Infrastructure and Land Use: Urban and Rural Development
The watershed is experiencing increased development pressure in both rural and urban areas.
In the Severn Sound watershed:
- Communities are largely rural, with many hamlets and villages. The watershed also has three urban centres: Midland, Penetanguishene and Orillia.
- Municipalities are required by the Province to bring their Official Plans into compliance with the “Places to Grow” legislation that focuses growth within settlement areas.
- The Growth Plan for Simcoe County determines the amount, location and form of community development. It also provides policy direction for recreation-based housing and for the development of complete communities, including the density and intensification targets that will guide future development. The Growth Plan for Simcoe County has informed the revised Official Plan, which has in turn, provided direction for area municipalities.
- New lot, block and unit development generally takes place within settlement areas. In recent years, an average of 10% of new developments is approved outside of settlement areas.
- Most municipalities current Official Plan policies direct growth to settlement areas or existing built-up areas, allow infilling, and support smart growth in the watershed.