• InfoSheet •
• InfoSheet •
Policies That Support Farmers and Protect Integrity of Agricultural Lands
The Province is protecting the integrity of the prime agricultural land base by prohibiting the creation of lots
for new residential uses, including farm retirement lots and residential infilling, on these lands. Benefits of
this approach include:



Lot Creation in
Prime Agricultural
Areas
Increased protection of agricultural uses by restricting the introduction of
potentially non-compatible uses in these areas
Promotion and protection of all types, sizes and intensities of agricultural
uses and normal farm practices
Increased flexibility for siting of livestock operations and ability to comply
with the Minimum Distance Separation (MDS). The MDS is a planning tool
used to determine a recommended distance between a livestock facility and
other sensitive land uses. The objective of the MDS is to prevent land use
conflicts and minimize nuisance complaints related to odour.
Importance of Farming to the Ontario Economy
Ontario’s agricultural and food industry is the most intensive and diversified in Canada
and plays a key role in Ontario’s economic prosperity. According to a Statistics Canada
Census of Agriculture, Ontario, with slightly less than 60,000 census farms, cultivated
over 3.6 million hectares of cropland in 2001.
The provincial policy prohibiting lot creation for new residential uses, including prohibiting farm retirement lots in
prime agricultural areas, supports the initiatives of many municipalities in this regard. Generally, local lot creation
policies for rural non-farm lots have become more restrictive over the last decade, as a number of municipalities
have adopted policies strictly limiting or prohibiting residential lot creation, including farm retirement lots.
For many years, a number of these municipalities have had concerns about the
long-term implications of lot creation for residential or other purposes in prime
agricultural areas. Their concerns have included many of the same issues
outlined earlier in this InfoSheet: the fragmentation of farmland, potential conflicts
with agricultural operations, potential for added environmental risk and pressure
on infrastructure.
This InfoSheet intends to assist participants in the land use planning process to understand the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005. As this InfoSheet
deals in summarized fashion with complex matters and reflects legislation, policies and practices that are subject to change, it should not be relied
upon as a substitute for specialized legal or professional advice in connection with any particular matter. This InfoSheet should not be construed as
legal advice and the user is solely responsible for any use or the application of this InfoSheet. Although this InfoSheet has been carefully prepared,
the Ministry does not accept any legal responsibility for the contents of this InfoSheet or for any consequences, including direct or indirect liability,
arising from its use.
Produced by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Provincial Planning Policy Branch
ISBN 978-1-4249-4124-7 (HTML)· ISBN 978-1-4249-4125-4 (PDF)· © Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2007
Paid for by the Government of Ontario.
The Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 provides policy direction on matters relating to
land use planning that are of provincial interest. It is the basis for the Province’s policyled planning system and supports the provincial goal of strong, liveable and healthy
communities, which provide a high quality of life for its citizens, now and in the future.
The statement sets out provincial policies, which include policies for the protection of
prime agricultural areas in Ontario, including specialty crop areas.
The Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 is issued under the authority of Section 3 of the
Planning Act and applies to all applications, matters or proceedings commenced on or
after March 1, 2005.
Policies That Support Local Policies Across Ontario
The County of Perth is an example of a municipality that adopted planning policies limiting residential lot
creation before the introduction of the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005.
Provincial Policy Statement, 2005
Spring 2007
For more information, contact:
MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
AND HOUSING
Provincial Planning Policy Branch
(416) 585-6014
Website: www.ontario.ca/mah
MUNICIPAL SERVICES OFFICES:
Central (Toronto)
(416) 585-6226 or 1-800-668-0230
Southwest (London)
(519) 873-4020 or 1-800-265-4736
East (Kingston)
(613) 545-2100 or 1-800-267-9438
Northeast (Sudbury)
(705) 564-0120 or 1-800-461-1193
Northwest (Thunder Bay)
(807) 475-1651 or 1-800-465-5027
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND
RURAL AFFAIRS
Environmental Policy and Programs Branch
(877) 424-1300
Website: www.ontario.ca/omafra
Disponible en français
Création de lots dans les zones agricoles
à fort rendement
Ontario has over half of the “Class 1” or highest quality agricultural land in Canada.
