 Why did the City reviewed its Places of Worship policy? |
The City of Brampton is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, and home to more than 70 different cultures. To make sure that the City is meeting the growing needs of its citizens and the community at large - and that good planning principles are in place - in 2004, the City decided to study and review the existing places of worship policies. The City reviews its policies on a periodic basis as a standard business practice.
The City hired a consultant to examine issues to meet the changing needs of faith groups and the community at large. These issues included:
• Site reservation policies
• Number, location and site size
• Traffic and parking
• Land uses associated with places of worship
The consultant’s mandate was to provide the City of Brampton with a study on these issues.
| | What has been the process to date? |
The City set up an advisory committee to provide community members with the opportunity for input. More than 30 members, including representatives from various faith groups, were on this committee.
During the study process, the public was updated on this process at two Planning, Design and Development committee meetings, at five City Council meetings, and at open houses in September 2006, June 2008 and May 2009.
A Statutory Public Meeting was held on April 8, 2010 to present draft planning instruments for public review.
A Recommendation Report containing the proposed Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law was presented at the June 7, 2010 Planning, Design and Development Committee meeting.
On June 9, 2010, Council adopted the Places of Worship Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law, and ten site-specific By-laws. However, the Official Plan Amendment and General Zoning By-law have been appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board and are not in effect.
| | What kind of public input has been involved in this review? |
Extensive public consultation is a critical component of all City plans and reviews. The City’s review of its Places of Worship policy is no exception.
During the study process, the public was updated on this review at the Planning, Design and Development Committee, at Council three times and at Open Houses in September 2006, June 2008 and May 2009. A Statutory Public meeting was held on April 8, 2010. All Council meetings are public.
| | What are the next steps in the process? |
The Ontario Municipal Board will schedule a pre-hearing conference to discuss the appeals. A date has not yet been scheduled.
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