Ford government memo says changes made to Belleville’s Official Plan may face legal risks

Effects of decision / ministry modifications:

• The Ministry made a 160-hectare settlement area boundary expansion for residential use.
• The Ministry made a modification to the Official Plan to convert an additional 24 hectares of employment land, known locally as the “Old Fairgrounds Area,” to residential use.
• The Ministry made modifications to support the city’s vision for implementation of the Black Bear Ridge Village MZO. The modifications were made at the request of the city. The Black Bear Ridge Village MZO was filed on October 14, 2022 as Ontario Regulation 495/22.
• The Ministry made further modifications to the Official Plan which addresses matters related to conformity with the Planning Act, the protection of natural heritage resources and drinking water, Indigenous consultation, and housing supply.

Possible Contentious Issues:

• There may be legal risks on the PPS conformity, including urban expansion, employment conversions, and the Black Bear Ridge Village MZO lands.
• No proposed modifications were shared with Indigenous communities, and a 30-day engagement period is likely to be viewed as insufficient.

The ministry has implemented modifications to the city’s official plan which respond to the city’s request to support the development envisioned by this MZO (filed as O. Reg. 495/22 on October 14 ,2022).

The decision to convert the lands located at 40 Wilson Avenue and the adjacent “Old Fairgrounds Lands” from employment to residential came at the request of the landowner through the ERO, and by way of a Mayor’s letter and council resolution of support. The lands in question will potentially accommodate medium and high density residential uses and be a catalyst to remediate former brownfield lands for re-development purposes.