Prime agricultural lands (Classes 1, 2 and 3 soils) are a limited resource in Ontario.
Approximately 6% of the province’s area is census farms. In 2005, these census farms
accounted for about $9 billion or approximately 24% of Canada’s annual farm cash
receipts.
Although Ontario’s countryside is made up of some of the best farmland in Canada,
most of the highest quality agricultural lands are located near the more populous areas.
Urban expansions, sprawl and severances have led to the loss of this resource through
the development and fragmentation of these lands for non-agricultural uses.
The protection of agricultural land is vital for ensuring future food production potential.
A healthy agricultural industry ensures food production and food security, preserves
a valuable resource for future generations, protects the countryside and supports
economic prosperity and the long-term health of many rural communities that are
dependent on agriculture.
Impacts of Residential Lot Creation on Agriculture and Ability to Farm
Protecting the agricultural land base is a key first step in protecting Ontario’s farmers.
All types of agricultural operations require a suitable land base. The protection of
agricultural land is essential for the sustainability of Ontario’s agricultural sector and the
provincial economy.
In many areas across the province, Ontario’s farmers are increasingly affected by the
presence of residential development. The creation of new residential lots in agricultural
areas, including farm retirement lots and residential infilling, reduces options for
agriculture in the future. It creates incompatible uses in agricultural areas and fragments
the agricultural land base.
• InfoSheet •
Not only does the creation of residential development in agricultural areas result in the loss of valuable
farmland, but it also places restrictions on the ability of farmers to operate. Complaints about noise, odour and
dust tend to accompany the introduction of new residential lots in agricultural areas and threaten agricultural
production.
Experience in municipalities across Ontario has shown that conflicts often result between residential
development and increasingly large farm operations. Experience has also shown that residential severances
for both farm-related and non-farm related uses have the same impact on the agricultural industry.
Between 1990 and 2000, there were over 15,000 severances for the purpose of creating new lots in Ontario’s
agricultural land. Approximately 80% of those new lots were for residential uses.
Source: Ontario’s Countryside: A Resource to Preserve or an Urban Area in Waiting? A Review of Severance
Activity in Ontario’s Agricultural Land During the 1990s. Dr. Wayne Caldwell and Claire Weir. 2002.
Policies To Protect Prime Agricultural Areas
To protect prime agricultural areas, including specialty crop areas, for current and future agricultural use,
Policy 2.3 of the statement sets out policies to:




Preserve prime agricultural areas for long-term use for agriculture
Permit a range of agricultural uses on these lands, including secondary
uses and agriculture-related uses
Strictly control the removal of land from prime agricultural areas including
for urban growth expansions
Protect the integrity of the prime agricultural land base by discouraging lot
creation in prime agricultural areas and prohibiting the creation of lots for
new residential uses, except for a residence surplus to a farming operation
as a result of farm consolidation.
Prime agricultural areas are where prime agricultural lands predominate. This includes areas of prime
agricultural lands and associated Canada Land Inventory Class 4-7 soils and additional areas where there is a
local concentration of farms which exhibit characteristics of ongoing agriculture.
Prime agricultural lands include specialty crop areas and/or Canada Land Inventory Classes 1, 2 and 3 soils,
in this order of priority for protection.
Specialty crop areas are given the highest priority for protection in the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005.
Specialty crop areas are where specialty crops such as tender fruits (peaches, cherries, plums), grapes, other
fruit crops, vegetable crops, greenhouse crops, and crops from agriculturally developed organic soils are
predominantly grown. These areas have soils suitable for specialty crops, or lands that are subject to special
climatic conditions and/or a combination of farmers skilled in the production of specialty crops, and of capital
investment in related facilities and services to produce, store, or process specialty crops.
The Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 is the result of extensive public and stakeholder consultation. During
the consultations, the Ontario Government heard from agricultural and other stakeholders, including farmers
and farming groups, that residential severances threaten the viability of agriculture because they can introduce
non-farm uses that are not compatible with and restrict surrounding agricultural operations. This can have
a negative impact on the rural economy. The statement recognizes this concern and contains provisions
that support severances directly related to agricultural uses to maintain agricultural viability and protect the
integrity of the agricultural land base for the long-term.
Policies for Lot Creation in Prime Agricultural Areas
Policy 2.3.4.3 of the statement provides that the creation of new residential lots, including farm retirement lots
and residential infilling, is not permitted in prime agricultural areas including specialty crop areas, except for
a residence surplus to a farming operation as a result of a farm consolidation.
Policy 2.3.4.1 of the statement discourages lot creation in prime agricultural areas and the creation of new
lots may only be permitted 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 and appropriate
sewage and water services
c) A residence surplus to a farming operation as a result of farm
consolidation, provided that the planning authority ensures that new
residential dwellings are prohibited on any vacant remnant parcel of
farmland created by the severance
d) Infrastructure, where the facility or corridor cannot be accommodated
through the use of easements or rights-of-way.
To facilitate the implementation of the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 Policy 2.3.4.1 c), some planning
authorities have utilized the following approaches to ensure that new residential dwellings are not permitted
on the vacant remnant parcel of farmland created by the severance:
Some municipalities have been more restrictive than the statement and have prohibited surplus farm dwelling
severances in upper or lower-tier official plans, and
Some municipalities choose to permit surplus farm dwelling severances, then use an “agricultural purpose
only zoning” which restricts the vacant remnant parcel for agricultural uses and prohibits new residential
dwellings. In addition, some municipalities require a condition of consent, which requires an agreement be
entered into with the municipality (under Section 51(25) of the Planning Act).
• InfoSheet •
Not only does the creation of residential development in agricultural areas result in the loss of valuable
farmland, but it also places restrictions on the ability of farmers to operate. Complaints about noise, odour and
dust tend to accompany the introduction of new residential lots in agricultural areas and threaten agricultural
production.
Experience in municipalities across Ontario has shown that conflicts often result between residential
development and increasingly large farm operations. Experience has also shown that residential severances
for both farm-related and non-farm related uses have the same impact on the agricultural industry.
Between 1990 and 2000, there were over 15,000 severances for the purpose of creating new lots in Ontario’s
agricultural land. Approximately 80% of those new lots were for residential uses.
Source: Ontario’s Countryside: A Resource to Preserve or an Urban Area in Waiting? A Review of Severance
Activity in Ontario’s Agricultural Land During the 1990s. Dr. Wayne Caldwell and Claire Weir. 2002.
Policies To Protect Prime Agricultural Areas
To protect prime agricultural areas, including specialty crop areas, for current and future agricultural use,
Policy 2.3 of the statement sets out policies to:




Preserve prime agricultural areas for long-term use for agriculture
Permit a range of agricultural uses on these lands, including secondary
uses and agriculture-related uses
Strictly control the removal of land from prime agricultural areas including
for urban growth expansions
Protect the integrity of the prime agricultural land base by discouraging lot
creation in prime agricultural areas and prohibiting the creation of lots for
new residential uses, except for a residence surplus to a farming operation
as a result of farm consolidation.
Prime agricultural areas are where prime agricultural lands predominate. This includes areas of prime
agricultural lands and associated Canada Land Inventory Class 4-7 soils and additional areas where there is a
local concentration of farms which exhibit characteristics of ongoing agriculture.
Prime agricultural lands include specialty crop areas and/or Canada Land Inventory Classes 1, 2 and 3 soils,
in this order of priority for protection.
Specialty crop areas are given the highest priority for protection in the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005.
