MEDIA RELEASE May 31, 2017

Council Approves Final Recommendations of the Mature Neighbourhoods Character Study Halton Hills, ON – At their meeting on Monday, May 29, Council approved By-laws 2017-

0032 and 2017-0033, which contain the final recommendations of the Mature Neighbourhoods Character Study. “I directed staff to initiate the Mature Neighbourhoods Character Study in May 2016 in response to public concern about large-scale residential rebuilds (monster homes) and their impact on the unique character of the Town’s mature neighbourhoods,” said Mayor Bonnette. “The outcome of the Study is a carefully considered and balanced approach to the issue, which was informed by public input and detailed analysis.” Councillors Albano, Brown, and Johnson were closely involved in the Study through their participation on the project steering committee. “The Study was informed by significant public and stakeholder engagement,” noted Committee Chair Moya Johnson. “This included walking tours, stakeholder interviews, public workshops and open houses which led to public support for the final recommendations of the Study.” The final recommendations of the Study are now being implemented through By-laws 2017-0032 and 2017-0033, which respectively contain Official Plan Amendment No. 22 and Zoning By-law Amendment 2017-0033. Official Plan Amendment No. 22 recognizes the Town’s mature neighbourhoods by introducing a new objective to the Official Plan, a new definition for Mature Neighbourhood Areas, and new policies to guide new housing, replacement housing, additions, and alternations in the Town’s mature neighbourhood areas. The Town recognizes Mature Neighbourhood Areas as residential neighbourhoods in Georgetown and Acton characterized by predominantly single-detached housing on larger lots, generally developed prior to 1975. Zoning By-law Amendment No. 2017-0033 introduces maximum lot coverage, reduces maximum building height, and increases side yard setbacks. These standards will only apply to single-detached dwellings in certain areas within the Low Density Residential 1 (LDR1) zone that have a Mature Neighbourhoods (MN) Suffix. This will also be accompanied by a revised definition for Lot Coverage and a new definition for Half Storey.

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Having been approved by Council on May 29, By-laws 2017-0032 and 2017-0033 are now subject to a 30-day appeal period. If not appealed, the by-laws will come into force and effect on June 29, 2017. The Mature Neighbourhoods Character Study aligns with Priority 3C from Council’s 2014-2018 Strategic Action Plan, which is to “preserve the established character of stable neighbourhoods by focusing development in identified intensification areas, and utilizing ‘best practices’ in urban design for infill development.” Interim Control By-law 2016-0009 To assist in preserving the character of the Town’s mature neighbourhoods while the Mature Neighbourhoods Character Study was being conducted, Council enacted Interim Control By-law 2016-0009 to control the erection of, or additions resulting in, any large scale single-detached dwellings within defined areas of the Town of Halton Hills. The Interim Control By-law will be repealed once By-laws 2017-0032 and 2017-0033 come into force and effect. For more information regarding the Mature Neighbourhoods Character Study, please visit www.haltonhills.ca/neighbourhoodcharacter. About the Town of Halton Hills The Town of Halton Hills, with a population of approximately 60,000, consists of two urban centres, Georgetown and Acton, the Halton Hills Premier Gateway employment area, three hamlets – Glen Williams, Stewarttown and Norval – and several smaller settlements. Halton Hills has long been recognized for its natural beauty, active agricultural community, high quality of life and proximity to major centres, including Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto. The Town is ranked as one of the top small communities in Canada by a national magazine.

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Communications Contact: Alex Fuller, Manager of Corporate Communications 905-873-2601 ext. 2412 [email protected] Media Contacts: Rukshan de Silva, MCIP, RPP, LEED GA Planner – Policy 905-873-2601 ext. 2302 [email protected] Steve Burke, MCIP, RPP Manager of Planning Policy 905-873-2601 ext. 2254 [email protected]