to measure the extent to which your community is welcoming • Based on the purpose of the assessment and the needs of your community, check off the comparison(s) to current immigrants in your community that should be made at this time Page 50 of 67 • For each priority characteristic identified in Tool 2, check off those indicators that are most relevant and feasible for this assessment. It is recommended that multiple indicators be used for each characteristic, with a mix of objective and subjective indicators for each Page 51 of 67 References 1 Esses, V. M., Hamilton L. K., Bennett-AbuAyyash C., & Burstein, M. (2010). Characteristics of a welcoming community. Welcoming Communities Initiative. http://p2pcanada.ca/wp- content/uploads/2011/09/Characteristics-of-a-Welcoming-Community-11.pdf 2 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. (2022). An immigration plan to grow the economy. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2022/11/an-immigration-plan-to-grow-the- economy.html 3 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. (2022). An immigration plan to grow the economy. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2022/11/an-immigration-plan-to-grow-the- economy.html 4 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. (2022). 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United Nations University Institute on Globalization, Culture and Mobility. https://gcm.unu.edu/publications/articles/media-and- their-role-in-shaping-public-attitudes-towards-migrants.html 289 Veronis, L., & Ahmed, R. (2015). The role of multicultural media in connecting municipal governments with ethnocultural and immigrant communities: The case of Ottawa. Global Media Journal, 8(2), 73–95. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MUNICIPAL OFFICE 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville, ON Council Chambers – HYBRID Thursday, June 15, 2023 5:30 p.m. The June 15, 2023 Special Council Meeting was held using hybrid technologies via Zoom and livestreamed on YouTube. PRESENT: MAYOR ED KETCHABAW DEPUTY MAYOR RAINEY WEISLER COUNCILLORS TIMOTHY EMERSON SUSAN CHILCOTT ABSENT: DAN FROESE STAFF PRESENT: CAO|CLERK THOMAS THAYER DEPUTY CLERK MEAGAN ELLIOTT 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Ketchabaw called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF No disclosures of pecuniary interest were declared. 3. OTHER BUSINES 3.1 In Camera Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT the Council do now rise to enter into an “In Camera” Session at 5:31 p.m. to discuss: A. Confidential Verbal Item re litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose (Ontario Land Tribunal) CARRIED 3.2 Out of Camera Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott Special Council Minutes June 15, 2023 2 THAT the Council do now rise from the “In Camera” Session at 6:13 p.m. and report on Confidential Verbal Item re litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose (Ontario Land Tribunal) CARRIED Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT Confidential Verbal Item re litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose (Ontario Land Tribunal) be received for information; AND THAT staff proceed as directed. CARRIED 4. BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL A. By-law No. 2023-056 Being a by-law to confirm all actions of Council Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Confirming By-law No. 2023-056 be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. CARRIED 5. ADJOURNMENT Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT the Council meeting be adjourned at 6:14 p.m. CARRIED MAYOR CLERK THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MUNICIPAL OFFICE 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville, ON Council Chambers – HYBRID Thursday, June 15, 2023 6:00 p.m. The June 15, 2023 Council Meeting was held using hybrid technologies via Zoom and livestreamed on YouTube. PRESENT: MAYOR ED KETCHABAW DEPUTY MAYOR RAINEY WEISLER COUNCILLORS TIMOTHY EMERSON SUSAN CHILCOTT ABSENT: DAN FROESE STAFF PRESENT: CAO|CLERK THOMAS THAYER DEPUTY CLERK MEAGAN ELLIOTT PLANNING COORDINATOR|DEPUTY CLERK MARGARET UNDERHILL TREASURER LORNE JAMES *via Zoom MANAGER OF PUBLIC WORKS| DRAINAGE SUPERINTENDENT STEVE ADAMS MANAGER OF CAPITAL PROJECTS| WATER/WASTEWATER ED ROLOSON 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Ketchabaw called the meeting to order at 6:18 p.m. with the following motion: Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT, in accordance with Section 4.3 of By-law No. 2023-021, the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham permits the June 15, 2023 Regular Meeting of Council to commence at 6:18 p.m. CARRIED 2. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF No disclosures of pecuniary interest were declared. 3. REVIEW OF ITEMS NOT LISTED ON AGENDA CAO Thayer advised that Item 6.A Jacob Hanlon re Food Cycle Science has been removed from the agenda at the request of the delegate and will be included on the July 20, 2023 Agenda. Council Minutes June 15, 2023 2 4. ANNOUNCEMENTS Councillor Chilcott announced that a Nurse Practitioner will be offering a Community Outreach Clinic in Straffordville for those that do not have a family doctor. The Clinic will be open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 am – 4 pm in the Straffordville Plaza. Deputy Mayor Weisler announced that her and Earl Shea made a presentation to the graduating grade 8 class about local governance and the geography of Bayham. Mayor Ketchabaw announced that June 15th is Elder Abuse Awareness Day. 5. PRESENTATIONS A. Watson & Associates re Development Charges Kick-Off Presentation Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT the presentation from Watson & Associates re Development Charges Kick-Off Presentation be received for information; AND THAT staff be directed to work with Watson & Associates to complete and post a background study incorporating proposed development charges for the following municipal services:  Services Related to a Highway  Fire Protection Services  Parks and Recreation  Library Services CARRIED The Council Meeting recessed for a break at 7:21 pm and resumed at 7:27 pm. B. CJDL Consulting Engineers re Design and Implementation of the Capacity Upgrades to the Eden Sanitary Pumping Station Proposal Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT the presentation from CJDL Consulting Engineers re Design and Implementation of the Capacity Upgrades to the Eden Sanitary Pumping Station Proposal be received for information; AND THAT the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham sole-source the Design and Implementation of the Capacity Upgrades to the Eden Sanitary Pumping Station to CJDL Consulting Engineers based on their Proposal and with an approved upset limit of $78,570.12, inclusive of HST; Council Minutes June 15, 2023 3 AND THAT the above-noted project be funded from the Wastewater Reserve and Environmental Reserve. CARRIED C. Simon McLinden re Canoe Procurement Group of Canada Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT the presentation from Simon McLinden re Canoe Procurement Group of Canada be received for information. CARRIED 6. DELEGATIONS 7. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING(S) A. Special Council Meeting held June 1, 2023 B. Regular Council Meeting held June 1, 2023 Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT the minutes of the Special and Regular Meetings of Council held June 1, 2023 be approved as presented. CARRIED 8. MOTIONS AND NOTICE OF MOTION 9. OPEN FORUM 10. RECREATION, CULTURE, TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 10.1 Correspondence 10.1.1 Receive for Information 10.1.2 Requiring Action 10.2 Reports to Council 11. PHYSICAL SERVICES – EMERGENCY SERVICES 11.1 Correspondence 11.1.1 Receive for Information 11.1.2 Requiring Action 11.2 Reports to Council Council Minutes June 15, 2023 4 A. Report PS-10/23 by Steve Adams, Manager of Public Works|Drainage Superintendent re RFP 23-01 Port Burwell East Beach & Port Burwell Community Park Washroom Maintenance Award Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Report PS-10/23 re RFP 23-01 Port Burwell East Beach & Port Burwell Community Park Washroom Maintenance Award be received for information; AND THAT Council award RFP 23-01 to Agatha Cleaning Services for 2023 to 2027 in the amount of $1,000 + HST/weekly for a 22-week period for Port Burwell East Beach & Port Burwell Community Park Washroom Maintenance; AND THAT the appropriate authorizing by-law be brought forward for Council’s consideration. CARRIED B. Report PS-11/23 by Steve Adams, Manager of Public Works|Drainage Superintendent re Bulk Item Curbside Pick-Up Spring Update Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT Report PS-11/23 re Bulk Item Curbside Pick-up Spring Update be received for information; AND THAT, for the remainder of 2023, the Bulk Item Curb Side Pick-up Program shall operate during September and October; AND THAT, commencing in 2024, the Bulk Item Curb Side Pick-up Program shall operate for the following five months with a given calendar year: April, May, July, September, and October; AND THAT Council establish a $25 user fee for the Bulk Item Curbside Pick-up Program, effective September 2023, with user fees to be re-evaluated in June 2024; AND THAT a Bulk Item Curbside Pick-up Program Policy be brought forward for Council’s consideration in August 2023. CARRIED 12. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES – SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSERVATION 12.1 Correspondence 12.1.1 Receive for Information 12.1.2 Requiring Action Council Minutes June 15, 2023 5 12.2 Reports to Council A. Report DS-36/23 by Margaret Underhill, Planning Coordinator|Deputy Clerk re Consent Application E40-23 Bonnefield Farmland, 55314 Jackson Line Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Report DS-36/23 regarding the Consent Application E40-23 Bonnefield Farmland Ontario IV Inc. be received; AND THAT Council recommend to the Elgin County Land Division Committee that Consent Application E40-23 be granted subject to the following conditions and considerations: 1. The owner obtain Zoning By-law Amendment approval to change the zoning of the retained lands from an Agricultural (A1-A) zone to a Special Agricultural (A2) Zone to prohibit new dwellings 2. The owner obtain Zoning By-law Amendment approval to change the zoning of the severed lands from Agricultural (A1-A) zone to a Rural Residential (RR) zone or a site-specific RR-xx Zone to permit an oversized accessory building and the prohibition of the keeping of livestock in the retained barn 3. That the applicant initiate and assume, if required, all engineering costs associated with the preparation of a revised assessment schedule for the Arn Drain in accordance with the Drainage Act, RSO 1990, as amended, with a deposit to be paid in full to the Municipality prior to the condition being deemed fulfilled. If the deposit does not cover the costs of the revised assessment schedule, the applicant will be billed for any additional costs incurred. 4. Purchase of civic number sign for the retained parcel 5. Digital copy of the registered plan of survey 6. Planning Report fee payable to the Municipality CARRIED B. Report DS-37/23 by Margaret Underhill, Planning Coordinator|Deputy Clerk re Consent Application E46-49-23 Nezezon and Howlett, 46 Chapel Street Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Report DS-37/23 regarding the Consent Applications E46-23 to E49-23 Nezezon and Howlett be received; AND THAT Council recommend to the Elgin County Land Division Committee that Consent Applications E46-49-23 be granted subject to the following conditions and considerations: 1. That the owner install/construct adequate extension of municipal water services and installation of a public fire hydrant to the proposed severed lots and enter into a Development Agreement with the Municipality for such service extension. 2. That the owner install/construct adequate extension of municipal sanitary sewer services to the proposed severed lots and enter into a Development Agreement with the Municipality for such service extension. Council Minutes June 15, 2023 6 3. That the owner enter into a Development Agreement with the Municipality to upgrade the public right-of-way lands along the entirety of the width and frontage of the proposed severed lands to current municipal standards, including, but not limited to, roadway surface widening and ditch/drainage works. The extent of the upgrades will be determined subsequent to detailed review of the owner’s professional design plans for the development, and prior to the signing of the Development Agreement in consultation with the Municipality, and/or Municipal Engineering Consultants, and the owner’s Professional Engineering Consultant. 4. That the owner provide storm water management, drainage and grading plans for the severed lot to the satisfaction of the Municipality. 5. That the applicant initiate and assume, if required, all engineering costs associated with the preparation of a revised assessment schedule for the Chapel Street Drain in accordance with the Drainage Act, RSO 1990, as amended, with a deposit to be paid in full to the Municipality prior to the condition being deemed fulfilled. If the deposit does not cover the costs of the revised assessment schedule, the applicant will be billed for any additional costs incurred. 6. That the owner obtain Removal of a Holding Symbol zoning approval subsequent to entering into a Development Agreement with the Municipality for any municipal servicing upgrades for the development. 7. That the owner pay fees as required in Municipal By-law No. 2020 – 053 Cash-in-lieu of Parkland. 8. That the owner provides a survey of the subject lands and include in the drawing package the requirements from the Planning Act Section 51(17). 9. That the owner provides a Planning Report Fee payable to the Municipality of Bayham. 10. To satisfy the required road dedication of 20.0 metres minimum local road, this property is subject to a widening of one half of the distance required to increase the Chapel Street ROW to 20.0 metres (65.62 ft) in width across the entirety of the lot frontage on Chapel Street. The extent of the road widening lands shall be determined by the owner by way of providing a ‘reference plan’ from a legal land surveyor confirming the extent of the road widening, with all costs and applications associated with the transfer of the lands to the Municipality to be the responsibility of the owner. The reference plan describing the widening to be transferred must be pre-approved by the Municipality. CARRIED C. Report DS-38/23 by Margaret Underhill, Planning Coordinator|Deputy Clerk re Subdivision Agreement – Jo-Lynn Pt. Burwell Inc. Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT Report DS-38/23 regarding the Subdivision Agreement Jo-Lynn Port Burwell Inc. be received; AND THAT Council authorize the execution of a Subdivision Agreement between the Municipality and Jo-Lynn Pt. Burwell Inc. to permit the completion of Phase 1 MacNeil Court and development of Phase 2 Charles Court – MacNeil subdivision in Port Burwell; Council Minutes June 15, 2023 7 AND THAT By-law No. 2023-054 be presented for enactment. CARRIED 13. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION 13.1 Correspondence 13.1.1 Receive for Information A. Lanark County re Support of Bill C-321 B. Woodstock Ingersoll Tillsonburg & Area Association of Realtors re May 2023 Report C. Elgin County re May 23, 2023 County Council Highlights D. LPRCA re May 3, 2023 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT items 13.1.1 A – D be received for information. CARRIED 13.1.2 Requiring Action A. Straffordville Community Committee re Request for Storage on Municipal Property Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT the correspondence from the Straffordville Community Committee re Request for Storage on Municipal Property be received for information; AND THAT the request from the Straffordville Community Committee re Request for Storage on Municipal Property be approved; AND THAT the appropriate authorizing by-law to enter into an Agreement for use of Municipal property for storage purposes be brought forward for Council’s consideration. CARRIED 13.2 Reports to Council A. Report TR-12/23 by Lorne James, Treasurer re PSAB 3450 Financial Reporting Impacts and Investments Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Report TR-12/23 re PSAB 3450 Financial Reporting Impacts and Investments be received for information; Council Minutes June 15, 2023 8 AND THAT staff be directed to sell the entire LAS Investment – One Fund portfolio; AND THAT staff be directed to purchase 18-month GICs for all investment accounts from RBC Investments. CARRIED B. Report CAO-36/23 by Thomas Thayer, CAO|Clerk re Contract Extension / Amendment – Tenet Security Group Third Party By-law Enforcement Services Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT Report CAO-36/23 re Contract Extension / Amendment – Tenet Security Group – Third-Party By-law Enforcement Services be received for information; AND THAT Council approve a six-month extension of the Agreement with Tenet Security Group – Third-Party By-law Enforcement Services, with additional language to incorporate service provision to the Township of Malahide in accordance with the Shared Services Memorandum of Understanding; AND THAT the appropriate authorizing by-law be brought forward for Council’s consideration. CARRIED C. Report CAO-37/23 by Thomas Thayer, CAO|Clerk re Shared Services Update Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT Report CAO-37/23 re Shared Services Update be received for information; AND THAT the appropriate appointment by-law be brought forward for Council’s consideration; AND THAT Council delegate authority to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to negotiate and enter into a Service Agreement with Cloudpermit on behalf of the Municipality for implementation and use of Cloudpermit software. CARRIED 14. BY-LAWS A. By-law No. 2023-049 Being a by-law to amend By-law No. 2021-073 being a by-law to authorize the execution of a consulting agreement between the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham and a+LINK Architecture Inc. Council Minutes June 15, 2023 9 B. By-law No. 2023-050 Being a by-law to authorize the execution of an agreement between the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham and Rail Tech Enterprises Inc. for Vienna Community Park Pavilion works C. By-law No. 2023-051 Being a by-law to authorize the execution of an agreement between the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham and Rail Tech Enterprises Inc. for Port Burwell Library Pavilion works D. By-law No. 2023-052 Being a by-law to authorize the execution of an agreement between the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham and Agatha’s Cleaning Services for provision of washroom maintenance services E. By-law No. 2023-053 Being a by-law to appoint municipal officers and employees for the Municipality of Bayham F. By-law No. 2023-054 Being a by-law to authorize the signing of a subdivision agreement between Jo-Lynn Pt. Burwell Inc. and the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT By-law Nos. 2023-049, 2023-050, 2023-051, 2023-052, 2023-053 & 2023-054 be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. CARRIED 15. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 16. OTHER BUSINESS 16.1 In Camera 16.2 Out of Camera 17. BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL A. By-law No. 2023-055 Being a by-law to confirm all actions of Council Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Confirming By-law No. 2023-055 be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. CARRIED 18. ADJOURNMENT Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott Council Minutes June 15, 2023 10 THAT the Council meeting be adjourned at 9:37 p.m. CARRIED MAYOR CLERK THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES MUNICIPAL OFFICE 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville, ON Council Chambers – HYBRID Thursday, July 6, 2023 6:30 p.m. The July 6, 2023 Special Council Meeting was held using hybrid technologies via Zoom and livestreamed on YouTube. PRESENT: MAYOR ED KETCHABAW DEPUTY MAYOR RAINEY WEISLER COUNCILLORS TIMOTHY EMERSON DAN FROESE SUSAN CHILCOTT STAFF PRESENT: CAO|CLERK THOMAS THAYER *via Zoom DEPUTY CLERK MEAGAN ELLIOTT PLANNING COORDINATOR|DEPUTY CLERK MARGARET UNDERHILL 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Ketchabaw called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF No disclosures of pecuniary interest were declared. 3. CLOSED SESSION 3.1 In Camera Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT the Council do now rise to enter into an “In Camera” Session at 6:31 p.m. to discuss: A. Confidential Verbal Item re litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose (Ontario Land Tribunal) CARRIED 3.2 Out of Camera Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott 2 THAT the Council do now rise from the “In Camera” Session at 6:49 p.m. and report on Confidential Verbal Item re litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose (Ontario Land Tribunal) CARRIED Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Confidential Verbal Item re litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose (Ontario Land Tribunal) be received for information; AND THAT staff proceed as directed. CARRIED 4. REPORTS TO COUNCIL A. Report DR-01/23 by Steve Adams, Manager of Public Works|Drainage Superintendent re Petition for Drainage 1162991 Ontario Ltd. Concession 9 Pt Lots 23 & 24 Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Councillor Froese THAT Report DR-01/23 regarding the petition for drainage for the 1162991 Ontario Ltd. be received; AND THAT the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham acknowledges the filing with the Clerk of the Petition for drainage works from 1162991 Ontario Ltd., Curtis VanQuaethem; AND THAT Council wishes to proceed with this matter and appoints Spriet Associates Ltd., Engineers, to prepare a report on the proposed drainage area pursuant to Section 5 and Section 8(1) of the Drainage Act, for Council’s consideration. CARRIED B. Report DS-43/23 by Thomas Thayer, CAO re 2nd Quarter Report Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT Staff Report DS-43/23 re 2nd Quarter Report be received for information. CARRIED 3 C. Report CAO-38/23 by Thomas Thayer, CAO re 2023-2026 Bayham Community Strategic Plan Adoption Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Councillor Emerson THAT Report CAO-38/23 re 2023-2026 Bayham Community Strategic Plan Adoption received for information; AND THAT Council adopt the 2023-2026 Bayham Community Strategic Plan. CARRIED D. Report CAO-39/23 by Thomas Thayer, CAO re Amendments to Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Moved by: Deputy Mayor Weisler Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Report CAO-39/23 re Amendments to Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan be received for information; AND THAT the Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan be adopted as presented, and posted on the Municipal website. CARRIED E. Report CAO-40/23 by Thomas Thayer, CAO re 2022 Joint Annual Accessibility Status Report Moved by: Councillor Froese Seconded by: Councillor Chilcott THAT Report CAO-40/23 re 2022 Joint Annual Accessibility Status Report be received for information; AND THAT the 2022 Joint Annual Accessibility Status Report be approved as presented, and posted on the Municipal website. CARRIED 5. BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL A. By-law No. 2023-057 Being a by-law to confirm all actions of Council Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT Confirming By-law No. 2023-057 be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. CARRIED 4 6. ADJOURNMENT Moved by: Councillor Froese Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT the July 6, 2023 Special Council Meeting be adjourned at 7:06 p.m. CARRIED MAYOR CLERK REPORT PHYSICAL SERVICES TO: Mayor & Members of Council FROM: Steve Adams, Manager of Public Works/Drainage Superintendent DATE: July 20, 2023 REPORT: PS-12/23 SUBJECT: VIENNA COMMUNITY PARK MULTI-USE COURT RFP-23-02 AWARD BACKGROUND: At its August 18, 2022 meeting, Council received Report CAO-39/22 re Public Comments Received – Comment Period for Use of the Vienna Community Improvement Reserve Fund and passed the following motion: Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Councillor Donnell THAT Report CAO-39/22 re Public Comments Received – Comment Period for Use of the Vienna Community Improvement Reserve Fund be received for information; AND THAT Council direct staff to investigate and report back on the costing of: 1) Improvements to the Vienna Community Park, including a multi-purpose court and pavilion; and, 2) Improvements to the Vienna Memorial Park, including a canoe/kayak boat launch, walkway, and lined parking; AND THAT the costing information be included in the 2023-2032 Capital Budget process. Within Report CAO 39/22 municipal staff identified the general comments from the Vienna Community Improvement Reserve Fund (VCIRF) public comment period ending August 9, 2022. The general comments noted below:  Improvements to the Vienna Community Park including, a multi-use court/enclosure – basketball, pickleball, street hockey, etc., an in-ground outdoor swimming pool, a walkway, and/or a basketball court and pavilion.  Improvements to the Vienna Memorial Park including, canoe and kayak launch, walkway, diagonal off-street parking, and a enhanced beautification  Historic main-street lighting and a main-street beautification in Vienna Council approved Capital Item PR-02 – Vienna Community Park Improvements during Capital Budget deliberations in Q4 2022, and on May 18, 2023, Council received Report PS-09/23 re RFT-23-02 Award – Vienna Community Park Pavilion and passed the following motion: Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT Report PS-09/23 re RFT-23-02 Award – Vienna Community Park Pavilion be received for information; AND THAT Council award the works outlined in RFT-23-02 to Rail Tech Enterprises in the amount of $73,000+HST; AND THAT staff be directed to issue an RFP for a Multi-use basketball and pickleball court in the Vienna Community Park; AND THAT staff be directed to obtain a quote for installation of a 200 amp panel on the future pavilion and connect the multiuse court to hydro for the activation of a timed light fixture and brought back to Council in future report; AND THAT the appropriate by-law for the tender award be brought forward for Council’s consideration. DISCUSSION Council approved a total capital project budget for PR-02 Vienna Community Park Pavilion and Multi-Use Court of $135,000, which is to be funded from the Vienna Community Improvement Reserve Fund (VCIRF). After awarding the new Vienna Community Park Pavilion for the build price of $73,000+HST, $62,000 remained in the budget for the remainder of the Capital Item. The remaining portion of the project including installation of hydro service to the park and a 200amp hydro panel affixed to the pavilion and possible court lighting. Pending Hydro One approval, staff procured a cost estimate of $9,600+HST to install the hydro service from Ann Street across the park underground to service a 200amp panel. The second component would be to install lighting to the park pending the size of court with the high level estimate being between $5,000-8,000. Staff issued RFP-23-02 Vienna Community Park Multi-Use Court on June 29, 2023 to seek proposals from interested proponents on options (size and materials) for a Multi-Use Court in the Vienna Community Park. The scope of work identified within the RFP is as follows: Option 1 – Multi-use Double Court  380 Sq. meter split concrete/asphalt court (half Pickleball half basketball)  Fencing around perimeter including 4 ft. fence dividing courts  Two basketball nets and court lines  One pickleball net and two basketball court lines Option 2 – Multi-use Single Court  180 sq. meter single use court  Fencing around the perimeter  One pickleball net- including court lines This would only allow for only one sport to be played at a time Both courts would have a sidewalk installed from the pavilion to court and court to existing sidewalk which would allow full accessibility to the parking lot from the pavilion and court. On July 13, 2023 staff closed the RFP with two (2) proposals received. RFP results as follows: BIDDER 1 – Rail Tech Enterprises BID PRICE OPTION 1-Double BID PRICE OPTION 2-Single Concrete Pad No asphalt price submitted $111,456.00 $83,070.00 Added Acrylic Coating Cost $12,500.00 $9,300.00 BIDDER 2 – Dufferin Construction BID PRICE OPTION 1-Double BID PRICE OPTION 2-Single Concrete Pad $225,532.00 $211,150.00 Asphalt Pad $216,232.00 $180,850.00 Added Acrylic Coating Cost $18,100.00 $11,600.00 Staff have reviewed RFP documents and have determined that both submissions are compliant with Municipal requirements. Staff also including within the RFP bidding price sheet the option for both concrete and asphalt court surface. However, as indicated above, only Dufferin submitted both costings. Along with the court painting and lines material, a proposal price was also requested for both acrylic court sealing for a complete court coverage versus only the court lines. At this time the cost difference between the complete full court sealing and lines would be between $7,000-9,000 to complete. Long-term maintenance and operating expenses would be much higher to maintain the complete coating versus the lines. Resurface painting would be considered every 5-7 years. The following cost chart utilizing the low-bid cost (Rail Tech Enterprise) would be as follows: Option 1 - Double Court Concrete $45,770 Fencing $28,500 Line Painting $3,900 Excavation Work including final grading $24,556 Sidewalks $6,770 Electrical Conduit $1,960 Hydro Service $9,600 Court Lighting $8,000 Total $111,456 Option 2 - Single Court Concrete $29,800 Fencing $21,800 Line Painting $2,900 Excavation Work including $20,400 final grading Sidewalks $6,770 Electrical Conduit $1,400 Hydro Service $9,600 Court Lighting $6,000 Total $83,070 Understanding the considerable overage in the project estimates, staff are seeking direction on how and if to proceed, and what option would be utilized. When reviewing the options, Council may consider the following options: Fund overage through VCIRF Outside of the combined $195,000 Council allocated from the VCIRF for short-term non-core capital in Vienna, the intent of the remaining funds for it long-term core infrastructure. Capital Item PR-03 is the Vienna Canoe and Kayak Launch at $60,000. Council may opt to remove PR-03 from the Capital Program and re-allocated its $60,000 to the Multi-Use Court. Fund overage through Parks Reserves/Reserve Funds The Municipality is currently carrying $135,000 in the Parks & Playground Reserve and approximately $66,000 in the Parkland Reserve Fund. If the chosen option, Council may allocate up to $30,000 from each of these Reserves to cover the overage. Council should recall that an allocation from the Parks & Playground Reserve may be necessary to address overages attributed to the Straffordville Community Centre expansion project. Fund overage by dissolving Dredging Reserve The Dredging Reserve was established in 2010 and, to date, has not be used. The current allocation is $63,600, which would cover the overage. Staff would not recommend this option and would rather have this Reserve available, if needed, in Q1 2025 to address the scheduled repayment of the outstanding principal on the HMCS Ojibwa debt. Staff are seeking Council direction regarding a court option, funding options, and timeline for installation of the Multi-Use Court in the Vienna Community Park. RECOMMENDATION 1. THAT Report PS-12/23 re Vienna Community Park Multi-Use Court RFP-23-02 Award be received for information; 2. AND THAT Council provide direction regarding a court option, funding options, and timeline for installation, if approved, for a Multi-Use Court in the Vienna Community Park. Respectfully Submitted by: Reviewed by: Steve Adams Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC Manager of Public Works|Drainage Superintendent Chief Administrative Officer ZBA-06/23 NOTICE OF A PUBLIC MEETING CONCERNING A PROPOSED ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM APPLICANT: GREGORY UNDERHILL FARMS LTD. LOCATION: 55267 ORCHARD LINE TAKE NOTICE that the Municipality of Bayham has received a complete application for a proposed Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA-06/23). AND TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham will hold a public meeting on Thursday, July 20th, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Council Chambers, 56169 Heritage Line, in Straffordville to consider a proposed Zoning By-law amendment under Section 34 of the PLANNING ACT. Planning Public Meetings may be viewed virtually through the live-stream on the Municipality of Bayham’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpY8wjivr1zSsi0tvbgtUrg THE PURPOSE of this By-law Amendment is to rezone the subject lands from ‘Tourist Commercial (C3)’ and ‘Special Agriculture (A2)’ to a ‘site-specific Tourist Commercial (C3-1)’ zone to permit commercial / seasonal travel trailer park and campground use consistent to the existing travel trailer park and campground use of the lot addition lands, in Zoning By-law No. Z456-2003. The subject lands are a portion of lands known as 55267 Orchard which are to be merged with lands known as 5 Bridge Street, Port Burwell. THE EFFECT of this By-law will be to facilitate the expansion of the Big Otter Marina and Campground as part of the clearing of Consent Conditions for Elgin Land Division Committee file Number E21-23 granted May 24, 2023. ANY PERSON may attend the public meeting and/or make a written or verbal representation in support of or in opposition to the proposed amendment. When possible, please consider utilizing written correspondence. Written comments are to be submitted on or before 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 to munderhill@bayham.on.ca or at the municipal office to be included in the public meeting agenda. IF A PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Municipality of Bayham before the by-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham to the Ontario Land Tribunal. IF A PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, or make written submissions to the Municipality of Bayham before the by-law is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to do so. IF YOU WISH to be notified of the adoption of the proposed amendment, you must make a written request to the undersigned. