The Paris Independent
12
December 16, 2023
COMMUNITY NEWS Fewer planning applications in 2023 compared to last three years County of Brant staff presented a report to the Planning and Development Committee on Tuesday highlighting the year in review and giving councillors a picture of what affected development in 2023 and what will drive it in 2024. Below is the executive summary and background taken directly from the report, presented by Mat Vaughan, Director of Development Planning. The 2023 County of Brant development year has provided many opportunities and challenges including the implementation of various new planning legislation (Bill 109 and Bill 23) to encourage more homes to be built faster in Ontario. Recently, the development industry has also experienced rising housing interest rates which has brought much uncertainty to the development process in the County of Brant. As well, the development industry is experiencing a lack of professional and skilled resources including Planners, Engineers, Ecologist/ Environmental Specialist, Archeologists, Surveyors, Homebuilders,
Trade Labour etc.) The County of Brant Development Planning Division has also experienced resource staffing challenges, as we have both lost and gained valuable Planners in 2023. This report provides a summary of the 2023 planning applications to date and projected 2024 planning applications. Overall, the total number of planning applications received in 2023 is down from 2019 - 2022, however the number of preconsultation meetings has doubled signaling a return to increased development application numbers in 2024. Planning staff continue to work on internal projects to bring new growth and progressive projects forward for Council’s consideration and continue to spend the necessary time and staff resources devoted to Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) settlements / hearings. In general, the overall number of planning applications has continued to increase year-over-year but has seen a decrease in 2023. Of note, between 2019 and 2022, there was a consistent submission of Zoning By-Law amendments (major and minor, or a combination thereof). Between 2019 and 2022, the submission of consent applications continued to rise, but were much lower in 2023. This may be explained by the rush to sever and rezone lands prior to the approval of the County’s new Official Plan (which was adopted by Council in 2023). Continued on page 13 The chart summarize the new and on-going planning applications from 2019 until November 10, 2023. It is important to remember that many planning applications are not completed in the year they are submitted and the work crosses over multiple years including clearing conditions, registration and various review after application approvals.
