604 - Uncovering the Untapped Potential of Ontario’s Community Planning Permit System: A Journey Through Huntsville’s Experience

October 20, 2021

10:30AM - 11:30AM

The development approval process in Ontario has always been a hot button issue: the challenges of long approval timelines, red tape, rigidity, and navigating multiple, often cumbersome processes. But what if we told you that in 2006, Ontario provided a tool for municipalities to address these concerns? A tool that, to this day, still remains largely untapped.
 
A community planning permit system (CPPS) is a planning tool that provides an alternative to the traditional planning approval framework in Ontario. Over the years, some municipalities have explored the implementation of a CPPS. Yet, despite their successes, the concept still remains widely unfamiliar. And after 15 years, only a small handful of municipalities have implemented this tool.
 
An interest exists by the Province and OPPI to explore the potential of the CPPS to assist municipalities in achieving a more streamlined development approvals process and to balance growth and protection. In 2020, the Town of Huntsville began to create its own CPPS, and through this process, uncovered lessons learned and valuable knowledge that would benefit other municipalities who are considering adopting a CPPS. This session aims to share these discoveries with the broader Ontario planning community.
 
This session begins with an interactive presentation, providing a glimpse into Huntsville’s journey developing a Town-wide CPP by-law. It will cover:
 
          The key differences between the traditional planning process and a CPPS;
          How the tool has been used to balance development with sustainability;
          Our review of best practices from other municipalities in Ontario; and
          The key takeaways and lessons learned from the Huntsville experience.
 
Following the presentation, a facilitated panel discussion with municipal staff across Ontario who have developed and implemented a CPPS will provide participants with an opportunity to speak directly with those who have untapped the potential of the tool.
 

Speakers