Municipal Planning Strategy (Bylaw P-1, 2009-2029)
Oxford, Nova Scotia
· adopted 2009-07-13
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TOWN OF OXFORD
MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY
2009 - 2029
BYLAW: P-1
PASSED BY COUNCIL: JULY 13, 2009
CONTENTS
1.0
INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................................2
1.1
Preface.........................................................................................................................................2
1.2
Purpose........................................................................................................................................2
1.3
Background..................................................................................................................................2
1.4
Legislative and Legal Conformity ................................................................................................2
1.5
Planning Process.........................................................................................................................4
1.6
Municipal Planning Strategy Format............................................................................................4
2.0
TOWN PROFILE..............................................................................................................................6
2.1
Town of Oxford - Location...........................................................................................................6
2.2
Town of Oxford - A Brief History .................................................................................................6
2.3
Town of Oxford - Economy .........................................................................................................7
2.4
Town of Oxford - Population .......................................................................................................7
2.5
Issues and Opportunities.............................................................................................................8
3.0
GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND VISION .............................................................................................9
3.1
Community Vision........................................................................................................................9
3.2
Community Goals ........................................................................................................................9
3.3
Community Objectives...............................................................................................................10
4.0
POLICIES ......................................................................................................................................13
4.1
General Land Use and Development ........................................................................................14
4.2
Residential .................................................................................................................................19
4.3
Commercial................................................................................................................................22
4.4
Mixed Use..................................................................................................................................27
4.5
Industrial ....................................................................................................................................29
4.6
Rural Development....................................................................................................................32
4.7
Municipal Services.....................................................................................................................34
4.8
Transportation............................................................................................................................37
4.9
Environment and Open Space ..................................................................................................40
5.0
IMPLEMENTATION.......................................................................................................................43
6.0
GENERALIZED FUTURE LAND USE MAP....................................................................50
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 1 of 48
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Preface
This document is the official Municipal Planning Strategy (Planning Strategy) of the Town of
Oxford (Town), Nova Scotia, Canada. This Planning Strategy replaces the previous municipal
planning strategy adopted by Town Council in 1992.
This Planning Strategy sets forth Council's long term policies to guide future development, land-
use and public services within the Town in a manner that is both sustainable and beneficial for
present and future generations. The document is written to be flexible and adaptable to changing
circumstances. Amendments to the policies contained herein are possible; however, they should
not be required unless substantial changes are desired.
1.2
Purpose
The purpose of this Planning Strategy is to establish a broad policy framework for guiding
development, land use and the provision of public services within the Town. Underpinning the
policies contained herein, is a vision statement and set of key objectives identified by the public
and Town Council regarding the future growth and development of the Town. It is the desire of
both residents and Council that the Town evolve into a complete and sustainable community,
which supports live-work-play opportunities, and offers a high quality-of-life living environment.
The policies contained herein shall inform future Council and Administration decisions regarding
land-use, development and the provision of public services. The Land Use and Subdivision
Bylaws shall have a particularly important role in supporting the policies of this Planning Strategy,
and shall be in conformity with this Planning Strategy. Likewise, this Planning Strategy shall be in
conformity with the Municipal Government Act (Statue of Nova Scotia) and its associated
Regulations and Statements of Provincial Interest.
Ultimately, the intent of this Planning Strategy is to ensure that growth and development occurs in
an orderly and sustainable manner over time, in accordance with the vision, goals and objectives
identified by the Town residents and Council. This Planning Strategy is considered to be
proactive, in addressing identified issues, and progressive, by striving towards high ideals of
sustainability and a high quality-of-life for present and future generations.
1.3
Background
This Planning Strategy replaces a municipal planning strategy that was adopted by Town Council
in 1992. Since the adoption of the previous planning strategy, the Town has changed significantly
in terms of its overall population, its demographic composition and its employment opportunities.
The context within which the Town operates has also changed. Significantly, Provincial legislation
that enables municipal governance has been substantially amended, and the regional context
surrounding the Town has changed.
However, key issues are as relevant today as they were when the previous planning strategy was
implemented. The potential for flooding and flood damage remains a significant issue; protection
of the Town's identity and built heritage remains an objective and coping with a changing
economic and employment environment remains a significant challenge.
Therefore, the need for a relevant Planning Strategy that addresses current issues is obvious.
This Planning Strategy responds to current issues, and provides a framework for managing
development, land use and the provision of public services into the future. Periodic review of this
Planning Strategy will ensure that that the policies remain relevant and effective.
1.4
Legislative and Legal Conformity
This Planning Strategy complies with all relevant Provincial laws and policies. Specifically, this
Planning Strategy complies with the Municipal Government Act of Nova Scotia, as well as the
Canada - Nova Scotia Agreement on Transfer of Federal Gas Tax Revenue.
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 2 of 48
Municipal Government Act
The Municipal Government Act is the premier enabling legislation that authorizes municipalities in
Nova Scotia to engage in local governance. Importantly, the Municipal Government Act
authorizes municipalities to regulate land-use and the built environment through prescribed tools,
including Municipal Planning Strategies. The Municipal Government Act states:
Municipal Planning Strategies must be in conformity with the Municipal Government Act, and
must be reasonably consistent with the Provincial Statements of Interest. The Province of Nova
Scotia has established specific statements of interest relating to the following key issues: Drinking
Water, Flood Risk Areas, Agricultural Land, Infrastructure and Housing. This Planning Strategy
includes specific objectives and policies relating to the Provincial Statements of Interest, which
are contained throughout the document. Furthermore, the objectives of the Town, and the guiding
policies of this Planning Strategy, operate within the legislative parameters set forth in the
Municipal Government Act.
Canada - Nova Scotia Agreement on Transfer of Federal Gas Tax Revenue
Municipal planning strategy
212 A council may adopt a municipal planning strategy for all, or part,
of the municipality and there may be separate strategies for
different parts of the municipality.
Purpose of municipal planning strategy
213 The purpose of a municipal planning strategy is to provide
statements of policy to guide the development and management
of the municipality and, to further this purpose, to establish
(a) policies which address problems and opportunities concerning the
development of land and the effects of the development;
(b) policies to provide a framework for the environmental, social and
economic development within a municipality;
(c) policies that are reasonably consistent with the intent of
statements of provincial interest; and
(d) specify programs and actions necessary for implementing the
municipal planning strategy.
The federal government has committed to transfer funds equivalent to a portion of the federal
excise tax on gasoline to municipalities. In September 2005, the federal government and Nova
Scotia entered into an agreement that sets out the terms and conditions of the program. The
Province of Nova Scotia, in conformity with the Federal/ Provincial agreement, has further defined
specific tasks municipalities in Nova Scotia must undertake as a perquisite for gas tax funding
procurement.
An essential requirement for gas tax procurement is the preparation of an Integrated Community
Sustainability Plan, which provides a strategy for achieving objectives and targets relating to
social, economic, environmental and cultural sustainability. This Planning Strategy meets the
Federal/ Provincial Integrated Community Sustainability Plan requirements by setting forth goals,
objectives and policies for supporting sustainability.
The sustainability objectives of this Planning Strategy are rooted in a desire by Town residents
and Council to achieve a balance of social, economic and environmental forces and elements, in
the future. At the time this Planning Strategy was adopted, the Town was experiencing significant
demographic and economic challenges, which are explained in Section 2.0. Considering the
identified challenges, the overall objective of this Planning Strategy is not to achieve
sustainability, per se, but to initiate policies and programs for promoting sustainability.
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 3 of 48
1.5
Planning Process
The process undertaken to prepare this Planning Strategy was framed by several key factors and
requirements. The process was to:
Be inclusive in nature, and community driven;
Follow a logical progression, ultimately resulting in a policy framework;
Conform with Provincial requirements;
Reflect staff and budget opportunities and limitations.
Plan Preparation
The preparation process for this Planning Strategy spanned a one year period, between 2008
and 2009. The process followed a logical progression, starting with the identification of issues and
opportunities, and resulting in the preparation of a unique policy framework for guiding
development, land-use and the provision of public serves within the Town, as follows:
Public Participation
Public and stakeholder engagement was a significant component of the plan preparation process.
Public engagement is important in order to:
Identify, comprehensively, the issues that may be addressed by this Planning Strategy, as
well as potential solutions;
Ensure long-term community support and buy-in regarding the policies and implementation
strategy of this Planning Strategy;
Ensure transparency and democratic participation.
Public and stakeholder engagement included an open house, questionnaire and a public hearing.
An open house, held in February 2009, allowed Town residents and stakeholders an opportunity
to consider, and comment on, the draft Planning Strategy. A take-home questionnaire provided
an additional opportunity for comments. Following this open house process, the draft Planning
Strategy was amended based on community feedback.
In addition to the open house, a formal public hearing was held, pursuant to Section 205(3) of the
Municipal Government Act, which provided an opportunity for the public and stakeholders to
express their comments directly to Town Council.
1.6
Municipal Planning Strategy Format
This Municipal Planning Strategy is organized into seven sections. They are:
Section 1.0 - Introduction: This section introduces the Planning Strategy, and explains this
document's purpose and background.
Section 2.0 - Town Profile: This section describes the Town's geographic, demographic
and economic profile, and outlines key issues and trends currently affecting the Town.
Section 3.0 - Goals and Objectives: Key to this section, is a vision statement, which
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 4 of 48
describes the Town's aspirations respecting future growth and development. The vision
statement forms the foundation for a set of goals and objectives that, in turn, form the
foundation for a comprehensive set of policies.
Section 4.0 - Policies: This section contains specific policies for each of the key elements of
this Planning Strategy. These policies will guide Council and Administrative decisions
regarding land-use, development and the provision of public services. In some cases, the
policies also identify issues which require further study and action.
Section 5.0 - Implementation: This section explains how the Planning Strategy is to be
implemented, monitored and revised, and summarizes further action required to be
undertaken by the Town to execute the objectives of this Planning Strategy.
Section 6.0 - Generalized Future Land Use Map: The GFLUM identifies the desired land
use pattern of the Town, including the desired location of residential, commercial, industrial
and open space land uses.
Section 7.0 - Reference Maps: This section contains various reference maps. These maps
do not form an official part of this Planning Strategy.
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 5 of 48
2.0
TOWN PROFILE
2.1
Town of Oxford - Location
The Town of Oxford is located within Cumberland County, Nova Scotia, approximately 40 km
south-east of the New Brunswick/ Nova Scotia border and 160 km north-west of Halifax, and is
along the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy. 104). The Town is 18 km from the Gulf of St. Lawrence,
and is located at the confluence of the Black River and the River Philip. The Little River joins the
River Philip downstream, 200 metres south of the Town.
The topography of the Town is substantially flat, with the exception of a formation referred to as
"Sandy Hill". The Oxford watershed consists of a mixture of deciduous and coniferous forest,
cultivated land and limited urban landscapes. Most of the agriculture in the area is low-bush
blueberry cultivation located in the Cobequid Highlands. There are also small farms located along
the River Philip, which grow more traditional crops, such as corn and wheat. Much of the Town is
located within the flood plains of the Black River and the River Philip.
The Town is transected by the Main Street corridor, which provides access to the majority of
residential and commercial development in the Town. Another key corridor is Water Street, which
runs perpendicular to Main Street, and also accommodates a diversity of land uses. Much of the
Town's peripheral areas contain agricultural land uses and low density residential development;
larger areas are in a natural state, especially the flood plain of the River Philip.
2.2
Town of Oxford - A Brief History
The Town of Oxford was founded in 1791 by settler Richard Thompson. The name "Oxford" is
derived from the shallow river that was used to enter Oxford. Early settlers often found it easy to
use oxen to cross, or "ford," the river, and thus the Town's name was born.
