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County of Frontenac Official Plan
Adopted October 15, 2014
MMAH Approval January 11, 2016
County of Frontenac
By-law 2014-0047
Adoption of an Official Plan for the County of Frontenac
As Amended By:
By-law
Title
Number
Not
Ministry of Municipal Affairs Notice of
applicable
Decision
2016-014
Official Plan Amendment No. 1 (to correct
technical errors)
2022-046
Official Plan Amendment No. 2 (to
implement Bills 13 and 109)
2023-044
Official Plan Amendment No. 3 (Communal
Services)
Date of
Passage
April 20,
2016
December
1, 2022
October 18,
2023
Date of
MMAH
Approval
January 11,
2016
October 21,
2016
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Office Consolidation - June 1, 2024
County Official Plan - Policy Outline
Section 1 - Introduction
1.1
Purpose, Basis, and Context of County Plan........................................................ 7
1.2
How to Read the Plan......................................................................................... 13
Section 2 - Economic Sustainability
2.1
Natural Resources.............................................................................................. 16
2.1.1 Agriculture
2.1.2 Mining and Mineral Aggregate Resources
2.1.2.1
Mineral Mining
2.1.2.2
Mineral Aggregates
2.1.3 Forestry
2.1.4 Renewable Energy
2.1.4.1
Introduction
2.1.4.2
Policies
2.2
Built Resources .................................................................................................. 21
2.2.1 Commercial
2.2.2 Tourism
2.2.2.1
Introduction
2.2.2.2
Policies
2.2.3 Business Parks
Section 3 - Growth Management
3.1
Growth Projections for Frontenac County........................................................... 23
3.1.1 Employment
3.1.2 Housing Supply
3.2
Settlement Areas................................................................................................ 24
3.2.1 Introduction
3.2.2 Settlement Area Policies
3.2.2.1
General
3.2.2.2
Settlement Area Boundary Expansions
3.3
Rural Lands ........................................................................................................ 26
3.3.1 Introduction
3.3.2 Objectives
3.3.3 Policies
3.3.3.4
Special Policies - Waterfront Areas
3.3.3.4.1
Introduction
3.3.3.4.2
Goal
3.3.3.4.3
Objectives
3.3.3.4.4
Policies
3.4
Crown Lands ...................................................................................................... 31
Section 4 - Community Building
4.1
Transportation .................................................................................................... 33
4.1.1 Roads
4.1.1.1
Introduction
4.1.1.2
Goal
4.1.1.3
Regional Road Network
4.1.1.4
Provincial Highway 7
4.1.1.5
Provincial Highway 41
4.1.1.6
Private Roads
4.1.2 Rural Public Transportation
4.1.2.1
Introduction
4.1.2.2
Goal
4.1.2.3
Policies
4.1.3 Pedestrian
4.1.3.1
Policies
4.1.4 Trail Development
4.1.4.1
Policies
4.1.4.2
Special Policies: K & P Trail
4.1.4.2.1
Policies
4.1.5 Ferry Services
4.1.5.1
Background
4.1.5.2
Policies
4.1.6 Scenic Routes
4.2
Servicing............................................................................................................. 40
4.2.1 Long Range Planning for Municipal Services
4.2.1.1
Introduction
4.2.1.2
Goal
4.2.1.3
Objectives
4.2.1.4
Policies
4.2.1.4.1
Special Policies: Future Village Services
Planning
4.2.1.5
Private Services
4.2.2 Storm Water Management Planning
4.2.2.1
Introduction
4.2.2.2
Policies
4.3
Waste Management ........................................................................................... 44
4.3.1 Introduction
4.3.2 Goal
4.3.3 Objective
4.3.4 Policies
4.4
Utility and Communications Facilities Corridors .................................................. 45
4.4.1 Introduction
4.4.2 Policies
4.5
Community Improvement Plans.......................................................................... 46
4.5.1 Introduction
4.5.2 Goal
4.5.3 Objectives
4.5.4 Policies
4.5.4.1
Special Policy - Regional Community Improvement Plans
4.6
Parks and Open Space ...................................................................................... 47
4.6.1 Introduction
4.6.2 Policies
Section 5 - Housing and Social Services
5.1
Municipal Housing Strategy................................................................................ 49
5.1.1 Introduction
5.1.2 Policies
5.2
Affordable Housing............................................................................................. 50
5.2.1 Introduction
5.2.2 Policies
5.3
Seniors Housing ................................................................................................. 51
5.3.1
Introduction
5.3.2
Policies
5.4
Group Homes ..................................................................................................... 52