Specialty crop areas are where specialty crops such as tender fruits (peaches, cherries, plums), grapes, other
fruit crops, vegetable crops, greenhouse crops, and crops from agriculturally developed organic soils are
predominantly grown. These areas have soils suitable for specialty crops, or lands that are subject to special
climatic conditions and/or a combination of farmers skilled in the production of specialty crops, and of capital
investment in related facilities and services to produce, store, or process specialty crops.
The Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 is the result of extensive public and stakeholder consultation. During
the consultations, the Ontario Government heard from agricultural and other stakeholders, including farmers
and farming groups, that residential severances threaten the viability of agriculture because they can introduce
non-farm uses that are not compatible with and restrict surrounding agricultural operations. This can have
a negative impact on the rural economy. The statement recognizes this concern and contains provisions
that support severances directly related to agricultural uses to maintain agricultural viability and protect the
integrity of the agricultural land base for the long-term.
Policies for Lot Creation in Prime Agricultural Areas
Policy 2.3.4.3 of the statement provides that the creation of new residential lots, including farm retirement lots
and residential infilling, is not permitted in prime agricultural areas including specialty crop areas, except for
a residence surplus to a farming operation as a result of a farm consolidation.
Policy 2.3.4.1 of the statement discourages lot creation in prime agricultural areas and the creation of new
lots may only be permitted 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 and appropriate
sewage and water services
c) A residence surplus to a farming operation as a result of farm
consolidation, provided that the planning authority ensures that new
residential dwellings are prohibited on any vacant remnant parcel of
farmland created by the severance
d) Infrastructure, where the facility or corridor cannot be accommodated
through the use of easements or rights-of-way.
To facilitate the implementation of the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 Policy 2.3.4.1 c), some planning
authorities have utilized the following approaches to ensure that new residential dwellings are not permitted
on the vacant remnant parcel of farmland created by the severance:
Some municipalities have been more restrictive than the statement and have prohibited surplus farm dwelling
severances in upper or lower-tier official plans, and
Some municipalities choose to permit surplus farm dwelling severances, then use an “agricultural purpose
only zoning” which restricts the vacant remnant parcel for agricultural uses and prohibits new residential
dwellings. In addition, some municipalities require a condition of consent, which requires an agreement be
entered into with the municipality (under Section 51(25) of the Planning Act).
• InfoSheet •
• InfoSheet •
Policies That Support Farmers and Protect Integrity of Agricultural Lands
The Province is protecting the integrity of the prime agricultural land base by prohibiting the creation of lots
for new residential uses, including farm retirement lots and residential infilling, on these lands. Benefits of
this approach include:



Lot Creation in
Prime Agricultural
Areas
Increased protection of agricultural uses by restricting the introduction of
potentially non-compatible uses in these areas
Promotion and protection of all types, sizes and intensities of agricultural
uses and normal farm practices
Increased flexibility for siting of livestock operations and ability to comply
with the Minimum Distance Separation (MDS). The MDS is a planning tool
used to determine a recommended distance between a livestock facility and
other sensitive land uses. The objective of the MDS is to prevent land use
conflicts and minimize nuisance complaints related to odour.
Importance of Farming to the Ontario Economy
Ontario’s agricultural and food industry is the most intensive and diversified in Canada
and plays a key role in Ontario’s economic prosperity. According to a Statistics Canada
Census of Agriculture, Ontario, with slightly less than 60,000 census farms, cultivated
over 3.6 million hectares of cropland in 2001.
The provincial policy prohibiting lot creation for new residential uses, including prohibiting farm retirement lots in
prime agricultural areas, supports the initiatives of many municipalities in this regard. Generally, local lot creation
policies for rural non-farm lots have become more restrictive over the last decade, as a number of municipalities
have adopted policies strictly limiting or prohibiting residential lot creation, including farm retirement lots.