The earliest Town industry was based on the processing of lumber. In the very early 1800's
sawmills were established near, what is today, the Black River Bridge on Black River. The three
rivers surrounding the Town provided food, transportation and an easy source of power. In
addition to lumber processing, agricultural was a mainstay of the economy. The Town's economy
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 6 of 48
was intimately linked with the regional economy, and the Town's lumber would have been used
for both ship building and housing construction. In the mid 1800's, the Town's economy began to
diversify. In 1867, the Woollen Mills was established; around 1858, a store was established on
the bank of the Black River.
The Town continued to thrive until the early 1900's. However, it was during the early 1900's that
the regional economy, fuelled by ship building, textiles and lumber, began to significantly decline;
as a result, the employment foundation for many small towns, including Oxford, began to
disappear. Evidence of the Town's rich and vibrant past is evident today in the stock of beautiful
heritage buildings found all over Town, and the stories of the people.
2.3
Town of Oxford - Economy
At the time this Planning Strategy was adopted, the economy of the Town was intimately linked
with the local agricultural industry. Blueberry production thrives on the landscape surrounding the
Town, and Oxford boasts of being the "Wild Blueberry Capital of the World". A major spin-off
industry, resulting from blueberry production, is the Oxford Frozen Foods production facility. At
the time this Planning Strategy was adopted, Oxford Frozen Foods employed a significant
number of Town, and out-of-town, residents, and was producing a diversity of food products.
Other major sources of employment are the general retail and manufacturing industries and
health care and social services. The Town is providing services to the broader area outside of its
boundaries, but is competing with larger centers, such as Amherst. In addition to its intimate
connection with the agricultural industry, the Town has a close link with the Trans Canada
Highway, and benefits from passing traffic. A summary of the Town's employment sources, as of
2006, are as follows:
2006 Stats Canada statistics
(Percentage of total labor force relative to particular employment categories)
Other services: 20.0%
Retail trade: 15.5%
Health care and social services: 15.5%
Manufacturing: 11.5%
Construction: 10.0%
Agriculture/ resource-based: 07.6%
Educational services: 07.6%
Business services : 04.6%
Wholesale trade: 04.6%
Finance and real estate: 02.3%
2.4
Town of Oxford - Population
Population is directly linked to housing, services and employment opportunities. With an overall
decline in employment opportunities, the Town has witnessed a continuing decline in population.
At the same time, the demographic composition of the Town is changing; however, only
minimally. According to Statistics Canada, the Town's population was 1,178 in 2006. This
represents a 12% decline from 2001, and a 15% decline between 1991 and 2001.
Table 1 - Oxford Population 1991 - 2006
1991 Pop.
1996 Pop.
1991 - 1996
2001 Pop.
1996 - 2001
% Change
2006 Pop.
2001 -
2006
% Change
% Change
1,384
1,352
-2.3%
1,332
-1.5%
1,178
-11.6
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 7 of 48
Table 2 - 1996 - 2006 Comparison of % of Total Population Belonging to Age
Groups
Year
Age Group
5 - 19
25 - 55
Over 65
Average Age
2006
19%
50%
18%
43
1996
20%
40%
18%
39
The demographic data reveals two obvious conclusions:
The Town's population has substantially declined between 1991 and 2006, with an
exceptional decrease between 2001 and 2006.
The demographic composition of Town residents in 2006 is similar to the demographic
composition of 1996; however, in 2006, there was a higher percentage of people between 25
and 55 years of age, (10% increase), and the median age was higher.
2.5
Issues and Opportunities
A basic overview of the Town's key characteristics, at the time this Planning Strategy was
adopted, revealed both issues and opportunities for the Town's future. This information was
derived through the following sources:
1991 to 2006 Stats Canada statistics;
2005 Strategic Action Plan1;
Inventory of existing development and land use information.
Key issues result from the Town's shifting population and economic conditions, while key
opportunities relate to the Town's heritage and cultural resources, its ability to capitalize on
adjacent resources and its proximity to the Trans Canada Highway. The land-use, development
and public servicing strategy described in this Planning Strategy will address the following issues
and opportunities in a proactive way:
Table 3 - Town of Oxford: Issues and Opportunities
Issues
Opportunities
Decline in population
Access to Trans Canada Highway
Ageing population
Heritage and cultural resources
Quality public utilities
Regional agricultural resources
Oxford Development Lands
Limited employment opportunities
Lack of housing diversity2
Flooding and flood damage
Condition of parks
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 8 of 48
3.0
GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND VISION
The policies of Section 4.0 of this Planning Strategy shall serve as a framework for guiding Council and
Administrative decisions relating to land-use, development and the provision of public services.
Underpinning the policies of this Planning Strategy is the community's vision for the future, as well as a
set of goals and objectives.
The vision of this Planning Strategy "paints a picture of the future", and describes where the community
wants to be in 20 years time. The community vision is general, subjective, descriptive, and is intended to
be inspirational and motivational.
The goals of this Planning Strategy provide substance to, and a more specific articulation of, the
community vision. The goals are generally broad in scope, but, ultimately, have a specific intent.
Ultimately, the objectives and policies of this Planning Strategy are oriented towards fulfilling the goals
described herein.
The objectives are more specific statements derived from the goals, which provide realistic targets for
achieving community goals. The objectives also reflect the issues and concerns that are unique to the
Town of Oxford. The objectives are presented at the beginning of each policy section to provide a frame
of reference for the subsequent policies.
3.1
Community Vision
By 2029, the Town of Oxford will be a stable and diverse community with a high quality-of-life.
Employment, housing and public service opportunities will provide a live-work-play environment for many
Town residents.
The downtown will be the heart of Oxford in 2029, and will provide important shopping, civic and cultural
opportunities. Surrounding the downtown will be distinct residential neighborhoods offering a diversity of
housing types. Main Street will be increasingly built-out with a diversity of commercial and residential land
uses.
The streets of Oxford will enhance the community by providing a safe environment for vehicles,
pedestrians and cyclists. The streets will be valued as an important public space, and will receive ongoing
attention from the Town in terms of beautification and maintenance. An interconnected system of
greenways and trails will provide for alternative transportation choices.
The Town will provide excellent public utilities and community services. Utility infrastructure will provide
for the safe and efficient provision of potable water, as well as the removal of waste-water and storm-
water. Community services will provide important public amenities for both Town residents and the
regional community, in the context of regional servicing agreements. Existing schools will provide
excellent educational opportunities for the area's youth.
The natural environment will flourish in 2009, thanks to both private and public stewardship. Privately
owned lands containing important natural features, such as floodplains, will be carefully regulated; public
parks will support the open space needs of the community. Public parks will have increased by 2009, and
will be evolving towards an interconnected system of greenways.
The Town will be a prosperous community within a prosperous region, and will be known for its motto:
Oxford: A vibrant community, surrounding by natural beauty - a great place to live, work and play!
3.2
Community Goals
The ultimate goal of the Town of Oxford is to achieve social, economic and environmental
sustainability. The Town Council and public desire a sustainable community that balances
employment opportunities with housing opportunities and the provision of public services and
amenities. Furthermore, a live-work-play, or "complete", community is desired, where everyone,
of all ages, can achieve most of their everyday needs within the community.
Sustainability - Broad Goals
For the Town of Oxford, sustainability may be broken down into the following 3 elements ("pillars
of sustainability"): social, economic and environmental, as follows:
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 9 of 48
Social Sustainability: Means a stable and diverse population. Social sustainability requires
opportunities for civic engagement and social networking, and a diversity of housing and
employment options. Culture and heritage are important components of social sustainability,
and must be supported.
Economic Sustainability: Means a diversity of employment options and a balanced land-use
mix and jobs-to-housing ratio. In order to achieve economic sustainability, the intrinsic value
of the natural landscape, in terms of its resource yield and "ecological services", must be
supported. The servicing of development must be fiscally sustainable.
Environmental Sustainability: Means supporting and promoting clean land, air and water, as
well as the sustainable use of natural resources. Environmental sustainability must be
regarded from both a local and a global context, as local land use and consumption affects
the global bio-sphere.
Sustainability - Specific Goals
The Town of Oxford believes that the best way to achieve the broad goals of sustainability that
the Town has identified is through comprehensive land-use planning, fiscal pragmatism and
through the responsible provision of public services and amenities. Therefore, the following
specific goals have been generated, which the Town believes will ultimately support the identified
"pillars of sustainability":
To achieve a municipal budget that is balanced over the long-term, where excellent municipal
services and capital improvements are paid for through annual revenues;
To improve the stability and diversity of the population, and to promote a more balanced jobs-
to-housing ratio;
To have effective strategies and regulations in place for protecting identified important natural
features and ecosystem services within the Town and region;
To have effective strategies and regulations in place for protecting and promoting the
heritage and character of the downtown and identified important historic buildings;
To have a full suite of public service and amenity programs in place, for all ages;
To achieve a complete community, that is defined by live-work-play opportunities, and a built-
fabric consisting of pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods and commercial districts that are inter-
connected through a complementary transportation network.
3.3
Community Objectives
The objectives of this Planning Strategy consist of specific targets the Town would like to achieve
between 2009 and 2029. Ultimately, the objectives are intended to promote the fulfillment of the
sustainability goals outlined in Section 3.2. It is important to note, however, that the sustainability
goals are very broad in scope, and, due to the social and economic issues outlined in Section 2.0,
will be difficult, but not impossible, to achieve.
Considering the challenges confronting Oxford, the complete fulfillment of the goals and
objectives of this Planning Strategy should not be regarded as the ultimate measure of success.
Alternatively, establishing a progressive and ascending trajectory towards the fulfillment of the
goals and objectives should be the measure of success, characterized by the establishment of
concrete policies and programs.
The objectives of this Planning Strategy are contained within each of the policy sections (Section
4.0) of this Planning Strategy, and are summarized as follows:
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 10 of 48
General Land Use Objectives
To facilitate the orderly and sustainable growth and development of the Town;
To support a cohesive and pedestrian-oriented community through a compact and inter-
connected development form and transportation network;
To support a broad array of compatible land uses and residential types;
To support compatibility and synergy between land uses through building and site design.
Residential Objectives
To allow for a variety of housing types and densities within the Town;
To ensure that residential development enhances the streetscape through the design and
placement of buildings;
To encourage residential infill development on appropriate under-utilized lands;
To ensure that the location of new residential development reflects the logical expansion of
existing neighborhoods, and is fiscally sustainable from a cost of servicing perspective.
Commercial Objectives
To facilitate commercial development within the Town to ensure that the employment,
shopping and service requirements of Town residents are satisfied within the Town;
To encourage new commercial and industrial development, such as commercial parks, within
the Town with the intent of ensuring long-term economic sustainability;
To foster the development of the downtown as the focus of specialty retail, new office,
government employment and cultural amenities;
To ensure that commercial development, and parking, is sensitively integrated with the
natural environment and adjacent land uses, and enhances the streetscape through good
design.
Mixed Use Objectives
To facilitate the development of Mixed Use areas within the Town, which allow for an
appropriate and compatible mix of residential and commercial activity;
To foster and support a pedestrian-oriented built environment where differing land uses are
within walking distance;
To create vibrant, dynamic and diverse areas within the Town where commercial and
residential land uses synergize;
To provide flexible and diverse opportunities for new business enterprises.
Industrial Objectives
To encourage new industrial development within the Town with the intent of ensuring long-
term economic sustainability;
To ensure that industrial development, and associated parking, is compatible with
surrounding land uses, and is sensitively integrated with the natural environment;
To encourage the development of low pollution emitting industrial uses;
To require that defunct industrial sites undergo active remediation and restoration.