5.4.1
Introduction
5.4.2
Policies
5.5
Homes for the Aged (Long Term Care Complexes) ........................................... 52
5.5.1
Introduction
5.5.2
Policies
5.6
Secondary Suites ............................................................................................... 53
5.6.1
Introduction
5.6.2
Policies
5.7
Accessibility ........................................................................................................ 53
5.7.1
Introduction
5.7.2
Policies
Section 6 - Heritage and Culture
6.1
General Policies Land Claim .............................................................................. 55
6.2
Archaeological Resources .................................................................................. 56
6.3
Algonquin Aboriginal Interest.............................................................................. 56
6.3.1 Policies
6.4
Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site ..................................................... 59
6.5
Frontenac Arch UNESCO Biosphere Reserve ................................................... 59
Section 7 - Environmental Sustainability
7.1
Natural Environment........................................................................................... 61
7.1.1
Introduction
7.1.2
Goal
7.1.3
Objectives
7.1.4
Policies
7.1.4.1
Wetlands
7.1.4.2
7.1.4.3
7.1.4.4
Significant Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI)
Significant Wildlife Habitat
Fish Habitat
7.1.4.4.1 Lake Trout Lakes
7.1.4.5
7.1.4.6
7.1.4.7
7.1.4.8
7.1.4.9
7.1.4.10
7.1.4.11
7.1.4.12
7.1.4.13
Endangered and Threatened Species
Significant Woodlands
Significant Valleylands
Linkages and Biodiversity Areas
7.1.4.8.1 Linkages
7.1.4.8.2 Biodiversity Areas (Overlay)
Mineral Aggregate Operations
Environmental Impact Study
Land Uses and Zoning
Stewardship Planning
Lake Management Plans
7.2
Water Resources................................................................................................ 75
7.2.1 Source protection Plans
7.3
Hazard Lands ..................................................................................................... 76
7.3.1 Introduction
7.3.2 Natural Hazards Policies
7.3.3 Human-Made Hazards
Section 8 - Implementation
8.1
Interpretation of Land Use Designation Boundaries ........................................... 79
8.2
Amendments to the Plan .................................................................................... 79
8.3
Amendments to the Township Official Plans ...................................................... 80
8.4
Public Participation............................................................................................. 80
8.5
Zoning By-laws ................................................................................................... 80
8.6
Subdivision and Condominium Approvals and Agreements ............................... 80
8.7
Planning Applications - Consultation and Complete Application
Requirements ..................................................................................................... 81
8.8
Development Charges........................................................................................ 82
8.9
Land Use Compatibility ....................................................................................... 82
Schedule "A" - Land Use Map
Appendices
Appendices "1A to 1C" - Natural Heritage System
Appendix "2" - Designated 'At Capacity' Lake Trout Lakes
Appendix "3" - Environmental Impact Study Requirements
Section 1 - Introduction
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1
Purpose, Basis and Context of the Plan
Purpose
The Frontenac County Official Plan creates the framework for guiding land use changes
in the County over the next 20 years to 2034 by protecting and managing the natural
environment, directing and influencing growth patterns and facilitating the vision of the
County as expressed through its residents. This Plan also provides the avenue through
which Provincial Policy is implemented into the local context. The Plan is also a major
cornerstone in the implementation of Directions for Our Future, the County's
sustainability plan.
Basis
The Official Plan for Frontenac County has its basis in the Planning Act; the Provincial
Policy Statement (2014); and the four sustainability pillars identified in Directions for Our
Future.
Context of the Plan
Without question Frontenac County is characterized by a predominantly rural landscape
with small communities such as Plevna, Cloyne, Ompah, Sharbot Lake, Verona,
Harrowsmith, Sydenham, Marysville, Howe Island and many more villages and hamlets
throughout the geography.