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION relating to the proposed amendment may be obtained at the Municipal Office. Dated at the Municipality of Bayham this 23rd day of June 2023. Margaret Underhill Planning Coordinator/Deputy Clerk Municipality of Bayham 56169 Heritage Line, P.O. Box 160 Straffordville, ON, N0J 1Y0 T: 519-866-5521 Ext 222 F: 519-866-3884 E: munderhill@bayham.on.ca W: www.bayham.on.ca ZBA-07/23 NOTICE OF A PUBLIC MEETING CONCERNING A PROPOSED ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM APPLICANT: BRIAN AND MARIA CREVITS LOCATION: 56858 TUNNEL LINE TAKE NOTICE that the Municipality of Bayham has received a complete application for a proposed Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA-07/23) AND TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham will hold a public meeting on Thursday, July 20th, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Council Chambers, 56169 Heritage Line in Straffordville to consider a proposed Zoning By-law amendment under Section 34 of the PLANNING ACT. Planning Public Meetings may be viewed virtually through the live-stream on the Municipality of Bayham’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpY8wjivr1zSsi0tvbgtUrg THE PURPOSE of this By-law Amendment is to rezone two portions of the subject lands, one portion from ‘Agricultural (A1)’ to a ‘Rural Residential (RR)’ zone to permit residential use, and the remainder from ‘A1’ to ‘Special Agricultural (A2)’ as a result of a surplus farm dwelling severance, in Zoning By-law Z456-2003. The subject lands are known as 56858 Tunnel Line, north side, east of Toll Gate Road. THE EFFECT of this By-law will be to recognize the residential nature of the newly created residential lot and to prohibit new dwellings on the retained farm parcel in accordance to the Official Plan, as part of the clearing of Consent Conditions for Elgin Land Division Committee File Number E104-22 granted February 22, 2023 ANY PERSON may attend the public meeting and/or make a written or verbal representation in support of or in opposition to the proposed amendment. When possible, please consider utilizing written correspondence. Written comments are to be submitted on or before 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 to munderhill@bayham.on.ca or at the municipal office to be included in the public meeting agenda. IF A PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Municipality of Bayham before the by-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham to the Ontario Land Tribunal. IF A PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, or make written submissions to the Municipality of Bayham before the by-law is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to do so. IF YOU WISH to be notified of the adoption of the proposed amendment, you must make a written request to the undersigned. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION relating to the proposed amendment may be obtained at the Municipal Office. Dated at the Municipality of Bayham this 23rd day of June 2023. Margaret Underhill Planning Coordinator/Deputy Clerk Municipality of Bayham 56169 Heritage Line, P.O. Box 160 Straffordville, ON, N0J 1Y0 T: 519-866-5521 Ext 222 F: 519-866-3884 E: munderhill@bayham.on.ca W: www.bayham.on.ca REPORT DRAINAGE TO: Mayor & Members of Council FROM: Steve Adams, Manager of Public Works|Drainage Superintendent DATE: July 20, 2023 REPORT: DR-02/23 SUBJECT: 2ND QUARTER DRAINAGE REPORT BACKGROUND: This Report is to inform Council of Q2 2023 current ongoing and completed to date drainage activities to date. DISCUSSION: Drainage works regarding Q2 2023 new drains and drain maintenance are outlined below: New Drains: Drain Name Status Hampton Drain Landowner has completed the berm and letter from the municipal engineered filed within the report for future reference. Later this month Council to be presented with a preliminary report for Council consideration. New Drain – Peters Drain Extension Engineer review and assessment ongoing through Spriet Associates as directed by Council. Spriet is awaiting on landowner design to complete preliminary design. Drain Maintenance: Drain Name Status Nevill Drain Two sinkholes were identified and have now been repaired. Pollick Drain Catch Basin at road not draining - Contractor has snaked 500 ft. no blockage found Discovered height of water in downstream pond may be causing water to be backed up. Pond is not identified with in the report and staff are awaiting information from property owner. Waiting on fields to dry up for further investigation. Pollick Branch “A” Sink Hole has been repaired Wilson Drain Branch “A” Drain has been inspected and snaked from two directions. Pipe is clear however staff believe the amount of water entering the drain may be too large for the capacity of the drain. At this point no further action from landowner. Fasseel Drain Brushing and bottom clean-out - maintenance being completed in 2023, letters and estimates have been mailed. Norfolk conducting maintenance. Friesen Drain Brushing and bottom clean-out - maintenance being completed in 2023, letters and estimates have been mailed. Norfolk conducting maintenance. Winter Drain Brushing and bottom clean-out - maintenance being completed in 2023, letters and estimates have been mailed. Norfolk conducting maintenance. Norfolk-Bayham Town Line Drain Brushing and bottom clean-out - maintenance being completed in 2023, letters and estimates have been mailed. Norfolk conducting maintenance. Jacko Drain Brushing and bottom clean-out - maintenance being completed in 2023, letters and estimates have been mailed. Norfolk conducting maintenance. Coyle Drain Brushing and bottom clean-out - maintenance being completed in 2023, letters and estimates have been mailed. Norfolk conducting maintenance. RECOMMENDATION 1. THAT Report DR-02/23 re 2st Quarter Drainage Report be received for information. Respectfully Submitted by: Reviewed by: Steve Adams Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC Manager of Public Works|Drainage Superintendent Chief Administrative Officer REPORT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TO: Mayor & Members of Council FROM: Margaret Underhill, Planning Coordinator/Deputy Clerk DATE: July 20, 2023 REPORT: DS-44/23 FILE NO. C-07 / D09.23UNGE Roll # 3401-000-008-06310 SUBJECT: Consent Application E50-23 Unger, J and E 53579 Calton Line BACKGROUND A consent application E50-23 was received from the Elgin County Land Division Committee, submitted by Jacob and Elizabeth Unger, proposing to sever a lot 1652.77 m2 (0.41 acre) and retain 4,414.11 m2 (1.09 acres) of land. The property is known as 53579 Calton Line. The subject land is designated “Hamlets” on Schedule ‘A1’ Municipality of Bayham: Land Use in the Official Plan. The lands are zoned Hamlet Residential (HR) on Schedule “G” and Special Agriculture (A2-18) on Schedule ‘A’ Map No. 10 in Zoning By-law No. Z456-2003. Elgin County Land Division Committee will consider the applications on August 23, 2023. DISCUSSION The planner’s memorandum, dated July 5, 2023, analyzes the application subject to the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan and Zoning By-law. The created lot is within the hamlet boundary of Calton and is considered to be infilling in an existing developed area where private water and sewer services are necessary and adequate lot area needed to provide these private services. Even though the lands are zoned appropriately as Hamlet Residential, the owner will have to obtain site-specific Zoning By-law amendment approval to permit existing maximum accessory building floor area in excess of the permitted maximum in the HR Zone. Staff and municipal planner recommend the support of the consent application for the creation of one building lot in the hamlet of Calton with the recommended conditions. Conditions do not include a drain reassessment as the lands are not within a municipal drain watershed. Staff Report DS-44/23 Unger 2 ATTACHMENTS 1. Consent Application E50-23 2. Aerial Map – 53579 Calton Line 3. Arcadis Memorandum, dated July 5, 2023 RECOMMENDATION THAT Report DS-44/23 regarding the Consent Application E50-23 Unger be received; AND THAT Council recommend to the Elgin County Land Division Committee that Consent Application E50-23 be granted subject to the following conditions and considerations: 1. That the owner provide storm water management, drainage and grading plans for the severed lot to the satisfaction of the Municipality 2. That the owner pay fees as required in Municipal By-law No. 2020-053 Cash-in-lieu of Parkland 3. That the owner provides a survey of the subject lands and includes in the drawing package the requirements from the Planning Act Section 51(17) 4. That the owner provides a Planning Report fee payable to the Municipality 5. The owner obtain site-specific Zoning By-law Amendment approval to permit existing maximum accessory building floor area in excess of the permitted maximum on the retained parcel 6. That the owner install an individual private well on the severed lot providing the municipality with water quantity and water quality reports for bacteria and nitrates content meeting the Provincial standards for residential use, as a matter of public health and safety 7. That the owner obtain a Municipal Lot Assessment through the municipality for determination of soils for a private septic system on the severed lot 8. That the owner provide written confirmation of County road access approval for the severed lot from the County of Elgin 9. That the owner purchase a civic number sign for the severed lot from the Municipality Respectfully Submitted by: Reviewed by: Margaret Underhill Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC Planning Coordinator|Deputy Clerk Chief Administrative Officer © Latitude Geographics Group Ltd. 0.2 THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary_Sphere Kilometers0.2 Notes Legend This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site and is for reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not be accurate, current, or otherwise reliable. 0.110 1:4,407 53579 Calton Line - Unger Elgin County Parcels E911 Boundary Elgin Road Network Elgin Road Network Elgin Road Network Lagoons World Imagery 203-350 Oxford Street West London, ON, N6H 1T3 902-442-9844 ext. 63008 Memorandum To/Attention Municipality of Bayham Date July 5, 2023 From Paul Riley, CPT Project No 3404-904 cc William Pol, MCIP, RPP Subject Jacob and Elizabeth Unger - 53579 Calton Line, Calton - Application for Consent E50/23 1. We have completed our review of Consent Application E50/23 submitted by Jacob and Elizabeth Unger for lands located at 53579 Calton Line, south side, east of Richmond Road in the hamlet of Calton. The applicant is requesting Consent to sever approximate land area of 1,652.77 m2 (0.41 acres) and to retain 4,414.11 m2 (1.09 acres) of land with the intent to create one residential dwelling lot within the hamlet. The subject lands are designated ‘Hamlets’ on Schedule ‘A1’ of the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan and are zoned Hamlet Residential (HR) on Schedule ‘G’ and Special Agriculture (A2-18) on Schedule ‘A’ Map No. 10 of Zoning By-law Z456-2003. 2. The proposed severed lands are vacant and would have lot frontage of 24.37 m (79.95 ft) and lot depth of 67.82 m (222.51 ft). The proposed retained lands would have lot frontage of 60.96 m (200 ft) and lot depth of 72.41 m (237.96 ft); and comprise a single-detached dwelling and three accessory buildings. The accessory buildings include a greenhouse, garage/shop and garden shed. Surrounding uses include residential to the north and west, and agriculture to the south and east. 3. During the Municipality of Bayham Zoning By-law Review in 2019, the Municipality updated the parcel mapping in GIS based on new information provided by Elgin County. The mapping appears to have an error for the subject lands where the proposed severed lands were not included with the remainder of the lands. As a result, the severed lands are depicted on Schedule ‘A’ Map No. 10 as being within the A2-18 zone, however, past mapping does show the subject lands in their entirety within the settlement area (Bayham OP Schedule “A1”) and within the Hamlet Residential (HR) zone in the Zoning By-law (2014 Schedule G). Therefore, the Municipality will revise the mapping. 4. The Municipality of Bayham Official Plan (Bayham OP) Section 4.2 general residential policies in settlement areas, indicates that residential development in settlement areas is permitted on the basis of infilling in areas directly adjacent to existing built-up areas, through subdivisions and consents depending on the number of lots proposed. The Municipality encourages intensification and redevelopment within settlement area boundaries on vacant or underutilized sites in order to efficiently utilize designated settlement area land. The proposed consent is in conformity to these Official Plan policies. IBI GROUP MEMORANDUM Municipality of Bayham – July 5, 2023 2 5. Bayham OP Section 4.2.4 Intensification and Redevelopment indicates that the proposed consent would be permitted on the basis of water and wastewater servicing in the specific settlement area; in the form of street infilling; maintaining the minimum lot areas of the Zoning By-law to provide for adequate private water and sewer. The proposed lot would be considered street infilling in the hamlet of Calton where private water and sewer services would be necessary and has adequate lot area to provide for private water and sewer services. 6. Bayham OP Section 4.4.2.2 provides criteria for proposals for consent for residential purposes in a hamlet designation, including: a) Services: no extension of municipal services is required and private water and sewer services will be provided to the satisfaction of the approval authority. The applicant provided a letter from ESI Group indicating the existing dwelling has an adequate sewer system. WRC Purifying tested the well pressure and the water appeared clear and sand free and a water quality test was provided. Private service installation for the proposed lot shall be installed to the satisfaction of the approval authority as a condition of the consent. b) Public Road Access: Calton Line is a public road suitable for residential access. c) Infilling: the proposal is to infill in an existing developed area. d) Lot Size: the proposed lot area exceeds the minimum requirement in the HR zone for privately serviced lots and appears to be of an appropriate size. e) Road Access: direct access to Calton line would be consistent to the other residential lots in Calton on municipal or County Roads. f) Road Safety: based on aerial photos Calton Line at the frontage does not appear to create a traffic hazard. g) Subsequent access to interior lands: the creation of the lot does not appear to interfere with subsequent access to the interior lands to the south. h) N/A. The proposed consent is consistent to the Official Plan subsequent to the clearing of Conditions. 7. As mentioned above, a portion of the subject lands generally consisting of the proposed severed lands is shown as A2-18 zoning in error and the Municipality will need to revise the zone mapping. The proposed lots are in conformity to the minimum lot area, minimum lot frontage and setbacks in the HR zone. IBI GROUP MEMORANDUM Municipality of Bayham – July 5, 2023 3 The proposed retained lot includes three accessory buildings with approximate floor area of 262 m2 (2,820 ft2) which exceeds Section 9.7 maximum floor area of 75 m2 (807 ft2) or 8% lot coverage, whichever is less. In order to permit the accessory building floor area the applicant will be required to obtain Zoning By-law Amendment for site-specific permission for existing maximum floor area for accessory buildings. The exact dimensions of the accessory buildings will be a submission requirement. 8. Based on the above review of Consent Application E50/23, we have no objection to the proposed consent with the following recommended conditions for Consent: a) That the owner provide storm water management, drainage and grading plans for the severed lot to the satisfaction of the Municipality. b) That the applicant initiate and assume, if required, all engineering costs associated with the preparation of a revised assessment schedule in accordance with the Drainage Act, RSO 1990, as amended, with a deposit to be paid in full to the Municipality prior to the condition being deemed fulfilled. If the deposit does not cover the costs of the revised assessment schedule, the applicant will be billed for any additional costs incurred. c) That the owner pay fees as required in Municipal By-law No. 2020 – 053 Cash- in-lieu of Parkland. d) That the owner provides a survey of the subject lands and includes in the drawing package the requirements from the Planning Act Section 51(17). e) That the owner provides a Planning Report Fee payable to the Municipality of Bayham. f) That the owner obtain site-specific Zoning By-law Amendment approval to permit existing maximum accessory building floor area in excess of the permitted maximum; g) That the owner install a private water system on the severed lot for residential use that meets provincial standards; h) That the owner be required to obtain a municipal lot assessment through the municipality for determination of soils for a private septic system. Paul Riley Arcadis Paul Riley Consulting Planner to the Municipality of Bayham REPORT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TO: Mayor & Members of Council FROM: Margaret Underhill, Planning Coordinator/Deputy Clerk DATE: July 20, 2023 REPORT: DS-45/23 FILE NO. C-07 / D09.23ALGAR Roll # 3401-000-008-06300 SUBJECT: Consent Application E45-23 Algar Farms Limited Concession 3 Lots 1, 2, and 3 BACKGROUND Two consent applications E56-23 and E57-23 were received from the Elgin County Land Division Committee, submitted by Kimberly Mulder on behalf of owner Algar Farms Limited, proposing to sever two lots, each with proposed lot area of 2, 790 m2 (0.69 acres) and to retain 86 ha (212.5 acres) of land. The property is not municipally numbered but is legally described as Concession 3 N Pt Lots 1, 2, 3. Portions of the subject lands are designated ‘Hamlets’, ‘Agriculture’ and ‘Natural Gas Reservoir’ on Schedule ‘A1’ and ‘Hazard Lands’ on Schedule ‘A2’ of the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan and are zoned Hamlet Residential (HR) on Schedule ‘G’ and site-specific Special Agriculture (A2-18) on Schedule ‘A’ Map No. 10 of Zoning By-law No. Z456-2003. Elgin County Land Division Committee will consider the applications on August 23, 2023. DISCUSSION The planner’s memorandum, dated July 5, 2023, analyzes the application subject to the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan and Zoning By-law. The created lots are within the hamlet boundary of Calton and considered to be infilling in an existing developed area where private water and sewer services are necessary and adequate lot area needed to provide these private services. Conditions do include a drain reassessment as the lands are within a municipal drain watershed – County Road 43 Drain. A deposit is recommended to be collected to cover the cost of the engineer’s reassessment report. Staff and municipal planner recommend the support of the consent applications for the creation Staff Report DS-45/23 Algar Farms 2 of two building lots in the hamlet of Calton with the recommended conditions. ATTACHMENTS 1. Consent Application E56-23 and E57-23 2. Aerial Map – Algar Farms Con 3 N Pt Lots 1,2,3 3. Arcadis Memorandum, dated July 5, 2023 RECOMMENDATION THAT Report DS-45/23 regarding the Consent Applications E56-23 and E57-23 Algar Farms Limited be received; AND THAT Council recommend to the Elgin County Land Division Committee that Consent Applications E56-23 and E57-23 be granted subject to the following conditions and considerations: 1. That the owner provide storm water management, drainage and grading plans for the severed lot to the satisfaction of the Municipality 2. That the applicant initiate and assume, if required, all engineering costs associated with the preparation of a revised assessment schedule for the Chapel Street Drain in accordance with the Drainage Act, RSO 1990, as amended, with a deposit to be paid in full to the Municipality prior to the condition being deemed fulfilled. If the deposit does not cover the costs of the revised assessment schedule, the applicant will be billed for any additional costs incurred. 3. That the owner pay fees as required in Municipal By-law No. 2020-053 Cash-in-lieu of Parkland 4. That the owner provides a survey of the subject lands and includes in the drawing package the requirements from the Planning Act Section 51(17) 5. That the owner provides a Planning Report fee payable to the Municipality 6. That the owner install an individual private well on the severed lot providing the municipality with water quantity and water quality reports for bacteria and nitrates content meeting the Provincial standards for residential use, as a matter of public health and safety 7. That the owner obtain a Municipal Lot Assessment through the municipality for determination of soils for a private septic system on the severed lot 8. That the owner provide written confirmation of County road access approval for the severed lot from the County of Elgin 9. That the owner purchase a civic number sign for the severed lot from the Municipality Respectfully Submitted by: Reviewed by: Margaret Underhill Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC Planning Coordinator|Deputy Clerk Chief Administrative Officer © Latitude Geographics Group Ltd. 0.9 THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary_Sphere Kilometers0.9 Notes Legend This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site and is for reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not be accurate, current, or otherwise reliable. 0.450 1:17,629 Algar Farms Limited - Richmond Road Elgin County Parcels E911 Boundary Elgin Road Network Elgin Road Network Elgin Road Network Lagoons World Imagery 203-350 Oxford Street West London, ON, N6H 1T3 902-442-9844 ext. 63008 Memorandum To/Attention Municipality of Bayham Date July 5, 2023 From Paul Riley, CPT Project No 3404-909 cc William Pol, MCIP, RPP Subject Algar Farms Limited - CON 3 N PT LOTS 1,2,3 - Application for Consent E56/23 and E57/23 1. We have completed our review of Consent Application E56/23 and E57/23 submitted by Algar Farms Limited for lands located at CON 3 N PT LOTS 1, 2, 3, Calton Line, south side of Calton Line and west side of Richmond Road. The applicant is requesting Consent to sever two lots from the subject lands, each with proposed lot area of 2,790 m2 (0.69 acres) and to retain 86 ha (212.5 acres) of land. Portions of the subject lands are designated ‘Hamlets’, ‘Agriculture’ and ‘Natural Gas Reservoir’ on Schedule ‘A1’ and ‘Hazard Lands’ on Schedule ‘A2’ of the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan and are zoned Hamlet Residential (HR) on Schedule ‘G’ and site-specific Special Agriculture (A2-18) on Schedule ‘A’ Map No. 10 of Zoning By-law Z456-2003. 2. The proposed severed lots are vacant and each would have lot frontage of 45.0 m (147.6 ft) and lot depth of 62.0 m (203.4 ft). The severed lots have lot frontage on Richmond Road. The proposed retained lands have lot frontage of 130 m (426.5 ft) and irregular lot depth and comprise two agricultural buildings which are proposed to be removed; and have lot frontage on Calton Line. Surrounding uses include residential to the north and agriculture to the west, south and east. 3. The Municipality of Bayham Official Plan (Bayham OP) Section 4.2 general residential policies in settlement areas, indicates that residential development in settlement areas is permitted on the basis of infilling in areas directly adjacent to existing built-up areas through consents and small plans of subdivision. The Municipality encourages intensification and redevelopment within settlement area boundaries on vacant or underutilized sites in order to efficiently utilize designated settlement area land. The Consent process is appropriate. 4. Bayham OP Section 4.2.4 Intensification and Redevelopment indicates that the proposed consent would be permitted on the basis of water and wastewater servicing in the specific settlement area; in the form of street infilling; maintaining the minimum lot areas of the Zoning By-law to provide for adequate private water and sewer. The proposed lots would be considered street infilling in the hamlet of Calton where private water and sewer services would be necessary and have adequate lot area to provide for private water and sewer services. IBI GROUP MEMORANDUM Municipality of Bayham – July 5, 2023 2 5. Bayham OP Section 4.4.2.2 provides criteria for proposals for consent for residential purposes in a hamlet designation, including: a) Services: no extension of municipal services is required and private water and sewer services will be provided to the satisfaction of the approval authority. Private service installation for the proposed lots shall be installed to the satisfaction of the approval authority as a condition of the consent. b) Public Road Access: Richmond Road is a public road suitable for residential access in a settlement area. c) Infilling: the proposal is to infill in an existing developed area. d) Lot Size: the proposed lot area exceeds the minimum requirement in the HR zone for privately serviced lots and appears to be slightly oversized but consistent to the residential lots to the immediate north. e) Road Access: direct access to Richmond Road would be consistent to the other residential lots in Calton. f) Road Safety: based on aerial photos Richmond Road at the frontage does not create a traffic hazard and considering that there are other private residential driveways to the immediate north. g) Subsequent access to interior lands: the creation of the lot does not appear to interfere with subsequent access to the interior lands to the south as there is approximately 24 metres retained with the farm parcel which is adequate for future road development. h) N/A. The proposed consent is consistent to the Official Plan subsequent to the clearing of Conditions of Consent. 6. The proposed lots are in conformity to the minimum lot area, minimum lot frontage and can accommodate required setbacks in the HR zone. The retained lands are in conformity to the minimum requirements for the A2-18 zone. The ‘-18’ indicates a 40.0 ha minimum lot area for the subject lands and the proposed lot area is 86 ha. The proposed Consents are in conformity to the Official Plan. 7. Based on the above review of Consent Application E56/23 and E57/23, we have no objection to the proposed consents with the following recommended conditions for Consent: a) That the owner provide storm water management, drainage and grading plans for the severed lot to the satisfaction of the Municipality. b) That the applicant initiate and assume, if required, all engineering costs associated with the preparation of a revised assessment schedule in IBI GROUP MEMORANDUM Municipality of Bayham – July 5, 2023 3 accordance with the Drainage Act, RSO 1990, as amended, with a deposit to be paid in full to the Municipality prior to the condition being deemed fulfilled. If the deposit does not cover the costs of the revised assessment schedule, the applicant will be billed for any additional costs incurred. c) That the owner pay fees as required in Municipal By-law No. 2020 – 053 Cash- in-lieu of Parkland. d) That the owner provides a survey of the subject lands and include in the drawing package the requirements from the Planning Act Section 51(17). e) That the owner provides a Planning Report Fee payable to the Municipality of Bayham. f) That the owner install a private water system on the severed lots for residential use that meets provincial standards; g) That the owner be required to obtain a municipal lot assessment through the municipality for determination of soils for a private septic system. Paul Riley Arcadis Paul Riley Consulting Planner to the Municipality of Bayham REPORT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TO: Mayor & Members of Council FROM: Margaret Underhill, Planning Coordinator/Deputy Clerk DATE: July 20, 2023 REPORT: DS-46/23 SUBJECT: Draft PPS 2023 Review BACKGROUND The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) is consulting on proposed policies for an integrated province-wide land use planning document. The Ministry is seeking input on a proposed Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) that takes policy from A Place to Grow: Growth plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and the existing Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 to support housing objectives. The proposal was originally published on April 6, 2023 with the comment period ending on June 5, 2023. MMAH has extended the comment period by sixty (60) days, now set to end on August 4, 2023. The extension is understood to have been due to the multitude of feedback the government has already received, specifically regarding rural lot severances. Staff requested Arcadis to prepare a memorandum review of the proposed combined Growth Plan and Provincial Policy Statement for Council’s information during the public consultation period. DISCUSSION The planner’s memorandum, dated July 11, 2023, is attached providing a review of the key changes proposed in the PPS 2023 and how these changes will impact our municipality. ATTACHMENTS 1. Arcadis Memorandum, dated July 11, 2023 RECOMMENDATION THAT Staff Report DS-46/23 re Draft PPS 2023 Review be received for information; DS-46/23 Draft PPS 2023 Review 2 AND THAT, once the policy changes come into effect, amendments be made to certain Official Plan policies to be consistent to the new document as part of the Municipality of Bayham Official Plan 5-Year 2023-2024 Review; AND THAT Staff prepare and submit formal comment(s) to the Province by August 4, 2023. Respectfully Submitted by: Reviewed by: Margaret Underhill Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC Planning Coordinator/Deputy Clerk Chief Administrative Officer 203-350 Oxford Street West London, ON, N6H 1T3 902-442-9844 ext. 63008 Memorandum To/Attention Municipality of Bayham Date July 11, 2023 From Paul Riley, BA, CPT Project No 3404-905 cc William Pol, MCIP, RPP Subject Provincial Planning Statement, 2023 - Review of Proposed Combined Growth Plan and Provincial Policy Statement On April 6th, 2023, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (“MMAH”) started their consultation on a new piece of legislation which would support the achievement of housing objectives, integral to the implementation of the Housing Supply Action Plan and meeting the target to construct 1.5 million new homes by 2031. The new legislation would replace the existing Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 and A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (“Growth Plan”) creating one combined document entitled the Provincial Planning Statement (“PPS, 2023”). The PPS, 2023 is intended to be a single province wide land use planning document with a focus on increasing residential development. If passed consistency with the PPS, 2023 would be in effect on the date of the decision. The draft PPS, 2023 is included as Appendix 1. KEY CHANGES BY TOPIC Rural and Agriculture • Up to two additional residential units would be permitted on farm properties within the Prime Agricultural areas provided that certain criteria are met i.e. compliance to the Minimum Distance Formulae and the provision of water and waste water services. • Additional residential units established through the new policy would be permitted to be severed, provided certain conditions are met including being located outside of specialty crop areas, have access onto a public road, and is adjacent to other existing non- agricultural land uses. • Separate from additional residential units created and potentially severed from an agricultural operation, up to three residential lots may be created from a lot that existed as of January 1st, 2023. • De-emphasizing rural settlement areas as the focus for rural growth. However, on May 30, the provincial government announced it was removing the three-lot severance provision from the new PPS, among other considerations for agriculture and would be extending the public consultation period to August 4th. ARCADIS MEMORANDUM Municipality of Bayham – July 11, 2023 2 Natural Heritage • Removal of some language referring to conservation of biodiversity in the context of general redevelopment policies and goals for community development. Growth • No requirement for a Municipal Comprehensive Review of an Official Plan and Land Needs Assessments • Municipalities will be permitted to identify new settlement areas or allow for a settlement boundary expansion at any time, subject to criteria or tests that should be considered (i.e., servicing, phasing, agricultural issues such as the minimum distance separation formulae). There is no limitation on the ability of landowners from applying for an expansion, although the Planning Act continues to limit the ability to appeal the refusals of any such applications. • Remove the requirement to establish and implement minimum targets for intensification and redevelopment within built up areas. • Municipalities will be required to establish density targets for new settlement area expansion lands based on local conditions and requirements. • Municipalities will no longer be required to plan to a specific population and employment target for a horizon year. However, it is expected that the current 2051 target will be used as a minimum. • Official Plan updates will require to provide for at least 25 years of land for a mix of land uses, with planning for uses, such as infrastructure, strategic growth areas and employment areas allowed beyond this timeframe. • Growth prescribed within a Ministers Zoning Order will be in addition to the projected needs over the Official Plan and should be incorporated in the next update of the Official Plan. • If an Official Plan and/or Zoning By-law hasn’t been updated to be consistent to the PPS 2023, any decision by the planning authority must be consistent with the PPS 2023. Intensification • 29 Municipalities have been identified as “Large and Fast-Growing Municipalities” o Bayham has not been identified as one of these Municipalities • Large and Fast-Growing Municipalities will be required to focus growth and employment in Strategic Growth Areas (i.e. Urban Growth Centres and Major Transit Station Areas), and would be required to identify Major Transit Station Areas and plan for minimum density targets for each Strategic Growth Area/ Major Transit Station Area. ARCADIS MEMORANDUM Municipality of Bayham – July 11, 2023 3 • Existing minimum density targets for Major Transit Station Areas from the Growth Plan have been carried over into the new PPS, 2023. • Municipalities will no longer be required to identify a delineated built boundary and no intensification targets to meet within it. • Language removed regarding identifying appropriate locations for intensification and redevelopment (i.e. by taking into account existing building stock, brownfield sites). • New direction to permit and facilitate conversion of existing commercial and institutional buildings to residential. Employment • Removal of Provincially Significant Employment Zones. The government is considering alternative approaches to protect these lands, possibly through Minister Zoning Orders. • Municipalities may consider Employment Conversions at any time, subject to criteria/ tests. • The definition of Employment Area is proposed to be revised to be consistent with the definition of Area of Employment to be included in the revised Planning Act through Bill 97. The refined definition for Employment will include manufacturing, research, and development in connection with manufacturing, warehousing and goods movement associated with retail and office ancillary uses facilities and excludes commercial and institutional uses. • Revised Land Use Compatibility policies would make it easier to locate sensitive uses near existing or planned manufacturing, industrial or other “major facilities” For example: o Industrial, manufacturing, and small-scale warehousing uses that could be located adjacent to sensitive land uses without adverse effects are encouraged in strategic growth areas/ mixed-use areas where frequent transit service is available, outside of employment areas. o Major office and institutional uses should be directed to MTSAs and strategic growth areas. Conclusion The main changes that may impact Bayham are related to agriculture and rural development. The proposals for agricultural and rural changes have been challenged by the farming community and the government has acknowledged that the 3-unit and consent policies proposed will be removed and extended the deadline for comments to August 4th. The proposed Provincial Planning Statement will be further reviewed as part of the upcoming Municipality of Bayham Official Plan 5-Year Review. ARCADIS MEMORANDUM Municipality of Bayham – July 11, 2023 4 Recommended Actions 1) Accept the enclosed information for the proposed PPS, 2023, and once the policy changes come into effect amend certain Official Plan policies to be consistent to the new document (upcoming Official Plan 5-Year Review). 