Rural Development Objectives
To ensure that the Town residential and commercial areas remain compact, by limiting the
residential and commercial development potential of peripheral areas;
To support the efficient use of Town infrastructure by avoiding the premature development of
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 11 of 48
peripheral areas of the Town;
To support a broad array of appropriate and compatible agriculture related land uses;
To ensure that peripheral areas have a land use compatible with adjacent County lands.
Municipal Servicing Objectives
To control the development of new residential and commercial land uses through the careful
expansion of municipal water and waste-water infrastructure;
To ensure that a coordinated approach is taken to the planning, upgrading and extension of
infrastructure services, and the planning and approval of new development;
To improve the functioning and quality, as well as the efficient and economic management,
of utility services in the Town, in order to meet the existing and future needs of the
community;
To enhance quality-of-life and well-being through the provision of community recreation and
municipal emergency services.
Transportation Objectives
To establish an interconnected street system, which provides a safe and enjoyable
environment for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists;
To support an array and hierarchy of streets standards, which provide a context sensitive
solution to specific and unique areas of the Town;
To provide alternative transportation routes, in addition to streets, such as pathways and
trails;
To ensure that timing and location of new streets and street extensions are the result of
comprehensive planning considerations, and facilitate the logical extension of the Town.
Environmental Objectives
To protect important natural features and systems within the Town in order to support the
retention of important ecosystem services;
To cooperate within a regional context to protect important natural features of regional value;
To limit development within or on environmentally sensitive land;
To provide a broad array of inter-connected public open space features.
Implementation Objectives
To ensure that the policies in this Municipal Planning Strategy are implemented in a
consistent manner;
To ensure that all development proposals, the Land Use By-law and all other planning and
development decisions of Council and Planning Advisory Committee are consistent with the
intent of the policies contained in this Strategy;
To ensure that public awareness and active participation in the planning process is
encouraged;
To ensure that the Council undertakes actions, where deemed appropriate, in order to
achieve the objectives outlined in the Strategy.
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 12 of 48
4.0
POLICIES
The policies of Section 4.0 shall serve as a framework for guiding Council and Administrative decisions
relating to land-use, development and the provision of public services. These polices are intended to
support and promote the vision, goals and objectives of this Planning Strategy. Although the Town shall
strive to fulfill the policies of this Planning Strategy, it is important to note that many of the policies are
intended to be flexible in nature, in recognition of the complex and dynamic context within which the Town
operates; however, the ultimate objectives is a sustainable future through good land use planning.
ECONOMY
NATURE
COMMUNITY
SUSTAINABILITY
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 13 of 48
4.1
GENERAL LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT
At the time this Planning Strategy was adopted, population decline was a key issue confronting the Town.
Notwithstanding this, the previous Planning Strategy identified large tracts of undeveloped land, and land
within floodplains, for general development. A component of this Planning Strategy is to limit development
within the major floodplain and to restrict undeveloped peripheral areas to rural land uses only. The
overall goal is to maximize the efficiency of existing infrastructure, promote infill and to support the
existing traditional neighborhood fabric of the Town. Should there be a demand for new residential
subdivisions, the Town shall support the infill of existing built-out areas, and may consider
comprehensively planned development in the identified peripheral areas.
Objectives
a) To facilitate the orderly and sustainable growth and development of the Town;
b) To support a cohesive and pedestrian-oriented community through a compact and inter-connected
development form and transportation network;
c) To support a broad array of compatible land uses and residential types;
d) To support compatibility and synergy between land uses through building and site design.
General Future Land Use and Development Policies
It shall be the intent of Council to provide for the overall development
of the Town in accordance with the Generalized Future Land Use
Map, which constitutes Schedule A, Part 6.0, of this Planning
Strategy.
GP-1
It shall be the intent of Council to designate, on the Generalized
Future Land Use Map, areas to be predominantly used for residential,
commercial, industrial, Mixed Use, rural development, downtown,
open space and other uses, in accordance with the policies of this
Planning Strategy.
GP-2
Generalized Future Land
Use Map
GP-3
It shall be the intent of Council to allow a range of compatible uses in
each designation, subject to the policies of this Planning Strategy,
and the Land Use Bylaw.
GP-4
It shall be the intent of Council to consider amendments to the
Generalized Future Land Use Map in accordance with Policy GP-5,
E-6, A-6 and A-7.
GP-5
Land designated as Rural Development, according to the General
Future Land Use Map, may be used to accommodate future
residential subdivisions and commercial parks, in accordance with
the following provisions:
a) For proposed new residential subdivisions and commercial parks,
an amendment to the Generalized Future Land Use Map of this
Planning Strategy, in accordance with Policy GP-6, and the Land
Use Bylaw, shall be required;
b) The preparation of a secondary plan, in accordance with Policy
GP-7, GP-8 and GP-9, shall be required.
Amendments to
Generalized Future Land
Use Map
GP-6
An amendment to the Generalized Future Land Use Map to
accommodate a commercial park or residential development on land
designated as Rural Development shall not be allowed, unless the
proposed land use and/ or development and location is deemed to
be appropriate, in accordance with Policy A-7.
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 14 of 48
GP-7
As a prerequisite for an amendment to the Generalized Future Land
Use Map to accommodate a commercial park or residential
development on land designated as Rural Development, Council shall
undertake, or require, the preparation of a secondary plan for part of
the Town. Conceptual boundaries for future secondary plan areas are
shown on Schedule B, Part 7.0, of this Planning Strategy.
GP-8
Where Council requires the preparation of a secondary plan, Council
may require that a secondary plan address one or more of the
following:
a) The proposed location of future land uses, lots, streets, street
reserves and open space;
b) Design principles and standards for blocks, parks, streets,
buildings, landscaping, etc.
c) The proposed location of utility infrastructure, easements and
rights-of-way;
d) A plan for phasing and staging development over time;
e) A strategy for retaining and protecting important natural features,
including floodplains;
f)
A circulation strategy for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles;
g) A strategy for public input into the planning process;
h) Any other matter authorized by the Municipal Government Act.
Secondary Plans
GP-9
Secondary plans shall be appended to this Planning Strategy, and
shall become binding policy, following the adoption of a bylaw
amending this Planning Strategy.
It shall be the
intent of Council to ensure that growth and
development within the Town is sustainable and cost effective by:
Sustainable Development
GP-10
a) Concentrating new development in adequately serviced and
properly planned areas;
b) Encouraging and facilitating infill development on underutilized
properties within the built-up area of Town;
c) Providing opportunities for higher density and Mixed Use
development in the downtown and along Main Street;
d) Ensuring that un-serviced development is well planned and
located in appropriate areas of the Town;
e) Locating development away from identified significant natural
areas;
f)
Facilitating the contiguous expansion of the built up areas of the
Town, through the extension of utilities, when appropriate.
Land Use Bylaw
GP-11
It shall be the intent of Council to adopt a Land Use Bylaw to
implement the goals, objectives and policies of this Planning
Strategy. The Land Use Bylaw shall include a range of zoning
districts with development standards for the form, massing, height,
design and placement of buildings, as well as other requirements, as
authorized by the Municipal Government Act and this Planning
Strategy.
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 15 of 48
Subdivision Bylaw
GP-12
It shall be the intent of Council to adopt a Subdivision Bylaw to
implement the policies of this Planning Strategy and the regulations
of the Land Use Bylaw; however, until such time as a Subdivision
Bylaw is adopted, the Provincial Subdivision Regulations shall act as
the primary source of subdivision regulations for the Town.
GP-13
It shall be the intent of Council to support the retention and
rehabilitation of important heritage buildings.
Heritage
GP-14
It shall be the intent of Council to prepare, maintain and enforce a
Heritage Strategy.
It shall be the intent of Council to permit institutional development
primarily in residential, commercial, Mixed Use and downtown areas
of the Town, in accordance with the relevant policy sections of this
Planning Strategy and the Land Use Bylaw.
Institutional Development
GP-15
GP-16
It shall be the intent of Council to ensure a compatible mix of
development and land uses in all areas of the Town by:
a)
Locating intense commercial and industrial development away
from low density residential areas;
b)
Situating high traffic streets and major electrical transmission
lines, and other above ground utilities, so as to minimize their
impact on surrounding land uses, especially residential.
Compatibility
GP-17
It shall be the intent of Council to allow a mix of compatible land uses
and to minimize their impacts by:
a) Requiring adequate buffering and setbacks;
b)
Screening development by the use of visual barriers;
c)
Regulating the location of parking, storage buildings or other
accessory uses or facilities.
Density
GP-18
Council shall support higher density residential within the downtown
and along lower Main Street, and other identified areas, with the
intent that higher density residential (e.g. multi-unit buildings) are in
close proximity to commercial land uses and parks.
GP-19
It shall be the intent of Council to support the continuation of a use of
land or a use of structure where the use was legally developed, but
rendered non-conforming due to amendments to the Land Use
Bylaw; however, should the non-conforming use of land or structure
cease, it is expected that future use of land or structure, on the same
property, shall be in conformity with the Land Use Bylaw.
Non-conforming Uses (1)
GP-20
Notwithstanding GP-19, it shall be the intent of Council to permit, in
all zones or designations, any non-conforming use a period of up to
12 month to re-open after a closure, as apposed to the 6 month
1 Non-conforming uses are those that are no longer permitted in particular (zoned) areas, but are allowed
to remain because they legally existed prior to the adoption of the Land Use By-law. Council supports
the continued operation of non-conforming uses; however, Council must also consider and protect the
overall interests of the community. Consequently, Council will consider alterations, changes of use, and
expansions by development agreement. A successful, expanding business should, however, be
encouraged to locate in a permitted area where benefits such as a larger potential customer base,
reduced servicing costs, and less restrictive land use requirements exist.
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 16 of 48
minimum permitted in the MGA.
Non-Conforming Uses
GP-21
It shall be the intent of Council to permit, in all zones or designations,
a non-conforming use to expand or change to another use not
normally permitted on the property by way of Development
Agreement. In considering such a development agreement, Council
shall consider the following:
a)
That the proposed use exerts a similar, or less, impact on the
surrounding neighborhood;
b)
The use of buffering, landscaping or fencing to reduce possible
impacts, to improve the property;
c)
That adequate parking is provided for the new use; or the
existing parking situation is improved by virtue of the
development agreement;
d)
The proposal will not involve any expansion of the use onto a lot
not originally occupied by the use except for the provision of
parking;
e)
Signage on the property;
f)
Hours of operation;
g)
The adequacy of the transportation network to accommodate the
proposed use.
GP-22
It shall be the intent of Council to include in the Land Use Bylaw a full
range of provisions to ensure a high quality urban environment in all
land use designations. Such provisions shall include, but not be
limited to regulations concerning signage, landscaping and buffering,
accessory buildings, separation distances and obnoxious uses.
General Quality Controls
GP-23
The Land Use Bylaw shall include regulations, within any or all zoning
districts, for ensuring that the design of fences and signs enhance the
pedestrian
and
streetscape
environment
through
appropriate
requirements, which may relate to dimensions, material, design,
illumination, etc.
Fences and Signs
Illumination
GP-24
The Land Use Bylaw shall establish regulations regarding the
amount, type and direction of lighting and illumination, with the intent
that illumination:
a) Does not interfere with vehicular traffic;
b) Does not offend neighboring land uses, especially residential;
c) Promotes "dark skies" ;
d) Contributes to the streetscape from an aesthetic/ design
perspective.
GP-25
The Town may approve flag lot subdivisions within all zones or
designations in order to support the efficient use of land and
infrastructure.
Flag Lots
In the context of flag lots, the Land Use Bylaw shall require an
approved site-plan as a prerequisite for the development of new main
buildings, in accordance with Policy A-11, A-12 and A-13.