The County has one of the smallest populations of all counties in Eastern Ontario. The
County surrounds the City of Kingston to the north and south and extends beyond
Highway 7 northerly towards the Madawaska River and Renfrew County and to the
south across Wolfe and Howe Islands to the United States border on the southern side
of the St Lawrence River. In terms of surrounding local governments, the Frontenacs
are bounded to the east by the Counties of Lanark and Leeds & Grenville, to the north
by Renfrew County, and the west by Lennox & Addington County.
In terms of municipal government, the County is composed of four lower-tier
municipalities - the Townships of South, Central and North Frontenac and Frontenac
Islands. (See Figure 1 - Local Municipalities)
The small population (26,600) and the large geographic area of the Frontenacs (4,000
km2) result in a low population density. There are only small communities. Of the
settlement areas in the County the largest villages have between 200 to 300 homes
within their boundaries. In terms of demographics, the number of retirees is increasing
as is the number of seasonal residents, in part because of the spectacular natural
features of the County. On the other hand, the trends show young people continue to
move away, to larger urban centres.
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Section 1 - Introduction
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Section 1 - Introduction
Because the population lives predominately in villages or rural areas, municipal
services, such as water and wastewater systems are not provided (with the exception of
the water system in Sydenham). As a result, access to clean, reliable drinking water is
an issue for some residents. The small size of the communities also means that
residents may need to travel to urban centres for health and professional services,
cultural and recreational opportunities.
The County boasts some of the most beautiful natural features to be found in Ontario,
possessing 1000 lakes, Wolfe and Howe Islands that form part of the 1000 Islands, and
stretches of uninterrupted forests that include Frontenac and Bon Echo Provincial
Parks. The attractiveness of these features draws seasonal residents, outdoor
recreationists, and artists, artisans and craftspeople. These people all seek nature for
their own reasons, whether it is for adventure and exploration, peace and solitude, or
inspiration. The tourism sector is also strongly linked to a pristine environment. The
Frontenacs are home to enviable natural resources such as numerous lakes and
islands, protected areas, an uninterrupted night sky, and a world renowned biosphere.
In addition to the many lakes within Frontenac, the major waterways of the Cataraqui,
Salmon, Mississippi, Napanee, and Fall Rivers all cross through part of the County, and
both Wolfe and Howe Islands along with a number of smaller islands are located on the
St. Lawrence River at the exit from Lake Ontario. The Rideau Canal system, a
designated UNESCO World Heritage site, travels through the southeastern part of the
County. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve is one of sixteen biospheres in
Canada and is designated under UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Programme; it covers
parts of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and Frontenac County, including
portions of Central and South Frontenac Townships. All of these features reinforce the
value of the natural heritage system we have in the Frontenacs.
The wealth of our natural resources is reinforced by the amount of Crown land, lakes,
rivers, and wetlands that are within the County. Figures 2 to 4 illustrate the location and
amount of these resources throughout the Frontenacs.
Frontenac County's history is rich in agricultural activity which continues today in the
form of commodity farms, small family farms, hobby farms, horse ranches, forestry and
other specialty farms. The agricultural roots of the community are celebrated in fairs,
ploughing matches, church socials, and other events. Agriculture continues to play an
important role in the County's economy.
The Frontenacs are also at the forefront of renewable energy in Eastern Ontario, the
most visible project being the eighty-six wind turbines located across Wolfe Island.
Over the past few years, numerous ground-mounted and roof-mounted solar panels
have been set up on homes, businesses and farms throughout the County.
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Section 1 - Introduction
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Section 1 - Introduction
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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1.2
How to Read the Plan
This Official Plan is prepared by the County of Frontenac to guide the actions of local
municipalities and the County in policy planning and physical planning on a broad 'high
level' basis. It is based on a watershed planning approach as set out in Figure 5.
The County Plan serves as the upper tier Official Plan for the County. It establishes a
vision in which planning and sustainability protect and enhance the natural landscape,
rural lifestyle, and sense of community for the Frontenacs.
This document, hereafter is referred to as "the Plan" or "this Plan" implements a
strategic approach to land use planning based on a watershed planning process. This
Plan sets out the general direction for planning and development in Frontenac County
by defining strategic goals, broad objectives and policies.
It is the intention of the Plan to set the context for planning in the County as a whole and
provide regional direction on planning issues.
It is not the intention of the Frontenac County Official Plan to interfere with those
planning matters which are considered to be the responsibility of the local
municipalities. Local municipal Official Plans complement the Frontenac County Official
Plan by providing detailed strategies, policies, and land use designations for planning
and development at the local level.
