To:
Committee of the Whole
Agenda Section:
Division:
Department:
Corporate Services – Delegated Authority
Engineering, Planning and Environment
Planning
Item Number:
CCW - 16-308
Meeting Date:
September 13, 2016
Subject:
Request for approval of Town of Wasaga Beach Official Plan Amendment
(OPA) No. 42 (Special Policy Area - Downtown Wasaga Beach)
Recommendation
That Official Plan Amendment No. 42 to the Town of Wasaga Beach Official Plan, as
adopted by Town of Wasaga Beach By-law No. 2016-105 and as outlined in Item CCW 16308, dated September 13, 2016, be approved; and
That Notice of Decision regarding Official Plan Amendment No. 42 be provided in
accordance with the Planning Act.
Executive Summary
Official Plan Amendment (OPA) No. 42 is a municipally initiated official plan amendment. The
purpose of OPA 42 is to create a policy framework with general goals and objectives for a future
Downtown Wasaga Beach. The proposed amendment will also identify the Downtown Area as a
Community Improvement Project Area.
Background/Analysis/Options
The following provides a summary of the Town’s Official Plan Amendment:
Applicant: Town of Wasaga Beach
Location: OPA 42 applies to lands that are generally bounded by Access Road, River Road
West, Zoo Park Road, the Nottawasaga River, Spruce Street, Beach Drive and 6th
Street. See Schedule 1.
Proposal: The purpose of OPA 42 is to establish a policy framework for the creation of a
Downtown in Wasaga Beach. OPA 42 identifies the Town’s goals and key objectives
September 13, 2016
Committee of the Whole - CCW 16-308
Page 2
in the creation of a Downtown Plan which are detailed in a new Section 7.4.7 “Special
Policy Area – Downtown Wasaga Beach” to the Exceptions section of the Tourism
designation section of the Official Plan. OPA 42 creates a Special Policy Area for a
future Downtown in Wasaga Beach and maps the boundaries on Schedule ‘A-7’ Land
Use Plan. It also identifies the Downtown area as a Community Improvement Project
Area on Schedule ‘H’ to the Town’s Official Plan.
File:
WA-OPA-1642
In reviewing the “Special Policy Area – Downtown Wasaga Beach” policies of proposed Section
7.4.7 of the Official plan, the Town has recognized the need to designate a Downtown area to be
the social, cultural and economic heart of the community. The Downtown will become the primary
node within the hierarchy of intensification areas for growth within the Town. Key objectives of the
proposed policies are to create a comprehensive downtown plan, including compact urban form
that promotes an efficient transportation network, public transit, walkable and human scale
streetscapes, and pedestrian and cycling-friendly infrastructure. Mixed-use commercial and
residential development will be promoted with the goal of becoming a more vibrant and complete
community.
Conclusion
It is County planning staff’s opinion that the Official Plan Amendment is in keeping with the policies
of the Town of Wasaga Beach Official Plan; County of Simcoe Official Plan; is consistent with the
Provincial Policy Statement, 2014; and conforms to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden
Horseshoe, 2006, as amended.
County planning staff is recommending that Official Plan Amendment No. 42 to the Town of
Wasaga Beach Official Plan, as adopted by the Town of Wasaga Beach By-law 2016-105 be
approved.
Financial and Resource Implications
There are no financial implications associated with this report, however, if the County’s decision is
appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) there may be legal costs associated with that
process. In the event of an appeal, staff will report back seeking authority to proceed with
involvement in related OMB proceedings.
Relationship to Corporate Strategic Plan
No relationship to corporate strategies.
Reference Documents
There are no reference documents associated with this Item.
Attachments
Schedule 1 – Wasaga Beach Official Plan Amendment No. 42 as adopted
Form issued: April 2016
September 13, 2016
Committee of the Whole - CCW 16-308
Page 3
for CCW 16-308
Schedule 1.PDF
Prepared By:
Greg Marek, Planner III
Approvals:
David Parks, Director, Planning, Development & Tourism
Debbie Korolnek, General Manager, Engineering,
Planning and Environment
Trevor Wilcox, General Manager, Corporate Performance
Mark Aitken, Chief Administrative Officer
Date
August 17, 2016
August 28, 2016
August 30, 2016
September 6, 2016
Form issued: April 2016