GP-26
GP-27
Subdivision with two main
It shall be the intent of Council to permit the subdivision of existing
lots, with two or more main buildings, which cannot meet the
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 17 of 48
minimum lot area, frontage, and yard requirements of the Land Use
Bylaw.
buildings
It shall be the intent of Council, under the Land Use Bylaw, to allow
temporary uses such as those incidental to construction or special
events, for a specific time period
GP-28
Temporary Uses
It shall be the intent of Council, in accordance with Section 235 of the
Municipal Government Act, to permit the Development Officer to
grant a variance in one or more of the following terms of a
development agreement or requirements of the land use bylaw:
GP-29
Variances
a) the number of parking spaces and loading spaces;
b) ground area and height of a structure;
c) floor area occupied by a home based business;
d) height and area of a sign.
It shall be the intent of Council to require that all new development
protect topsoil, and prevent conditions that result in erosion and/or
the creation of stormwater management problems.
GP-30
Stormwater Drainage
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 18 of 48
4.2
RESIDENTIAL
Residential development in the Town of Oxford exists in the context of traditional downtown
neighborhoods "ribbon" development along arterial roads, and low density development interfacing with
the rural peripheral areas of Town. The majority of dwellings are single-detached and are connected to
Town public utility infrastructure. In accordance with the Town's sustainability goals and objectives, this
Planning Strategy supports development of a variety of housing types, including accessory dwelling units,
and promotes the location of new residential development in existing serviced and built-up areas.
Objectives
a) To allow for a variety of housing types and densities within the Town;
b) To ensure that residential development enhances the streetscape through the design and placement
of buildings;
c) To encourage residential infill development on appropriate under-utilized lands;
d) To ensure that the location of new residential development reflects the logical expansion of existing
neighborhoods, and is fiscally sustainable from a cost of servicing perspective.
Residential Policies
Generalized Future
Land Use Map
RP-1
Council shall designate areas in the Town as Downtown Residential on
the Generalized Future Land Use.
Downtown
Residential
RP-2
It shall be the intent of Council that areas designated as Downtown
Residential on the Generalized Future Land Use Map evolve into primarily
residential neighborhoods, in accordance with the following provisions:
a) Land uses may include residential and land uses authorized by Policy
RP-4;
b) Streets and blocks shall contribute to an inter-connected pedestrian-
oriented neighborhood design;
c) Parks and public land uses shall serve as community destinations
and focal points;
d) The size and location of buildings shall enhance the streetscape
through appropriate development standards;
e) For new non-residential main buildings, excluding group homes and
boarding houses, the exterior siding or cladding shall consist of stone,
brick, stucco or wood, or a high quality synthetic material that
resembles one of these materials;
f)
Where applicable, sufficient on-site parking and loading shall be
required;
g) For new non-residential development and multi-unit residential
buildings with 3 or more units, landscaping and parking design shall
ensure compatibility between adjacent land uses and shall contribute
to an aesthetically pleasing and enhanced streetscape;
h) Hours of operation, where applicable, may be limited according to
appropriate considerations, such as compatibility with adjacent
residential uses;
i)
Accessory buildings shall be limited, and not situated in front yard
areas;
j)
The design of fences and signs shall enhance the pedestrian and
streetscape environment;
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 19 of 48
k) On-site Illumination shall be focused away from adjacent properties;
l)
Outdoor storage shall be limited and screened from view.
m) Storm water drainage shall be managed onsite or be directed to the
public stormwater drainage system, and may not be directed onto
adjacent properties.
Downtown Residential
Zone
RP-3
The Land Use Bylaw shall include a Downtown Residential zone, which
shall apply to areas identified on the General Future Land Use Map as
Downtown Residential. The Downtown Residential zone may include
regulations for addressing any applicable requirements of this Planning
Strategy, including Policy RP-2, and other land use and development
considerations, as permitted in the Municipal Government Act.
Development
Agreement
RP-4
It shall be the intent of Council to require a development agreement for
the following land uses in the Downtown Residential zone:
a) Neighbourhood day care centres;
b) Multi-unit residential with seven or more dwelling units, including
townhouse dwellings.
Where a development agreement is required, Council shall consider, and
the development agreement may address any of the applicable policies or
requirements of this Planning Strategy, including Policy RP-2.
Site Plans
RP-5
It shall be the intent of Council to require Site Plan approval for the
following uses in the Downtown Residential Zone:
a) Public schools;
b) Churches and church halls;
c) Groups homes and homes for special care;
d) Neighborhood day care centers;
e) Health care facilities and public clinics;
f)
Convenience stores;
g) Bed and breakfasts;
h) Multi-unit residential buildings with 3 or more units.
Where Site Plan approval is required, the Development Officer shall
consider Policy RP-2, and any other applicable policy of this Planning
Strategy.
Main Street
Residential
RP-6
It is the intent of this Planning Strategy to support the existing pattern of
residential development adjacent to Lower Main Street, north of the
downtown, and to limit new non-residential development in this area. It is
expected that this area of the Town will continue to evolve, in accordance
with the following provisions:
a) Land uses shall include single and semi-detached residential;
b) Accessory buildings shall be limited, and not situated in front yard
areas;
c) The design of fences and signs shall enhance the pedestrian and
streetscape environment;
d) On-site Illumination shall be focused away from adjacent properties;
e) Where Town sanitary-sewer is not available, lot sizes shall be of
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 20 of 48
sufficient dimensions to support private, on-site waste-water systems,
until such time as Town sanitary sewer is provided;
f)
Outdoor storage shall be limited and screened from view.
Main Street
Residential Zone
RP-7
The Land Use Bylaw shall include a Main Street Residential zone, which
shall apply to areas identified on the General Future Land Use Map as
Main Street Residential. The Main Street Residential zone may include
regulations for addressing any applicable requirements of this Planning
Strategy, including Policy RP-5, and other land use and development
considerations, as permitted in the Municipal Government Act.
RP-8
It shall be the intent of Council to encourage and promote the provision of
affordable housing units within all residential areas of the Town by:
a) Encouraging a mix of housing types and densities in specified areas;
b) Supporting
accessory
dwelling
units
(garden
suites),
where
appropriate;
c) Cooperating with Federal and Provincial Governments to facilitate
affordable housing.
Affordable Housing
RP-9
It shall be the intent of Council to undertake a Housing Affordability
Feasibility Study in order to identify:
a) A definition of affordability, as it relates to Oxford;
b) The number and type of affordable units that will be required within
the time horizon of this Planning Strategy;
c) Land and infrastructure requirements;
d) Required amendments to this Planning Strategy, and the Land Use
Bylaw, including incentive tools;
e) Public/ Private Partnership options;
f)
Provincial and Federal Government funding potential.
Garden Suites
Within areas zoned or designated residential or Mixed Use, Council may
permit a Garden Suite on a lot containing a single-detached residential
building, subject to a Development Agreement. In negotiating such an
agreement Council shall have regard for the following:
a) The garden suite be secondary to the main dwelling on the lot, and
may be located on top of an accessory building;
b) Water and sewer services be provided independent from the main
dwelling;
RP-10
c) One additional off-street parking space shall be provided;
d) Setbacks relating to accessory buildings shall apply;
e) The garden suite not be located in the front yard of the property;
f)
No home occupation, group home, boarding house, day care or other
such secondary use be permitted on the property;
g) The development agreement be discharged should the garden suite
be removed from the property.
New Streets/ Multi-
lot Residential by
Development
RP-11
It shall be the intent of Council to require, in any zone, a development
agreement for all new multi-lot residential developments that include new
streets, or the extension of existing street(s). Such a development
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 21 of 48
agreement shall ensure that:
Agreement
a) The proposed street and associated services are constructed to a
minimum acceptable standard and quality;
b) The street and associated infrastructure are primarily paid for by the
landowner or developer;
c) The design and layout of the proposed development makes efficient
use of land, infrastructure, and services (if provided);
It shall be the intent of Council to provide for the stabilization of existing
residential neighborhoods by:
RP-12
Neighborhood
Stabilization
a) Encouraging the maintenance and rehabilitation of the existing
housing stock;
b) Discouraging the encroachment of non-compatible land uses;
c) Enforcing the "Dangerous and Unsightly Premises" section of the
MGA.
The development of new mobile and manufactured homes shall be limited
to areas of the Town zoned Main Street Residential, General Mixed Use
and Rural Development.
RP-13
Mobile and
Manufactured
Homes and Parks
In order to ensure quality public transportation and utility servicing, and
the creation of stable and diverse neighborhoods, multiple residential
buildings on a single lot shall generally be prohibited, except where
authorized by this Planning Strategy.
RP-14
RP-15
Number of
Residential Buildings
Per Lot
The Land Use Bylaw shall stipulate a maximum of one residential building
(e.g. single detached building or multi-unit building) per lot, except for lots
containing single detached dwellings, which may have a main building
and a garden suite, where permitted under this Planning Strategy and the
Land Use Bylaw.
4.3
COMMERCIAL
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 22 of 48
Commercial development in Oxford exists in the context of traditional downtown commercial, as "ribbon"
development along arterial roads, and as scattered small operations and home based businesses within
the predominantly residential areas. At the time this Planning Strategy was adopted, new commercial
development was minimal, and was occurring mostly in the context of new home based businesses and
new commercial along Main Street. The Town welcomes new commercial development, and has
identified areas for these types of land uses. It is the intent of Council to ensure that new commercial
development is compatible with adjacent land uses, and enhances the streetscape environment through
building and site design.
Objectives
a) To promote and facilitate commercial development within the Town that provides employment,
shopping and service needs of Town residents;
b) To ensure long-term economic sustainability by encouraging new commercial and industrial
development, and continue to assess the viability of a new commercial business park;
c) To foster the development of the downtown as the focus of specialty retail, new office, government
employment, and cultural amenities;
d) To ensure that commercial development, including parking, is sensitively integrated with the natural
environment and adjacent land uses, and enhances the streetscape through good design.
Commercial Policies
CP-1
It shall be the intent of Council to accommodate primarily, commercial
development by designating areas of Town on the Generalized Future
Land Use as Downtown Commercial.
Generalized Future
Land Use Map
CP-2
Land designated as Rural Development, according to the Generalized
Future Land Use Map, may be designated to Commercial Park, through an
amendment to this Planning Strategy, in accordance with Policy GP-4.
It shall be the intent of Council to protect and enhance the traditional
architectural and streetscape character of the downtown.
CP-3
Downtown
Commercial
CP-4
It shall be the intent of Council to ensure that the area of Town designated
Downtown Commercial, on the General Future Land Use Map, evolves
into a Mixed Use downtown commercial core, in accordance with the
following provisions:
a) New residential shall be limited to Mixed Use buildings only, and shall
not be located on the ground floor abutting the street;
b) Building setbacks shall support the existing downtown character;
c) Buildings shall be at least two stories in height above street level;
d) The exterior siding or cladding of new main buildings shall consist of
stone, brick, stucco or wood;
e) The design of buildings shall include street oriented windows,
articulated roof design and elements derived from local heritage;
f)
The design of fences and signs shall enhance the pedestrian and
streetscape environment;
g) Where applicable, sufficient on-site parking and loading shall be
required;
h) Landscaping and parking design shall ensure compatibility between
adjacent land uses and shall contribute to an aesthetically pleasing
and enhanced streetscape environment;
i)
Hours of operation, where applicable, may be limited according to
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 23 of 48
appropriate considerations, such as compatibility with adjacent
residential;
j)
Outdoor storage shall not be visible from the street, or include items
for immediate sale.
The Land Use Bylaw shall include a Downtown Commercial zone, which
shall apply to areas identified on the General Future Land Use Map as
Downtown Commercial. The Downtown Commercial zone may include
regulations for addressing any applicable requirements of this Planning
Strategy, including Policy CP-4, and other land use and development
considerations, as permitted in the Municipal Government Act.
