2007 Development Priorities Plan
The Guelph Development Priorities Plan (DPP) provides a multi-year forecast of development activity and is used to manage growth in a balanced and sustainable manner.
At the inaugural meeting of the Community Development and Environmental Services Committee, I brought forward a resolution referring the DPP back to city staff. ‘to report back in March with possible strategies to curb sprawl’ within this year’s development priorities plan.
This resolution was made in response to several issues, recommendations and industry indicators presented in the DPP itself.
“The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe now requires that by the year 2015, 40% of new growth occurs within the built up areas of Cities. Since most of the new subdivision activity identified by the DPP is expected to be identified beyond the built boundary (i.e. Greenfield area) there is the need to take a more conservative approach to Greenfield approvals and commitments.” (pg 25 sect. 10.6 – Recommendations)
“The CMHC states that while housing starts for detached dwellings are declining from the record levels, the demand for less expensive forms of housing (i.e., semi-detached, townhouses and apartments) will strengthen.” (pg 15 sect. 6.0 – Summary of Development Activity)
A full copy of the Development Priorities Plan presented to council is available online – 2007 DPP (PDF)
Proposed Development in Ward 4
When we look at the maps for the proposals, they’re all very clearly hugging the outside boundary of our city limits, while large swaths of land speckled throughout our ward are fully serviced and ready for development at no additional cost to the City.
I believe that it is vital to the health of our communities to encourage infill development, in keeping with market demand, on these available pieces of land BEFORE we grow further and further outward. I look forward to working with City staff and the development community to realize this vision.
