MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Proponents of BRES Option 3 made their case at yesterday's Statutory Public Meeting regarding the proposed amendment to the Region of Peel Official Plan.
Among the arguments put forward for selecting BRES Option 3:
- Cost neutrality: Front-End Financing ensures that there is no debt or financial risk to the region, while Area-Specific Development Charges ensure that the costs are borne exclusively by end-users without burdening other taxpayers or developers in the region. In short, there is no risk for the municipality, no risk for the region, and most importantly, no risk for the taxpayer.
- Evidence-based policy: Independent experts (Meridian Planning Consultants on behalf of the Town of Caledon and The Planning Partnership on behalf of the Region of Peel) agree, after extensive comprehensive review, Option 3 is the 'most preferred' for BRES.
- Local decision making: Research conducted by BRES Option 3 revealed Peel Region residents' dissatisfaction with Regional Council's unprecedented decision to overrule and encroach upon local planning decisions. More than nine-in-ten (91%) residents of Caledon, Brampton and Mississauga believe it is important that "…the Region of Peel takes into account and supports the viewpoint of local communities when considering new developments and boundary expansions" (full research results, including technical information, is available at http://cicicresearch.com/research/BRESOption3/REPORT.pdf). Extensive public consultation, the Town of Caledon, staff, and independent experts unanimously endorsed Option 3 as the preferred area for residential expansion in Bolton.
- Community integration: Option 3 complements existing commercial areas in Bolton while offering better integration with the existing community fabric and infrastructure.
"On its merits, Option 3 is the obvious choice for residential expansion," said Glen Schnarr, Founding Partner of Glen Schnarr & Associates. "We welcomed the opportunity to explain to members of Regional Council, staff, and the residents of Peel why the proposed Regional Official Plan Amendment should be held to higher scrutiny. Only Option 3 offers the support of local decision makers and independent planning experts as well as the financing mechanisms that eliminate financial risk."
Those wishing the Region of Peel to make sensible, evidence-based planning decisions are encouraged to provide comments by October 7th, 2016. Comments can be directed to [email protected].
Alternatively, comments may be directed to: Andrea Warren, Manager – Planning, 10 Peel Centre Dr., Suite A, 6th Floor, Brampton, ON L6T 4B9. Phone: 905-791-7800 ext. 4355
SOURCE BRES Option 3
Media contact: Glen Schnarr, [email protected]
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