Town Exploring New Planning Tool

In an effort to help build more housing, the Town’s Planning Committee has approved the exploration of a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS).  This legislative tool -- approved by the Province of Ontario -- is a strategy to speed up the approval process for new builds based on pre-selected criteria.

Under a CPPS, the Town would determine which areas would benefit from the process.  Any new construction in those areas would only require a single application, combining zoning, site plan and minor variance decisions.  Based on pre-selected criteria for that area (ex. frontage, height, occupancy etc.), the Town would then approve or deny the application within a shorter timeline (the standard is 45 days).

“This tool would make it easier to add the types of housing that we need in our community,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau.  “We believe this planning system could help increase the Town’s supply of more affordable homes and multi-person dwellings.  The Town retains control of what gets built, while residents and developers get more certainty and transparency in the process.”

While a CPPS is quite common throughout Western Canada, it is rare in Ontario. Saugeen Shores would be the first community in Ontario to use a CPPS to specifically target the creation of housing to meet the needs of its residents.

The Planning Committee – made up of members of Town Council – has directed staff to prepare a budget and schedule to implement the new program and present it to Council in the first quarter of 2023.

For the consultant presentation and staff report, go to the Planning Committee agenda HERE.

For some frequently asked questions about a CPPS, click HERE.