The structure of the Plan is based on six sustainability themes. Each of the themes is
developed to function as part of the building blocks that encourage a sustainable
balance between the economy, community building, and the environment.
The Economic Sustainability theme highlights the natural resources of the Frontenacs
and the best management practices for developing and managing those resources for
future use. This theme also covers the built economy and how economic practices of
commercial, tourism, and industrial type development should take place. Trying to
develop a strong and diverse economy in Frontenac County is a major component of
these building blocks.
In the future, the County may undertake an enhanced regional role concerning matters
which cross municipal boundaries and are considered to be of a County wide/or
Provincial interest. This may include conducting County wide studies on cross-
jurisdictional issues and enhanced policy direction on matters such as, but not limited
to, mineral aggregate resources, source protection planning and economic
development.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Section 1 - Introduction
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Section 1 - Introduction
The Growth Management theme deals with future residential development in the
County, using the County-wide growth projections as a starting point. This section will
include policies to support existing hamlets and new development in rural and
waterfront areas.
Community Building is a theme that has the goal of encouraging the development of our
community through interaction, collaboration, and cohesiveness. This includes
supporting a regional road system, trail development, and ideas for pedestrian
movement and rural transit - all of these issues are essential to strengthening both
communities and the strength of the economy.
Housing and Social Services will focus on key regional housing issues that are
recognized in the Kingston-Frontenac County Municipal Housing Strategy and which
are especially important over the long term to the rural area, including seniors housing
and affordable housing.
The Heritage and Culture theme has the goal of encouraging identification and
conservation of cultural heritage resources that are valued for the important contribution
that they make to our understanding of the history of places, events, or people in the
Frontenacs. This theme will also include policies with regard to the Algonquin Land
Claim which covers a large portion of the north and central part of the County and which
will result in a variety of potential land use changes in the future.
The Environmental Sustainability theme identifies significant natural areas that need to
be protected and managed to form a basis for future land use decisions. A level of
protection for the environment is required under Provincial policy to ensure development
is sustainable to ensure a healthy and high quality of life for existing and future
residents of the County.
Appropriate policies for each sustainability theme are included in the Plan to ensure all
aspects necessary for a healthy community are protected, managed and made
available to existing and future residents.
In addition to the six themes that form the bulk of the policies in the Official Plan, there
are two other sections which follow that complete the Plan:
a) The Implementation and Interpretation section which describes interpretation and
implementation tools available to the County through the Planning Act, public
participation, and consultation for planning applications; and
b) The Mapping section which contain Schedule(s) which show the location of the
Official Plan designations for all of Frontenac County as well as the regional natural
heritage system.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
Page 15 of 101
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Section 2 - Economic Sustainability
SECTION 2 - ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
The Economic Sustainability section is divided into two pieces. The first piece identifies
policies relating to the natural resources of the County. The significant natural resources
include agriculture, mineral aggregates, forestry, and renewable energy.
The second subsection highlights policy directions relating to those economic activities
stemming from the natural and built environment such as commercial, tourist and
potential business park development.
Both of these sections highlight the importance of these sectors to the economic health
of Frontenac County.
2.1Natural Resources
2.1.1 Agriculture
Introduction
A prime component of the County's economy is the extensive area of lands that
are used for farming, both in prime agricultural and rural areas. Farming is
fundamental to the economic base and rural lifestyle of the County. It is in the
County's interest to preserve that lifestyle and to foster the agricultural
community. The land base should be protected and the use of the lands must be
predominantly agriculturally oriented to achieve these objectives. The farming
community forms a core economic basis for the rural community
Policies
1. The agricultural community should be fostered and protected to ensure its
viability for the economic and social benefit of the County. In order to
accomplish this the County will encourage the Townships to:
a) protect the prime agricultural land for agricultural purposes; and
b) encourage the development of agricultural support services within
designated hamlets.
