March 11, 2014 by Janet McKay

The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) outlines the Ontario government’s policies on land use planning. It includes policies on key issues that affect communities across the province, such as the use and management of land and infrastructure, protection of resources and appropriate land uses.

 

Issued under section three of the Planning Act, Municipalities use the PPS to develop their official plans and to guide and inform decisions on other planning matters. The last PPS was issued in 2005, and was subject to a five year review with public input. In 2010, LEAF sought the advice of many dedicated professionals and experts, and together we crafted a submission. Our goal was to gain greater protection for and enhancement of urban forests in the face of rapid development across Ontario.

 

In the four years since our initial submission was made, LEAF has been working together with other members of the Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition to gain provincial support for green infrastructure. Our collective work has been widespread and diverse and includes activities such as:

  • producing a report which makes the economic case for green infrastructure investment
  • training workshops across the province
  • public education through events
  • outreach to decision-makers
  • networking with green infrastructure stakeholders across the province

 

In 2014 the new PPS was finally released and it contains three victories.  First there is a directive to promote green infrastructure to complement grey infrastructure.  Second, there is a call to maximize vegetative and porous surfaces. And third, there is reference to using low impact development practices to manage stormwater.  

 

1.6 Infrastructure and Public Service Facilities

1.6.2 Planning authorities should promote green infrastructure to complement infrastructure.

1.6.6 Sewage, Water and Stormwater

1.6.6.7 Planning for stormwater management shall:

a) minimize, or, where possible, prevent increases in contaminant loads;

b) minimize changes in water balance and erosion;

c) not increase risks to human health and safety and property damage;

d) maximize the extent and function of vegetative and pervious surfaces;

and

e) promote stormwater management best practices, including stormwater attenuation and re-use, and low impact development.

 

I encourage you to read the full PPS yourself – or at least the highlights of new policies. And chalk up one milestone in the fight to give green infrastructure a little more importance in how we develop our province!