By Katie Strachan
The Oshawa Express
Durham’s population is expected
to reach 960,000 by 2031.
But there are only 350,000 to
375,000 jobs available, states the
region.
That is why Durham Regional
Council adopted the Regional
Official Plan Amendment, which is
supposed to address the requirements
of the provincial Growth Plan.
The plan is a long-range policy
document that guides the future
growth and development of Durham,
while conserving resources and protecting
the environment.
It will aid in decision making on
land-use planning, urban form, housing,
transportation and infrastructure
planning, natural heritage and
resource protection.“The Region of Durham is committed
to creating a sustainable plan
for our community that interprets the
Growth Plan policies in a way that
reflects Durham’s goals and aspirations,”
says Roger
Anderson, regional chair.
The region initiated the
Growing Durham Study in
August 2007.
Public consultations
with Durham residents
and agencies took place
throughout the entire
process and revealed that
establishing an urban
structure that is capable of
managing future growth is
key, hence the need for the regional
amendment.
It establishes the vision for 2031,
which is to create healthy and complete,
sustainable communities within
Durham.
The amendment also shapes the
region into a place where residents
can live, work, play and grow
happily, a region release explains.
It also explores how the
region will distribute population
and employment
forecasts, meet density targets,
and identify additional
urban land needs.“In order to meet the
province’s submission
deadline, council decided
to move forward with the
amendment process,” says
Alex Georgieff, commissioner
of planning.
“We understand the province
has some concerns with the
amendment. We look forward to
working with the province to
ensure we come to a satisfactory
resolution.”
Under the Places to Grow legislation,
the Regional Official Plan had
to be amended to conform to the
provincial Growth Plan by no later
than June 16.
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