Integrated Environmental Assessment and Schedule
The MCP is progressing through an Integrated Environmental Assessment approach.
An Environmental Assessment (EA) is a multi-phased study to identify the potential positive and negative environmental impacts of municipal infrastructure (e.g. transportation, water, wastewater and stormwater) projects.
An integrated approach to the MCP and EA process will coordinate and simplify the planning approval processes for future land uses and development. Through this integrated approach, the MCP and EA will satisfy the requirements of the Province of Ontario’s Planning Act and Environmental Assessment Act at the same time – allowing the Township and Region to plan the Smithville community collaboratively in a holistic manner.
The following public notifications have or will be issued to satisfy the minimum requirement for the Integrated EA process:
- Notice of Commencement and Public Information Centre 0
- Notice of Public Information Centre 1
- Notice of Public Information Centre 2
- Notice of Public Open House and Public Meeting for Public Matters for proposed Official Plan Amendment No. 62 – Smithville Master Community Plan
- Notice of Adoption/Approval for Official Plan Amendment No. 62
- Notice of Public Open House and Public Meeting for Public Matters for proposed Official Plan Amendment No. 63 – Smithville Master Community Plan draft Secondary Plan and Integrated EA Municipal Servicing
- Notice of Adoption/ Approval for Official Plan Amendment No. 63
- Notice of EA Completion
An Integrated Municipal Class Environmental Assessment / Official Plan Amendment Report that meets the requirements of MCEA Phase 1 (Problem/ Opportunity Statement) and Phase 2 (Environmental Inventory, Alternative Solutions) is being completed. This report will document the integrated planning process in support of Official Plan Amendment No. 62 and 63 and includes the following supporting studies:
- Water and Wastewater Master Plan.
- Transportation Master Plan.
- Subwatershed Study
We have completed Phase 3 of the process, which will concluded with the Subwatershed Study, Stormwater Master Plan, Transportation Master Plan, and Water and Wastewater Master Plan.
Environmental Assessment Process
Overall Development Approval Framework
This graphic demonstrates the overall timeline of studies, plans, and approvals leading to development. The MCP sets the overall vision for growth. Future plans will provide more specific details and contemplate growth at a more granular level. (click graphic to enlarge)
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Status / Schedule Update
2019 / 2020
Preliminary Phase
- Preliminary Planning Report
- Transportation / Water & Wastewater Data Review
- Functional Servicing
- Transportation
- Economics Study
- Agricultural Impact & Aggregate Potential Assessment
(2) Technical Advisory Meetings (TAC)
(1) Public Information Center (PIC)
2019 / 2020
Opportunities & Constraints
2020 / 2021
Phase 1
- Characterization
- Model Development
- Draft Concept Plans
(2) Technical Advisory Meetings (TAC)
(1) Presentation To Council (PTC)
(1) Public Information Center (PIC)
2021
Phase 2
- Impact Assessment and Preferred Community Structure Option
(2) Technical Advisory Meetings (TAC)
(1) Presentation To Council (PTC)
(1) Public Information Center (PIC)
2021 / 2022
Phase 3
- Preferred Community Structure Plan & Monitoring, Management, & Implementation Recommendations
(2) Technical Advisory Meetings (TAC)
(1) Public Information Center (PIC)/ Public Meeting of Council
May / June 2023
Phase 3
- Phase 3 has been completed
OPA 63 will be going to Niagara Region Council in April 2023 for approval. Following approval, a Notice of Integrated EA Completion will be issued.
WE ARE HERE
If Required
Additional Sensitivity Analysis:
- Land use plan scenarios
- Model outputs
Provide Feedback
We want to know what you think about the Smithville Master Community Plan!
To provide feedback on the MCP, including the draft Preferred Concept Plan, key policy directions and draft Official Plan Amendment No. 62 and 63, please click the link below.
Next Steps
The MCP Project has recently completed Phase 3 of its timeline, following the completion of the Preferred Concept Plan and the Monitoring, Management and Implementation Recommendations in consultation with review agencies, stakeholders and the public.
To learn more about what’s coming up for the Project and how you can be a part of the ongoing consultation, please click the link below.