2) Prepare and submit formal comment(s) to the Province by August 4th, 2023. Paul Riley Arcadis Paul Riley, BA, CPT Consulting Planner to the Municipality of Bayham ARCADIS MEMORANDUM Municipality of Bayham – July 11, 2023 5 Appendix 1 DRAFT Provincial Planning Statement, 2023 PROPOSED PROVINCIAL PLANNING STATEMENT, 2023 April 6, 2023 Updated June 16, 2023 to include natural heritage policies (section 4.1) and definitions Environmental Registry of Ontario Posting # 019-6813 MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING [PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] PROPOSED PROVINCIAL PLANNING STATEMENT APRIL 2023 Updated June 16, 2023 to include natural heritage policies (section 4.1) and definitions Environmental Registry of Ontario Posting # 019-6813 [PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] Preface Proposed Provincial Planning Statement April 2023 The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) is seeking input on proposed policies for an integrated province-wide land use planning policy document. This proposed Provincial Planning Statement takes policies from both A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 to support the achievement of housing objectives across Ontario. The Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 is issued under the Planning Act and is the primary provincial land use planning policy document, applying across Ontario. A Place to Grow is a growth plan issued under the Places to Grow Act, 2005. The Province is now seeking input on a proposed Provincial Planning Statement that would replace the existing Provincial Policy Statement and A Place to Grow. Should the government adopt the proposed Provincial Planning Statement, the government would consequentially revoke the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 and A Place to Grow, as well as amend regulations (O. Reg. 416/05 and O. Reg. 311/06) under the Places to Grow Act, 2005. Seeking Feedback Please submit written comments or questions on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) in response to posting #019-6813. The deadline for written comments was originally June 5, 2023; on May 30th, 2023 this deadline was extended to August 4, 2023. [PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] Table of Contents CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1 Preamble ................................................................................................................. 1 Legislative Authority ............................................................................................... 2 How to Read this Policy Statement ........................................................................ 2 Vision ....................................................................................................................... 4 CHAPTER 2: BUILDING HOMES, SUSTAINING STRONG AND COMPETITIVE COMMUNITIES ........ 6 2.1 Planning for People and Homes ....................................................................... 6 2.2 Housing .............................................................................................................. 7 2.3 Settlement Areas and Settlement Area Boundary Expansions ........................ 7 2.4 Strategic Growth Areas ..................................................................................... 8 2.5 Rural Areas in Municipalities ............................................................................ 9 2.6 Rural Lands in Municipalities .......................................................................... 10 2.7 Territory Without Municipal Organization ..................................................... 10 2.8 Employment .................................................................................................... 11 2.9 Energy Conservation, Air Quality and Climate Change................................... 13 CHAPTER 3: INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES ...................................................................... 14 3.1 General Policies for Infrastructure and Public Service Facilities .................... 14 3.2 Transportation Systems .................................................................................. 14 3.3 Transportation and Infrastructure Corridors .................................................. 15 3.4 Airports, Rail and Marine Facilities ................................................................. 15 3.5 Land Use Compatibility ................................................................................... 15 3.6 Sewage, Water and Stormwater ..................................................................... 16 3.7 Waste Management ....................................................................................... 17 3.8 Energy Supply .................................................................................................. 17 3.9 Public Spaces, Recreation, Parks, Trails and Open Space ............................... 18 CHAPTER 4: WISE USE AND MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES ................................................... 19 4.1 Natural Heritage.............................................................................................. 19 4.2 Water .............................................................................................................. 20 4.3 Agriculture ...................................................................................................... 21 4.4 Minerals and Petroleum ................................................................................. 24 4.5 Mineral Aggregate Resources ......................................................................... 24 4.6 Cultural Heritage and Archaeology ................................................................. 26 CHAPTER 5: PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY .......................................................... 27 5.1 General Policies for Natural and Human-Made Hazards ................................ 27 5.2 Natural Hazards .............................................................................................. 27 5.3 Human-Made Hazards .................................................................................... 28 CHAPTER 6: IMPLEMENTATION AND INTERPRETATION .......................................................... 29 6.1 General Policies for Implementation and Interpretation ............................... 29 6.2 Coordination ................................................................................................... 30 7: FIGURE 1 – NATURAL HERITAGE PROTECTION LINE ............................................................ 32 8: DEFINITIONS ...................................................................................................................... 34 9: APPENDIX – SCHEDULE 1: LIST OF LARGE AND FAST GROWING MUNICIPALITIES ................ 50 Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 1 | Chapter 1: Introduction Preamble The proposed Provincial Planning Statement (or “Policy Statement”) provides policy direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. As a key part of Ontario’s policy-led planning system, this Policy Statement sets the policy foundation for regulating the development and use of land. It also supports the provincial goal to enhance the quality of life for all Ontarians. The proposed Provincial Planning Statement provides for appropriate development while protecting resources of provincial interest, public health and safety, and the quality of the natural and built environment. This Policy Statement supports improved land use planning and management, which contributes to a more effective and efficient land use planning system. The proposed Provincial Planning Statement also provides policy direction on matters applying only to Ontario’s largest and fastest growing municipalities with the greatest need for housing. Large and fast-growing municipalities is a defined term and the list of these municipalities is identified in Schedule 1 of this Policy Statement. The policies of this Policy Statement may be complemented by provincial plans or by locally- generated policies regarding matters of municipal interest. Provincial plans and municipal official plans provide a framework for comprehensive, integrated, place-based and long-term planning that supports and integrates the principles of strong communities, a clean and healthy environment and economic growth, for the long term. Municipal official plans are the most important vehicle for implementation of this Policy Statement and for achieving comprehensive, integrated and long-term planning. Official plans should coordinate cross-boundary matters to complement the actions of other planning authorities and promote mutually beneficial solutions. Zoning and development permit by-laws are also important for the implementation of this Policy Statement. Zoning and development permit by-laws should be forward-looking and facilitate opportunities for an appropriate range and mix of housing options for all Ontarians. Land use planning is only one of the tools for implementing provincial interests. A wide range of legislation, regulations, policies and programs may apply to decisions with respect to Planning Act applications and affect planning matters, and assist in implementing these interests. Within the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River Basin, there may be circumstances where planning authorities should consider agreements related to the protection or restoration of the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River Basin. Examples of these agreements include Great Lakes agreements between Ontario and Canada, between Ontario and Quebec and the Great Lakes States of the United States of America, and between Canada and the United States of America. The Province’s rich cultural diversity is one of its distinctive and defining features. Indigenous communities have a unique relationship with the land and its resources, which continues to shape the history and economy of the Province today. Ontario recognizes the unique role Indigenous communities have in land use planning and development, and the contribution of Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 2 Indigenous communities’ perspectives and traditional knowledge to land use planning decisions. The Province recognizes the importance of consulting with Aboriginal communities on planning matters that may affect their section 35 Aboriginal or treaty rights. Legislative Authority The proposed Provincial Planning Statement is issued under the authority of section 3 of the Planning Act and came into effect on [effective date]. This Policy Statement applies to all decisions in respect of the exercise of any authority that affects a planning matter made on or after [effective date]. In respect of the exercise of any authority that affects a planning matter, section 3 of the Planning Act requires that decisions affecting planning matters shall be consistent with policy statements issued under the Act. Comments, submissions or advice that affect a planning matter that are provided by the council of a municipality, a local board, a planning board, a minister or ministry, board, commission or agency of the government shall be consistent with this Policy Statement. How to Read this Policy Statement The provincial policy-led planning system recognizes and addresses the complex inter- relationships among environmental, economic and social factors in land use planning. This Policy Statement supports a comprehensive, integrated and long-term approach to planning, and recognizes linkages among policy areas. Read the Entire Policy Statement This Policy Statement is more than a set of individual policies. It is to be read in its entirety and the relevant policies are to be applied to each situation. When more than one policy is relevant, a decision-maker should consider all of the relevant policies to understand how they work together. The language of each policy, including the Implementation and Interpretation policies, will assist decision-makers in understanding how the policies are to be implemented. While specific policies sometimes refer to other policies for ease of use, these cross-references do not take away from the need to read this Policy Statement as a whole. There is no implied priority in the order in which the policies appear. Consider Specific Policy Language When applying this Policy Statement it is important to consider the specific language of the policies. Each policy provides direction on how it is to be implemented, how it is situated within the broader Policy Statement, and how it relates to other policies. Some policies set out positive directives, such as “settlement areas shall be the focus of growth and development.” Other policies set out limitations and prohibitions, such as “development and site alteration shall not be permitted.” Other policies use enabling or supportive language, such as “should,” “promote” and “encourage.” Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 3 | The choice of language is intended to distinguish between the types of policies and the nature of implementation. There is some discretion when applying a policy with enabling or supportive language in contrast to a policy with a directive, limitation or prohibition. Geographic Scale of Policies This Policy Statement recognizes the diversity of Ontario and that local context is important. Policies are outcome-oriented, and some policies provide flexibility in their implementation provided that provincial interests are upheld. While this Policy Statement is to be read as a whole, not all policies will be applicable to every site, feature or area. This Policy Statement applies at a range of geographic scales. Some of the policies refer to specific areas or features and can only be applied where these features or areas exist. Other policies refer to planning objectives that need to be considered in the context of the municipality or planning area as a whole, and are not necessarily applicable to a specific site or development proposal. Policies Represent Minimum Standards The policies of this Policy Statement represent minimum standards. Within the framework of the provincial policy-led planning system, planning authorities and decision-makers may go beyond these minimum standards to address matters of importance to a specific community, unless doing so would conflict with any policy of this Policy Statement. Defined Terms and Meanings Except for references to legislation which are italicized, other italicized terms in this Policy Statement are defined in the Definitions chapter. For non-italicized terms, the normal meaning of the word applies. Terms may be italicized only in specific policies; for these terms, the defined meaning applies where they are italicized and the normal meaning applies where they are not italicized. Defined terms in the Definitions chapter are intended to capture both singular and plural forms of these terms in the policies. Provincial Guidance Provincial guidance, including guidance material, guidelines and technical criteria may be issued from time to time to assist planning authorities and decision-makers with implementing the policies of this Policy Statement. Information, technical criteria and approaches outlined in provincial guidance are meant to support implementation but not add to or detract from the policies of this Policy Statement. Relationship with Provincial Plans This Policy Statement provides overall policy directions on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development in Ontario, and applies province-wide, except where this policy statement or another provincial plan provides otherwise. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 4 Provincial plans, such as the Greenbelt Plan and the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, build upon the policy foundation provided by this Policy Statement. They provide additional land use planning policies to address issues facing specific geographic areas in Ontario. Provincial plans are to be read in conjunction with this Policy Statement. They take precedence over the policies of this Policy Statement to the extent of any conflict, except where the relevant legislation provides otherwise. Where the policies of provincial plans address the same, similar, related, or overlapping matters as the policies of this Policy Statement, applying the more specific policies of the provincial plan satisfies the more general requirements of this Policy Statement. In contrast, where matters addressed in this Policy Statement do not overlap with policies in provincial plans, the policies in this Policy Statement must be independently satisfied. Land use planning decisions made by municipalities, planning boards, the Province, or a commission or agency of the government must be consistent with this Policy Statement. Where provincial plans are in effect, planning decisions must conform or not conflict with them, as the case may be. Vision Ontario is a vast province with a diversity of urban, rural and northern communities that is distinguished by different populations, economic activity, pace of growth, and physical and natural conditions. The long-term prosperity and social well-being of Ontario depends on celebrating these differences and planning for complete communities for people of all ages, abilities and incomes. More than anything, a prosperous Ontario will see the building of more homes for all Ontarians. In addition, a prosperous Ontario will support a strong and competitive economy, and a clean and healthy environment. Ontario will increase the supply and mix of housing options and address the full range of housing affordability needs. Every community will build homes that respond to changing market needs, and local needs and demand. Providing a sufficient supply with the necessary range and mix of housing options will support a diverse and growing population and workforce, now, and for many years to come. A successful Ontario will also be one with a competitive advantage of being investment-ready and celebrated for its influence, innovation and cultural diversity. The Ontario economy will continue to mature into a centre of industry and commerce of global significance. Central to this success will be the people who live and work in this Province. Ontario’s land use planning framework, and the decisions that are made, shape how our communities grow and prosper. While progress has been made, equity-deserving groups still face a complex range of challenges. Municipalities will work with the Province to design complete communities with increased access to housing, employment, schools, transportation options, recreation and public spaces, and services that are equitable and sustainable for all Ontarians. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 5 | Land use will be managed to accommodate appropriate development to meet the full range of current and future needs. Efficient land use and development patterns will contribute to achieving equitable outcomes for all Ontarians by design. Downtowns, main streets and rural areas will be vital and viable. Cultural heritage and archaeology in Ontario will provide people with a sense of place. Prioritizing compact and transit-supportive design, where locally appropriate, and optimizing investments in infrastructure and public service facilities will support convenient access to housing, quality employment, services and recreation for all Ontarians. Housing must be built in the right places so that Ontario’s vibrant agricultural sector and sensitive areas will continue to form part of the Province’s economic prosperity and overall identity. Growth and development will be focused within urban and rural settlements that will, in turn, support and protect the long-term viability of rural areas, local food production and the agri-food network. The wise use and management of resources will be encouraged including natural areas, agricultural lands and the Great Lakes while providing attention to appropriate housing supply and public health and safety. Potential risks to public health or safety or of property damage from natural hazards and human-made hazards, including the risks associated with the impacts of climate change will be mitigated. This will require the Province, planning authorities, and conservation authorities to work together. Across rural Ontario, local circumstances vary by region. Northern Ontario’s natural environment and vast geography offer different opportunities than the predominately agricultural areas of the southern regions of the Province. The Province will continue to ensure northern communities are supported and economic growth is promoted so that the region remains strong, while protecting its natural features. Ontario will continue to recognize the unique role Indigenous communities have in land use planning and development, and the contribution of Indigenous communities’ perspectives and traditional knowledge to land use planning decisions. Meaningful early engagement and constructive, cooperative relationship-building between planning authorities and Indigenous communities will facilitate knowledge-sharing and inform decision-making in land use planning. Above all, Ontario will continue to be a great place to live, work and visit where all Ontarians enjoy a high standard of living and an exceptional quality of life. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 6 Chapter 2: Building Homes, Sustaining Strong and Competitive Communities 2.1 Planning for People and Homes 1. At the time of each official plan update, sufficient land shall be made available to accommodate an appropriate range and mix of land uses to meet projected needs for a time horizon of at least 25 years, informed by provincial guidance. Planning for infrastructure, public service facilities, strategic growth areas and employment areas may extend beyond this time horizon. Where the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has made a zoning order, the resulting development potential shall be in addition to projected needs over the planning horizon established in the official plan. At the time of the municipality’s next official plan update, this additional growth shall be incorporated into the official plan and related infrastructure plans. 2. To provide for an appropriate range and mix of housing options and densities required to meet projected requirements of current and future residents of the regional market area, planning authorities shall: a) maintain at all times the ability to accommodate residential growth for a minimum of 15 years through lands which are designated and available for residential development; and b) maintain at all times where new development is to occur, land with servicing capacity sufficient to provide at least a three-year supply of residential units available through lands suitably zoned, including units in draft approved or registered plans. 3. Where planning is conducted by an upper-tier municipality, the land and unit supply maintained by the lower-tier municipality identified in policy 2.1.2 shall be based on and reflect the allocation of population and units by the upper-tier municipality. 4. Planning authorities should support the achievement of complete communities by: a) accommodating an appropriate range and mix of land uses, housing options, transportation options with multimodal access, employment, public service facilities and other institutional uses (including, schools and associated child care facilities, long-term care facilities, places of worship and cemeteries), recreation, parks and open space, and other uses to meet long-term needs; b) improving accessibility for people of all ages and abilities by addressing land use barriers which restrict their full participation in society; and c) improving social equity and overall quality of life for people of all ages, abilities, and incomes, including equity-deserving groups. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 7 | 2.2 Housing 1.Planning authorities shall provide for an appropriate range and mix of housing options and densities to meet projected needs of current and future residents of the regional market area by: a)coordinating land use planning and planning for housing with Service Managers to address the full range of housing options including housing affordability needs; b)permitting and facilitating: 1.all housing options required to meet the social, health, economic and well-being requirements of current and future residents, including additional needs housing and needs arising from demographic changes and employment opportunities; and 2.all types of residential intensification, including the conversion of existing commercial and institutional buildings for residential use, development and introduction of new housing options within previously developed areas, and redevelopment which results in a net increase in residential units in accordance with policy 2.3.3; c)promoting densities for new housing which efficiently use land, resources, infrastructure and public service facilities, and support the use of active transportation; and d)requiring transit-supportive development and prioritizing intensification, including potential air rights development, in proximity to transit, including corridors and stations. 2.3 Settlement Areas and Settlement Area Boundary Expansions 1.Settlement areas shall be the focus of growth and development. Within settlement areas, growth should be focused in, where applicable, strategic growth areas, including major transit station areas. 2.Land use patterns within settlement areas should be based on densities and a mix of land uses which: a)efficiently use land and resources; b)optimize existing and planned infrastructure and public service facilities; c)support active transportation; d)are transit-supportive, as appropriate; and e)are freight-supportive. 3.Planning authorities should support general intensification and redevelopment to support the achievement of complete communities, including by planning for a range and mix of housing options and prioritizing planning and investment in the necessary infrastructure and public service facilities. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 8 4.In identifying a new settlement area or allowing a settlement area boundary expansion, planning authorities should consider the following: a)that there is sufficient capacity in existing or planned infrastructure and public service facilities; b)the applicable lands do not comprise specialty crop areas; c)the new or expanded settlement area complies with the minimum distance separation formulae; d)impacts on agricultural lands and operations which are adjacent or close to the settlement area are avoided, or where avoidance is not possible, minimized and mitigated to the extent feasible as determined through an agricultural impact assessment or equivalent analysis, based on provincial guidance; and e)the new or expanded settlement area provides for the phased progression of urban development. 5.Planning authorities are encouraged to establish density targets for new settlement areas or settlement area expansion lands, as appropriate, based on local conditions. Large and fast- growing municipalities are encouraged to plan for a minimum density target of 50 residents and jobs per gross hectare. 2.4 Strategic Growth Areas 2.4.1 General Policies for Strategic Growth Areas 1.To support the achievement of complete communities, a range and mix of housing options, intensification and more mixed-use development, planning authorities may, and large and fast-growing municipalities shall, identify and focus growth and development in strategic growth areas by: a)identifying an appropriate minimum density target for each strategic growth area; and b)identifying the appropriate type and scale of development in strategic growth areas and transition of built form to adjacent areas. 2.Any reduction in the size or change in the location of urban growth centres identified in an in effect official plan as of [effective date] may only occur through a new official plan or official plan amendment adopted under section 26 of the Planning Act. 2.4.2 Major Transit Station Areas 1.Large and fast-growing municipalities shall delineate the boundaries of major transit station areas on higher order transit corridors through a new official plan or official plan amendment adopted under section 26 of the Planning Act. The delineation shall define an area within a 500 to 800 metre radius of a transit station and that maximizes the number of potential transit users that are within walking distance of the station. 