Council this Week: Highlights from the May 24 County Council agenda - 20230524
Provincial Policy Statement, intersection improvements at OR 29 & Blenheim Road, and more
County Council meetings are broadcast live at www.oxfordcounty.ca/livestream. To download the full agenda or view past recordings of council meetings, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/council.
Update on Provincial Policy Statement review
Further analysis by Oxford County staff on the new proposed Provincial Planning Statement is before Council on May 24. The report reiterates that while there are some potentially positive changes in the proposed policy, there are other changes are of concern to municipalities. Among these:
- The enormous loss of agricultural land and negative impacts on agricultural operations from proposed changes that would require municipalities to allow for increased residential lot creation in prime agricultural areas.
- Reduced direction and lack of clarity on settlement expansions, intensification, density and other growth planning matters, particularly for smaller urban and rural communities, which may limit the ability of municipalities to sustainably plan for and accommodate a range and mix of housing options.
- Changes to how “employment areas” are defined and their potential to limit municipal flexibility to make decisions for this kind of development.
- The absence of any details on proposed changes to the policies for the protection of natural features and areas.
The report notes that the County and area municipalities will need to initiate a broad range of studies and comprehensive updates to local planning documents and processes in order to comply with the new Provincial Planning Statement once approved.
CP 2023-144: Review of A Place to Grow and Provincial Policy Statement – Supplementary Report
Read previous report: CP 2023-126
Oxford Road 29 and Blenheim Road intersection improvements
County Council is being asked to authorize a contract award for construction work that will improve the Oxford Road 29 and Blenheim Road intersection. The area, with an annual average daily traffic volume of about 4,500 vehicles per day, is part of a province-wide cycling network and a primary route in the Oxford County Cycling Master Plan. Work taking place to improve safety at the intersection includes improving sight distances through changes to the grade, alignment and curve of the road, as well as clearing vegetation growth.
Other reports and presentations
- Delegation: Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus
- Proclamation: June as Pride Month in Oxford County
- Public meeting and report CP 2023-93: Application for Official Plan Amendment OP 23-02-8 – County of Oxford
Questions or comments?
Council this Week highlights Council activities for the public, employees and community partners. Please send your questions and comments to communications@oxfordcounty.ca