For many years, a number of these municipalities have had concerns about the
long-term implications of lot creation for residential or other purposes in prime
agricultural areas. Their concerns have included many of the same issues
outlined earlier in this InfoSheet: the fragmentation of farmland, potential conflicts
with agricultural operations, potential for added environmental risk and pressure
on infrastructure.
This InfoSheet intends to assist participants in the land use planning process to understand the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005. As this InfoSheet
deals in summarized fashion with complex matters and reflects legislation, policies and practices that are subject to change, it should not be relied
upon as a substitute for specialized legal or professional advice in connection with any particular matter. This InfoSheet should not be construed as
legal advice and the user is solely responsible for any use or the application of this InfoSheet. Although this InfoSheet has been carefully prepared,
the Ministry does not accept any legal responsibility for the contents of this InfoSheet or for any consequences, including direct or indirect liability,
arising from its use.
Produced by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Provincial Planning Policy Branch
ISBN 978-1-4249-4124-7 (HTML)· ISBN 978-1-4249-4125-4 (PDF)· © Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2007
Paid for by the Government of Ontario.
The Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 provides policy direction on matters relating to
land use planning that are of provincial interest. It is the basis for the Province’s policyled planning system and supports the provincial goal of strong, liveable and healthy
communities, which provide a high quality of life for its citizens, now and in the future.
The statement sets out provincial policies, which include policies for the protection of
prime agricultural areas in Ontario, including specialty crop areas.
The Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 is issued under the authority of Section 3 of the
Planning Act and applies to all applications, matters or proceedings commenced on or
after March 1, 2005.
Policies That Support Local Policies Across Ontario
The County of Perth is an example of a municipality that adopted planning policies limiting residential lot
creation before the introduction of the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005.
Provincial Policy Statement, 2005
Spring 2007
For more information, contact:
MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
AND HOUSING
Provincial Planning Policy Branch
(416) 585-6014
Website: www.ontario.ca/mah
MUNICIPAL SERVICES OFFICES:
Central (Toronto)
(416) 585-6226 or 1-800-668-0230
Southwest (London)
(519) 873-4020 or 1-800-265-4736
East (Kingston)
(613) 545-2100 or 1-800-267-9438
Northeast (Sudbury)
(705) 564-0120 or 1-800-461-1193
Northwest (Thunder Bay)
(807) 475-1651 or 1-800-465-5027
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND
RURAL AFFAIRS
Environmental Policy and Programs Branch
(877) 424-1300
Website: www.ontario.ca/omafra
Disponible en français
Création de lots dans les zones agricoles
à fort rendement
Ontario has over half of the “Class 1” or highest quality agricultural land in Canada.
Prime agricultural lands (Classes 1, 2 and 3 soils) are a limited resource in Ontario.
Approximately 6% of the province’s area is census farms. In 2005, these census farms
accounted for about $9 billion or approximately 24% of Canada’s annual farm cash
receipts.
Although Ontario’s countryside is made up of some of the best farmland in Canada,
most of the highest quality agricultural lands are located near the more populous areas.
Urban expansions, sprawl and severances have led to the loss of this resource through
the development and fragmentation of these lands for non-agricultural uses.
The protection of agricultural land is vital for ensuring future food production potential.
A healthy agricultural industry ensures food production and food security, preserves
a valuable resource for future generations, protects the countryside and supports
economic prosperity and the long-term health of many rural communities that are
dependent on agriculture.
Impacts of Residential Lot Creation on Agriculture and Ability to Farm
Protecting the agricultural land base is a key first step in protecting Ontario’s farmers.
All types of agricultural operations require a suitable land base. The protection of
agricultural land is essential for the sustainability of Ontario’s agricultural sector and the
provincial economy.
In many areas across the province, Ontario’s farmers are increasingly affected by the
presence of residential development. The creation of new residential lots in agricultural
areas, including farm retirement lots and residential infilling, reduces options for
agriculture in the future. It creates incompatible uses in agricultural areas and fragments
the agricultural land base.