2.Within major transit station areas on higher order transit corridors, large and fast-growing municipalities shall plan for a minimum density target of: Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 9 | a) 200 residents and jobs combined per hectare for those that are served by subways; b) 160 residents and jobs combined per hectare for those that are served by light rail or bus rapid transit; or c) 150 residents and jobs combined per hectare for those that are served by commuter or regional inter-city rail. 3. For any particular major transit station area, large and fast-growing municipalities may request the Minister to approve an official plan or official plan amendment with a target that is lower than the applicable target established in policy 2.4.2.2, where it has been demonstrated that this target cannot be achieved because: a) development is prohibited by provincial policy or severely restricted on a significant portion of the lands within the delineated area; or b) there are a limited number of residents and jobs associated with the built form, but a major trip generator or feeder service will sustain high ridership at the station or stop. 4. Planning authorities that are not large and fast-growing municipalities may plan for major transit station areas on higher order transit corridors by delineating boundaries and establishing minimum density targets. 5. Planning authorities may plan for major transit station areas that are not on higher order transit corridors by delineating boundaries and establishing minimum density targets. 6. All major transit station areas should be planned and designed to be transit-supportive and to achieve multimodal access to stations and connections to nearby major trip generators by providing, where feasible: a) connections to local and regional transit services to support transit service integration; b) infrastructure that accommodates a range of mobility needs and supports active transportation, including sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and secure bicycle parking; and c) commuter pick-up/drop-off areas. 2.5 Rural Areas in Municipalities 1. Healthy, integrated and viable rural areas should be supported by: a) building upon rural character, and leveraging rural amenities and assets; b) promoting regeneration, including the redevelopment of brownfield sites; c) accommodating an appropriate range and mix of housing in rural settlement areas; d) using rural infrastructure and public service facilities efficiently; e) promoting diversification of the economic base and employment opportunities through goods and services, including value-added products and the sustainable management or use of resources; f) providing opportunities for sustainable and diversified tourism, including leveraging historical, cultural, and natural assets; Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 10 g)conserving biodiversity and considering the ecological benefits provided by nature; and h)providing opportunities for economic activities in prime agricultural areas, in accordance with policy 4.3. 2.When directing development in rural settlement areas in accordance with policy 2.3, planning authorities shall give consideration to locally appropriate rural characteristics, the scale of development and the provision of appropriate service levels. Growth and development may be directed to rural lands in accordance with policy 2.6, including where a municipality does not have a settlement area. 2.6 Rural Lands in Municipalities 1.On rural lands located in municipalities, permitted uses are: a)the management or use of resources; b)resource-based recreational uses (including recreational dwellings not intended as permanent residences); c)residential development, including lot creation and multi-lot residential development, where site conditions are suitable for the provision of appropriate sewage and water services; d)agricultural uses, agriculture-related uses, on-farm diversified uses and normal farm practices, in accordance with provincial standards; e)home occupations and home industries; f)cemeteries; and g)other rural land uses. 2.Development that can be sustained by rural service levels should be promoted. 3.Development shall be appropriate to the infrastructure which is planned or available, and avoid the need for the uneconomical expansion of this infrastructure. 4.Opportunities to support a diversified rural economy should be promoted by protecting agricultural and other resource-related uses and directing non-related development to areas where it will minimize constraints on these uses. 5.New land uses, including the creation of lots, and new or expanding livestock facilities, shall comply with the minimum distance separation formulae. 2.7 Territory Without Municipal Organization 1.On rural lands located in territory without municipal organization, the focus of development activity shall be related to the sustainable management or use of resources and resource- based recreational uses (including recreational dwellings not intended as permanent residences). 2.Development shall be appropriate to the infrastructure which is planned or available, and avoid the need for the unjustified and/or uneconomical expansion of this infrastructure. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 11 | 3. The establishment of new permanent townsites shall not be permitted. 4. In areas adjacent to and surrounding municipalities, only development that is related to the sustainable management or use of resources and resource-based recreational uses (including recreational dwellings not intended as permanent residences) shall be permitted. Other uses may only be permitted if: a) the area forms part of a planning area; b) the necessary infrastructure and public service facilities are planned or available to support the development and are financially viable over their life cycle; and c) it has been determined that the impacts of development will not place an undue strain on the public service facilities and infrastructure provided by adjacent municipalities, regions and/or the Province. 2.8 Employment 2.8.1 Supporting a Modern Economy 1. Planning authorities shall promote economic development and competitiveness by: a) providing for an appropriate mix and range of employment, institutional, and broader mixed uses to meet long-term needs; b) providing opportunities for a diversified economic base, including maintaining a range and choice of suitable sites for employment uses which support a wide range of economic activities and ancillary uses, and take into account the needs of existing and future businesses; c) identifying strategic sites for investment, monitoring the availability and suitability of employment sites, including market-ready sites, and seeking to address potential barriers to investment; and d) encouraging intensification of employment uses and compact, mixed-use development that incorporates compatible employment uses such as office, retail, industrial, manufacturing and warehousing, to support the achievement complete communities. 2. Industrial, manufacturing and small-scale warehousing uses that could be located adjacent to sensitive land uses without adverse effects are encouraged in strategic growth areas and other mixed-use areas where frequent transit service is available, outside of employment areas. 3. On lands for employment outside of employment areas, and taking into account the transition of uses to prevent adverse effects, a diverse mix of land uses, including residential, employment, public service facilities and other institutional uses shall be permitted to support the achievement of complete communities. 4. Official plans and zoning by-laws shall not contain provisions that are more restrictive than policy 2.8.1.3 except for purposes of public health and safety. 5. Major office and major institutional development should be directed to major transit station areas or other strategic growth areas where frequent transit service is available. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 12 2.8.2 Employment Areas 1. Planning authorities shall plan for, protect and preserve employment areas: a) for current and future uses and ensure that the necessary infrastructure is provided to support current and projected needs; and b) that are located in proximity to major goods movement facilities and corridors, including facilities and corridors identified in provincial transportation plans, for the employment area uses that require those locations. 2. Planning authorities shall designate, protect and plan for all employment areas in settlement areas by: a) planning for employment area uses over the long-term that require those locations including manufacturing, research and development in connection with manufacturing, warehousing and goods movement, and associated retail and office uses and ancillary facilities; b) prohibiting residential uses, commercial uses, public service facilities and other institutional uses; c) prohibiting retail and office uses that are not associated with the primary employment use; d) prohibiting other sensitive land uses that are not ancillary to the primary employment use; and e) including an appropriate transition to adjacent non-employment areas to ensure land use compatibility. 3. Planning authorities shall assess and update employment areas identified in official plans to ensure that this designation is appropriate to the planned function of employment areas. 4. Planning authorities may remove lands from employment areas only where it has been demonstrated that: a) there is an identified need for the removal and the land is not required for employment area uses over the long term; b) the proposed uses would not negatively impact the overall viability of the employment area by: 1. avoiding, or where avoidance is not possible, minimizing and mitigating potential impacts to existing or planned employment area uses in accordance with policy 3.5; and 2. maintaining access to major goods movement facilities and corridors; c) existing or planned infrastructure and public service facilities are available to accommodate the proposed uses. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 13 | 2.9 Energy Conservation, Air Quality and Climate Change 1.Planning authorities shall plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of a changing climate through approaches that: a)support the achievement of compact, transit-supportive, and complete communities; b)incorporate climate change considerations in planning for and the development of infrastructure, including stormwater management systems, and public service facilities; c)support energy conservation and efficiency; d)promote green infrastructure, low impact development, and active transportation, protect the environment and improve air quality; and e)take into consideration any additional approaches that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build community resilience to the impacts of a changing climate. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 14 Chapter 3: Infrastructure and Facilities 3.1 General Policies for Infrastructure and Public Service Facilities 1.Infrastructure and public service facilities shall be provided in an efficient manner while accommodating projected needs. Planning for infrastructure and public service facilities shall be coordinated and integrated with land use planning and growth management so that they: a) are financially viable over their life cycle, which may be demonstrated through asset management planning; b)leverage the capacity of development proponents, where appropriate; and c)are available to meet current and projected needs. 2.Planning and investments in infrastructure and public service facilities should be prioritized to support strategic growth areas as focal areas for growth and development. 3.Before consideration is given to developing new infrastructure and public service facilities: a)the use of existing infrastructure and public service facilities should be optimized; and b)opportunities for adaptive re-use should be considered, wherever feasible. 4.Infrastructure and public service facilities should be strategically located to support the effective and efficient delivery of emergency management services, and to ensure the protection of public health and safety in accordance with the policies in Chapter 5: Protecting Public Health and Safety. 5.Public service facilities should be co-located to promote cost-effectiveness and facilitate service integration, access to transit and active transportation. 6.Planning authorities, in consultation with school boards, should consider and encourage innovative approaches in the design of schools and associated child care facilities, such as schools integrated in high-rise developments, in strategic growth areas, and other areas with a compact built form. 3.2 Transportation Systems 1.Transportation systems should be provided which are safe, energy efficient, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and are appropriate to address projected needs. 2.Efficient use should be made of existing and planned infrastructure, including through the use of transportation demand management strategies, where feasible. 3.As part of a multimodal transportation system, connectivity within and among transportation systems and modes should be maintained and, where possible, improved including connections which cross jurisdictional boundaries. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 15 | 3.3 Transportation and Infrastructure Corridors 1.Planning authorities shall plan for and protect corridors and rights-of-way for infrastructure, including transportation, transit and electricity generation facilities and transmission systems to meet current and projected needs. 2.Major goods movement facilities and corridors shall be protected for the long term. 3.Planning authorities shall not permit development in planned corridors that could preclude or negatively affect the use of the corridor for the purpose(s) for which it was identified. New development proposed on adjacent lands to existing or planned corridors and transportation facilities should be compatible with, and supportive of, the long-term purposes of the corridor and should be designed to avoid, or where avoidance is not possible, minimize and mitigate negative impacts on and from the corridor and transportation facilities. 4.The preservation and reuse of abandoned corridors for purposes that maintain the corridor’s integrity and continuous linear characteristics should be encouraged, wherever feasible. 5.The co-location of linear infrastructure should be promoted, where appropriate. 3.4 Airports, Rail and Marine Facilities 1.Planning for land uses in the vicinity of airports, rail facilities and marine facilities shall be undertaken so that: a)their long-term operation and economic role is protected; and b)airports, rail facilities and marine facilities and sensitive land uses are appropriately designed, buffered and/or separated from each other, in accordance with policy 3.5. 2.Airports shall be protected from incompatible land uses and development by: a)prohibiting new residential development and other sensitive land uses in areas near airports above 30 NEF/NEP; b) considering redevelopment of existing residential uses and other sensitive land uses or infilling of residential and other sensitive land uses in areas above 30 NEF/NEP only if it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the long-term function of the airport; and c)discouraging land uses which may cause a potential aviation safety hazard. 3.5 Land Use Compatibility 1.Major facilities and sensitive land uses shall be planned and developed to avoid, or if avoidance is not possible, minimize and mitigate any potential adverse effects from odour, noise and other contaminants, minimize risk to public health and safety, and to ensure the long-term operational and economic viability of major facilities in accordance with provincial guidelines, standards and procedures. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 16 2. Where avoidance is not possible in accordance with policy 3.5.1, planning authorities shall protect the long-term viability of existing or planned industrial, manufacturing or other major facilities that are vulnerable to encroachment by ensuring that proposed adjacent sensitive land uses are only permitted if potential impacts to industrial, manufacturing or other major facilities are minimized and mitigated in accordance with provincial guidelines, standards and procedures. 3.6 Sewage, Water and Stormwater 1. Planning for sewage and water services shall: a) accommodate forecasted growth in a manner that promotes the efficient use and optimization of existing municipal sewage services and municipal water services and existing private communal sewage services and private communal water services; b) ensure that these services are provided in a manner that: 1. can be sustained by the water resources upon which such services rely; 2. is feasible and financially viable over their life cycle; 3. protects human health and safety, and the natural environment, including the quality and quantity of water; and 4. considers comprehensive municipal planning for these services, where applicable. c) promote water and energy conservation and efficiency; d) integrate servicing and land use considerations at all stages of the planning process; e) be in accordance with the servicing options outlined through policies 3.6.2, 3.6.3, 3.6.4 and 3.6.5; and f) integrate with source protection planning. 2. Municipal sewage services and municipal water services are the preferred form of servicing for settlement areas to support protection of the environment and minimize potential risks to human health and safety. For clarity, municipal sewage services and municipal water services include both centralized servicing systems and decentralized servicing systems. 3. Where municipal sewage services and municipal water services are not available, planned or feasible, private communal sewage services and private communal water services are the preferred form of servicing for multi-unit/lot development to support protection of the environment and minimize potential risks to human health and safety. 4. Where municipal sewage services and municipal water services or private communal sewage services and private communal water services are not available, planned or feasible, individual on-site sewage services and individual on-site water services may be used provided that site conditions are suitable for the long-term provision of such services with no negative impacts. At the time of the official plan review or update, planning authorities should assess the long- term impacts of individual on-site sewage services and individual on-site water services on environmental health and the financial viability or feasibility of other forms of servicing set out in policies 3.6.2 and 3.6.3. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 17 | 5.Partial services shall only be permitted in the following circumstances: a)where they are necessary to address failed individual on-site sewage services and individual on-site water services in existing development; or b) within settlement areas, to allow for infilling and minor rounding out of existing development on partial services provided that site conditions are suitable for the long-term provision of such services with no negative impacts. 6.In rural areas, where partial services have been provided to address failed services in accordance with policy 3.6.5 (a), infilling on existing lots of record may be permitted where this would represent a logical and financially viable connection to the existing partial service and provided that site conditions are suitable for the long-term provision of such services with no negative impacts. 7.Planning authorities may allow lot creation where there is confirmation of sufficient reserve sewage system capacity and reserve water system capacity. 8.Planning for stormwater management shall: a)be integrated with planning for sewage and water services and ensure that systems are optimized, retrofitted as appropriate, feasible and financially viable over their full life cycle; b)minimize, or, where possible, prevent increases in contaminant loads; c)minimize erosion and changes in water balance including through the use of green infrastructure; d)mitigate risks to human health, safety, property and the environment; e)maximize the extent and function of vegetative and pervious surfaces; f)promote best practices, including stormwater attenuation and re-use, water conservation and efficiency, and low impact development; and g)align with any comprehensive municipal plans for stormwater management that consider cumulative impacts of stormwater from development on a watershed scale. 3.7 Waste Management 1.Waste management systems need to be planned for and provided that are of an appropriate size, type, and location to accommodate present and future requirements, and facilitate integrated waste management. 3.8 Energy Supply 1.Planning authorities should provide opportunities for the development of energy supply including electricity generation facilities and transmission and distribution systems, district energy, and renewable energy systems and alternative energy systems, to accommodate current and projected needs. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 18 3.9 Public Spaces, Recreation, Parks, Trails and Open Space 1. Healthy, active, and inclusive communities should be promoted by: a) planning public streets, spaces and facilities to be safe, meet the needs of persons of all ages and abilities, including pedestrians, foster social interaction and facilitate active transportation and community connectivity; b) planning and providing for the needs of persons of all ages and abilities in the distribution of a full range of publicly-accessible built and natural settings for recreation, including facilities, parklands, public spaces, open space areas, trails and linkages, and, where practical, water-based resources; c) providing opportunities for public access to shorelines; and d) recognizing provincial parks, conservation reserves, and other protected areas, and minimizing negative impacts on these areas. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 19 | Chapter 4: Wise Use and Management of Resources 4.1 Natural Heritage 1.Natural features and areas shall be protected for the long term. 2.The diversity and connectivity of natural features in an area, and the long-term ecological function and biodiversity of natural heritage systems, should be maintained, restored or, where possible, improved, recognizing linkages between and among natural heritage features and areas, surface water features and ground water features. 3.Natural heritage systems shall be identified in Ecoregions 6E & 7E1, recognizing that natural heritage systems will vary in size and form in settlement areas, rural areas, and prime agricultural areas. 4.Development and site alteration shall not be permitted in: a)significant wetlands in Ecoregions 5E, 6E and 7E1; and b)significant coastal wetlands. 1 Ecoregions 5E, 6E and 7E are shown on Figure 1. Natural heritage policies and associated definitions (pages 34 to 49) were added to this document on June 16, 2023. Definitions include: •Adjacent lands b) •Areas of natural and scientific interest •Coastal wetland •Development c) •Ecological function •Endangered species •Fish •Fish habitat •Habitat of endangered species and threatened species •Natural heritage features and areas •Natural heritage system •Negative impacts b), c) •Provincial and federal requirements •Significant a), b), c) •Site alteration •Threatened species •Valleylands •Wetlands •Wildlife habitat •Woodlands Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 20 5.Development and site alteration shall not be permitted in: a)significant wetlands in the Canadian Shield north of Ecoregions 5E, 6E and 7E1; b)significant woodlands in Ecoregions 6E and 7E (excluding islands in Lake Huron and the St. Marys River)1; c)significant valleylands in Ecoregions 6E and 7E (excluding islands in Lake Huron and the St. Marys River)1; d)significant wildlife habitat; e)significant areas of natural and scientific interest; and f)coastal wetlands in Ecoregions 5E, 6E and 7E1 that are not subject to policy 4.1.4(b) unless it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the natural features or their ecological functions. 6.Development and site alteration shall not be permitted in fish habitat except in accordance with provincial and federal requirements. 7.Development and site alteration shall not be permitted in habitat of endangered species and threatened species, except in accordance with provincial and federal requirements. 8.Development and site alteration shall not be permitted on adjacent lands to the natural heritage features and areas identified in policies 4.1.4, 4.1.5, and 4.1.6 unless the ecological function of the adjacent lands has been evaluated and it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the natural features or on their ecological functions. 9.Nothing in policy 4.1 is intended to limit the ability of agricultural uses to continue. 4.2 Water 1.Planning authorities shall protect, improve or restore the quality and quantity of water by: a)using the watershed as the ecologically meaningful scale for integrated and long- term planning, which can be a foundation for considering cumulative impacts of development; b)minimizing potential negative impacts, including cross-jurisdictional and cross- watershed impacts; c)identifying water resource systems; d)maintaining linkages and functions of water resource systems; e)implementing necessary restrictions on development and site alteration to: 1.protect drinking water supplies and designated vulnerable areas; and 2.protect, improve or restore vulnerable surface and ground water, and their hydrologic functions; f)planning for efficient and sustainable use of water resources, through practices for water conservation and sustaining water quality; and g)ensuring consideration of environmental lake capacity, where applicable. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 21 | 2. Development and site alteration shall be restricted in or near sensitive surface water features and sensitive ground water features such that these features and their related hydrologic functions will be protected, improved or restored, which may require mitigative measures and/or alternative development approaches. 3. Municipalities are encouraged to undertake watershed planning to inform planning for sewage and water services and stormwater management, including low impact development, and the protection, improvement or restoration of the quality and quantity of water. 4.3 Agriculture 4.3.1 General Policies for Agriculture 1. Planning authorities are encouraged to use an agricultural system approach, based on provincial guidance, to maintain and enhance a geographically continuous agricultural land base and support and foster the long-term economic prosperity and productive capacity of the agri-food network. 2. As part of the agricultural land base, prime agricultural areas, including specialty crop areas, shall be designated and protected for long-term use for agriculture. 3. Specialty crop areas shall be given the highest priority for protection, followed by Canada Land Inventory Class 1, 2, and 3 lands, and any associated Class 4 through 7 lands within the prime agricultural area, in this order of priority. 4.3.2 Permitted Uses 1. In prime agricultural areas, permitted uses and activities are: agricultural uses, agriculture- related uses and on-farm diversified uses based on provincial guidance. Proposed agriculture-related uses and on-farm diversified uses shall be compatible with, and shall not hinder, surrounding agricultural operations. Criteria for these uses may be based on provincial guidance or municipal approaches, as set out in municipal planning documents, which achieve the same objectives. 2. In prime agricultural areas, all types, sizes and intensities of agricultural uses and normal farm practices shall be promoted and protected in accordance with provincial standards. 3. New land uses in prime agricultural areas, including the creation of lots and new or expanding livestock facilities, shall comply with the minimum distance separation formulae. 4. A principal dwelling associated with an agricultural operation may be permitted in prime agricultural areas as an agricultural use, in accordance with provincial guidance, except where prohibited in accordance with policy 4.3.3.1 b). Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 22 5. Subordinate to the principal dwelling, up to two additional residential units may be permitted in prime agricultural areas, provided that: a) any additional residential units are within, attached to, or in close proximity to the principal dwelling; b) any additional residential unit complies with the minimum distance separation formulae; c) any additional residential unit is compatible with, and would not hinder, surrounding agricultural operations; and d) appropriate sewage and water services will be provided. The additional residential units may only be severed from the lot containing the principal dwelling in accordance with policy 4.3.3.1. 4.3.3 Lot Creation and Lot Adjustments 1. Residential lot creation in prime agricultural areas is only permitted in accordance with provincial guidance for: a) new residential lots created from a lot or parcel of land that existed on January 1, 2023, provided that: 1. agriculture is the principal use of the existing lot or parcel of land; 2. the total number of lots created from a lot or parcel of land as it existed on January 1, 2023 does not exceed three; 3. any residential use is compatible with, and would not hinder, surrounding agricultural operations; and 4. any new lot: i. is located outside of a specialty crop area; ii. complies with the minimum distance separation formulae; iii. will be limited to the minimum size needed to accommodate the use while still ensuring appropriate sewage and water services; iv. has existing access on a public road, with appropriate frontage for ingress and egress; and v. is adjacent to existing non-agricultural land uses or consists primarily of lower-priority agricultural lands. b) a residence surplus to an agricultural operation as a result of farm consolidation, provided that: 1. the new lot will be limited to a minimum size needed to accommodate the use while still ensuring appropriate sewage and water services; and 2. the planning authority ensures that new residential dwellings are prohibited on any remnant parcel of farmland created by the severance. The approach used to ensure that no new residential dwellings are permitted on the remnant parcel may be recommended by the Province, or based on municipal approaches which achieve the same objective. 2. Official plans and zoning by-laws shall not contain provisions that are more restrictive than policy 4.3.3.1 (a) except to address public health or safety concerns. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 23 | 3. Non-residential lot creation in prime agricultural areas is discouraged and may only be permitted, in accordance with provincial guidance, for: a)agricultural uses, provided that the lots are of a size appropriate for the type of agricultural use(s) common in the area and are sufficiently large to maintain flexibility for future changes in the type or size of agricultural operations; b)agriculture-related uses, provided that any new lot will be limited to a minimum size needed to accommodate the use while still ensuring appropriate sewage and water services; and c)infrastructure, where the facility or corridor cannot be accommodated through the use of easements or rights-of-way. 4.Lot adjustments in prime agricultural areas may be permitted for legal or technical reasons. 4.3.4 Removal of Land from Prime Agricultural Areas 1.Planning authorities may only exclude land from prime agricultural areas for expansions of or identification of settlement areas in accordance with policy 2.3.4. 4.3.5 Non-Agricultural Uses in Prime Agricultural Areas 1.Planning authorities may only permit non-agricultural uses in prime agricultural areas for: a)extraction of minerals, petroleum resources and mineral aggregate resources; or b)limited non-residential uses, provided that all of the following are demonstrated: 1.the land does not comprise a specialty crop area; 2.the proposed use complies with the minimum distance separation formulae; 3.there is an identified need within the planning horizon provided for in policy 2.1.1 for additional land to accommodate the proposed use; and 4.alternative locations have been evaluated, and i.there are no reasonable alternative locations which avoid prime agricultural areas; and ii.there are no reasonable alternative locations in prime agricultural areas with lower priority agricultural lands. 2.Impacts from any new or expanding non-agricultural uses on surrounding agricultural lands and operations are to be avoided, or where avoidance is not possible, minimized and mitigated as determined through an agricultural impact assessment or equivalent analysis, based on provincial guidance. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 24 4.4 Minerals and Petroleum 4.4.1 General Policies for Minerals and Petroleum 1. Minerals and petroleum resources shall be protected for long-term use. 4.4.2 Protection of Long-Term Resource Supply 1. Mineral mining operations and petroleum resource operations shall be identified and protected from development and activities that would preclude or hinder their expansion or continued use or which would be incompatible for reasons of public health, public safety or environmental impact. 