2. Local Official Plans shall identify and protect prime agricultural areas.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
3. Value-Added Uses - land uses that add value to farm products may also be
permitted on farms in both Agricultural and Rural designations. For these
types of uses located in Prime Agricultural Areas designated in the Township
Official Plans, the Agriculture - Permitted Uses section of the Provincial
Policy Statement (PPS), shall apply. These uses may include processing,
preserving, storing and packaging of farm products and outlets for the retail
sale of agricultural products from the farm operation on the property. Facilities
County of Frontenac Official Plan
Page 16 of 101
Adopted October 15, 2014
Section 2 - Economic Sustainability
that add value to farm products may be used co-operatively; however, the
scale of operations may not exceed the needs of the surrounding agricultural
community and will be secondary to the farming activity of the property. The
size of the building or facility for these uses will be limited in the implementing
zoning by-law of each Township.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
4. The standard for separating residential uses from existing, new or expanding
livestock facilities shall be the Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) formulae,
as revised from time to time. The MDS formulae shall also be used when
considering the creation of new lots and new development in proximity to
livestock facilities. Notwithstanding policies relating to new developments on
existing lots of record, where there is a vacant lot of record that is impacted
by MDS, a dwelling may be permitted provided the dwelling is located on the
lot at the furthest distance possible from the impacted livestock facilities. The
MDS formulae shall apply in both the rural and prime agricultural land use
designations in the Township Official Plans, outside of settlement areas.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
5. The Townships shall designate Prime Agricultural Areas in their respective
Official Plans in accordance with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS)
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
6. The Townships shall permit agricultural uses, agriculture-related uses and on-
farm diversified uses in Prime Agricultural Areas in their respective Official
Plans in accordance with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS).
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
7. The Townships may only permit lot creation and lot adjustments in Prime
Agricultural Areas in their respective Official Plans in accordance with the
Provincial Policy Statement (PPS).
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
8. The Townships may only permit non-agricultural uses in Prime Agricultural
Areas in accordance with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS).
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
9. The Townships may only permit extraction in Prime Agricultural Areas in their
respective Official Plans in accordance with the Provincial Policy Statement
(PPS).
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
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Adopted October 15, 2014
Section 2 - Economic Sustainability
2.1.2 Minerals and Mineral Aggregate Resources
The County of Frontenac contains many unique minerals and aggregate
resources. Mineral and mineral aggregate deposits and operations will be
protected. Local official plans will identify mineral and mineral aggregate
resources, protect them from incompatible uses so their future use is ensured
and establish buffer areas where incompatible development is not permitted.
These resources are identified in Appendices '1D' and '1E' of the Plan.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
The following policies are intended to address both mineral mining operations as
well as mineral aggregate extraction.
2.1.2.1
Mineral Mining
1. Mining and related activities shall only be permitted outside identified
settlement areas.
2. The creation of new mining and mining related activities shall be subject
to the approval of the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
under the Mining Act and the Environmental Protection Act, and shall be
subject to local Official Plan policies and local Zoning By-law
regulations.
3. An 'Influence Area' shall be used in order to protect existing land uses
in the vicinity of a proposed mineral mining operation. This 'Influence
Area' shall also be applied to protect mineral mining operations from the
encroachment of incompatible land uses. Local Official Plans shall
establish the extent of an influence area in consultation with the Ministry
of Northern Development and Mines and the Ministry of the
Environment and Climate Change (MOECC). Development may be
permitted in an 'Influence Area' as set out in Local Official Plans and
only where the impacts of a mining operation can be properly mitigated.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
2.1.2.2
Mineral Aggregates
Frontenac County has a variety of mineral aggregate deposits. The County
recognizes that these non-renewable resources are an important
component of the economy of the County which must be protected for
future use. It is also recognized that the extraction of the aggregates must
be undertaken in an environmentally sound manner that adequately
protects significant natural environment features and minimizes community
disruption.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Section 2 - Economic Sustainability
1. Mineral aggregate resources shall be recognized and managed by the
Local Official Plans. These resources shall be mapped on Township
Official Plan Schedules.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
2. Recognizing that mineral aggregate resources cross municipal
boundaries, the County will undertake a mineral aggregate resources
study, in consultation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and
Forestry to identify unconstrained aggregate resources that are a high
priority for protection. The findings of this study shall be implemented
through Official Plan Amendment. In the interim, the County and the
Townships shall use the Township Official Plans and Appendix 1D and
1E to identify aggregate resources.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
3. The Townships, in consultation with the Ministry of Natural Resources
and Forestry (MNRF) and the Ministry of Northern Development and
Mines shall review development proposals with respect to mineral
aggregate resources.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
4. The Townships shall identify and protect all existing mineral aggregate
operations from incompatible uses and activities that would preclude or
hinder their expansion or continued use, or which would be
incompatible for reasons of public health, public safety, or
environmental impact. The Townships shall map the locations of all
existing licensed mineral aggregate operations on their official plan land
use schedules and zoning by-laws. Existing mineral aggregate
operations shall be permitted to continue without the need for an official
plan amendment, rezoning or development permit under the Planning
Act.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
5. Within or adjacent to known deposits of mineral aggregate resources,
development and activities which may preclude or hinder the
establishment of new operations or access to the resources may only
be permitted if:
Resource use would not be feasible; or
The proposed land use or development serves a greater long
term public interest; and
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Section 2 - Economic Sustainability
Issues of public health, public safety and environmental impact
are addressed.
