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Overview
We are creating a by-law that will monitor how development happens in Meaford, ensuring it brings fair and meaningful benefits to the community. We want your input on a new Community Benefits Agreement By-law. This by-law would set out guidelines for large projects that are not covered by the Planning Act, helping the Municipality and residents understand their potential impact. While it is especially relevant to projects like the proposed Pumped Storage Project, it would also apply to other major developments in the future.
Why This Matters
This by-law ensures that large private developments, not fully covered by the Planning Act, are reviewed in a way that balances growth with the needs of our residents. It sets up a clear process for gathering information, consulting the community, and making informed decisions early in the planning process. It will help ensure that the impacts of development are evaluated fairly, and that our community is properly compensated.
Project Updates
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May 27 - Media Release: Meaford to Host Public Meeting for Community Benefits Agreement By-law
Staff Reports & Council Decisions
- March 10 - Council directed staff to develop a by-law to engage residents, study impacts and benefits and address impacts and benefits through an agreement for development proposals.
- March 24 - Staff provided a report to Council which presented the proposed by-law and initiated the 30-day public consultation period
- April 10 - The Pumped Storage Advisory Committee reviewed and discussed the by-law
- April 21 - The 30-day public consultation period closes
- April 28 - Staff report presented to Council
- May 12 - Staff provided memo to Council on the compilation of community feedback and next steps
- May 26 - Staff provided Council with summary of feedback and recommend next steps
Frequently Asked Questions
| Why is this by-law being proposed now? |
| The Municipality of Meaford wants to ensure that certain projects, not subject to the typical Planning Act approval process, like the Pumped Storage Project, contribute positively to the community and address potential impacts. |
| What is the purpose of the Community Benefits By-law? |
| It provides a clear process to evaluate and respond to developments that fall outside the Planning Act and other municipal tools, ensuring fair outcomes for the community. |
| How does this by-law differ from existing planning and development rules? |
| In Ontario, most development is subject to rules under the Planning Act, which sets out a specific timeline and approval process. For projects not fully subject to the Planning Act, this by-law sets out a similar framework, including the types of studies and reports required for the Municipality to review and the ability to require a community benefits agreement on these projects. |
| Will the by-law apply to all developments? |
| No. It targets developments that are currently outside standard review channels, such as private infrastructure proposals or unique land use changes. |
| Can you provide an overview of the legal terms used throughout the by-law? |
| Community Benefits Agreement (CBA): A CBA is a legal framework that ensures large projects provide benefits to the local community, such as jobs, infrastructure improvements, or environmental protections.
Proponent: A proponent is the person, company, or group proposing a project or development. Mitigation Measures: Actions taken to reduce or eliminate the negative impacts of a project. Public Consultation: A process where the community is asked for their opinions or feedback about a project or proposal. Planning Act: A law in Ontario that governs land use planning and development. Financial Contribution: A payment made by the developer to the municipality to help fund community improvements related to the project. |
| What is expected from a proponent? |
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Under this by-law, proponents must notify the Municipality as early as possible in their project planning. They must also provide a series of reports over time to help the Municipality and the community understand the proposed development. These reports ensure transparency and informed decision-making. The required reports include:
This step-by-step process ensures that developments are well-planned, with input from the community and consideration of their potential impacts. |
| What kinds of projects would be affected by this by-law? |
| This by-law would apply to private development projects within the Municipality that are not otherwise subject to municipal planning and approval. |
| Who decides what benefits a project must provide? |
| The Municipality will negotiate benefits with developers, considering community input and the project's potential impact. |
| Will residents have a say in each project? |
| Yes, but the level of public consultation may vary depending on the project's scope. |
| Will this by-law increase my taxes? |
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No, the intent is for developers—not taxpayers—to fund community benefits. |
| Will there be transparency in how funds from Community Benefits Agreements are used? |
| Yes, the Municipality will report on agreements and ensure funds are allocated to designated community improvements. |
| Why does the by-law suggest 2% of land value of the value of community benefits? Why not 4%? |
| The 2% was used to be like the Planning Act for cash in lieu of parkland. |
| Will this by-law discourage future developments in Meaford? |
| This by-law follows a similar framework to the Planning Act. It also is important to note that most development projects are not subject to this by-law. |
| Does this by-law apply to the Pumped Storage Project? |
| Yes, it will apply to the Pumped Storage Project and others like it in the future. |
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