2. Known mineral deposits, known petroleum resources and significant areas of mineral potential shall be identified and development and activities in these resources or on adjacent lands which would preclude or hinder the establishment of new operations or access to the resources shall only be permitted if: a) resource use 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 are addressed. 4.4.3 Rehabilitation 1. Rehabilitation to accommodate subsequent land uses shall be required after extraction and other related activities have ceased. Progressive rehabilitation should be undertaken wherever feasible. 4.4.4 Extraction in Prime Agricultural Areas 1. Extraction of minerals and petroleum resources is permitted in prime agricultural areas provided that the site will be rehabilitated. 4.5 Mineral Aggregate Resources 4.5.1 General Policies for Mineral Aggregate Resources 1. Mineral aggregate resources shall be protected for long-term use and, where provincial information is available, deposits of mineral aggregate resources shall be identified. 4.5.2 Protection of Long-Term Resource Supply 1. As much of the mineral aggregate resources as is realistically possible shall be made available as close to markets as possible. Demonstration of need for mineral aggregate resources, including any type of supply/demand analysis, shall not be required, notwithstanding the availability, designation or licensing for extraction of mineral aggregate resources locally or elsewhere. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 25 | 2. Extraction shall be undertaken in a manner which minimizes social, economic and environmental impacts. 3. Mineral aggregate resource conservation shall be undertaken, including through the use of accessory aggregate recycling facilities within operations, wherever feasible. 4. Mineral aggregate operations shall be protected from development and activities that would preclude or hinder their expansion or continued use or which would be incompatible for reasons of public health, public safety or environmental impact. Existing mineral aggregate operations shall be permitted to continue without the need for official plan amendment, rezoning or development permit under the Planning Act. Where the Aggregate Resources Act applies, only processes under the Aggregate Resources Act shall address the depth of extraction of new or existing mineral aggregate operations. When a license for extraction or operation ceases to exist, policy 4.5.2.5 continues to apply. 5. In known deposits of mineral aggregate resources and on adjacent lands, development and activities which would preclude or hinder the establishment of new operations or access to the resources shall only be permitted if: a) resource use 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 are addressed. 4.5.3 Rehabilitation 1. Progressive and final rehabilitation shall be required to accommodate subsequent land uses, to promote land use compatibility, to recognize the interim nature of extraction, and to mitigate negative impacts to the extent possible. Final rehabilitation shall take surrounding land use and approved land use designations into consideration. 2. Comprehensive rehabilitation planning is encouraged where there is a concentration of mineral aggregate operations. 3. In parts of the Province not designated under the Aggregate Resources Act, rehabilitation standards that are compatible with those under the Act should be adopted for extraction operations on private lands. 4.5.4 Extraction in Prime Agricultural Areas 1. In prime agricultural areas, on prime agricultural land, extraction of mineral aggregate resources is permitted as an interim use provided that: a) impacts to the prime agricultural areas are addressed, in accordance with policy 4.3.5.2; and b) the site will be rehabilitated back to an agricultural condition. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 26 2. Despite policy 4.5.4.1 (b), complete rehabilitation to an agricultural condition is not required if: a) the depth of planned extraction makes restoration of pre-extraction agricultural capability unfeasible; and b) agricultural rehabilitation in remaining areas is maximized. 4.5.5 Wayside Pits and Quarries, Portable Asphalt Plants and Portable Concrete Plants 1. Wayside pits and quarries, portable asphalt plants and portable concrete plants used on public authority contracts shall be permitted, without the need for an official plan amendment, rezoning, or development permit under the Planning Act in all areas, except those areas of existing development or particular environmental sensitivity which have been determined to be incompatible with extraction and associated activities. 4.6 Cultural Heritage and Archaeology 1. Protected heritage property, which may contain built heritage resources or cultural heritage landscapes, shall be conserved. 2. Planning authorities shall not permit development and site alteration on lands containing archaeological resources or areas of archaeological potential unless the archaeological resources have been conserved. 3. Planning authorities shall not permit development and site alteration on adjacent lands to protected heritage property unless the heritage attributes of the protected heritage property will be conserved. 4. Planning authorities are encouraged to develop and implement: a) archaeological management plans for conserving archaeological resources; and b) proactive strategies for identifying properties for evaluation under the Ontario Heritage Act. 5. Planning authorities shall engage early with Indigenous communities and ensure their interests are considered when identifying, protecting and managing archaeological resources, built heritage resources and cultural heritage landscapes. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 27 | Chapter 5: Protecting Public Health and Safety 5.1 General Policies for Natural and Human-Made Hazards 1. Development shall be directed away from areas of natural or human-made hazards where there is an unacceptable risk to public health or safety or of property damage, and not create new or aggravate existing hazards. 5.2 Natural Hazards 1. Planning authorities shall identify hazardous lands and hazardous sites and manage development in these areas, in accordance with provincial guidance. 2. Development shall generally be directed to areas outside of: a) hazardous lands adjacent to the shorelines of the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River System and large inland lakes which are impacted by flooding hazards, erosion hazards and/or dynamic beach hazards; b) hazardous lands adjacent to river, stream and small inland lake systems which are impacted by flooding hazards and/or erosion hazards; and c) hazardous sites. 3. Development and site alteration shall not be permitted within: a) the dynamic beach hazard; b) defined portions of the flooding hazard along connecting channels (the St. Marys, St. Clair, Detroit, Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers); c) areas that would be rendered inaccessible to people and vehicles during times of flooding hazards, erosion hazards and/or dynamic beach hazards, unless it has been demonstrated that the site has safe access appropriate for the nature of the development and the natural hazard; and d) a floodway regardless of whether the area of inundation contains high points of land not subject to flooding. 4. Planning authorities shall prepare for the impacts of a changing climate that may increase the risk associated with natural hazards. 5. Despite policy 5.2.3, development and site alteration may be permitted in certain areas associated with the flooding hazard along river, stream and small inland lake systems: a) in those exceptional situations where a Special Policy Area has been approved. The designation of a Special Policy Area, and any change or modification to the official plan policies, land use designations or boundaries applying to Special Policy Area lands, must be approved by the Ministers of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Natural Resources and Forestry prior to the approval authority approving such changes or modifications; or Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 28 b) where the development is limited to uses which by their nature must locate within the floodway, including flood and/or erosion control works or minor additions or passive non-structural uses which do not affect flood flows. 6. Development shall not be permitted to locate in hazardous lands and hazardous sites where the use is: a) an institutional use including hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement homes, pre-schools, school nurseries, day cares and schools; b) an essential emergency service such as that provided by fire, police and ambulance stations and electrical substations; or c) uses associated with the disposal, manufacture, treatment or storage of hazardous substances. 7. Where the two zone concept for flood plains is applied, development and site alteration may be permitted in the flood fringe, subject to appropriate floodproofing to the flooding hazard elevation or another flooding hazard standard approved by the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. 8. Further to policy 5.2.7, and except as prohibited in policies 5.2.3 and 5.2.6, development and site alteration may be permitted in those portions of hazardous lands and hazardous sites where the effects and risk to public safety are minor, could be mitigated in accordance with provincial standards, and where all of the following are demonstrated and achieved: a) development and site alteration is carried out in accordance with floodproofing standards, protection works standards, and access standards; b) vehicles and people have a way of safely entering and exiting the area during times of flooding, erosion and other emergencies; c) new hazards are not created and existing hazards are not aggravated; and d) no adverse environmental impacts will result. 9. Development shall generally be directed to areas outside of lands that are unsafe for development due to the presence of hazardous forest types for wildland fire. Development may however be permitted in lands with hazardous forest types for wildland fire where the risk is mitigated in accordance with wildland fire assessment and mitigation standards. 5.3 Human-Made Hazards 1. Development on, abutting or adjacent to lands affected by mine hazards; oil, gas and salt hazards; or former mineral mining operations, mineral aggregate operations or petroleum resource operations may be permitted only if rehabilitation or other measures to address and mitigate known or suspected hazards are under way or have been completed. 2. Sites with contaminants in land or water shall be assessed and remediated as necessary prior to any activity on the site associated with the proposed use such that there will be no adverse effects. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 29 | Chapter 6: Implementation and Interpretation 6.1 General Policies for Implementation and Interpretation 1.This Policy Statement shall be read in its entirety and all relevant policies are to be applied to each situation. 2.This Policy Statement shall be implemented in a manner that is consistent with the recognition and affirmation of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. 3.This Policy Statement shall be implemented in a manner that is consistent with Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 4.When implementing this Policy Statement, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing may make decisions that take into account other considerations to balance government priorities. 5.Official plans shall identify provincial interests and set out appropriate land use designations and policies. Official plans shall provide clear, reasonable and attainable policies to protect provincial interests and facilitate development in suitable areas. In order to protect provincial interests, planning authorities shall keep their official plans up- to-date with this Policy Statement. The policies of this Policy Statement continue to apply after adoption and approval of an official plan. 6.Planning authorities shall keep their zoning and development permit by-laws up-to-date with their official plans and this Policy Statement by establishing permitted uses, minimum densities, heights and other development standards to accommodate growth and development. 7.Where a planning authority must decide on a planning matter before their official plan has been updated to be consistent with this Policy Statement, or before other applicable planning instruments have been updated accordingly, it must still make a decision that is consistent with this Policy Statement. 8.In addition to land use approvals under the Planning Act, infrastructure may also have requirements under other legislation and regulations. For example, an environmental assessment process may be required for new infrastructure and modifications to existing infrastructure under applicable legislation. Wherever possible and practical, approvals under the Planning Act and other legislation or regulations should be integrated provided the intent and requirements of both processes are met. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 30 9.To assess progress on implementation of this Policy Statement, the Province may: a)identify key indicators to measure the outcomes, relevance and efficiency of the policies in this Policy Statement in consultation with municipalities, Indigenous communities, other public bodies and stakeholders; b)monitor and assess the implementation of this Policy Statement through the collection and analysis of data under each indicator; and c)consider the resulting assessment in each review of this Policy Statement. 10.Municipalities are encouraged to monitor and report on the implementation of the policies in their official plans, in accordance with any requirements for reporting planning information to the Province, and data standards and including through any other guidelines that may be issued by the Minister. 11.Strategic growth areas are not land use designations and their delineation does not confer any new land use designations, nor alter existing land use designations. Any development on lands within the boundary of these identified areas is still subject to the relevant provincial and municipal land use planning policies and approval processes. 6.2 Coordination 1.A coordinated, integrated and comprehensive approach should be used when dealing with planning matters within municipalities, across lower, single and/or upper-tier municipal boundaries, and with other orders of government, agencies, boards, and Service Managers including: a)managing and/or promoting growth and development that is integrated with planning for infrastructure and public service facilities, including schools and associated child care facilities; b)economic development strategies; c)managing natural heritage, water, agricultural, mineral, and cultural heritage and archaeological resources; d)infrastructure, multimodal transportation systems, public service facilities and waste management systems; e)ecosystem, shoreline, watershed, and Great Lakes related issues; f)natural and human-made hazards; g)population, housing and employment projections, based on regional market areas, as appropriate; and h)addressing housing needs in accordance with provincial housing policies and plans, including those that address homelessness. 2.Planning authorities shall undertake early engagement with Indigenous communities and coordinate on land use planning matters to facilitate knowledge-sharing, support consideration of Indigenous interests in land use decision-making and support the identification of potential impacts of decisions on the exercise of Aboriginal or treaty rights. 3.Planning authorities are encouraged to engage the public and stakeholders early in local efforts to implement this Policy Statement, and to provide the necessary information to ensure the informed involvement of local citizens, including equity-deserving groups. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 31 | 4. Planning authorities and school boards shall collaborate to facilitate early and integrated planning for schools and associated child care facilities to meet current and future needs. 5. Planning authorities should coordinate emergency management and other economic, environmental and social planning considerations to support efficient and resilient communities. 6. Municipalities, the Province, and other appropriate stakeholders are encouraged to undertake a coordinated approach to planning for large areas with high concentrations of employment uses that cross municipal boundaries. 7. Where planning is conducted by an upper-tier municipality, the upper-tier municipality in consultation with lower-tier municipalities shall: a) identify and allocate population, housing and employment projections for lower- tier municipalities; b) identify areas where growth and development will be focused, including strategic growth areas, and establish any applicable minimum density targets; c) identify minimum density targets for growth and development taking place in new or expanded settlement areas, where applicable; and d) provide policy direction for the lower-tier municipalities on matters that cross municipal boundaries. 8. Where there is no upper-tier municipality or where planning is not conducted by an upper- tier municipality, planning authorities shall ensure that policy 6.2.7 is addressed as part of the planning process, and should coordinate these matters with adjacent planning authorities. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 32 7: Figure 1 – Natural Heritage Protection Line Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 33 | Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 34 8: Definitions Access standards: means methods or procedures to ensure safe vehicular and pedestrian movement, and access for the maintenance and repair of protection works, during times of flooding hazards, erosion hazards and/or other water-related hazards. Active transportation: means human-powered travel, including but not limited to, walking, cycling, inline skating and travel with the use of mobility aids, including motorized wheelchairs and other power-assisted devices moving at a comparable speed. Additional needs housing: means any housing, including dedicated facilities, in whole or in part, that is used by people who have specific needs beyond economic needs, including but not limited to, needs such as mobility requirements or support functions required for daily living. Examples of additional needs housing may include, but are not limited to long-term care homes, adaptable and accessible housing, and housing for persons with disabilities such as physical, sensory or mental health disabilities, and housing for older persons. Adjacent lands: means a)for the purposes of policy 3.3.3, those lands contiguous to existing or planned corridors and transportation facilities where development would have a negative impact on the corridor or facility. The extent of the adjacent lands may be recommended in provincial guidance or based on municipal approaches that achieve the same objectives; b)for the purposes of policy 4.1.8, those lands contiguous to a specific natural heritage feature or area where it is likely that development or site alteration would have a negative impact on the feature or area. The extent of the adjacent lands may be recommended by the Province or based on municipal approaches which achieve the same objectives; c)for the purposes of policies 4.4.2.2 and 4.5.2.5, those lands contiguous to lands on the surface of known petroleum resources, mineral deposits, or deposits of mineral aggregate resources where it is likely that development would constrain future access to the resources. The extent of the adjacent lands may be recommended by the Province; and d)for the purposes of policy 4.6.3, those lands contiguous to a protected heritage property. Adverse effect: as defined in the Environmental Protection Act, means one or more of: a)impairment of the quality of the natural environment for any use that can be made of it; b)injury or damage to property or plant or animal life; c)harm or material discomfort to any person; d) an adverse effect on the health of any person; e)impairment of the safety of any person; f)rendering any property or plant or animal life unfit for human use; g)loss of enjoyment of normal use of property; and h)interference with normal conduct of business. Agricultural condition: means a)in regard to specialty crop areas, a condition in which substantially the same areas and same average soil capability for agriculture are restored, the same range and productivity of specialty crops common in the area can be achieved, and, where applicable, the microclimate on which the site and surrounding area may be dependent for specialty crop production will be maintained, restored or enhanced; and b)in regard to prime agricultural land outside of specialty crop areas, a condition in which substantially the same areas and same average soil capability for agriculture will be maintained, restored or enhanced. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 35 | Agricultural impact assessment: means the evaluation of potential impacts of non- agricultural uses on agricultural lands and operations and, where applicable, the agricultural system. An assessment recommends ways to avoid or if avoidance is not possible, minimize and mitigate adverse impacts. Agricultural system: A system comprised of a group of inter-connected elements that collectively create a viable, thriving agri-food sector. It has two components: a)An agricultural land base, based on mapping provided by the Province where mapping is available and requested, comprised of prime agricultural areas, including specialty crop areas, and rural lands that together create a continuous productive land base for agriculture; and b) An agri-food network which includes infrastructure, services, and assets important to the viability of the agri-food sector. Agricultural uses: means the growing of crops, including nursery, biomass, and horticultural crops; raising of livestock; raising of other animals for food, fur or fibre, including poultry and fish; aquaculture; apiaries; agro-forestry; maple syrup production; and associated on- farm buildings and structures, including, but not limited to livestock facilities, manure storages, value-retaining facilities, and housing for farm workers, when the size and nature of the operation requires additional employment. Agri-food network: Within the agricultural system, a network that includes elements important to the viability of the agri-food sector such as regional infrastructure and transportation networks; on-farm buildings and infrastructure; agricultural services, farm markets, distributors, and primary processing; and vibrant, agriculture-supportive communities. Agri-tourism uses: means those farm-related tourism uses, including limited accommodation such as a bed and breakfast, that promote the enjoyment, education or activities related to the farm operation. Agriculture-related uses: means those farm- related commercial and farm-related industrial uses that are directly related to farm operations in the area, support agriculture, benefit from being in close proximity to farm operations, and provide direct products and/or services to farm operations as a primary activity. Airports: means all Ontario airports, including designated lands for future airports, with Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF)/Noise Exposure Projection (NEP) mapping. Alternative energy system: means a system that uses sources of energy or energy conversion processes to produce power, heat and/or cooling that significantly reduces the amount of harmful emissions to the environment (air, earth and water) when compared to conventional energy systems. Archaeological resources: includes artifacts, archaeological sites and marine archaeological sites, as defined under the Ontario Heritage Act. The identification and evaluation of such resources are based upon archaeological assessments carried out by archaeologists licensed under the Ontario Heritage Act. Areas of archaeological potential: means areas with the likelihood to contain archaeological resources, as evaluated using the processes and criteria that are established under the Ontario Heritage Act. Areas of mineral potential: means areas favourable to the discovery of mineral deposits due to geology, the presence of known mineral deposits or other technical evidence. Areas of natural and scientific interest: means areas of land and water containing natural landscapes or features that have been identified as having life science or earth science values related to protection, scientific study or education. Brownfield sites: means undeveloped or previously developed properties that may be contaminated. They are usually, but not exclusively, former industrial or commercial properties that may be underutilized, derelict or vacant. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 36 Built heritage resource: means a building, structure, monument, installation or any manufactured or constructed part or remnant that contributes to a property’s cultural heritage value or interest as identified by a community, including an Indigenous community. Coastal wetland: means a)any wetland that is located on one of the Great Lakes or their connecting channels (Lake St. Clair, St. Marys, St. Clair, Detroit, Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers); or b)any other wetland that is on a tributary to any of the above-specified water bodies and lies, either wholly or in part, downstream of a line located 2 kilometres upstream of the 1:100 year floodline (plus wave run-up) of the large water body to which the tributary is connected. Compact built form: means a land use pattern that encourages the efficient use of land, walkable neighbourhoods, mixed land uses (residential, retail, workplace, and institutional) all within one neighbourhood, proximity to transit and reduced need for infrastructure. Compact built form can include detached and semi-detached houses on small lots as well as townhouses, duplexes, triplexes and walk-up apartments, multi-storey commercial developments, and apartments or offices above retail. Walkable neighbourhoods can be characterized by roads laid out in a well- connected network, destinations that are easily accessible by transit and active transportation, sidewalks with minimal interruptions for vehicle access, and a pedestrian-friendly environment along roads. Comprehensive rehabilitation: means rehabilitation of land from which mineral aggregate resources have been extracted that is coordinated and complementary, to the extent possible, with the rehabilitation of other sites in an area where there is a high concentration of mineral aggregate operations. Complete communities: means places such as mixed-use neighbourhoods or other areas within cities, towns, and settlement areas that offer and support opportunities for equitable access to many necessities for daily living for people of all ages and abilities, including an appropriate mix of jobs, a full range of housing, transportation options, public service facilities, local stores and services. Complete communities are inclusive and may take different shapes and forms appropriate to their contexts to meet the diverse needs of their populations. Conserved: means the identification, protection, management and use of built heritage resources, cultural heritage landscapes and archaeological resources in a manner that ensures their cultural heritage value or interest is retained. This may be achieved by the implementation of recommendations set out in a conservation plan, archaeological assessment, and/or heritage impact assessment that has been approved, accepted or adopted by the relevant planning authority and/or decision-maker. Mitigative measures and/or alternative development approaches should be included in these plans and assessments. Cultural heritage landscape: means a defined geographical area that may have been modified by human activity and is identified as having cultural heritage value or interest by a community, including an Indigenous community. The area may include features such as buildings, structures, spaces, views, archaeological sites or natural elements that are valued together for their interrelationship, meaning or association. Defined portions of the flooding hazard along connecting channels: means those areas which are critical to the conveyance of the flows associated with the one hundred year flood level along the St. Marys, St. Clair, Detroit, Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers, where development or site alteration will create flooding hazards, cause updrift and/or downdrift impacts and/or cause adverse environmental impacts. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 37 | Deposits of mineral aggregate resources: means an area of identified mineral aggregate resources, as delineated in Aggregate Resource Inventory Papers or comprehensive studies prepared using provincial guidance for surficial and bedrock resources, as amended from time to time, that has a sufficient quantity and quality to warrant present or future extraction. Designated and available: means lands designated in the official plan for urban residential use. For municipalities where more detailed official plan policies (e.g. secondary plans) are required before development applications can be considered for approval, only lands that have commenced the more detailed planning process are considered to be designated and available for the purposes of this definition. Designated vulnerable area: means areas defined as vulnerable, in accordance with provincial standards, by virtue of their importance as a drinking water source. Development: means the creation of a new lot, a change in land use, or the construction of buildings and structures requiring approval under the Planning Act, but does not include: a)activities that create or maintain infrastructure authorized under an environmental assessment process; or b)works subject to the Drainage Act; or c)for the purposes of policy 4.1.4(a), underground or surface mining of minerals or advanced exploration on mining lands in significant areas of mineral potential in Ecoregion 5E, where advanced exploration has the same meaning as under the Mining Act. Instead, those matters shall be subject to policy 4.1.5(a). Dynamic beach hazard: means areas of inherently unstable accumulations of shoreline sediments along the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River System and large inland lakes, as identified by provincial standards, as amended from time to time. The dynamic beach hazard limit consists of the flooding hazard limit plus a dynamic beach allowance. Ecological function: means the natural processes, products or services that living and non-living environments provide or perform within or between species, ecosystems and landscapes. These may include biological, physical and socio-economic interactions. Employment area: means those areas designated in an official plan for clusters of business and economic activities including manufacturing, research and development in connection with manufacturing, warehousing, goods movement, associated retail and office, and ancillary facilities. Uses that are excluded from employment areas are institutional and commercial, including retail and office not associated with the primary employment use listed above. Endangered species: means a species that is classified as “Endangered Species” on the Species at Risk in Ontario List, as updated and amended from time to time. Erosion hazard: means the loss of land, due to human or natural processes, that poses a threat to life and property. The erosion hazard limit is determined using considerations that include the 100 year erosion rate (the average annual rate of recession extended over a one hundred year time span), an allowance for slope stability, and an erosion/erosion access allowance. Essential emergency service: means services which would be impaired during an emergency as a result of flooding, the failure of floodproofing measures and/or protection works, and/or erosion. Fish: means fish, which as defined in the Fisheries Act, includes fish, shellfish, crustaceans, and marine animals, at all stages of their life cycles. Fish habitat: as defined in the Fisheries Act, means spawning grounds and any other areas, including nursery, rearing, food supply, and migration areas on which fish depend directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life processes. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 38 Flood fringe: for river, stream and small inland lake systems, means the outer portion of the flood plain between the floodway and the flooding hazard limit. Depths and velocities of flooding are generally less severe in the flood fringe than those experienced in the floodway. Flood plain: for river, stream and small inland lake systems, means the area, usually low lands adjoining a watercourse, which has been or may be subject to flooding hazards. Flooding hazard: means the inundation, under the conditions specified below, of areas adjacent to a shoreline or a river or stream system and not ordinarily covered by water: a)along the shorelines of the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River System and large inland lakes, the flooding hazard limit is based on the one hundred year flood level plus an allowance for wave effects and other water- related hazards; b)along river, stream and small inland lake systems, the flooding hazard limit is the greater of: 1.the flood resulting from the rainfall actually experienced during a major storm such as the Hurricane Hazel storm (1954) or the Timmins storm (1961), transposed over a specific watershed and combined with the local conditions, where evidence suggests that the storm event could have potentially occurred over watersheds in the general area; 2.the one hundred year flood; and 3.a flood which is greater than 1. or 2. which was actually experienced in a particular watershed or portion thereof, for example, as a result of ice jams and which has been approved as the standard for that specific area by the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry; except where the use of the one hundred year flood or the actually experienced event has been approved by the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry as the standard for a specific watershed (where the past history of flooding supports the lowering of the standard). Floodproofing standard: means the combination of measures incorporated into the basic design and/or construction of buildings, structures, or properties to reduce or eliminate flooding hazards, wave effects and other water-related hazards along the shorelines of the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River System and large inland lakes, and flooding hazards along river, stream and small inland lake systems. Floodway: for river, stream and small inland lake systems, means the portion of the flood plain where development and site alteration would cause a danger to public health and safety or property damage. Where the one zone concept is applied, the floodway is the entire contiguous flood plain. Where the two zone concept is applied, the floodway is the contiguous inner portion of the flood plain, representing that area required for the safe passage of flood flow and/or that area where flood depths and/or velocities are considered to be such that they pose a potential threat to life and/or property damage. Where the two zone concept applies, the outer portion of the flood plain is called the flood fringe. Freight-supportive: in regard to land use patterns, means transportation systems and facilities that facilitate the movement of goods. This includes policies or programs intended to support efficient freight movement through the planning, design and operation of land use and transportation systems. Approaches may be recommended in provincial guidance or based on municipal approaches that achieve the same objectives. Frequent transit: means a public transit service that runs at least every 15 minutes in both directions throughout the day and into the evening every day of the week. Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River System: means the major water system consisting of Lakes Superior, Huron, St. Clair, Erie and Ontario and their connecting channels, and the St. Lawrence River within the boundaries of the Province of Ontario. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 39 | Green infrastructure: means natural and human-made elements that provide ecological and hydrological functions and processes. Green infrastructure can include components such as natural heritage features and systems, parklands, stormwater management systems, street trees, urban forests, natural channels, permeable surfaces, and green roofs. Ground water feature: means water-related features in the earth’s subsurface, including recharge/discharge areas, water tables, aquifers and unsaturated zones that can be defined by surface and subsurface hydrogeologic investigations. Habitat of endangered species and threatened species: means habitat within the meaning of Section 2 of the Endangered Species Act, 2007. Hazardous forest types for wildland fire: means forest types assessed as being associated with the risk of high to extreme wildland fire using risk assessment tools established by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, as amended from time to time. Hazardous lands: means property or lands that could be unsafe for development due to naturally occurring processes. Along the shorelines of the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River System, this means the land, including that covered by water, between the international boundary, where applicable, and the furthest landward limit of the flooding hazard, erosion hazard or dynamic beach hazard limits. Along the shorelines of large inland lakes, this means the land, including that covered by water, between a defined offshore distance or depth and the furthest landward limit of the flooding hazard, erosion hazard or dynamic beach hazard limits. Along river, stream and small inland lake systems, this means the land, including that covered by water, to the furthest landward limit of the flooding hazard or erosion hazard limits. Hazardous sites: means property or lands that could be unsafe for development and site alteration due to naturally occurring hazards. These may include unstable soils (sensitive marine clays [leda], organic soils) or unstable bedrock (karst topography). Hazardous substances: means substances which, individually, or in combination with other substances, are normally considered to pose a danger to public health, safety and the environment. These substances generally include a wide array of materials that are toxic, ignitable, corrosive, reactive, radioactive or pathological. Heritage attributes: means, as defined under the Ontario Heritage Act, in relation to real property, and to the buildings and structures on the real property, the attributes of the property, buildings and structures that contribute to their cultural heritage value or interest. Higher order transit: means transit that generally operates in partially or completely dedicated rights-of-way, outside of mixed traffic, and therefore can achieve levels of speed and reliability greater than mixed-traffic transit. Higher order transit can include heavy rail (such as subways, elevated or surface rail, and commuter or regional inter-city rail), light rail, and buses in dedicated rights-of-way. Housing options: means a range of housing types such as, but not limited to single- detached, semi-detached, rowhouses, townhouses, stacked townhouses, multiplexes, additional residential units, tiny homes, laneway housing, garden suites, rooming houses, multi-residential buildings, including low- and mid-rise apartments. The term can also refer to a variety of housing arrangements and forms such as, but not limited to, life lease housing, co-ownership housing, co-operative housing, community land trusts, land lease community homes, additional needs housing, multi-generational housing, student housing, farm worker housing, culturally appropriate housing, supportive, community and transitional housing and housing related to employment, educational, or institutional uses, such as long-term care homes. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 40 Hydrologic function: means the functions of the hydrological cycle that include the occurrence, circulation, distribution and chemical and physical properties of water on the surface of the land, in the soil and underlying rocks, and in the atmosphere, and water’s interaction with the environment including its relation to living things. Impacts of a changing climate: means the present and future consequences from changes in weather patterns at local and regional levels including extreme weather events and increased climate variability. Individual on-site sewage services: means sewage systems, as defined in O. Reg. 332/12 under the Building Code Act, 1992, that are owned, operated and managed by the owner of the property upon which the system is located. Individual on-site water services: means individual, autonomous water supply systems that are owned, operated and managed by the owner of the property upon which the system is located. Infrastructure: means physical structures (facilities and corridors) that form the foundation for development. Infrastructure includes: sewage and water systems, septage treatment systems, stormwater management systems, waste management systems, electricity generation facilities, electricity transmission and distribution systems, communications/telecommunications, transit and transportation corridors and facilities, active transportation systems, oil and gas pipelines and associated facilities. Institutional use: for the purposes of policy 5.1.6, means land uses where there is a threat to the safe evacuation of vulnerable populations such as older persons, persons with disabilities, and those who are sick or young, during an emergency as a result of flooding, failure of floodproofing measures or protection works, or erosion. Intensification: means the development of a property, site or area at a higher density than currently exists through: a)redevelopment, including the reuse of brownfield sites; b)the development of vacant and/or underutilized lots within previously developed areas; c)infill development; and d)the expansion or conversion of existing buildings. Large and fast-growing municipalities: means municipalities identified in Schedule 1. Large inland lakes: means those waterbodies having a surface area of equal to or greater than 100 square kilometres where there is not a measurable or predictable response to a single runoff event. Legal or technical reasons: means severances for purposes such as easements, corrections of deeds, quit claims, and minor boundary adjustments, which do not result in the creation of a new lot. Low impact development: means an approach to stormwater management that seeks to manage rain and other precipitation as close as possible to where it falls to mitigate the impacts of increased runoff and stormwater pollution. It typically includes a set of site design strategies and distributed, small-scale structural practices to mimic the natural hydrology to the greatest extent possible through infiltration, evapotranspiration, harvesting, filtration, and detention of stormwater. Low impact development can include, for example: bio-swales, vegetated areas at the edge of paved surfaces, permeable pavement, rain gardens, green roofs, and exfiltration systems. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 41 | Major facilities: means facilities which may require separation from sensitive land uses, including but not limited to airports, manufacturing uses, transportation infrastructure and corridors, rail facilities, marine facilities, sewage treatment facilities, waste management systems, oil and gas pipelines, industries, energy generation facilities and transmission systems, and resource extraction activities. Major goods movement facilities and corridors: means transportation facilities, corridors and networks associated with the inter- and intra-provincial movement of goods. Examples include: inter-modal facilities, ports, airports, rail facilities, truck terminals, freight corridors, freight facilities, and haul routes, primary transportation corridors used for the movement of goods and those identified in provincial transportation plans. Approaches that are freight-supportive may be recommended in provincial guidance or based on municipal approaches that achieve the same objectives. Major transit station area: means the area including and around any existing or planned higher order transit station or stop within a settlement area; or the area including and around a major bus depot in an urban core. Major transit station areas generally are defined as the area within an approximate 500 to 800 metre radius of a transit station, representing about a 10-minute walk. Major trip generators: means origins and destinations with high population densities or concentrated activities which generate many trips (e.g., strategic growth areas, major office and office parks, major retail, employment areas, community hubs, large parks and recreational destinations, public service facilities, and other mixed-use areas). Marine facilities: means ferries, harbours, ports, ferry terminals, canals and associated uses, including designated lands for future marine facilities. Mine hazard: means any feature of a mine as defined under the Mining Act, or any related disturbance of the ground that has not been rehabilitated. Minerals: means metallic minerals and non- metallic minerals as herein defined, but does not include mineral aggregate resources or petroleum resources. Metallic minerals means those minerals from which metals (e.g. copper, nickel, gold) are derived. Non-metallic minerals means those minerals that are of value for intrinsic properties of the minerals themselves and not as a source of metal. They are generally synonymous with industrial minerals (e.g. asbestos, graphite, kyanite, mica, nepheline syenite, salt, talc, and wollastonite). Mineral aggregate operation: means a)lands under license or permit, other than for wayside pits and quarries, issued in accordance with the Aggregate Resources Act; b)for lands not designated under the Aggregate Resources Act, established pits and quarries that are not in contravention of municipal zoning by-laws and including adjacent land under agreement with or owned by the operator, to permit continuation of the operation; and c)associated facilities 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. Mineral aggregate resources: means gravel, sand, clay, earth, shale, stone, limestone, dolostone, sandstone, marble, granite, rock or other material prescribed under the Aggregate Resources Act suitable for construction, industrial, manufacturing and maintenance purposes but does not include metallic ores, asbestos, graphite, kyanite, mica, nepheline syenite, salt, talc, wollastonite, mine tailings or other material prescribed under the Mining Act. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 42 Mineral aggregate resource conservation: means a)the recovery and recycling of manufactured materials derived from mineral aggregates (e.g. glass, porcelain, brick, concrete, asphalt, slag, etc.), for re-use in construction, manufacturing, industrial or maintenance projects as a substitute for new mineral aggregates; and b)the wise use of mineral aggregates including utilization or extraction of on-site mineral aggregate resources prior to development occurring. Mineral deposits: means areas of identified minerals that have sufficient quantity and quality based on specific geological evidence to warrant present or future extraction. Mineral mining operation: means mining operations and associated facilities, or, past producing mines with remaining mineral development potential that have not been permanently rehabilitated to another use. Minimum distance separation formulae: means formulae and guidelines developed by the Province, as amended from time to time, to separate uses so as to reduce incompatibility concerns about odour from livestock facilities. Multimodal: means relating to the availability or use of more than one form of transportation, such as automobiles, walking, cycling, buses, rapid transit, rail (such as commuter and freight), trucks, air, and marine. Municipal sewage services: means a sewage works within the meaning of section 1 of the Ontario Water Resources Act that is owned or operated by a municipality. Municipal water services: means a municipal drinking-water system within the meaning of section 2 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002. Natural heritage features and areas: means features and areas, including significant wetlands, significant coastal wetlands, other coastal wetlands in Ecoregions 5E, 6E and 7E, fish habitat, significant woodlands and significant valleylands in Ecoregions 6E and 7E (excluding islands in Lake Huron and the St. Marys River), habitat of endangered species and threatened species, significant wildlife habitat, and significant areas of natural and scientific interest, which are important for their environmental and social values as a legacy of the natural landscapes of an area. Natural heritage system: means a system made up of natural heritage features and areas, and linkages intended to provide connectivity (at the regional or site level) and support natural processes which are necessary to maintain biological and geological diversity, natural functions, viable populations of indigenous species, and ecosystems. These systems can include natural heritage features and areas, federal and provincial parks and conservation reserves, other natural heritage features, lands that have been restored or have the potential to be restored to a natural state, areas that support hydrologic functions, and working landscapes that enable ecological functions to continue. The Province has a recommended approach for identifying natural heritage systems, but municipal approaches that achieve or exceed the same objective may also be used. Negative impacts: means a)in regard to policy 3.6.4 and 3.6.5, potential risks to human health and safety and degradation to the quality and quantity of water, sensitive surface water features and sensitive ground water features, and their related hydrologic functions, due to single, multiple or successive development. Negative impacts should be assessed through environmental studies including hydrogeological or water quality impact assessments, in accordance with provincial standards; b)in regard to fish habitat, any permanent alteration to, or destruction of fish habitat, except where, in conjunction with the appropriate authorities, it has been authorized under the Fisheries Act; c)in regard to other natural heritage features and areas, degradation that threatens the health and integrity of the natural features or ecological functions for which an area is identified due to single, multiple or successive development or site alteration activities. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 43 | d)in regard to policy 4.2, degradation to the quality and quantity of water, sensitive surface water features and sensitive ground water features, and their related hydrologic functions, due to single, multiple or successive development or site alteration activities; and e)in regard to policy 3.3.3, any development or site alteration that would compromise or conflict with the planned or existing function, capacity to accommodate future needs, and cost of implementation of the corridor. Normal farm practices: means a practice, as defined in the Farming and Food Production Protection Act, 1998, that is conducted in a manner consistent with proper and acceptable customs and standards as established and followed by similar agricultural operations under similar circumstances; or makes use of innovative technology in a manner consistent with proper advanced farm management practices. Normal farm practices shall be consistent with the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 and regulations made under that Act. Oil, gas and salt hazards: means any feature of a well or work as defined under the Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Act, or any related disturbance of the ground that has not been rehabilitated. On-farm diversified uses: means uses that are secondary to the principal agricultural use of the property, and are limited in area. On-farm diversified uses include, but are not limited to, home occupations, home industries, agri- tourism uses, and uses that produce value- added agricultural products. Land-extensive energy facilities, such as ground-mounted solar or battery storage are permitted in prime agricultural areas, including specialty crop areas, only as on-farm diversified uses. One hundred year flood: for river, stream and small inland lake systems, means that flood, based on an analysis of precipitation, snow melt, or a combination thereof, having a return period of 100 years on average, or having a 1% chance of occurring or being exceeded in any given year. One hundred year flood level: means a)for the shorelines of the Great Lakes, the peak instantaneous stillwater level, resulting from combinations of mean monthly lake levels and wind setups, which has a 1% chance of being equalled or exceeded in any given year; b)in the connecting channels (St. Marys, St. Clair, Detroit, Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers), the peak instantaneous stillwater level which has a 1% chance of being equalled or exceeded in any given year; and c)for large inland lakes, lake levels and wind setups that have a 1% chance of being equalled or exceeded in any given year, except that, where sufficient water level records do not exist, the one hundred year flood level is based on the highest known water level and wind setups. Other water-related hazards: means water- associated phenomena other than flooding hazards and wave effects which act on shorelines. This includes, but is not limited to ship-generated waves, ice piling and ice jamming. Partial services: means a)municipal sewage services or private communal sewage services combined with individual on-site water services; or b)municipal water services or private communal water services combined with individual on-site sewage services. Petroleum resource operations: means oil, gas and salt wells and associated facilities and other drilling operations, oil field fluid disposal wells and associated facilities, and wells and facilities for the underground storage of natural gas, other hydrocarbons, and compressed air energy storage. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 44 Petroleum resources: means oil, gas, and salt (extracted by solution mining method) and formation water resources which have been identified through exploration and verified by preliminary drilling or other forms of investigation. This may include sites of former operations where resources are still present or former sites that may be converted to underground storage for natural gas, other hydrocarbons, or compressed air energy storage. Planned corridors: means corridors or future corridors which are required to meet projected needs, and are identified through provincial transportation plans, preferred alignment(s) determined through the Environmental Assessment Act process, or identified through planning studies where the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Metrolinx, Ontario Ministry of Energy, Ontario Northland, Ministry of Northern Development or Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) or any successor to those ministries or entities is actively pursuing, or has completed, the identification of a corridor. Approaches for the protection of planned corridors may be recommended in guidelines developed by the Province. Portable asphalt plant: means a facility a)with equipment designed to heat and dry aggregate and to mix aggregate with bituminous asphalt to produce asphalt paving material, and includes stockpiling and storage of bulk materials used in the process; and b)which is not of permanent construction, but which is to be dismantled at the completion of the construction project. Portable concrete plant: means a building or structure a)with equipment designed to mix cementing materials, aggregate, water and admixtures to produce concrete, and includes stockpiling and storage of bulk materials used in the process; and b)which is not of permanent construction, but which is designed to be dismantled at the completion of the construction project. Prime agricultural area: means areas where prime agricultural lands predominate. This includes areas of prime agricultural lands and associated Canada Land Inventory Class 4 through 7 lands, and additional areas with a local concentration of farms which exhibit characteristics of ongoing agriculture. Prime agricultural areas may be identified by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, or by a planning authority based on provincial guidance. Prime agricultural land: means specialty crop areas and/or Canada Land Inventory Class 1, 2, and 3 lands, as amended from time to time, in this order of priority for protection. Private communal sewage services: means a sewage works within the meaning of section 1 of the Ontario Water Resources Act that serves six or more lots or private residences and is not owned by a municipality. Private communal water services: means a non-municipal drinking-water system within the meaning of section 2 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 that serves six or more lots or private residences. Protected heritage property: means •property designated under Part IV or VI of the Ontario Heritage Act; •property included in an area designated as a heritage conservation district under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act; •property subject to a heritage conservation easement or covenant under Part II or IV of the Ontario Heritage Act; •property identified by a provincial ministry or a prescribed public body as a property having cultural heritage value or interest under Part III.1 of the Ontario Heritage Act and the heritage standards and guidelines; •property with known archaeological resources in accordance with Part VI of the Ontario Heritage Act; •property protected under federal heritage legislation; and •UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 45 | Protection works standards: means the combination of non-structural or structural works and allowances for slope stability and flooding/erosion to reduce the damage caused by flooding hazards, erosion hazards and other water-related hazards, and to allow access for their maintenance and repair. Provincial and federal requirements: means a)in regard to policy 4.1.6, legislation and policies administered by the federal or provincial governments for the purpose of fisheries protection (including fish and fish habitat), and related, scientifically established standards such as water quality criteria for protecting lake trout populations; and b)in regard to policy 4.1.7, legislation and policies administered by the provincial government or federal government, where applicable, for the purpose of protecting species at risk and their habitat. Public service facilities: means land, buildings and structures, including but not limited to schools, hospitals and community recreation facilities, for the provision of programs and services provided or subsidized by a government or other body, such as social assistance, recreation, police and fire protection, health, child care and educational programs, including elementary, secondary, post-secondary, long-term care services, and cultural services. Public service facilities do not include infrastructure. Quality and quantity of water: is measured by indicators associated with hydrologic function such as minimum base flow, depth to water table, aquifer pressure, oxygen levels, suspended solids, temperature, bacteria, nutrients and hazardous contaminants, and hydrologic regime. Rail facilities: means rail corridors, rail sidings, train stations, inter-modal facilities, rail yards and associated uses, including designated lands for future rail facilities. Redevelopment: means the creation of new units, uses or lots on previously developed land in existing communities, including brownfield sites. Regional market area: refers to an area that has a high degree of social and economic interaction. The upper or single-tier municipality, or planning area, will normally serve as the regional market area. However, where a regional market area extends significantly beyond these boundaries, then the regional market area may be based on the larger market area. Where regional market areas are very large and sparsely populated, a smaller area, if defined in an official plan, may be utilized. Renewable energy source: means an energy source that is renewed by natural processes and includes wind, water, biomass, biogas, biofuel, solar energy, geothermal energy and tidal forces. Renewable energy system: means a system that generates electricity, heat and/or cooling from a renewable energy source. Reserve sewage system capacity: means design or planned capacity in a waste water treatment facility, within municipal sewage services or private communal sewage services, which is not yet committed to existing or approved development. For lot creation using private communal sewage services and individual on-site sewage services, reserve sewage system capacity includes approved capacity to treat and land-apply, treat and dispose of, or dispose of, hauled sewage in accordance with applicable legislation but not by land-applying untreated, hauled sewage. Treatment of hauled sewage can include, for example, a sewage treatment plant, anaerobic digestion, composting or other waste processing. Reserve water system capacity: means design or planned capacity in a water treatment facility which is not yet committed to existing or approved development. Reserve water system capacity applies to municipal water services or private communal water services, and not individual on-site water services. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 46 Residence surplus to an agricultural operation: means an existing habitable farm residence that is rendered surplus as a result of farm consolidation (the acquisition of additional farm parcels to be operated as one farm operation). River, stream and small inland lake systems: means all watercourses, rivers, streams, and small inland lakes or waterbodies that have a measurable or predictable response to a single runoff event. Rural areas: means a system of lands within municipalities that may include rural settlement areas, rural lands, prime agricultural areas, natural heritage features and areas, and resource areas. Rural lands: means lands which are located outside settlement areas and which are outside prime agricultural areas. Sensitive: in regard to surface water features and ground water features, means features that are particularly susceptible to impacts from activities or events including, but not limited to, water withdrawals, and additions of pollutants. Sensitive land uses: means buildings, amenity areas, or outdoor spaces where routine or normal activities occurring at reasonably expected times would experience one or more adverse effects from contaminant discharges generated by a nearby major facility. Sensitive land uses may be a part of the natural or built environment. Examples may include, but are not limited to: residences, day care centres, and educational and health facilities. Settlement areas: means urban areas and rural settlement areas within municipalities (such as cities, towns, villages and hamlets). Ontario’s settlement areas vary significantly in terms of size, density, population, economic activity, diversity and intensity of land uses, service levels, and types of infrastructure available. Settlement areas are: a)built-up areas where development is concentrated and which have a mix of land uses; and b)lands which have been designated in an official plan for development over the long term. Sewage and water services: includes municipal sewage services and municipal water services, private communal sewage services and private communal water services, individual on-site sewage services and individual on-site water services, and partial services. Significant: means a)in regard to wetlands, coastal wetlands and areas of natural and scientific interest, an area identified as provincially significant using evaluation criteria and procedures established by the Province, as amended from time to time; b)in regard to woodlands, an area which is ecologically important in terms of features such as species composition, age of trees and stand history; functionally important due to its contribution to the broader landscape because of its location, size or due to the amount of forest cover in the planning area; or economically important due to site quality, species composition, or past management history. These are to be identified using criteria and procedures established by the Province; c)in regard to other features and areas in policy 4.1, ecologically important in terms of features, functions, representation or amount, and contributing to the quality and diversity of an identifiable geographic area or natural heritage system; and d)in regard to mineral potential, an area identified as provincially significant through provincial guidance, such as the Provincially Significant Mineral Potential Index. Criteria for determining significance for the resources identified in section (c)-(d) are provided in provincial guidance, but municipal approaches that achieve or exceed the same objective may also be used. While some significant resources may already be identified and inventoried by official sources, the significance of others can only be determined after evaluation. