Ontario releases growth plan for Greater Golden Horseshoe

Ontario has released four updated land use plans that will help grow the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) in a way that protects the environment, while creating vibrant communities that are healthy and sustainable.

The changes to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the Greenbelt Plan, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Niagara Escarpment Plan are the latest step in the government’s reform of Ontario’s land use planning system. The plans work together to:

• Build compact, complete communities with a diverse range of housing options that better connect transit to where people live and work
• Retain and attract jobs
• Support a thriving and productive agri-food sector
• Strengthen protections for our natural heritage and water resource systems and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Provide public open spaces for recreation and enjoyment
• Help municipalities better prepare to minimize the negative impacts from a changing climate, such as more frequent and intense storms and flooding.

“This region will continue to experience a lot of growth in the coming years, so we need to be wise about the way we plan a smarter approach,” Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Mauro said.  The region of Halton will have until 2022 to bring their growth plan in line with provincial expectations.  The Town of Milton will have until one year after that plan becomes law.  Milton’s population is forecast to be  230,000 by 2031.