The County or the Townships may require the completion of a study by
a qualified professional to demonstrate that the proposed use is
consistent with the above policies for development proposals. For the
purposes of the above policy, adjacent lands shall be those lands
contiguous to lands on the surface of known deposits of mineral
aggregate resources where it is likely that development would constrain
future access to the resources. The extent of the adjacent lands shall
be identified in Township Official Plan and may be recommended by the
Province.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
2.1.3 Forestry
Council shall consider the incorporation of "good forestry practices" along with
the impact of the development on the ability to provide a continuous, sustainable
forestry industry in the County.
For the purposes of this Plan, "good forestry practices" means the proper
implementation of harvest, renewal and maintenance activities known to be
appropriate for the forest and environmental conditions under which they are
being applied and that minimize detriments to forest productivity and health, and
the aesthetics and recreational opportunities of the landscape. Good forestry
practices will ensure that no forest values are diminished by protecting key stand
components and by minimizing environmental damage during tree harvesting.
Properly managed tree harvest activities shall assure the maintenance of all
forest values and a continuous flow of forest products that provide for both short
and long-term economic benefits to landowners. Similarly, forest management
plans should recognize and recommend mitigation measures on the impacts of
forestry operations on the tourism industry and visual amenities of the County.
In partnership with County and local governments, forestry operators will
consider developing an inventory of forest resources.
Forest operators will consider undertaking sustainable approaches and are
encouraged to develop sustainable forestry plans which may include the
development of a plan for rehabilitation and reforestation to preserve the
biodiversity and ecological health of the region.
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Section 2 - Economic Sustainability
2.1.4 Renewable Energy
2.1.4.1
Introduction
One of the primary 'focus areas' of Directions for Our Future deals with the
future of energy demand and production in the Frontenacs. The objective is to
reduce the amount of energy consumed over the next generation, combined
with renewable energy production and encouragement. It is hoped that
conservation measures combined with clean, low-impact electrical generation
will contribute to a gradual shift away from the reliance on fossil fuels.
2.1.4.2
Policies
The County is committed to further the community's vision of the 'Energy
Focus Area' in Directions for Our Future.
The County and the Townships will be encouraged to work collaboratively to
assist in Green Energy activities such as municipal solar installation, energy
conservation, community power, and other related projects.
The County will support the creation of a Community Energy Plan for the
Frontenacs to encourage local energy production and increase community
capacity with renewable energy.
The County will support economic development opportunities in the local
energy sector as they arise.
The County will promote energy conservation to the public and will seek
opportunities to facilitate conservation.
2.2
Built Resources
2.2.1 Commercial
Commercial development in Frontenac County is identified under two general
policy areas. Both types of commercial use are important for ensuring that a wide
range of commercial opportunities as possible exist for County residents,
seasonal and year round alike, as well as tourists staying in or traveling through
Frontenac County. The two general types of commercial development are:
a)
Community Commercial which consists of the business district and historic
crossroad or core of each urban area, and also includes highway
commercial which serves both travelling and local public; and
b)
Resort Commercial uses which provide for commercial facilities and
services for tourists and seasonal residents.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Adopted October 15, 2014
Section 2 - Economic Sustainability
The Townships will establish appropriate commercial land use policies in their
respective Official Plans.
