Whereas, on October 30, 1987, development applications for an Official Plan amendment, Zoning By-law amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision (collectively, the “Applications”), were filed with the Town of Richmond Hill (“City“) to facilitate the establishment of general industrial uses with outdoor storage and open space on the lands legally described as Part Lots 1, 2, 3 and 5, Concession 3, Town of Richmond Hill (the “Lands”). As such, the Applications are transitioned pursuant to section 15 of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act; and
Whereas, the Lands are strategically located, as they abut a 400-series Highway and are contiguous to existing urban development; and
Whereas, the Lands are adjacent to the Gormley GO station. As such, new development should be concentrated in this area to provide a focus on investments in transit, infrastructure, and public service facilities; and
Whereas, the Official Plan’s vision for the City is to create complete communities through orderly growth, maintain a strong economic position within the GTA by preserving employment lands and promoting economic vitality through the provision of a diverse range of employment opportunities, while fostering improved connectivity and mobility through public infrastructure investment and transit-oriented development; and
Whereas, in the post COVID-19 world the City believes that in order to encourage Canadian made products and supplies additional lands are required for manufacturing that are transit oriented and cost effective to service and can be put in production for employment and manufacturing uses as quickly as possible;
Now Therefore Be It Resolved:
That the City considers these Lands and the noted applications are transitioned pursuant to section 15 of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act; and
That the Clerk forward this resolution to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to seek a formal confirmation from the Minister of the transition status; and
That the City formally requests the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to issue a Minister’s Zoning Order for General Industrial uses over the lands; and
That the Zoning Order, if granted, have a Hold symbol affixed to it that can be removed by the City at a future date upon the satisfaction of the following:
a) The Applicant completes updated reports and studies, including an Oak Ridges Moraine Conformity Report, Natural Heritage Evaluation, and Functional Servicing Report, as may be deemed reasonably necessary by City Staff.
b) The Plan of Subdivision is updated to reflect boundary adjustments required to reflect the Gormley Go Station land taking by Metrolinx;
c) That the Minister further protect these lands by declaring them a Provincially Significant Employment Zone.
That no Building Permits will be issued until the Hold has been lifted.