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 47 | Site alteration: means activities, such as grading, excavation and the placement of fill that would change the landform and natural vegetative characteristics of a site. For the purposes of policy 4.1.4(a), site alteration does not include underground or surface mining of minerals or advanced exploration on mining lands in significant areas of mineral potential in Ecoregion 5E, where advanced exploration has the same meaning as in the Mining Act. Instead, those matters shall be subject to policy 4.1.5(a). Special Policy Area: means an area within a community that has historically existed in the flood plain and where site-specific policies, approved by both the Ministers of Natural Resources and Forestry and Municipal Affairs and Housing, are intended to provide for the continued viability of existing uses (which are generally on a small scale) and address the significant social and economic hardships to the community that would result from strict adherence to provincial policies concerning development. The criteria for designation and procedures for approval are established by the Province. A Special Policy Area is not intended to allow for new or intensified development and site alteration, if a community has feasible opportunities for development outside the flood plain. Specialty crop area: means areas within the agricultural land base designated based on provincial guidance. In these areas, specialty crops are predominantly grown such as tender fruits (peaches, cherries, plums), grapes, other fruit crops, vegetable crops, greenhouse crops, and crops from agriculturally developed organic soil, usually resulting from: a)soils that have suitability to produce specialty crops, or lands that are subject to special climatic conditions, or a combination of both; b)farmers skilled in the production of specialty crops; and c)a long-term investment of capital in areas such as crops, drainage, infrastructure and related facilities and services to produce, store, or process specialty crops. Strategic growth areas: means within settlement areas, nodes, corridors, and other areas that have been identified by municipalities to be the focus for accommodating intensification and higher- density mixed uses in a more compact built form. Strategic growth areas include major transit station areas, urban growth centres and other areas where growth or development will be focused, that may include infill, redevelopment, brownfield sites, the expansion or conversion of existing buildings, or greyfields. Lands along major roads, arterials, or other areas with existing or planned frequent transit service or higher order transit corridors may also be identified as strategic growth areas. Surface water feature: means water-related features on the earth’s surface, including headwaters, rivers, permanent and intermittent streams, inland lakes, seepage areas, recharge/discharge areas, springs, wetlands, and associated riparian lands that can be defined by their soil moisture, soil type, vegetation or topographic characteristics. Threatened species: means a species that is classified as “Threatened Species” on the Species at Risk in Ontario List, as updated and amended from time to time. Transit service integration: means the coordinated planning or operation of transit service between two or more agencies or services that contributes to the goal of seamless service for riders and could include considerations of service schedules, service routes, information, fare policy, and fare payment. Transit-supportive: in regard to land use patterns, means development that makes transit viable, optimizes investments in transit infrastructure, and improves the quality of the experience of using transit. It often refers to compact, mixed-use development that has a high level of employment and residential densities, including air rights development, in proximity to transit stations, corridors and associated elements within the transportation system. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 48 Transportation demand management: means a set of strategies that result in more efficient use of the transportation system by influencing travel behaviour by mode, time of day, frequency, trip length, regulation, route, or cost. Transportation system: means a system consisting of facilities, corridors and rights-of- way for the movement of people and goods, and associated transportation facilities including transit stops and stations, sidewalks, cycle lanes, bus lanes, high occupancy vehicle lanes, rail facilities, parking facilities, park’n’ride lots, service centres, rest stops, vehicle inspection stations, inter-modal facilities, harbours, airports, marine facilities, ferries, canals and associated facilities such as storage and maintenance. Two zone concept: means an approach to flood plain management where the flood plain is differentiated in two parts: the floodway and the flood fringe. Urban growth centres: means areas originally delineated in the official plan in effect as of [effective date] that were required to be identified as a result of the urban growth centre policies of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2019. It is anticipated that no new urban growth centres will be identified. Valleylands: means a natural area that occurs in a valley or other landform depression that has water flowing through or standing for some period of the year. Vulnerable: means surface and/or ground water that can be easily changed or impacted. Waste management system: means sites and facilities to accommodate solid waste from one or more municipalities and includes recycling facilities, transfer stations, processing sites and disposal sites. Watershed: means an area that is drained by a river and its tributaries. Watershed planning: means planning that provides a framework for establishing comprehensive and integrated goals, objectives, and direction for the protection, enhancement, or restoration of water resources, including the quality and quantity of water, within a watershed and for the assessment of cumulative, cross-jurisdictional, and cross-watershed impacts. It may inform the identification of water resource systems. Water resource systems: means a system consisting of ground water features and areas, surface water features (including shoreline areas), natural heritage features and areas, and hydrologic functions, which are necessary for the ecological and hydrological integrity of the watershed. Wave effects: means the movement of water up onto a shoreline or structure following the breaking of a wave, including wave uprush, wave set up and water overtopping or spray; the limit of wave effects is the point of furthest landward horizontal movement of water onto the shoreline. Wayside pits and quarries: means a temporary pit or quarry opened and used by or for a public authority solely for the purpose of a particular project or contract of road construction and not located on the road right- of-way. Wetlands: means lands that are seasonally or permanently covered by shallow water, as well as lands where the water table is close to or at the surface. In either case the presence of abundant water has caused the formation of hydric soils and has favoured the dominance of either hydrophytic plants or water tolerant plants. The four major types of wetlands are swamps, marshes, bogs and fens. Periodically soaked or wet lands being used for agricultural purposes which no longer exhibit wetland characteristics are not considered to be wetlands for the purposes of this definition. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 49 | Wildland fire assessment and mitigation standards: means the combination of risk assessment tools and environmentally appropriate mitigation measures identified by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to be incorporated into the design, construction and/or modification of buildings, structures, properties and/or communities to reduce the risk to public safety, infrastructure and property from wildland fire. Wildlife habitat: means areas where plants, animals and other organisms live, and find adequate amounts of food, water, shelter and space needed to sustain their populations. Specific wildlife habitats of concern may include areas where species concentrate at a vulnerable point in their annual or life cycle; and areas which are important to migratory or non-migratory species. Woodlands: means treed areas that provide environmental and economic benefits to both the private landowner and the general public, such as erosion prevention, hydrological and nutrient cycling, provision of clean air and the long-term storage of carbon, provision of wildlife habitat, outdoor recreational opportunities, and the sustainable harvest of a wide range of woodland products. Woodlands include treed areas, woodlots or forested areas and vary in their level of significance at the local, regional and provincial levels. Woodlands may be delineated according to the Forestry Act definition or the Province’s Ecological Land Classification system definition for “forest”. Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 50 9: Appendix – Schedule 1: List of Large and Fast Growing Municipalities Town of Ajax City of Barrie City of Brampton City of Brantford City of Burlington Town of Caledon City of Cambridge Municipality of Clarington City of Guelph City of Hamilton City of Kingston City of Kitchener City of London City of Markham Town of Milton City of Mississauga Town of Newmarket City of Niagara Falls Town of Oakville City of Oshawa City of Ottawa City of Pickering City of Richmond Hill City of St. Catharines City of Toronto City of Vaughan City of Waterloo Town of Whitby City of Windsor Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 51 | [PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] Proposed Provincial Planning Statement | 52 [PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 53 | © King’s Printer for Ontario, 2023. Disponible en français. July 4, 2023 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Via Email Re: Reducing Municipal Insurance Costs Please be advised that Council of the Town of Halton Hills at its meeting of Monday, June 19, 2023, adopted the following Resolution: WHEREAS escalating insurance costs are one of the Town of Halton Hills’ priorities; AND WHEREAS the Town of Halton Hills’ annual insurance premiums have increased from $594,404 (1.32% of taxes) to $2,073,319 (3.28% of taxes) from 2017 to 2023, representing an accumulated increase of 248.8% over this period; AND WHEREAS the annual increase to the Town of Halton Hills’ insurance premiums have been one of the most significant constraints in limiting yearly tax levy increases over the past seven years; AND WHEREAS Ontario Municipalities are experiencing higher insurance rates at each renewal with limited access to insurance companies willing to quote on municipal insurance needs; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Halton Hills Council calls on the Province to take action to reduce municipal insurance costs; AND FURTHER that this Resolution be forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, MPP Ted Arnott and all Ontario Municipalities for support. Attached for your information is a copy of Resolution No. 2023-0125. If you have any questions, please contact Valerie Petryniak, Town Clerk for the Town of Halton Hills at valeriep@haltonhills.ca. Sincerely, Melissa Lawr Deputy Clerk – Legislation cc. The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance The Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing The Honourable Ted Arnott, MPP Wellington-Halton Hills All Ontario Municipalities www.elgincounty.ca · 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 · (519) 631 - 1460 July 11, 2023 Hon. Stephen Lecce Minister of Education via email: stephen.lecce@pc.ola.org RE: Support for resolution from the Town of Petrolia recommending an amendment to the current regulations for licensed home-based childcare operators to increase allowable spaces Dear Minister Lecce, Please be advised that at their meeting on July 11, 2023, Elgin County Council considered correspondence received from the Council of the Town of Petrolia recommending that the Ministry of Education consider addressing concerns regarding the child care shortage in Petrolia, Lambton, and across the province, and passed the following resolution: “Moved by: Councillor Couckuyt Seconded by: Councillor Leatham RESOLVED THAT Elgin County Council supports the resolution from the Council of the Town of Petrolia recommending amendments to the current regulations for licensed home- based childcare operators to increase allowable spaces; and THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, Honourable Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community & Social Services, MPP Rob Flack, and the Municipalities of Ontario. Motion Carried.” A copy of the resolution received from the Town of Petrolia is attached for reference. Yours truly, Jenna Fentie Manager of Administrative Services/Deputy Clerk jfentie@elgin.ca cc Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario Hon. Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community & Social Services Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London Municipalities of Ontario Phone: (519)882-2350 Fax: (519)882-3373 Theatre: (800)717-7694 411 Greenfield Street, Petrolia, ON, N0N 1R0 www.town.petrolia.on.ca June 29, 2023 Hon. Stephen Lecce Minister of Education Stephen.Lecceco@pc.ola.org Via email RE: recommendation for amendment to the current regulations for licensed home-based childcare operators to increase allowable spaces. Dear Minister Lecce, During the June 26, 2023 regular meeting of council, council in response to recent publicly raised concern heard a report from staff in relation to the above, with the following resolution passed: Moved: Liz Welsh Seconded: Chad Hyatt WHEREAS in response the Petrolia Childcare Advocacy Group’s recent delegation to Council where they identified a shortage of child care spaces in the Town of Petrolia; and WHEREAS through additional research undertaken by the Town Staff, and in consultation with the County of Lambton Social Services, it has been further identified that there is an extreme shortage of child care spaces not only across the County but the Province as a whole; and WHEREAS in response to the identified need the County hosted a community information night to educate members of the public who may be able to offer a licensed home-based child care service; NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Town of Petrolia recommends to the Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, that in time for the 2023 school year amendment to the current regulations be made to allow licensed home-based child care operators the ability to provide two (2) before and after school care spaces to school aged children, in addition the permitted six (6) full time child care spaces; and THAT in an effort to attract and retain qualified early childhood educators, the Minister of Education, review the current wage bracket for early childhood educators with implementation of an increase to wages to align with the services provided; and THAT the province provides more capital based funding sources for the construction of new centre- based facilities; and THAT the province considers increasing the current goal of thirty-three percent (33%) access ratio, to align better with the current provincial situation and anticipated population growth over the next ten (10) years; and THAT these items be considered sooner rather than later, to assist in remedying the critical child care shortage experienced in Petrolia, Lambton, and across the province; and Phone: (519)882-2350 Fax: (519)882-3373 Theatre: (800)717-7694 411 Greenfield Street, Petrolia, ON, N0N 1R0 www.town.petrolia.on.ca THAT this recommendation be forwarded to Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario | Hon. Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community & Social Services | Mr. Bob Bailey, MPP of Sarnia-Lambton | Hon. Monte McNaughton, MPP of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex | Mr. Kevin Marriott, Warden of Lambton County | Municipalities of Ontario; Carried Kind regards, Original Signed Mandi Pearson Clerk/Operations Clerk cc: Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario premier@ontario.ca | Hon. Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community & Social Services Michael.Parsaco@pc.ola.org | Mr. Bob Bailey, MPP of Sarnia-Lambton bob.bailey@pc.ola.org | Hon. Monte McNaughton, MPP of Lambton-Kent- Middlesex Monte.McNaughtonco@pc.ola.org | Mr. Kevin Marriott, Warden of Lambton County Monte.McNaughtonco@pc.ola.org | Municipalities of Ontario Page 1 of 1   July 4, 2023 Hon. Frangois-Philippe Champagne PC MP Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Via email: ministerofisi-ministredeisi@ised-isde.gc.ca Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau PC MP Minister of Agriculture Via email: Marie-Claude.Bibeau@parl.gc.ca  Dear Ministers: Re: Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury – The Right-to-Repair Movement Please be advised that, at its meeting of June 27, 2023 the Council of The Corporation of the City of Port Colborne resolved as follows: That correspondence from the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury regarding The Right- to-Repair Movement Condition be supported. A copy of the above noted resolution is enclosed for your reference. Sincerely, Charlotte Madden City Clerk cc. Federation of Canadian Municipalities Association of Municipalities of Ontario Ontario's Municipal Councils Municipal Offices: 66 Charlotte Street    Port Colborne, Ontario L3K 3C8 ∙ www.portcolborne.ca  T 905.835.2900 ext 106 F 905.834.5746   E  charlotte.madden@portcolborne.ca      Corporate Services Department  Legislative Services Division  At its Regular meeting of Council held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Council approved the following resolution: Resolution: 2023-199 Moved: Councillor Verkaik Seconded: Councillor Harper Whereas the "right-to-repair" movement seeks to ensure consumers of electronic products, including mobile phones and computers, as well as agricultural equipment, are able to make routine fixes to damaged products without having to rely on the manufacturer and to affordably make such repairs; and Whereas this movement and efforts against "planned obsolescence" seeks to ensure affordability for consumers and to protect our environment by reducing electronic waste; and Whereas the agricultural sector has unique needs related to specialized electronic farm equipment and the ability to make repairs in a timely and affordable manner, especially during the growing season; and Further to a commitment in the 2023 federal budget that "the government will work to implement a right to repair, with the aim of introducing a targeted framework for home appliances and electronics in 2024. The government will launch consultations this summer, including on the right to repair and the interoperability of farming equipment, and work closely with provinces and territories to advance the implementation of a right to repair" (p. 38); and Be it therefore resolved that the committee recommend Council endorse the right-to- repair movement through a letter from the Mayor and Green Initiatives Committee Chair to call on the federal government to expedite the promised consultations to enshrine this principle in consumer-protection law, with specific consultations and measures related to supporting the agricultural sector undertaken; and That a copy of this resolution and letter be shared with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development; the Minister of Agriculture and their critics; and the Member of Parliament for York-Simcoe; and to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and Ontario's Municipal Councils, with a request for their endorsement of same. Result: CARRIED. www.townofbwg.com Page 3 of 3 The Corporation of the Township of Georgian Bluffs 1 | Township of Georgian Bluffs | 177964 Grey Road 18, R.R. #3, Owen Sound ON N4K 5N5 www.georgianbluffs.ca | P: 519-376-2729 June 9, 2023 Re: Letter of Support - United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry - Bill 23 This is to advise that Council for the Township of Georgian Bluffs passed the following resolution on the June 7, 2023, meeting of Council: RES2023-121 Moved by: Deputy Mayor Grant Pringle Seconded by: Councillor Isaac Shouldice That staff be directed to forward a letter of support for the resolution passed by the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry regarding Bill 23. Carried Thank you, Rayburn Murray Legislative Services Coordinator CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF ESSEX 33 Talbot Street South, Essex, Ontario, N8M 1A8 p: 519.776.7336 f: 519.776.8811 | essex.ca Honourable Doug Ford Premier of Ontario Legislative Building, Queen’s Park Toronto ON, M7A 1A1 premier@ontario.ca June 19, 2023 BY EMAIL RE: Local Emergency Response System and Gaps in Healthcare regarding Code Red and Code Black Frequency Dear Honourable Doug Ford, Further to Town of Essex resolution number R23-05-203 passed on May 15, 2023, we enclose a letter from Town of Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy for your review and consideration. Yours truly, Joseph Malandruccolo Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk jmalandruccolo@essex.ca encl. c.c. Mary Birch, County of Essex mbirch@countyofessex.ca Anthony Leardi, MPP anthony.leardi@pc.ola.org Lisa Gretzky, MPP lgretzky-co@ndp.on.ca CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF ESSEX 33 Talbot Street South, Essex, Ontario, N8M 1A8 p: 519.776.7336 f: 519.776.8811 | essex.ca 2 Andrew Dowie, MPP andrew.dowie@pc.ola.org Marit Stiles, MPP Mstiles-op@ndp.on.ca Chris Lewis, MP chris.lewis@parl.gc.ca All other municipalities in Ontario CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF ESSEX 33 Talbot Street South, Essex, Ontario, N8M 1A8 p: 519.776.7336 f: 519.776.8811 | essex.ca Dear Honourable Doug Ford, The Town of Essex Council hereby appeals to the province of Ontario to acknowledge the challenges faced by our local emergency response system and take decisive action to resolve the gaps in our healthcare. While we recognize that our situation is not unique, we believe that it is essential to draw attention to our persistent Code Red and Code Black conditions, which are primarily caused by an insufficient number of hospitals beds, medical personnel, and resources. Windsor and Essex County residents ought to have confidence that when they dial 911 it will elicit a prompt ambulance response for emergency situations. Local healthcare providers are engaging various initiatives such as a paramedic offload program, offload to the waiting room for assessment and triage of less severe medical matters, diversion to another hospital for low acuity cases, and the Essex-Windsor EMS paramedic patient navigator to monitor and manage dispatch. Nevertheless, these initiatives alone have been unable to curb the escalation of Code Red and Code Black frequency, signifying few or no ambulances available for emergencies. In the year 2021, Windsor-Essex experienced a cumulative of 3253 minutes in Code Red and 791 minutes in Code Black. In 2022, the period subjected to Code Red increased significantly to 8086 minutes, whereas Code Black saw 2257 minutes. In March 2023, just three months into the year, the community has clocked 864 Code Red minutes already plus another 2257 Code Black minutes. We implore the authorities to apply an immediate and comprehensive review of our hospital offload delays and staffing crisis in our front line. Ambulance offload processes and hospital volumes are merely two contributing factors, if nothing tangible is done, local families risk experiencing catastrophic consequences. Our former Warden, McNamara, declared an emergency on ambulance unavailability in October 2022 linked to hospital admission delays; to date, this emergency situation still holds with no decrease in Code Reds and Code Blacks. We require a holistic solution to address our hospital deficiencies and healthcare shortcomings on an underlying basis. In addition, the Town of Essex Council request that the province of Ontario conduct a review of projected population growth and aging in Windsor – Essex and increase health care capacity to match our present and future needs. CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF ESSEX 33 Talbot Street South, Essex, Ontario, N8M 1A8 p: 519.776.7336 f: 519.776.8811 | essex.ca 2 Therefore, the Town of Essex Council requests that the province of Ontario recognize the dangerous strain facing our local emergency response infrastructure and urgently work to address these gaps in our healthcare system. Sincerely, Sherry Bondy Mayor Town of Essex Quality and Safety – As part of our ongoing commitment to quality improvement, AHI and TDMH participated in the Accreditation Canada survey process in January 2023. Each hospital received the final award of Accredited with Commendation. This award means that an organization has surpassed the fundamental requirements of the Accreditation Program. Our 2023-2024 Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) is in alignment with Health Quality Ontario and will be focusing on:  Improving our patient experience by ensuring our patients have enough information about what to do if they are worried about their condition or treatment after they leave the hospital (information will be obtained through our patient experience surveys)  Increasing medication safety by ensuring medication lists are reconciled with home and hospital medications when leaving the hospital (i.e. increasing compliance to Medication Reconciliation at Discharge)  Decreasing workplace violence (by encouraging our team members to report violent events such that system factors can be improved) In the coming year, we are internally working on developing a robust Quality Management System; and we will collaborate with our Oxford Ontario Health Team (OHT) partners on quality improvement activities. Advancement of our Electronic Health Record—This year the Joint Board of Directors approved the advancement to the next phase of our electronic health record, namely Cerner One Chart Phase II, Wave 1. We are grateful to our AH and TDMH Hospital Foundations for approving to support the capital costs related to this expansion. This expansion allows us to be in lock step with other partnering hospitals in Southwest Ontario as they too expand their electronic health record. Infrastructure Improvements— At AHI, we have completed the service elevator modernization project, and the two year project to upgrade/expand our Emergency Power Standby Generation and Distribution systems (the latter resulting in two massive generators to support back up emergency power). At TDMH, we have completed a major roof replacement over our operating rooms. Recruitment, Retention and the Importance of Wellness—Ontario hospitals continue to experience unprecedented staffing challenges. AHI and TDMH are grateful to our local and regional teams for their strong support. We have implemented creative ways to attract people to join our teams. We have also focused on the importance of wellness with a staff-led wellness committee—that have come up with great ideas to support the health and wellness of our team members! In closing, we would like to acknowledge the incredible dedication demonstrated by hospital leaders, staff, physicians, volunteers and our Foundations. To our amazing communities, thank you for your endless support and positive wishes. ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL, INGERSOLL 29 Noxon St., Ingersoll, ON N5C 1B8 Phone: 519-485-1732 Fax: 519-485-9606 www.alexandrahospital.on.ca TILLSONBURG DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 167 Rolph St., Tillsonburg, ON N4G 3Y9 Phone: 519-842-3611 Fax: 519-842-6733 www.tillsonburghospital.on.ca Diane Kleer, TDMH Chair ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023 MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIRS AND PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This past year has brought with it many exciting advancements at Alexandra Hospital, Ingersoll (AHI) and Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital (TDMH): Don Campbell, AHI Chair Nadia, Facca, President & CEO Dr. Punkuj Chawla, Chief of Staff, AHI As we emerge post-war on COVID-19, healthcare across Canada faces unprecedented shortages in human healthcare resources. Many nurses and physicians have retired or left the profession due to burnout, while demand for healthcare increases insurmountably. Many emergency rooms across Ontario and Canada have been forced to close due to nursing/physician shortages, our team met the challenge showing incredible commitment to their colleagues and community, keeping our doors open last summer and into the winter months. AHI now has a prominent seat at the decision table with major healthcare partners in our region, finding solutions to the crisis in emergency and inpatient services; our voice is being heard to ensure AHI’s longevity. We continue to stay current with evolving knowledge and skills. Paediatric simulation training was brought to AHI. Our teams obtained Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training for improved security measures to safeguard patients and staff. We are a leader in our electronic health record which improves accuracy in documentation for the patients we serve. As others join us with computerized record dictation, we forge ahead as leaders with a plan to launch Phase II of our electronic chart, propelling AHI further into the future of medical documentation. During the fall and winter, hospital staff were engaged in preparations for Accreditation, achieving Accreditation with Commendation in January. As we move our position forward in Oxford County, hospital staff have been engaged in exploring the potential of further integration with TDMH, as well as strengthening our relationships with other regional hospitals as well. As the new Chief of Staff, I want to thank all of our front-line workers at AHI and partners in Oxford County for a long and tiring fight. As we navigate through a post pandemic era, the waters remain rough, but we are mighty. We may be small but our staff is strong and committed to our community and the patients we serve. Chin up Alexandra Hospital, and The Town of Ingersoll, as we keep moving forward into the coming year. Dr. Clay Inculet, Chief of Staff TDMH This is my first annual report as Chief of Staff at TDMH since accepting the position in July 2022. I would like to thank the Medical Staff, Leadership Team, Nursing, Allied Health Practitioners and Environmental Services Teams for their commitment to our hospital and community. This past year has provided both significant rewards and challenges. Physician and human health resource recruitment remain to be a critical theme and we continue to collaborate with the Town of Tillsonburg in this endeavour. This year TDMH has welcomed three new physicians: Dr. Dueck (Family Practice/ED), Dr. Ijaz (Internal Medicine) and Dr. Tharmalingam (General Surgery). The professional staff roster currently includes Drs. Abdalla, Hayat, Ijaz and Yao of Internal Medicine; Dr. Crosby, Dr. Tharmalingam and myself from Surgery. Emergency Department Physicians include Drs. Sohla, Butchey, Dueck, Chowdhury, Haj-Bakri, Heeney, Holowachuk and Sohal, who continue to work tirelessly to keep the Emergency Department open 24/7 with the assistance of Health-Force Ontario Physicians. The Surgical Program continues to grow with expansion of Orthopaedic same day joint replacement and the recruitment of Dr. Tharmalingam in general surgery. This local surgical expertise keeps quality healthcare closer to home in the community. The entire Medical Staff deserve recognition for their efforts in maintaining Emergency, Inpatient and Surgery coverage during these challenging times. It is truly these individuals, equally with the exemplary nursing staff and allied health practitioners, that continue to support a quality of community health care renowned at TDMH. Alexandra Hospital, Ingersoll Statement of Operations ending March 31, 2023 Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital Statement of Operations ending March 31, 2023 LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY Board of Directors Meeting Minutes of June 7, 2023 Approved July 5, 2023 FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Tom Masschaele, Stewart Patterson, John Scholten, Rainey Weisler, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 1 - Members in attendance: John Scholten, Chair Township of Norwich Michael Columbus, Vice-Chair Norfolk County Shelley Ann Bentley Haldimand County Dave Beres Town of Tillsonburg Doug Brunton Norfolk County Robert Chambers County of Brant Tom Masschaele Norfolk County Stewart Patterson Haldimand County Chris Van Paassen Norfolk County Rainey Weisler Municipality of Bayham/Township of Malahide Peter Ypma Township of South-West Oxford Regrets: None Staff in attendance: Judy Maxwell, General Manager Aaron LeDuc, Manager of Corporate Services Leigh-Anne Mauthe, Interim Manager of Watershed Services Zachary Cox, Interim Marketing Coordinator Dana McLachlan, Executive Assistant 1. Welcome and Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 7, 2023. 2. Additional Agenda Items There were no additional agenda items. 3. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest None were declared. 