CP-5
It shall be the intent of Council to require a development agreement for all
new main buildings in the Downtown Commercial zone, and any new
additions to main buildings where the addition represents a 50% or greater
increase to the gross floor area. Where a development agreement is
required, Council shall consider, and the development agreement may
address Policy CP-4, and any of the applicable policies or requirements of
this Planning Strategy.
CP-6
CP-7
It shall be the intent of Council to permit outdoor patios within the
Downtown commercial zone, subject to a Development Agreement. The
Development Agreement shall ensure that:
a) The patio area does not extend beyond the frontage of the associated
building;
b) An area of sufficient width shall be maintained to permit the
unhindered passage of pedestrians;
c) The sidewalk patio is not installed prior to May 1st and removed no
later than October 31st each year;
d) The owner / occupant keep and maintain the allocated portion of the
sidewalk in a clean and sanitary state;
e) The patio operator carries sufficient public liability insurance, with the
Town named as one of the ensured.
CP-8
It shall be the intent of Council to prepare, maintain and regularly update a
Downtown Development Plan, which addresses the following:
a) Design standards for buildings, parking, signage and the streetscape,
as well as a branding theme;
b) A strategy for capital improvements to parks, streets, sidewalks,
lighting and other appurtenances;
c) A
strategy
for
public-private
collaboration
regarding
capital
improvements and attracting new business and cultural activities;
d) A comprehensive Implementation Strategy.
CP-9
It shall be the intent of Council to support the establishment of a Downtown
Advisory Committee consisting of public and Council representatives,
should sufficient interest exist.
Commercial Park
CP-10
It shall be the intent of Council to support the development of new
commercial parks within the Town. Commercial parks shall be located on
land designated as Commercial Park District on the Generalized Future
Land Use Map, in accordance with Policy CP-2.
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 24 of 48
CP-11
New commercial parks shall be comprehensively planned developments,
and:
a) Shall be integrated with the Town transportation network; include an
interconnected street network within the development and include
street standards that are appropriate for the expected amount and type
of vehicular and pedestrian traffic;
b) Shall be sensitively integrated with any existing significant natural
features, such as natural drainage courses and wetlands;
c) Shall be serviced with appropriate levels of water, waste-water and
storm-water infrastructure. Furthermore, it shall be demonstrated that
the servicing solution is fiscally sustainable and will not have an undue
negative impact on an important natural feature;
d) Shall include landscaping, signage, illumination and screening to the
satisfaction of the Town, in order to maximize the successful
integration of the commercial park with adjacent land uses;
e) Shall
include
below
grade
utilities,
including
electrical
and
telecommunication utilities;
f)
Shall include parking that incorporates pervious surface features (to
decrease run-off), landscaping and buffering;
g) Shall include architectural design control mechanisms, in order to
ensure an overall design theme, to the satisfaction of the Town.
CP-12
The Land Use Bylaw shall include a Commercial Park zone, which shall
apply to areas on the General Future Land Use Map designated
Commercial Park. The Commercial Park zone may include regulations for
addressing any applicable requirements of this Planning Strategy,
including Policy CP-11, and other land use and development
considerations, as permitted in the Municipal Government Act.
CP-13
It shall be the intent of Council to require a development agreement for the
development of new commercial parks. Where a development agreement
is required, Council shall consider, and the development agreement may
address Policy CP-11, and any other applicable policies of this Planning
Strategy.
CP-14
For a proposed commercial park development, Council may require a
phasing and staging plan, or concept plan, as a component of a
development agreement, or subdivision, which demonstrates how the
development and infrastructure will be built-out over time.
CP-15
It shall be the intent of Council that the downtown be the primary focus of
new retail development within the Town.
Retail Development
It shall be the intent of Council to permit home occupations, in accordance
with the Land Use Bylaw. The Land Use Bylaw shall:
CP-16
Home Occupations
a) Identify residential dwelling types eligible for home occupations;
b) Ensure that home occupations are secondary to the main residential
use on the lot;
a) Ensure that the type of home occupation is compatible with residential
neighborhoods;
b) Specifically regulate the type of business, floor area used for the
occupation, number of employees, hours of operation, accessory
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 25 of 48
buildings, parking, exterior alterations, outdoor storage, signage, and
obnoxious uses.
It shall be the intent of Council to regulate and monitor home occupations
in order to ensure that they do not expand beyond the approved
parameters established in the development permit approval, and to pursue
enforcement if necessary.
CP-17
It shall be the intent of Council to support hybrid live/ work buildings in
areas designated for Mixed Use development on the General Future Land
Use Map, subject to the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw.
CP-18
Live/ Work Buildings
The Land Use Bylaw shall include regulations for ensuring that all major
commercial developments address on-site parking and loading areas.
CP-19
Parking and Loading
It shall be the intent of Council to support the efforts of other governments
and agencies, such as the Cumberland Regional Economic Development
Agency (CREDA) in their attempt to attract businesses to the region.
Council shall also pursue other means of providing incentives for
development, as permissible under the MGA. Such incentives may include,
but not be limited to, agreements for infrastructure upgrades, and cost
sharing such upgrades with developers.
CP-20
Commercial
Promotion
4.4
MIXED USE
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 26 of 48
Within some areas of Oxford, commercial development has evolved in close proximity to existing
residential development, in conformity with previous policy. It is the intent of Council to continue to
support a mix of land uses in specific areas of the Town, in addition to the downtown. The intent of this
policy is to provide flexibility, remove obstacles to new business enterprises, and to help ensure that the
Town evolves into a compact, pedestrian-oriented and Mixed Use environment. In order to ensure that
nuisance issues are avoided, and that new commercial development enhances the streetscape, Council
may require that measures relating to building, site, and parking design be undertaken.
Objectives
a) To facilitate the development of Mixed Use areas within the Town, which allow for an appropriate and
compatible mix of residential and commercial activity;
b) To foster and support a pedestrian-oriented built environment where differing land uses are within
walking distance;
c) To create vibrant, dynamic and diverse areas within the Town where commercial and residential land
uses synergize;
d) To provide flexible and diverse opportunities for new business enterprises.
Mixed Use Policies
Generalized
Future
Land Use Map
MU-1
It shall be the intent of Council to designate areas of the Town to
accommodate, primarily, Mixed Use development, and shall include:
a) An area(s) identified as General Mixed Use;
b) An area(s) south of the downtown identified as Main Street Mixed Use.
Definition of Mixed
Use
MU-2
Mixed Use means a development or district that combines and integrates
two or more principal land uses (such as commercial, office, civic,
industrial, or residential uses). The mix of uses may be combined in a
vertical building(s) or combined in separate buildings.
General Mixed Use
MU-3
It shall be the intent of this Council to ensure that areas identified as
General Mixed Use, according to the General Future Land Use Map,
evolve into primarily Mixed Use neighborhoods, in accordance with the
following provisions:
a) Land uses may include an appropriate and compatible mix of
residential, commercial, light industrial, recreational and institutional
land uses;
b) Streets and blocks shall contribute to an inter-connected pedestrian-
oriented neighborhood design;
c) Parks and public land uses shall serve as community destinations and
focal points;
d) The size and location of buildings shall enhance the streetscape
through appropriate development standards;
e) Where applicable, sufficient on-site parking and loading shall be
required;
f)
For new non-residential development, landscaping and parking design
shall ensure compatibility between adjacent land uses and shall
contribute to an aesthetically pleasing end enhanced streetscape
environment;
g) Hours of operation, where applicable, may be limited according to
appropriate considerations, such as compatibility with adjacent
residential;
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 27 of 48
h) Accessory buildings shall be limited, and not situated in front yard
areas;
i)
The design of fences and signs shall enhance the pedestrian and
streetscape environment;
j)
On-site Illumination shall be focused away from adjacent properties;
k) Outdoor storage shall be limited and screened from view.
The Land Use Bylaw shall include a General Mixed Use zone, which shall
apply to areas identified on the General Future Land Use Map as General
Mixed Use. The General Mixed Use zone may include regulations for
addressing any applicable requirements of this Planning Strategy,
including
Policy
MU-3,
and
other
land
use
and
development
considerations, as permitted in the Municipal Government Act.
MU-4
It shall be the intent of Council to require a development agreement for all
new main non-residential buildings, and multi-unit residential buildings with
3 or more units, in the General Mixed Use zone. Where a development
agreement is required, Council shall consider, and the development
agreement may address, any of the applicable policies or requirements of
this Planning Strategy, including Policy MU-3, and any other applicable
requirement.
MU-5
Main Street Mixed
Use
MU-6
It shall be the intent of Council to designate properties fronting on Main
Street, south and north of the downtown as Main Street Mixed Use on the
General Future Land Use Map. It is intended that this area evolves into a
primarily Mixed Use corridor, in accordance with the following provisions:
a) Land uses may include an appropriate and compatible mix of
residential, commercial, recreational and institutional land uses;
b) The size and location of buildings shall enhance the streetscape
through appropriate development standards;
c) For new non-residential main buildings, and multi-unit residential
buildings with 3 or more units, the exterior siding or cladding shall
consist of stone, brick, stucco or wood, or a high quality synthetic
material that resembles one of these materials;
d) Where applicable, sufficient on-site parking and loading shall be
required;
e) For new non-residential development, and multi-unit residential
buildings with 3 or more units, landscaping and parking design shall
ensure compatibility between adjacent land uses and shall contribute
to an aesthetically pleasing and enhanced streetscape environment;
f)
Hours of operation, where applicable, may be limited according to
appropriate considerations, such as compatibility with adjacent
residential;
g) Accessory buildings shall be limited, and not situated in front yard
areas;
h) The design of fences and signs shall enhance the pedestrian and
streetscape environment;
i)
On-site Illumination shall be focused away from adjacent properties;
j)
Outdoor storage shall be limited and screened from view.
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 28 of 48
MU-7
The Land Use Bylaw shall include a Main Street Mixed Use zone, which
shall apply to areas identified on the General Future Land Use Map as
Main Street Mixed Use. The Main Street Mixed Use zone may include
regulations for addressing any applicable requirements of this Planning
Strategy, including Policy MU-6, and other land use and development
considerations, as permitted by the Municipal Government Act.
MU-8
It shall be the intent of Council to require a development agreement for all
new main non-residential buildings, and multi-unit residential buildings with
3 or more units, in the Main Street Mixed Use zone. Where a development
agreement is required, Council shall consider, and the development
agreement may address, any of the applicable policies or requirements of
this Planning Strategy, including Policy MU-6, and any other applicable
requirement.
Main Street
Improvements
MU-9
The Main Street corridor between the downtown and Highway 104 is
considered the most important gateway into the Town. As such, it shall be
the intent of Council to enhance public space along this corridor by
endeavoring to implement the following:
a) New sidewalks and tree planning on both sides of Main Street;
b) New lamp posts, signage, landscaping, benches and other
embellishments;
c) Creative and well designed traffic calming measures;
d) Pedestrian crossings and signal lighting, where needed.
4.5
INDUSTRIAL
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 29 of 48
Existing Industrial development in the Town is primarily located along properties adjacent to Main Street,
south of the downtown. This industrial hub is generally oriented towards agriculture and food processing,
and represents a significant source of employment for the Town. It shall be the intent of Council to
promote economic development, including industrial, while promoting the efficient use of land and the
protection of natural resources. As such, future industrial development shall be compatible with adjacent
land uses and the natural environment, while such developments that are deemed to be unduly noxious
and polluting shall be discouraged.
