Lake Planning / Land Use

Land use planning affects all waterfront property owners. At the municipal and provincial levels, decisions are made about how to manage and divide Ontario’s land. These decisions include official plan updates, municipal by-laws, mining issues, development proposals to name just a few. By understanding the land use planning processes in your community you can ensure your voice is heard in land-use decisions that are taking place. It is up to the citizens and communities in to speak up and to protect what they care about. Community engagement and open communications between organizations, community, and government are the key ingredients for tackling land use planning activities. At the individual and community level, attending public meetings and consultations, writing letters, and participating in the process can all be beneficial to achieving success at land use planning issues such as passing specific by-laws, or protecting sensitive environments.

“Lake Planning” is a community-based approach to engage waterfront groups and individuals to have a voice in how their lake or river is managed. It involves identifying the natural and social characteristics of the lake environment that are important and developing stewardship initiatives and action plans to address any threats or concerns that may surround these features.

Summer 2011:

Waterfront Property owners have important insights and their input is critical to an effective review of the PPS. To recognize this important role, through 2011 FOCA is part of a working group established by MMAH to provide input on northern and rural issues.This is one of two groups being established – the second will look at a broader range of policy areas covered by the PPS.

Through this working group, FOCA and others will:

• Focus on northern and rural planning interests;
• Exchange information, including key issues, results of background research, other research and reports;
• Provide linkages back to our communities and organizations as appropriate;
• Ensure the "waterfront" perspective is considered;
• Help to outline potential ideas regarding draft policies and implementation; and,
• Provide input on the effectiveness of policies, any potential policy gaps, and address emerging land use planning issues.