2.2.2 Tourism
2.2.2.1
Introduction
Tourism and leisure opportunities are some of the key aspects to
Frontenac County's economy. This sector includes, but is not limited to,
golf courses, resorts, campgrounds, trailer parks, marinas, tourist
accommodation facilities, museums, historical and scenic tours and
heritage sites. The many lakes and rivers in the Frontenacs play a
significant role in providing opportunities for tourism and leisure activities.
2.2.2.2
Policies
The County will work with the local Townships, the Province, Frontenac
Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC), the City of
Kingston, and various tourism agencies and organizations to promote
tourism activity.
The County will continue to work on development of a regional trail
network to help create a recreational use that will travel through the
Frontenacs and act as a regional tourist destination.
The County will work with and support tourism-related projects with all of
the Townships that are of benefit to tourists and to the community.
2.2.3 Business Parks
Frontenac County currently has a very small industrial base. The majority of
industries make up small pockets of uses in the agricultural, rural, and hamlet
areas. These uses include home-based activities.
Directions for Our Future also recognizes the opportunity of a new business park
in the County as a key economic pillar of sustainability. It notes that the
possibility of developing a green business park would be beneficial in having
infrastructure in place for businesses considering relocation and could also act as
a catalyst by grouping businesses as a hub.
There are very few planned business parks designated in the four Township
Official Plans. This Plan recognizes the importance of the goal of attracting
businesses to the County to encourage local job creation and investment in the
rural economy.
The following policies should be considered as part of the location and
development of a business park(s) in the Frontenacs:
County of Frontenac Official Plan
Page 22 of 101
Adopted October 15, 2014
Section 2 - Economic Sustainability
1. In order to ensure appropriate and efficient access, business parks should be
located on or close to one of the regional roads that are identified on
Schedule 'A' (Land Use);
2. A business park development proposal should consider the following
development policies:
1) Business parks may include buildings designed for individual or
multiple occupancy on a leasehold or condominium basis;
2) Business park development may occur on a multiple lot basis or as
a single land parcel with single or multiple buildings; and
3) Buildings in a business park should be designed to a similar and
high-quality standard to promote an attractive setting.
3. The County and/or the Townships may assist in the creation of a business
park in the following ways:
1) land acquisition and site preparation;
2) development of the infrastructure to prepare the business park for
development, such as power, servicing, lighting, road construction, and
broadband connection;
3) the preparation of any planning, engineering or other studies to ensure
the business park is developed to appropriate standards; and
4) municipal fiscal incentives to encourage new development such as
grants to cover the costs of building permit fees or development
charges.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Section 3 - Growth Management
Section 3 - Growth Management
The Growth Management section sets out policies that are intended to help guide new
development (residential and non-residential) across Frontenac County. The policies
are intended to manage change from a regional level.
The Growth Projections section allocates population and employment growth across the
Frontenacs to 2034.
(MMAH Approval dated October 21, 2016)
The Hamlets section is intended to support and strengthen existing communities and
their infrastructure.
Rural Areas policies are intended to recognize the importance of the rural areas of the
Frontenacs for future growth and to create guidelines for new development that will be
sensitive to its surroundings.
Waterfront Development policies will recognize the importance of the abundant lakes
and rivers within the Frontenacs and the need to protect the natural environment and
character of these areas for future generations and to also establish parameters for new
development along or near the water.
3.1
Growth Projections for Frontenac County
In 2014 the County completed the Population, Housing and Employment Projections for
the Frontenacs. The projections indicate that the permanent population base of the
County is forecasted to steadily increase over the next 25 years from 27,900 in 2011 to
32,900 in 2034.
A share of the population and household unit growth is projected throughout the four
Townships in the County. Also included is projected growth of the seasonal population
of the County, which has a significant influence throughout the Frontenacs but
especially in the northern portion. The future share of household growth is allocated
upon a number of factors including:
(a) Frontenac County's adjacency to the City of Kingston will allow some areas of
the County, notably South Frontenac Township, to attract new growth. South
Frontenac is allocated 70 % of the projected growth of permanent population in
the County because of the employment opportunities available in the city;
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
(b) The remaining growth shall be allocated accordingly: Frontenac Islands (7%),
Central Frontenac (16%) and North Frontenac (7%).