Objectives
a) To encourage new industrial development within the Town with the intent of ensuring long-term
economic sustainability;
b) To ensure that industrial development, and associated parking, is compatible with surrounding land
uses, and is sensitively integrated with the natural environment;
c) To encourage the development of low impact and non-polluting industrial uses;
d) To require that defunct industrial sites undergo active remediation and restoration.
Industrial Policies
The Generalized Future Land Use Map shall designate areas of the Town
to accommodate industrial park development.
Generalized
Future
Land Use Map
IP-1
It shall be the intent of Council to ensure that areas identified as industrial,
on the General Future Land Use Map evolve into an Industrial Park
development. New Industrial Park development:
IP-2
a) Shall be integrated with the Town transportation network;
b) Shall be sensitively integrated with any existing significant natural
features, such as natural drainage courses, floodplains and wetlands;
c) Shall be serviced with appropriate levels of water, sanitary-sewer and
storm-water infrastructure. Furthermore, it shall be demonstrated that
the servicing solution is fiscally sustainable and will not have an undue
negative impact on an important natural feature;
d) Shall include landscaping, signage, illumination and screening to the
satisfaction of the Town in order to maximize the successful integration
of the Industrial Park with adjacent land uses;
e) Shall include parking that incorporates pervious surface features (to
decrease run-off), landscaping and buffering.
Industrial Park
The Land Use Bylaw shall include an Industrial Park zone, which shall
apply to areas identified on the General Future Land Use Map as Industrial.
The Industrial Park zone may include regulations for addressing any
applicable requirements of this Planning Strategy, including Policy IP-2, and
other land use and development considerations permitted under the
Municipal Government Act.
IP-3
IP-4
It shall be the intent of Council to require a development agreement for all
new main buildings and/or structures located in the Industrial Park zone or
for an addition to an existing building and/or structure. Where a
development agreement is required, Council shall consider, and the
development agreement may address, any of the applicable policies or
requirements of this Planning Strategy, including Policy IP-2, and any other
applicable requirement.
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 30 of 48
It shall be the intent of Council to discourage obnoxious industrial uses from
locating in the Town. Council will encourage the operation of new industries
in a way that minimizes their aesthetic and environmental impacts on the
surrounding community.
IP-5
Obnoxious Industrial
Uses
It shall be the intent of Council to support the efforts of other governments
and agencies, such as the Cumberland Regional Economic Development
Agency (CREDA) in their attempt to attract industry to the region. Council
shall also pursue other means of providing incentives for development, as
permissible under the MGA. Such incentives may include, but not be limited
to, agreements for infrastructure upgrades, and cost sharing such upgrades
with developers.
IP-6
Industrial Promotion
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 31 of 48
4.6
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Oxford is fortunate to host a spectrum of land uses from rural to small town urban. Rural land uses,
located on the town's periphery, provide a transition between the rural County and Town residential,
which adds to the Town's economic diversity. It is therefore, the intent of Council to continue supporting
rural land uses until conversion to residential and/ or commercial land uses is deemed appropriate. It is
also the intent of Council to support comprehensively planned residential and commercial development in
the rural peripheral areas in accordance with the policies of this Planning Strategy, and to discourage
piecemeal, ad hoc development. In the near-term, low impact rural land uses, especially hobby farms,
non-intensive agriculture, tree farms and greenhouses, shall be supported.
Objectives
a) To ensure that existing residential and commercial areas remain compact by limiting the residential
and commercial development potential of peripheral areas;
b) To support the efficient use of Town infrastructure by avoiding the premature development of
peripheral areas of the Town;
c) To support a broad array of appropriate and compatible agriculture related land uses;
d) To ensure that peripheral areas have a land use compatible with adjacent County lands.
Rural Development Policies
Generalized
Future
Land Use Map
RD-1
It shall be the intent of Council to designate areas as Rural Development
on the Generalized Future Land Use Map.
RD-2
It shall be the intent of Coucil to ensure that areas identified as Rural
Development on the General Future Land Use Map continue to support
general rural development, in accordance with the following provisions:
a) Land uses shall include large-lot single detached residential and a
range of appropriate and compatible agricultural land uses;
b) Important natural features, such as wetlands and natural drainage
courses, shall be retained and protected;
c) Private individual on-site water and waste-water systems shall not
have an undue negative impact on important natural features;
d) Lot size and setbacks shall be appropriate for a low density rural
context;
e) Only low impact, non-intensive agricultural development shall be
considered;
f)
New agricultural operations shall include appropriate buffering and
separation where adjacent residential exists;
g) Where an agriculture operation includes livestock, the owner shall
ensure that manure is properly managed and disposed of.
Rural Development
The Land Use Bylaw shall include a Rural Development zone, which shall
apply to areas identified on the General Future Land Use Map as Rural
Development. The Rural Development zone may include regulations for
addressing any applicable requirements of this Planning Strategy,
including Policy RD-2, and other land use and development considerations
as permitted in the Municipal Government Act.
RD-3
RD-4
Council shall require a development agreement for new developments,
and the expansion of existing agricultural operations, or agriculture related
commercial development within the Rural Development zone. Where a
development agreement is required, Council shall consider, and the
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 32 of 48
development agreement may address, any of the applicable policies or
requirements of this Planning Strategy, including Policy RD-2 and any
other applicable requirement.
Notwithstanding Policy RD-4, a development agreement shall not be
required for a building that is accessory to an existing agricultural
operation or agriculture related commercial development, such as a barn,
outbuilding or shed.
RD-5
Notwithstanding any other policies of this Planning Strategy, Council may
approve a subdivision or development for a single detached dwelling or
agriculture related land use on lands designated as Rural Development,
without requiring a secondary plan, or an amendment to the Planning
Strategy.
RD-6
Exception to GLUM
Amendment and
Secondary Plan
requirements
It shall be the intent of Council to continue to support non-intensive
agricultural land uses in the rural peripheral areas of the Town, such as
crop production, orchards, tree farms, green houses, cattle grazing,
equestrian uses and hobby farms. New intensive agricultural operations
shall be prohibited.
RD-7
Agriculture
Development
The Land Use Bylaw or a development agreement shall prescribe
appropriate development standards for agriculture related buildings, and
appropriate regulations regarding the keeping of livestock.
RD-8
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 33 of 48
4.7
MUNICIPAL SERVICES
Municipal services include: water, sanitary-sewer and storm-water infrastructure (public utilities); street
maintenance, emergency services; community and recreation services and solid-waste and recycling
collection. The extension of new public utility infrastructure shall generally be coordinated with planned
growth. The Town shall avoid the conversion of rural peripheral areas of the Town by limiting the
premature extension of public utility infrastructure. It shall be the intention of Council to seek
improvements to the effectiveness and efficiency of emergency services, and shall work collaboratively
with its regional partners regarding regional servicing solutions, including water source protection and
solid-waste management.
Objectives
a) To control the development of new residential and commercial land uses through the careful
expansion of municipal water and sanitary-sewer infrastructure;
b) To ensure that a coordinated approach is taken to the planning, upgrading, and extension of
infrastructure services in relation to the planning and approval of new development;
c) To meet the existing and future needs of the community by endeavoring to continuously improve the
functioning, quality, efficiency, and economic management of utility services in the Town;
d) To enhance quality-of-life and well-being of Town residents through the provision of effective and
broad-based community recreation, and municipal emergency services.
Municipal Servicing Policies - Public Utilities
MS-1
All new residential dwelling units shall generally be required to connect
to Town water and sanitary-sewer infrastructure; however, Council may
consider private, on-site water and waste-water systems in areas of
Town where Town water and sanitary-sewer systems are absent, in
accordance with Provincial regulations and this Planning Strategy.
General Servicing
Requirements
For new development, storm-water servicing requirements shall be at
the discretion of the Town, and may include surface and/or subsurface
(e.g. bio-swale) solutions.
MS-2
MS-3
It shall be the intent of Council to limit the extension of public utility
infrastructure into undeveloped peripheral areas of the Town until a
comprehensive plan is completed for the area to be developed.
Service Extensions
MS-4
Any extensions of public utility infrastructure into areas of the Town
designated as Rural Development shall first require an amendment to
the General Future Land Use Map of this Planning Strategy, in
accordance with Policy GP-4.
Service Capacity
(over-sizing)
MS-5
It shall be the intent of Council to require that new public utility
infrastructure be built to a capacity capable of providing service to
undeveloped lands beyond the immediate development area, when the
development of such an area is dependant upon use of said services.
It shall further be the intent of Council to pay the incremental cost of
such excess capacity and to recoup such costs upon development of the
undeveloped lands outside the immediate development.
Financing
Responsibilities
MS-6
Where a developer or landowner is proposing new development or lots
that require an extension of new or upgraded public utilities, it shall
generally be the responsibility of the developer or landowner to construct
the public utilities in accordance with the Town's standards, and to pay
for the construction.
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 34 of 48
Infrastructure Charges
MS-7
The Town may establish a Subdivision Bylaw that prescribes
appropriate infrastructure charges for the provision of new or upgraded
public utilities, which are constructed by the Town in order to service a
new subdivision or lot. Should the Town adopt infrastructure charges,
the Subdivision Bylaw shall address the requirements for this levy
prescribed in the Municipal Government Act.
Service Standards
MS-8
It shall be the intent of Council to maintain a "Development Standards
Bylaw", in order to establish the required servicing standards for
development within the Town, and a "Local Improvement Bylaw", in
order to establish the financial responsibility of public utility infrastructure
extensions and improvements.
Fire Flows
MS-9
It shall be the intent of Council to require that a Subdivision Bylaw set
forth regulations regarding the maximum separation distance between a
development and a fire hydrant.
Capital Works
Program
MS-10
It shall be the intent of Council to ensure that a long term capital works
program is established and updated in order to ensure a plan is in place
to improve and maintain the Town's public utility infrastructure.
Regional Collaboration
MS-11
It shall be the intent of Council to cooperate with other municipal units
regarding the following:
a) The protection of water sources and well fields;
b) Emergency and Protective Services;
c) Solid-waste and recycling services;
d) Community and recreation services.
In-fill Development
MS-12
It shall be the intent of Council to encourage and facilitate the
development of vacant land located on existing public utility
infrastructure in order to make more efficient use of such services.
Municipal Servicing Policies - Community and Recreation
MS-13 It shall be the intent of Council to ensure that a full range of recreation
programs and facilities are available to meet the diverse needs of all
residents.
MS-14
Public recreation related development and land use shall be allowed in
all areas of the Town, in accordance with the relevant policy sections of
this Planning Strategy and the Land Use Bylaw.
MS-15
It shall be the intent of Council to cooperate with other municipal units to
provide recreational facilities that may be beyond the financial capability
of an individual municipal unit.
Recreation Services
MS-16
It shall be the intent of Council to encourage the cooperation and
interaction with the Chignecto Central Regional School Board and other
organizations, to provide the widest possible range of recreational
opportunities to the general public.
"Age Friendly"
Improvements
MS-17
It shall be the intent of Council to promote an age-friendly community by
supporting:
a) Parks and recreation services that cater to all age groups;
b) Senior citizen and child care related development;
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 35 of 48
c) Social and cultural programs that cater to all age groups;
d) A regional shuttle bus service.
It shall be the intent of Council to seek funding and other forms of
cooperation, from all relevant stakeholders to support age friendly
programs, development and infrastructure.
MS-18
It shall be the intent of Council to conduct a "needs assessment" relating
to the provision of community and recreation services and facilities.
Such an assessment shall include, but not be limited to, an analysis of:
MS-19
Needs Assessment
a)
Demographics;
b)
Potential market;
c)
Revenue opportunities;
d)
Service provision partnership opportunities;
e)
Funding partnership opportunities;
f)
Needs of target groups; and
g)
Benefit to the overall community.
It shall be the intent of Council to seek any available Provincial, Federal,
or other potential financial assistance, for new, and the improvement of
existing, municipal services.