4. Delegation a) Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club (Sherri Shira) The Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club (TPMBC) is a not for profit organization consisting of trail bike riders with an annual membership ranging between 400 and 600 members. The TPMBC operates within the International Mountain Biking Association guidelines. FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Tom Masschaele, Stewart Patterson, John Scholten, Rainey Weisler, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 2 - There has been an agreement between LPRCA and the TPMBC since 2012 to access the Anderson tract for bike trails. The current agreement ends later this year and Ms. Schira offered an apology on behalf of the TPMBC for not seeking approval for the previous misunderstanding regarding trail development on LPRCA land. The TPMBC advised that they are committed to working with LPRCA staff to be able to obtain a new agreement to continue trail riding activities within the Anderson tract. Two cheques totaling $3,000 were presented by Club President, Claude LaPrairie, to General Manager, Judy Maxwell, to help with the invasive species control within the Anderson tract. A-53/23 Moved by T. Masschaele Seconded by P. Ypma THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors receives the presentation from the Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club as information. Carried 5. Minutes of the Previous Meeting a) Board of Directors Meeting of April 5, 2023 There were no questions or comments. A-54/23 Moved by D. Beres Seconded by Rainey Weisler THAT the minutes of the LPRCA Board of Directors Meeting held May 3, 2023 be adopted as circulated. Carried 6. Business Arising No business arising from the previous minutes. 7. Review of Committee Minutes a) Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee – December 16, 2022 There were no questions or comments. FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Tom Masschaele, Stewart Patterson, John Scholten, Rainey Weisler, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 3 - A-55/23 Moved by M. Columbus Seconded by S. Patterson THAT the minutes of the Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee meeting held December 16, 2022 be adopted as circulated. Carried b) Draft Audit and Finance Committee – May 18, 2023 A-56/23 Moved by Rainey Weisler Seconded by C. Van Paassen THAT the draft minutes of the Audit and Finance Committee meeting held May 19, 2023 be adopted as circulated. Carried 8. Correspondence There was no correspondence presented for review. 9. Development Applications a) Section 28 Regulations Approved Permits Through the General Manager’s delegating authority, 24 applications were approved in the past month. LPRCA-58/23, LPRCA-70/23, LPRCA-72/23, LPRCA-82/23, LPRCA-83/23, LPRCA-84/23, LPRCA-85/23, LPRCA-86/23, LPRCA-87/23, LPRCA-88/23, LPRCA-89/23, LPRCA-90/23, LPRCA-91/23, LPRCA-92/23, LPRCA-93/23, LPRCA-94/23, LPRCA-95/23, LPRCA-96/23, LPRCA-97/23, LPRCA-98/23, LPRCA-99/23, LPRCA-100/23, LPRCA-101/23, and LPRCA-102/23. All of the staff-approved applications met the requirements as set out in LPRCA’s policies for the administration of Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act. A-57/23 Moved by S. Bentley Seconded by P. Ypma THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors receives the Section 28 Regulations Approved Permits report dated June 7, 2023 as information. Carried FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Tom Masschaele, Stewart Patterson, John Scholten, Rainey Weisler, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 4 - 10. New Business a) General Manager’s Report The General Manager provided an overview of operations this past month. The Planning Department issued 63 permits as at May 31, 2023, down slightly from last year, has provided comments to municipal staff on 58 planning applications. Sarah Pointer has been hired as the Curator at Backus. A board member asked how staffing at the parks was this year. The board was notified that staffing is much better than it has been over the last couple of years but there are still a couple of positions to be filled. Also, there were two recent resignations by a park supervisor and assistant park supervisor that will need to be filled. A-58/23 Moved by Rainey Weisler Seconded by C. Van Paassen That the LPRCA Board of Directors receives the General Manager’s Report for May 2023 as information. Carried b) Cost Apportioning Agreements for Category 3 Programs and Services To comply with the amended Conservation Authorities Act, LPRCA completed an Inventory of Programs and Services and categorized the programs and services into three categories. Under the new regulations, Category 3, other programs and services that LPRCA determines are advisable, can only be funded in whole or in part with municipal levy only if there is a cost-apportioning agreement with each municipality. A-59/23 Moved by S. Patterson Seconded by D. Brunton THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors direct staff to request feedback from municipal staff on the draft Cost Apportioning Agreement for Category 3 Programs and Services prior to its circulation to Member Municipal Councils for consideration. Carried c) Legislative Update and Comments – ERO Posting 019-6813 On April 6, the government released a proposed Provincial Planning Statement to replace the Provincial Policy Statement and A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Tom Masschaele, Stewart Patterson, John Scholten, Rainey Weisler, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 5 - Greater Golden Horseshoe. The Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) post was open for a 60-day commenting period due to close June 5, 2023. The deadline has since been extended to August 4, 2023. Comments were submitted by LPRCA to the ERO prior to the deadline and can be found in the staff report to the board. A-60/23 Moved by T. Masschaele Seconded by D. Beres THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors receives the “Review of proposed policies adapted from A Place to Grow and Provincial Policy Statement to form a new provincial planning policy instrument” and the associated submission to the Environmental Registry of Ontario as information. Carried d) Audit and Finance Committee Terms of Reference The current Audit and Finance Committee Terms of Reference is included in the Personnel Policy, Part 2, Section 32. The objective is to update the Terms of Reference to align with the Administrative By-Law and remove it from the Personnel Policy as a separate policy. The Draft Terms of Reference was presented and approved to be forwarded to the Board for approval at the May 18, 2023 Audit and Finance Committee meeting. A-61/23 Moved by D. Beres Seconded by R. Weisler THAT the Audit and Finance Committee Terms of Reference Part 2 Section 32 of the LPRCA Personnel Policy be removed; AND THAT the Draft Audit and Finance Committee Terms of Reference be approved as presented. Carried e) Education Centre Exterior Upgrades The Conservation Education Centre was built in 1991. Various repairs and upgrades have been achieved with funding from grants and donations. A barrier free ramp, FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Tom Masschaele, Stewart Patterson, John Scholten, Rainey Weisler, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 6 - accessible entrance doors and two washrooms were upgraded with funding received from the Enabling Accessibility Grant Program. The renovation of the classroom, exhibit area and meeting space, upgraded electrical and lighting, new flooring, and new signage were funded by the Tourism Relief Fund in 2022. To continue with the upgrades, staff requested quotes from contractors and was able to obtain one from PK Construction who had the contract for the accessibility upgrades. A-62/23 Moved by C. Van Paassen Seconded by P. Ypma THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approves retaining PK Construction Inc. for the replacement of the concrete entrance stairs, new steel rail guards to the elevated landing, and barrier free ramp for $30,500, AND THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approves retaining PK Construction Inc. for the replacement of existing louvres and flashing around the dormers, cupolas, and gable ends for $28,600, AND THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approves the use of $50,880 from the Education Centre Internally Restricted Reserve and $8,220 from the Backus Woods Endowment Fund deferred interest revenue. Carried f) Big Otter Creek Floodplain Mapping Study - RFP The floodplain mapping project consists of mapping a portion of the Big Otter Creek from Tillsonburg to Calton Line in the Municipality of Bayham. Mapping for the Big Otter Creek from Norwich to Tillsonburg and Calton Line to Port Burwell was completed in 2020. The updated flood hazard mapping will support the flood forecasting and warning in flood-prone communities, and the MNRF Lake Erie Management Unit’s fish habitat studies on Big Otter Creek. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued for the Big Otter Creek Floodplain Mapping Study and 10 proposals were received by the deadline. All of the proposals met the RFP requirements and, as a result of the evaluation process, staff recommended the tender be awarded to Aquafor Beech Limited. The project was included in the 2023 Approved Capital Budget to be funded 50/50 in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests (MNRF) Lake Erie FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Shelley Ann Bentley, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Tom Masschaele, Stewart Patterson, John Scholten, Rainey Weisler, Chris Van Paassen, Peter Ypma - 7 - Management Unit. The MNRF Lake Erie Management Unit has received additional funding and their commitment is $40,000 or 76% of the approved budget. A-63/23 Moved by Rainey Weisler Seconded by D. Beres THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approve retaining Aquafor Beech Ltd. for engineering services to complete the Big Otter Creek Floodplain Mapping Study at a cost of $51,930 exclusive of HST. Carried The closed session began at 8:05 p.m. 11. Closed Session A-64/23 Moved by R. Weisler Seconded by S. Patterson THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors does now enter into a closed session to discuss:  A position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the Authority Carried The board reconvened in open session at 8:58 p.m. The closed meeting minutes of May 3, 2023 was approved in the closed session. Adjournment The Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. _______________________________ ________________________________ John Scholten Judy Maxwell Chair General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer /dm Elgin County Council warmly welcomed Inspector Jennifer Neamtz as the new Detachment Commander of Elgin County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Inspector Neamtz officially assumed command on June 6, 2023, following her stint as the Interim Detachment Commander at Norfolk County. With 18 years of experience in Haldimand County and the Peterborough area, Inspector Neamtz has also served as Detachment Commander in the remote northern Indigenous community of Pikangikum, where she earned the 2020 Ontario Women in Law Enforcement Award for developing a community-based suicide prevention program. LEADING WITH EXCELLENCE: INSPECTORJENNIFER NEAMTZ TAKES THE HELM OF ELGIN COUNTY OPP PAGE 01ELGIN COUNTY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS COUNCILHIGHLIGHTS TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2023 IN THIS ISSUE: Leading with Excellence: Inspector Jennifer Neamtz Takes the Helm of Elgin County OPP Building Hope: Hospice of Elgin Plans to Bring Compassionate Care to Our Community Terrace Lodge Fundraising Report Unveils Community's Generosity Navigating Land Use and Building Regulations in the Municipality of Bayham Long-Term Care Homes Update CAO & Engineer Recruitment In her address to Council, Inspector Neamtz expressed her eagerness to work together in the coming years and welcomed the opportunity to speak with Councillors at any time to better understand the pulse of the Elgin County community. ELGIN COUNTY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 02 During the recent Elgin County Council meeting, Laura Sherwood, Director of Hospice Partnership for Hospice of Elgin, presented a comprehensive update on the progress made towards establishing a hospice in our local community. Ms. Sherwood emphasized the urgent need for a hospice in Elgin County, given its aging demographic, gaps in the healthcare system, and the mounting pressure on end-of-life care services. Since the last update in 2019, Hospice of Elgin has acquired a centrally located property at 8 South Edgeware Road, which is expected to open its doors in 2024. The hospice will offer more than just beds, but a cottage-like environment with a palliative care clinic, family suites, children's space, and ten private suites with balconies. BUILDING HOPE: HOSPICE OF ELGIN PLANS TO BRING COMPASSIONATE CARE TO OUR COMMUNITY Councillor Dominique Giguère, Chair of the Terrace Lodge Redevelopment Fundraising Committee presented Council with the 2022 Annual Comforts of Home Campaign Fundraising Report. This report provides a summary of the Fundraising Committee’s 2022 activities and accomplishments. Councillor Giguère encouraged her fellow Council members to share the fundraising opportunities with their friends, families, and community groups to continue the journey towards reaching 2023's fundraising goals. TERRACE LODGE FUNDRAISING REPORT UNVEILS COMMUNITY'S GENEROSITY It is estimated that the hospice will provide annual care for 500 individuals and families, create job opportunities for several people, and rely on the support of 200 volunteers from the community. The hospice will help provide care where and when individuals need it. Council members directed staff to consider Hospice of Elgin's request for $300K/year for four years during the 2024 budget deliberations. Conceptual Drawing for Hospice of Elgin On April 20, 2023, the Municipality of Bayham's Council passed OPA No. 32. This amendment aims to add a new section to the Municipality's OP, specifically Section 2.1.5, which grants site-specific permission for an electrical services business to operate as an on-farm diversified use. However, the establishment should be within a building that is not larger than 520 square metres. Moreover, the amendment proposes a redesignation of the lands from "Agriculture" to "Site Specific Agriculture" to accommodate the intended changes. It is worth noting that the applicant constructed the proposed use, including a single detached dwelling, without obtaining the necessary planning and building permissions. As a result, the applicant submitted the proposed OPA to legalize the use of the property. Staff from the Municipality of Bayham have recommended rejecting the application due to its inconsistency with the Provincial Policy Statement and failure to comply with the intent of Bayham's Official Plan. Elgin County Council directed staff to work with local municipal partners to investigate ways to promote adherence to the approved building inspection process. ELGIN COUNTY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 03 NAVIGATING LAND USE AND BUILDING REGULATIONS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM Michele Harris, Director of Homes & Seniors Services presented Council with three reports related to Elgin’s three (3) Long-Term Care Homes (Homes). Hiring of Additional Administrative Staff Elgin’s three (3) Homes will be implementing a new software to assist with scheduling and robocall, beginning this September. As a result, this implementation process has demonstrated the need to hire additional administrative staff support for training, set up, testing and implementation of the software. Council approved continuing the current temporary part-time administrative support position for seven (7) more months. LONG-TERM CARE HOMES UPDATE ELGIN COUNTY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 04 @ELGINCOUNTYADMIN ELGINCOUNTY.CA For the complete June 27, 2023, County Council Agenda Package, please visit the Elgin County website. MISSED A MEETING... To watch previous Council Meetings, please visit our YouTube page or read our past Council Highlights. STAY CONNECTED WITH US Homes Policy & Procedure Manual Updates Elgin County Homes and Seniors Services policy and procedure manuals are regularly reviewed to ensure their alignment and compliance with current Ministry of Long-Term Care legislation. The Fixing Long-Term Care Act Phase II Regulations were recently released and are now in force. As a result, all Homes policies and procedures that focus on staffing qualifications, medication management and drug administration, and the resident experience, have been updated. COVID-19 Policy Updates In March, Administration policy “1.35 Visitors and Residents Absences During a Pandemic” was updated to support the removal of visitor COVID- 19 vaccination requirements with a shift to strongly encouraging vaccination including medically recommended booster doses. Seeing as there has not been an increase in COVID-19 cases/outbreaks across the Homes since March 2023, Council approved updating policy 2.10 Immunization – Staff COVID–19 to remove the mandatory vaccination requirement for staff with a shift to strongly encouraging COVID-19 vaccination including medically recommended boosters. It should be noted that if there are future provincial directives related to COVID-19 vaccination, staff will return to Council with updated information. Elgin County Council directed staff to proceed with recruiting for a permanent CAO and a County Engineer. CAO & ENGINEER RECRUITMENT The County of Elgin frequently receives requests from community groups and organizations for flag raisings and proclamations to promote their programs or initiatives and raise public awareness. Elgin's Community Flag Raising and Flag Protocol Policy states, "Elgin County Council reserves the right to determine which flags will be displayed at the County Administration Building and will strive to accommodate and provide opportunities for community groups to display their flags.” County Council approved two requests for proclamations and flag raisings at their July 11 meeting. Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition The Coalition requested that July 16-22, 2023, be proclaimed Drowning Prevention Week, and their flag be raised on July 19, 2023. This aligns with the National Drowning Prevention Week of the Lifesaving Society of Canada. Childcan Dave and Maureen Jenkins, representing Childcan, have also requested the County to raise a flag and proclaim September 2023 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. FLAGS OF CHANGE: EMPOWERING COMMUNITYINITIATIVES AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS ACROSS ELGIN PAGE 01ELGIN COUNTY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS COUNCILHIGHLIGHTS TUESDAY, JULY 11 , 2023 IN THIS ISSUE: Flags of Change: Empowering Community Initiatives and Awareness Campaigns Across Elgin Planning Updates Preserving Elgin's History in the Digital Age ELGIN COUNTY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 02 Approval of Official Plan Amendment No. 22 to the Official Plan of the Town of Aylmer. This amendment aims to alter the land use classification at 230 John Street in Aylmer from "Highway Commercial" to "Residential," allowing the former hardware store property to be utilized for multi-residential purposes. Approved a revised Draft Plan of Subdivision prepared by MTE Ontario Land Surveyors in the Municipality of Central Elgin. This revision removes Block 183 from the Draft Plan of Subdivision as a result of Thames Valley District School Board expropriating lands to build a new school in the town of Belmont. Elgin's Acting Manager of Planning, Paul Hicks, provided Council with two planning-related reports. Council granted approval to the following planning matters: PLANNING UPDATES Elgin's Archives department is currently digitizing a large volume of its records, which is maximizing storage capacity on County servers. If an alternative solution is not found soon, this issue could potentially compromise or completely disable the functionality of other critical County applications. Community & Cultural Services staff have suggested moving Archives and Museum software, along with associated digital image and text files, to the Cloud to alleviate this issue. County Council has approved an agreement with Andornot Consulting Inc. for Cloud hosting and software services. PRESERVING ELGIN'S HISTORY IN THE DIGITAL AGE For the complete July 11, 2023, County Council Agenda Package, please visit the Elgin County website. June 14, 2023 Thomas Thayer, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk Municipality of Bayham via email: cao@bayham.on.ca Re: Village of Vienna Speed Limit Amendment Dear Mr. Thayer, At its meeting on June 13, 2023 Elgin County Council considered at staff report recommending an amendment to the County’s Reduced Speed Zone By-Law in order to address concerns in the Village of Vienna, and passed the following resolution: “Moved by: Councillor Noble Seconded by: Councillor Sloan RESOLVED THAT the report titled “Village of Vienna Speed Limit” dated May 25, 2023 from the Manager of Transportation Services be received and filed; and THAT the Reduced Speed Zone By-Law, Schedule C, be amended as follows” - County Road 19, Section C, from 755 metres south of the north property line of Light Line to 200 metres north of the north property line of Light Line. Carried.” A copy of the staff report and by-law amendment are attached. If you require further information, please contact Peter Dutchak, Manager of Transportation Services at pdutchak@elgin.ca Yours truly, Jenna Fentie Manager of Administrative Services/Deputy Clerk jfentie@elgin.ca cc Inspector Jennifer Neamtz, Detachment Commander, Elgin OPP Peter Dutchak, Manager of Transportation Services 1 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Peter Dutchak, Manager of Transportation Services DATE: May 25, 2023 SUBJECT: Village of Vienna Speed Limit RECOMMENDATIONS: THAT the report titled, “Village of Vienna Speed Limit” from the Manager of Transportation, dated May 25th, 2023 be received and filed; and, THAT the Reduced Speed Zone By-law, Schedule ‘C’ be amended as follows: County Road 19, section C, from 755 metres south of the north property line of Light Line to 200 metres north of the north property line of Light Line be established as a 60km/h reduced speed zone. INTRODUCTION: At their May 23rd, 2023 meeting, County Council passed the following resolution: RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to conduct a speed and traffic study on Plank Road at Chute Line in Vienna; and THAT staff be directed to review the 50km/hr speed limit zone on Plank Road at Light Line in Vienna; and THAT staff be directed to report its findings to County Council at a future meeting. This report will provide existing traffic study data as requested and recommend a reduced speed zone to encompass the settlement area of the Village of Vienna. DISCUSSION: Plank Road (CR19) near the Village of Vienna has an annual daily traffic volume of approximately 3,000 during summer months. This volume drops to approximately 2,500 daily during other times of the year. Plank Road north of Vienna has a functional classification as a Rural Minor Arterial roadway, meaning its primary purpose is traffic movement and to provide connections to other arterial roadways and urban centres. 2 In response to the request from the Municipality of Bayham and as directed by County Council, staff deployed traffic counters at two locations on Plank Road north of Chute Line and those findings are detailed in the table below: Location within the Village of Vienna Average Daily Traffic Volume Average Speed (km/h) 85th Percentile Speed (km/h) Plank Road south of Chute Line 2259 54 63 Plank Road 500m north of Chute Line 2624 73 83 The collected data suggests that traffic tends to slow as it enters the main part of the village as drivers negotiate the horizontal and vertical curves north of the Big Otter Creek, however, most vehicles are exceeding the 50km/h posted speed limit. Reduced speed zones along Elgin’s road network are recommended in “Built Up Areas” as defined by the Highway Traffic Act. That definition considers the percentage of physical building density adjacent to and fronting a highway. The existing building density north of the current 50km/h reduced speed zone does not satisfy this definition since these older building lots can be up to 40m wide, some of the properties front onto Soper Road and the St. Luke’s Cemetery located on the east side of Plank Road is considered as open land within this definition. For these reasons, the existing 50km/h zone has been established where it currently exists. Although a reduced speed zone is not normally recommended where there is insufficient adjacent development to satisfy the “Built Up Area” definition, consideration can be given to the fact that this section of Plank Road resides within the Village of Vienna settlement limits. In order to address the expressed resident concerns and in an attempt to alter driver behaviour within the Village of Vienna limits, staff recommends establishing a 60km/h zone, starting where the current 50km/h zone begins and extending northerly to the settlement limits, being 200m north of Light Line. A new 955m long 60km/h zone transition to the existing 50km/h zone will provide a reasonable speed limit for drivers who tend to travel at speeds they feel comfortable and safe travelling at. This new recommended 60km/h speed zone is detailed on the attached map. 3 ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: Serving Elgin Growing Elgin Investing in Elgin ☒ Ensuring alignment of current programs and services with community need. ☒ Exploring different ways of addressing community need. ☐ Engaging with our community and other stakeholders. ☐ Planning for and facilitating commercial, industrial, residential, and agricultural growth. ☐ Fostering a healthy environment. ☐ Enhancing quality of place. ☐ Ensuring we have the necessary tools, resources, and infrastructure to deliver programs and services now and in the future. ☒ Delivering mandated programs and services efficiently and effectively. LOCAL MUNICIPAL PARTNER IMPACT: The Municipality of Bayham will be requested to install the new signage, funded by the County of Elgin. COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS: The OPP Elgin Detachment will be notified of the amended speed zone area. CONCLUSION: The County of Elgin received a request from the Municipality of Bayham to consider the implementation of a 50km/h reduced speed zone within the Village of Vienna northern limits. Although this area does not satisfy normally applied criteria, staff recommends establishing a reduced 60km/h zone since this area of Plank Road resides within the village settlement limits and in an attempt to alter driver behaviour to satisfy resident concerns. Approved for Submission Stephen Gibson Chief Administrative Officer (Acting) All of which is Respectfully Submitted Peter Dutchak Manager of Transportation Services THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM BY-LAW NO. 2023-058 A BY-LAW TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A LAND USE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM AND THE STRAFFORDVILLE COMMUNITY COMMITTEE WHEREAS section 8(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, grants a broad scope of powers to municipalities to govern their affairs as they consider appropriate; AND WHEREAS the Straffordville Community Committee hosts the annual Watermelon Fest on Municipal lands; AND WHEREAS the Straffordville Community Committee requires a storage space for items relating to the Watermelon Fest; AND WHEREAS the Straffordville Community Committee requested to store a storage container on the Municipal lands known as 56169 Heritage Line; AND WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham is desirous of entering into an agreement with the Straffordville Community Committee for use of lands at 56169 Heritage Line to place a storage container; NOW THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. THAT the Mayor and Clerk be and are hereby authorized to execute the Agreement attached hereto as Schedule “A” and forming part of this by-law between The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham and The Straffordville Community Committee for use of lands to place a storage container at 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville; 2. AND THAT this by-law shall come into full force and effect upon final passing. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 20th DAY OF JULY, 2023. ___________________________ _____________________________ MAYOR CLERK Schedule A to By-law 2023-058 Page 1 of 3 THIS AGREEMENT DATED THE DAY OF JULY, 2023 BETWEEN: The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham (Hereinafter called the “Municipality”) of the First Part and Straffordville Community Committee (Hereinafter called the "SCC") of the Second Part WHEREAS the Straffordville Community Committee (SCC) requested use of a portion of Municipal Lands to place a storage container to store items for their annual Watermelon Fest event; AND WHEREAS the Council of the Municipality of Bayham approved this request at the June 15, 2023 Regular Meeting of Council; NOW THEREFORE the parties hereto have agreed to enter into the Agreement as follows; 1. General Provisions 1.1. The SCC is granted permission to place a storage container on the Municipal Lands known as 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville. 1.2. The location of the storage container is to be adjacent to the Public Works barn located in the South East portion of the Municipal Lands known as 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville. 1.3. The storage container is not to exceed a length of twenty (20) feet and be aesthetically pleasing with similar colouring to the buildings on site. 1.4. The SCC are responsible for the delivery, maintenance and security of the storage container and all items contained within. 1.5. The SCC agrees to indemnify and save harmless the Municipality against any and all liability, damages, costs and any other loss to person or property that result from the permitted use. 1.6. The SCC shall maintain and pay for Comprehensive General Liability Insurance in an amount of not less than two million ($2,000,000.00) naming the Municipality of Bayham as an additional insured. The coverage shall not be altered, cancelled or allowed to expire or lapse without thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Municipality. A Certificate of Insurance shall be filed with the Municipality upon the signing of the Agreement and annually thereafter throughout the term of the Agreement. Schedule A to By-law 2023-058 Page 2 of 3 1.7. The SCC shall be responsible for any costs incurred in the event that the storage container needs to be moved for any reason deemed by the Municipality. 2. Term 2.1. This agreement shall take effect on the 20th day of July, 2023 and shall remain in effect until the 31st day of December, 2028. 2.2. This Agreement may be extended for an additional five (5) years by written mutual agreement. 2.3. Either party has the right to terminate this Agreement, for any reason, on sixty (60) days written notice. 3. Administration 3.1. In construing this Agreement, words in the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and words importing the masculine shall include the feminine, and the neuter and vice versa, and words importing persons shall include corporations and vice versa. 3.2. Any notice required to be given under this Agreement must be in writing to the applicable address set out below: (a) in the case of the Municipality: Municipality of Bayham PO Box 160 56169 Heritage Line Straffordville, ON N0J 1Y0 Office: (519) 866-5521 Email: sadams@bayham.on.ca (b) in the case of the SCC: Rose Gardner 55550 Jackson Line Straffordville, ON N0J 1Y0 519-868-0324 Email: rm.gardner.69@gmail.com OR Louise Rischel 56537 Heritage Line Straffordville, ON N0J 1Y0 226-220-3750 Email: rischel@golden.net Schedule A to By-law 2023-058 Page 3 of 3 IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have duly executed this Agreement this day of July, 2023. Authorized by ) THE CORPORATION OF THE Bayham By-law No. 2023-058 ) MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM ) ) ) _____________________________ ) Mayor ) ) _____________________________ ) Clerk ) WITNESS WHEREOF the part of the Second Part has hereunto set is hand and seal. SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED, this day of July, 2023. In the presence of ) ) ) _______________________ ) ______________________________ Witness: ) Straffordville Community Committee THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM BY-LAW NO. 2023-059 A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM ALL ACTIONS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD JULY 20, 2023 WHEREAS under Section 5 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 S.O. 2001, Chapter 25, the powers of a municipal corporation are to be exercised by the Council of the municipality; AND WHEREAS under Section 5 (3) of the Municipal Act, 2001, the powers of Council are to be exercised by by-law; AND WHEREAS the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham deems it advisable that the proceedings of the meeting be confirmed and adopted by by-law. THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. THAT the actions of the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham in respect of each recommendation and each motion and resolution passed and other action by the Council at the Council meeting held July 20, 2023 is hereby adopted and confirmed as if all proceedings were expressly embodied in this by-law. 2. THAT the Mayor and Clerk of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham are hereby authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the action of the Council including executing all documents and affixing the Corporate Seal. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 20th DAY OF JULY 2023. ____________________________ _____________________________ MAYOR CLERK