Clarington Council has requested the province to stop all updates of the natural heritage system designations in official plans and zoning by-laws, pending a full provincial review of the natural heritage systems and corresponding mapping from numerous sources, which is considered overlapping between the different authorities.
Currently, land use regulations in Ontario are set out by different agencies that map natural heritage systems, including the province, conservation authorities and regions and local municipalities, said a council statement.
“Council believes that this mapping does not accurately depict the natural heritage systems and can negatively impact rural property owners and farmers. Following this decision, Clarington staff will stop working on the natural heritage system mapping and regulations in the rural areas until the municipality hears from the province, the statement added.
However, Clarington will continue work on the Rural Phase of the municipality’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review Project. The second draft of the Zoning By-law was presented to council and deliberated on during their December 13, 2021, meeting. The protection of the natural heritage system has been in question as the municipality balances its legal obligation to follow provincial regulation and the needs of rural residents who want to have the option to build and construct on their lands, the statement said.
Overall the work involved in the Zoning By-law Amendment for the rural areas will continue looking at zoning for recreation vehicle storage, on-farm diversified uses, on-farm special event venues and other rural zoning matters. An extensive public consultation process, including open houses, communications and website updates and social media to engage landowners will continue throughout the process.
Clarington staff is preparing a project information sheet that will be mailed to all property owners in the rural areas. The information sheet will also contain updates on Envision Durham, the Region of Durham’s Municipal Comprehensive Review of its Official Plan.
Visit Zone Clarington for more information on the Municipality’s zoning project and all relevant information.