MS-20
Government Financing
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 36 of 48
4.8
TRANSPORTATION
The Town's transportation network allows for the movement of people, vehicles and cyclists, and includes
roads and streets, sidewalks and pathways and parking. It shall be the intent of Council to improve
existing streets and to ensure that new streets support orderly and beneficial growth and development.
Council intends to also support improvements to the transportation network in order to promote walking
and cycling. Streets shall be regarded as an important component of the community fabric, and the Town
shall adopt and maintain a spectrum of appropriate street standards.
Objectives
a) To establish an interconnected street network that facilitates all forms of transportation, including
vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists;
b) To support an array and hierarchy of streets standards, which provide a context sensitive solution to
specific and unique areas of the Town;
c) To provide alternative transportation routes in addition to streets, such as pathways and trails;
d) To ensure that timing and location of new streets and street extensions are the result of
comprehensive planning considerations, and facilitate the logical extension of the Town.
Transportation Policies
T-1
It shall be the intent of Council to establish a street network classification to
meet the transportation requirements of the Town. Such a classification will
determine
the
standards
of
construction,
maintenance
priorities,
emergency access priorities etc. for all streets. The street network
classification is outlined on Schedule D, Part 7.0, of this Planning Strategy,
and all streets will fall into one of the following classifications:
a) Arterial: A high volume street which connects different parts of the town
to each other as well as to the provincial highway network; traffic
movement is of primary importance, however access to individual
properties is also provided.
b) Collector: Streets that provide land access to individual properties and
move traffic to and from arterial streets.
c) Local: Streets that provide direct land access to individual properties,
and where efficient movement of traffic is of secondary importance.
Street Standards
T-2
It shall be the intent of Council to require that all new streets be designed to
reflect their capacity and intended use.
Financing
Responsibilities
T-3
Where a developer or landowner is proposing new development or lots
which require an extension of new or upgraded streets, it shall generally be
the responsibility of the developer or landowner to construct the streets, in
accordance with the Town's standards, and to pay for the construction.
Infrastructure
Charges
T-4
Council may establish a Subdivision Bylaw that prescribes appropriate
infrastructure charges for the provision of new or upgraded streets, which
are constructed by the Town in order to service a new subdivision or lot.
Should the Town adopt infrastructure charges, the Subdivision Bylaw shall
address the requirements for this levy prescribed in the Municipal
Government Act.
T-5
It shall be the intent of Council to control and regulate access from
individual properties to the street network.
Street Access
T-6
It shall be the intent of Council to require connecting pedestrian pathways
from cul-de-sacs and other residential streets, where appropriate, in order
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 37 of 48
to increase the safety and convenience of pedestrians.
T-7
It shall be the intent of Council to ensure that all aspects of the
transportation system incorporate barrier free access, where appropriate.
T-8
It shall be the intent of Council to require that all new lots have frontage on
a public street.
Private Streets and
Street Frontage
T-9
Notwithstanding T-8, a lot may front onto public or private open space
where:
a) Rear-lane access is provided, to the satisfaction of the Town;
b) Emergency service access, along the front of the lot, is provided, to the
satisfaction of the Town.
Sidewalks
T-10
It shall be the intent of Council to improve the pedestrian network through
the improvement of existing, and the construction of new sidewalks and
crosswalks. The following pedestrian improvements are considered
priorities:
a) Sidewalks, crosswalks, tree planting, benches and appropriate lighting
for both sides of Main Street between the downtown and Lions Park;
b) The installation of sidewalks along arterial and collector roads, where
appropriate;
c) Sidewalks and pathways connecting residential neighborhoods with
key focal points such as schools, parks and the downtown.
T-11
It shall be the intent of Council to prepare, adopt and implement an active
transportation plan, which will identify:
a)
The Town's active transportation needs and objectives;
b)
Required infrastructure improvements;
c)
Community service and education opportunities;
d)
Funding and partnership opportunities;
e)
An implementation strategy;
f)
Any other related matters.
Active Transportation
T-12
It shall be the intent of Council to seek all available funding opportunities in
order to prepare and implement an active transportation plan.
It shall be the intent of Council to regulate through the Land Use Bylaw or
development agreements, requirements for parking, in order to ensure that
adequate, safe and efficient parking facilities are provided where required.
T-13
Parking
It shall be the intent of Council to work with local property owners in order
to provide safe, efficient and adequate parking facilities in the downtown.
T-14
It shall be the intent of Council to accept cash-in-lieu of on-site parking on
lands zoned Downtown Commercial according to the Land Use Bylaw.
Funds so received shall be used to purchase, construct, and maintain
public parking facilities. The Land Use Bylaw shall identify the amount of
the required payment to the Town.
T-15
T-16
Where a development agreement and on-site parking is required, Council
may require that the developer pave all or a portion of, a parking area and/
or driveway. Paving may be required in order to:
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 38 of 48
a) Comply with storm-water management requirements;
b) Ensure compatibility with adjacent land uses by reducing noise and dust
associated with traffic
It shall be the intent of Council to prepare and maintain a long-term capital
works program, in order to ensure a plan is in place to improve and
maintain the Town's streets and transportation network.
T-17
Capital Works
Program
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 39 of 48
4.9
ENVIRONMENT AND OPEN SPACE
Environmental and open space policies of this Planning Strategy address issues relating to the natural
environment and public open space and parks. It is the intent of Council to support the protection of
important and potentially hazardous natural features and landscapes, such as floodplains, wetlands and
steep slopes. In order to protect these types of landscapes on privately owned land, Council shall
regulate development accordingly, and may seek to acquire such land, where appropriate. Development
shall also be regulated by placing limits on pollution. With regard to public land, it is the intent of Council
to support a comprehensive and interconnected park system that caters to a broad array of age and
interest groups.
Objectives
a) To protect important natural features and systems within the Town in order to support the retention of
important ecosystem services;
b) To cooperate within a regional context to protect important natural features of regional value;
c) To limit development within, or on, environmentally sensitive land;
d) To provide a broad array of inter-connected public open space features.
Environmental and Open Space Policies
Generalized Future
Land Use Map
E-1
It shall be the intent of Council to designate a portion of the River Philip
floodplain as River Philip Open Space on the Generalized Future Land Use
Map.
E-2
It shall be the intent of Council to ensure that development within the River
Philip Open Space is regulated in order to:
a) Avoid potential damage to property due to flooding;
b) Protect the natural integrity of the River Philip floodplain;
c) Protect the water quality of the River Philip.
River Philip Open
Space
It shall be the intent of Council to ensure that areas designated as River
Philip Open Space be developed in accordance with the following
provisions:
a) Land uses shall be limited to the following: non-intensive agriculture,
public infrastructure, private open space and public parks;
b) Accessory buildings shall have a minimal development footprint and
impact, and shall be flood-proofed;
E-3
c) Where an agriculture operation includes livestock, the owner shall
ensure that manure is properly managed and disposed of;
d) The use and/ or storage of herbicides, pesticides, or otherwise
hazardous materials shall be prohibited;
e) Outdoor storage shall be prohibited;
f)
Private waste-water systems shall be prohibited;
g) The removal of trees shall be prohibited, unless the tree removed is
replaced by another tree. The removal and planting of trees shall be to
the satisfaction of the Town;
h) The storage, removal, or infill of topsoil shall be prohibited.
i)
Undue disturbance of the topography including wetlands, or natural
drainage networks shall be prohibited.
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 40 of 48
E-4
The Land Use Bylaw shall include a River Philip Open Space zone, which
shall apply to areas identified on the General Future Land Use Map as
River Philip Open Space. The River Philip Open Space zone may include
regulations for addressing any applicable requirements of this Planning
Strategy, including Policy E-3, and other land use and development
considerations, as permitted in the Municipal Government Act.
E-5
It shall be the intent of Council to require a development agreement for a
new, or an expansion to, an agricultural operation or building in the River
Philip Open Space zone. Where a development agreement is required,
Council shall consider, and the development agreement may address, any
of the applicable policies or requirements of this Planning Strategy,
including Policy E-3, and any other applicable requirement.
E-6
It shall be the intent of Council to consider an amendment to the General
Future Land Use Map of this Planning Strategy in order to remove land
from the River Philip Open Space designation; however, the landowner/
applicant must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of Council, that the subject
property is not located within the 1:100 year floodplain of the River Philip.
Removal
of
River
Philip Open Space
Designation
Flood Mapping
E-7
It shall be the intent of Council to cooperate with other stakeholders,
including the Province, to undertake the preparation of flood mapping in
order to better identify areas within the floodplains where development
should be prohibited or regulated. Should such mapping be completed, this
Planning Strategy and the Land Use Bylaw shall be amended accordingly.
E-8
Where the floodplain is not adequately delineated, it shall be the intent of
Council to make any applicant provide such information
E-9
It shall be the intent of Council to ensure that all residential areas of Town
be within reasonable distance of public open space.
Expansion to Public
Parks and
Greenways
E-10
It shall be the intent of Council to support the creation of linear public parks
and greenways along the major watercourses transecting the Town,
especially along the River Philip. In order to achieve this, the Town shall
actively engage the support of applicable government agencies and non-
profit organizations.
Parks and Trails
Strategy
E-11
The Town shall prepare and maintain a strategy for maintaining, improving
and developing the Town's parks and trails.
Abandoned Rail
Rights-of-way
E-12
It shall be the intent of Council to support the conversion of obsolete rail
corridors to trails, where appropriate.
Land Dedication at
Time of Subdivision
E-13
It shall be the intent of Council to require the dedication of public open
space at the time of a residential subdivision. The required public open
space dedication shall be, at minimum, 5% of the area of land shown on the
final plan of subdivision, exclusive of public streets and walkways.
Cash-in-lieu of Open
Space
E-14
Notwithstanding E-12, where the Town does not require public open space
within the proposed subdivision, Council may accept cash in lieu of land,
equivalent to 10% of the area of land shown on the final plan of subdivision,
exclusive of public streets and walkways. Funds derived though cash in lieu
of land dedication shall be used to purchase public open space along the
River Philip, in accordance with Policy E-9, which is considered a Town
priority.
Land Outside
Subdivision
E-15
As an alternative to open space dedication within the proposed subdivision,
or cash in lieu of open space dedication, the Town may accept land outside
of the proposed subdivision, equivalent to 10% of the area of land shown
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 41 of 48
on the final plan of subdivision, exclusive of public streets and walkways,
where the Town does not require public open space within the proposed
subdivision, and where the alternative land dedication is located within a
proposed public open space, in accordance with Policy E-9, which is
considered a Town priority.
It shall be the intent of Council to adopt a Subdivision Bylaw to implement
Policies E-12 - E-14.
E-16
It shall be the intent of Council to require multiple unit residential dwellings
to provide usable open space for use of residents on the site.
E-17
High Density Open
Space
It shall be the intent of Council to discourage the development of industries
which could have an undue negative impact on air quality.
E-18
Air Quality
It shall be the intent of Council to work proactively with its regional partners
to protect the Town's well fields and water source areas, which are located
outside of the Town.
E-19
Water Source
Protection
It shall be the intent of Council to undertake an annual tree planting
program to offset the impact of probable future losses of trees to disease,
and to increase tree amenities, generally. It shall further be the intent of
Council to regard the following areas as priorities for tree planting: the
downtown area, Main Street, between the downtown and Highway 104, the
Town's parks.
E-20
Tree Strategy
The Town shall seek funding, and other forms of cooperation, from all
relevant stakeholders to develop park, pathway and recreation related
studies and infrastructure.
E-21
Stakeholder
Collaboration
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 42 of 48
5.0
IMPLEMENTATION
It is Council's intent that polices of this Planning Strategy be implemented to the greatest extent possible,
in consideration of financial and resource limitations. Council shall strive to complete the various tasks,
studies and improvements contemplated by this Planning Strategy as staff and financial resources permit;
however, it must be recognized that for a variety of factors, not all of the objectives of this Planning
Strategy may be completed within the anticipated lifespan of this Planning Strategy. The following
implementation policies address general implementation matters, and summarize the various actions and
tasks the Town should carry out in accordance with this Planning Strategy. These actions and tasks are
intended to reify the sustainability and goals and objectives of this Planning Strategy.
Objectives
a)
To ensure that the policies in this Municipal Planning Strategy are implemented in a consistent
manner;
b)
To ensure that all development proposals, the Land Use By-law, and all other land use decisions of
Council and the Planning Advisory Committee are consistent with the intent of the policies contained
in this Strategy;
c)
To ensure that public awareness and active participation in the planning process is encouraged;
d)
To ensure that the Council undertakes actions, where deemed appropriate, in order to achieve the
objectives outlined in the Strategy.
Implementation Policies
A-1
It shall be the intent of Council to implement this Municipal Planning
Strategy through the powers conferred upon it by the Municipal
Government Act, December 3, 1998, and any amendments thereto.
Implementation
A-2
It shall be the intent of Council to adopt the following bylaws in order to
implement this Planning Strategy:
a)
A Land Use Bylaw, in accordance with Policy GP-11;
b)
A Subdivision Bylaw, in accordance with Policy GP-12;
c)
A Development Standards Bylaw, in accordance with Policy MS-8;
d)
A Local Improvement Bylaw, in accordance with Policy MS-8;
e)
Any other bylaw that may be required to implement this Planning
Strategy.
Generalized Future
Land Use Map
A-3
It is Council's intent to utilize the lands depicted on the Generalized
Future Land Use Map, appended as Schedule A, Part 7.0, as the desired
general pattern for future development in the Town, based on the policies
of this Planning Strategy.
A-4
It shall be Council's intent to periodically review this Planning Strategy
and the Land Use Bylaw.
Intent to Monitor and
Review
A-5
It shall be the intent of Council to continually track and record
development and land use trends and statistics within the Town, and to
consider this data as part of periodic reviews of the Planning Strategy.
Amendment Criteria -
Planning Strategy
A-6
It is Council's intent to consider amendments to the Municipal Planning
Strategy when:
a) There is a need to change a policy due to additional information,
changing conditions or changing public attitudes;
b) Re-zoning requests supported by Council conflict with the
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 43 of 48
Generalized Future Land Use Map;
c) There is a conflict with a provincially adopted land use policy;
d) There is a need to replace an original Generalized Future Land Use
Map, or when property line information is updated;
e) Council supports an amendment to the Generalized Future Land Use
Map in accordance with Policies GP-4 and E-6.
Amendment Criteria -
General
A-7
It is Council's intent, when considering an amendment to this Planning
Strategy and/or Land Use Bylaw (re-zoning), or a Development
Agreement, to have regard, in addition to all other criteria as set out in
various policies of this Planning Strategy, to the following matters:
a) That the proposal is generally consistent with the goals and
objectives of this Planning Strategy, the requirements of the Land
Use Bylaw, and all other Town bylaws and regulations;
b) The proposal is not premature or inappropriate by reason of:
1. The financial capability of the Town to absorb any capital or
operating costs related to the development;
2. The adequacy of municipal water and sewer services, or if
services are not provided, the adequacy of the physical site
conditions for private on-site sewer and water systems;
3. The adequacy of street networks in, and adjacent to, the
development with respect to congestion, traffic hazards, and the
adequacy of existing and proposed access routes;
4. The adequacy, capacity and proximity of schools, recreation and
other community facilities;
5. Incompatibility with adjacent uses and the existing development
in the area in terms of the use and bulk;
6. Extensions to, or enlargement of, municipal services or facilities
while other such services or facilities remain underutilized.
c) The suitability of the proposed site in terms of environmental
constraints such as steepness of grades, soil and/or geological
conditions, and the relative location of watercourses, marshes,
swamps, or bogs. For the purposes of this Planning Strategy, any
lands comprising twenty-five (25) percent of the lot area with a slope
gradient of twenty (20) percent or greater shall be considered "steep";
d) That the development does not precipitate, or contribute to, a
pollution problem in the area relating to emissions to the air or
discharge to the ground or water bodies of chemical pollutants;
e) That the use of equipment is not obnoxious by virtue of noise, odor,
dust, vibration, smoke, or other emissions;
f)
The presence of significant natural features or historical buildings and
sites.
Information to Support
Amendment
Application
A-8
To provide Council with a clear outline of the nature and scope of a
proposed development, and to assist with the evaluation of applications
for Municipal Planning Strategy Amendments, Land Use Bylaw
Amendments, and development agreements, Council may require the
proponent(s) to provide the following information:
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 44 of 48
a) An overall concept plan showing the location of all proposed land
uses;
b) A plan showing the location, area, shape, landscaping and surface
treatment of all public and private open spaces and parking areas;
c) Information regarding the physical and environmental characteristics
of the proposed site, including topography, contours, elevations
(existing and/or finished), dimensions, natural drainage, soils, existing
watercourses, vegetative cover, size and location of the lands;
d) Information regarding natural drainage of the site;
e) Information regarding the proposed location, height, dimensions and
use of all buildings or structures proposed to be built or erected on
the lands;
f)
Information regarding the type and amount of site clearing required, if
any;
g) Information regarding the proposed provisions for proper site
drainage and servicing with water supply and sewage disposal;
h) Information regarding the proposed access and egress to and from
the lands and estimated traffic flows to be generated;
i)
Information regarding the intended hours of operation;
j)
Information regarding the architectural design, including renderings,
scaled site plans, profiles, grade elevations and building cross-
sections;
k) Information regarding the provision and maintenance of appropriate
buffers;
Secondary Plans
A-9
The preparation of a secondary plan for part of the Town may be required
as a prerequisite for an amendment to the General Future Land Use Map
of this Planning Strategy, which may be required as a prerequisite for
new residential and commercial development in areas of the Town
identified as Rural Development, in accordance with Policy GP-4.
Development
Agreements
A-10
Where a development agreement is required by this Planning Strategy
and the Land Use Bylaw, the Town may require that the development
agreement address, in addition to more specific requirements found
elsewhere in this Planning Strategy, any matter authorized by Section
227 of the Municipal Government Act.
A-11
Where a site-plan is required by this Planning Strategy and the Land Use
Bylaw, the Town may require that the site-plan address, in addition to
more specific requirements found elsewhere in this Planning Strategy,
any matter authorized by Section 231(4) of the Municipal Government
Act.
Site-Plans
A-12
Where a site-plan is required by this Planning Strategy, the Land Use
Bylaw may identify:
a) The use that is subject to site-plan approval;
b) The area where site-plan approval applies;
c) The matters that are subject to site-plan approval;
d) Those provisions of the land-use by-law that may be varied by a site-
plan approval;
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 45 of 48
e) The criteria the development officer shall consider prior to granting
site-plan approval;
f)
The notification area;
g) The form and content of an application for site-plan approval.
Notwithstanding any other policy of this Planning Strategy, where both a
development agreement and a site-plan is required, the site-plan
requirement shall be waived.
A-13
The Development Officer may grant a variance in one or more of the
following terms of a development agreement or Land Use Bylaw
requirement:
A-14
a) The number of parking spaces and loading spaces;
b) Ground area and height of a structure;
c) Floor area occupied by a home based business;
d) Height and area of a sign.
However, with respect to a variance Site Plan may be required, in
accordance with the Land Use Bylaw.
Variance
A-15
The Town may include in a development agreement, and shall include in
the Land Use Bylaw, provisions relating to the granting of a variance in
accordance with Section 235(2) of the Municipal Government Act.
Capital Budget
A-16
It shall be the intent of Council to incorporate, to the greatest extent
possible, the provisions and policies of this Planning Strategy into the
municipal capital budget process.
Development Officer
A-17
It shall be the intent of Council, in accordance with Section 243 of the
Municipal Government Act, to appoint a development officer(s) to
administer this Planning Strategy, the Land Use Bylaw, the Subdivision
Bylaw, Subdivision Regulations, and the granting of development permits,
variances, site plans and any other such regulatory tool permitted by the
Municipal Government Act.
6.0
SUSTAINABILITY
Action Policies - Sustainability
A-18
It shall be the intention of Council to support the creation of
linear public parks and greenways along the major watercourses
transecting the Town, in accordance with Policy E-9.
Expansion to Public
Parks and Greenways
A-19
The Town shall prepare and maintain a strategy for maintaining,
improving and developing the Town's parks and trails, in
accordance with Policy E-10.
Parks and Trails
Strategy
Flood Mapping
A-20
It shall be the intention of Council to undertake the preparation
of flood mapping in order to identify areas within the floodplains
of the Town's major watercourses where development should be
prohibited or regulated, in accordance with Policy E-17.
ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY
Water Source
A-21
It shall be the intention of Council to work proactively with its
regional partners to protect the Town's well fields and water
TOWN OF OXFORD - MUNICIPAL PLANNING STRATEGY Page 46 of 48
source areas, in accordance with Policy E-18.
Protection
A-22
It shall be the intention of Council to undertake an annual tree
planting program, in accordance with Policy E-19.
Tree Strategy
A-23
It shall be the intention of Council to improve opportunities for
pedestrian mobility through the strategic improvements of
sidewalks and pathways, in accordance with Policy T-10 and
Policy E-10.
Active Transportation
Active Transportation
A-24
It shall be the intention of Council to prepare, adopt and
implement an active transportation plan, in accordance with
Policy T-11 and T-12.
A-25
The Town shall seek funding, and other forms of cooperation,
from all relevant stakeholders to develop park, pathway and
recreation related studies and infrastructure, in accordance with
Policy E-20.
Stakeholder
Collaboration
A-26
It shall be the intention of Council to adopt a Heritage Strategy,
in accordance with Policy GP-14.
Heritage Strategy
A-27
The Town shall seek funding, and other forms of cooperation,
from all relevant stakeholders to support age friendly programs,
development and infrastructure, in accordance with Policy MS-
17 and MS-18.
"Age Friendly"
Improvements
A-28
The Town shall undertake a Housing Affordability Feasibility
Study, in accordance with Policy RP-8.
Affordable Housing
Study
A-29
It shall be the intention of Council to establish a long-term
capital works program, in accordance with Policy MS-10 and
Policy T-17.
Capital Works
Program
A-30
It shall be the intention of Council to cooperate with other
municipal
units
regarding
inter-municipal
services
and
resources, in accordance with Policy MS-11.
Inter-Municipal
Collaboration
Government Financing
A-31
It shall be the intention of Council to seek any available
government funding for municipal services, in accordance with
Policy MS-20.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
It shall be the intention of Council to prepare a "needs
assessment" relating to the provision of community and
recreation services and facilities, in accordance with Policy MS-
19.
A-32
Needs Assessment
The Town shall prepare, maintain and regularly update a
Downtown Development Plan, in accordance with Policy CP-8.
A-33
Downtown
Development Plan
Downtown Advisory
Committee
A-34
The Town shall support the establishment of a Downtown
Advisory Committee, in accordance with Policy CP-9.
Commercial and
Industrial Promotion
A-35
It is Council's intention to support the efforts of other
governments and agencies in their attempt to attract businesses
to the region, and to pursue other means of providing incentives
for development, in accordance with policies CP-20 and IP-6.
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
The Town shall endeavor to undertake capital improvements to
Main Street, between the downtown and Highway 104, in
accordance with Policy MU-9.
A-36
Main Street
Improvements
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