(MMAH Approval dated October 21, 2016)
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Section 3 - Growth Management
(c) The lack of full municipal water and wastewater services in any of the hamlets or
villages of the County will constrain the ability to increase the density of these
areas, and may impact the ability to focus new development within these
settlement areas;
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
(d) Rural residential development will continue to be an important component of
household growth in the County, given that overall residential development is
projected to be limited. Demonstration of limited rural residential development in
Township Official Plans may include such measures as limits to the number of
lots granted through consent and plans of subdivision; and
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
(e) The population, housing and employment forecast will be monitored and
reviewed periodically to determine its accuracy. Adjustments to the forecasted
growth will be made during the five year reviews of the Official Plan; and
(f) Settlement areas are identified in the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), 2014 as
villages and hamlets where development is concentrated and which have a mix
of land uses. It is recognized that some of the historical settlement areas
identified on Schedule 'A' of this Plan may not meet this definition and are better
described as crossroad. As a result, the County will undertake a settlement area
study to examine and rationalize settlement areas identified on Schedule 'A' in
order to determine where growth shall be focused over the long term planning
horizon.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
3.1.1 Employment
In order to meet the long term needs of the County by providing a mix and range
of employment opportunities, the County shall explore ways to enhance the local
employment base in strategic locations such as settlement areas and along
major transportation routes.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
3.1.2 Housing Supply
The land and residential unit supply in the lower-tier official plans shall reflect the
growth allocations set out in this section and be consistent with the regional
marketing housing requirements of Section 1.4.1 of the PPS.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
3.2
Settlement Areas
3.2.1 Introduction
As Frontenac County has developed over time, it contains of a number of small
villages and hamlets, scattered rural housing, waterfront cottages and homes,
and rural subdivisions. There is no village or hamlet that has full municipal
services. The village of Sydenham had water servicing installed in 2006 to
service the existing community.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Section 3 - Growth Management
These settlement area policies are intended to set a planning framework that will
encourage and support the existing Settlement Areas, both mixed use and
primarily residential.
The policies will allow each Township to have the ability to develop their
communities based on local characteristics and needs, as well as fiscal capacity.
The policies also recognize that due to the lack of municipal water and sewer
services, the County supports new development in both the settlement areas as
well as in rural locations.
Settlement area locations are identified on Schedule "A"of this Plan.
3.2.2 Settlement Area Policies
3.2.2.1
General
Based on its historic settlement pattern, Frontenac County has many
villages and hamlets scattered throughout the region. Some of these
villages have a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional uses, while
other hamlets are primarily residential and small in size. Traditionally,
these communities have developed as residential, social and commercial
centres serving the surrounding agricultural, mining, or forestry
community. While this traditional role will continue to be encouraged, it is
also recognized that changes and improvements to transportation facilities
over time have lessened the emphasis on hamlets as rural service centres
and increased their role as residential settlements.
The following general policies shall apply to Settlement Areas which are
identified on Schedule 'A' of this Plan:
1. Local Official Plans shall designate Settlement Areas and determine
their boundaries.
2. Efficient development patterns and road connections will be
encouraged in Settlement Areas to optimize public services and to
make the most efficient use of land and resources.
3. Local Official Plans shall, where feasible, promote mixed use
development in Settlement Areas including residential, commercial,
institutional, parks, and employment areas.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
Page 26 of 101
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Section 3 - Growth Management
3.2.2.2
Settlement Area Boundary Expansions
The County's long term prosperity, environmental health, and social well
being depend on wisely managing change and promoting efficient land
use and development patterns. On this basis, Settlement Area boundary
expansions shall be determined by the Local Official Plans and shall
require an Official Plan Amendment to the Local Plan. As none of the
Settlement Areas in the Frontenacs have full municipal services, a
settlement area capability study (comprehensive review) is required by
this Plan for any boundary expansion to determine:
a. that the Settlement Area can adequately accommodate new
development without having a negative impact on groundwater used
for drinking purposes and/or the ability of the soils in the area to
assimilate effluent;
b. the potential impacts of new development on the road network and
other municipal infrastructure such as community facilities;
c. justification for the need to expand the settlement area;
d. an analysis of alternatives that may be considered to settlement
expansion, including redevelopment and infill; and
e. a review to determine compliance with the Minimum Distance
Separation (MDS) formulae.
It is not anticipated that any of the settlement areas in the Frontenacs will
require expansion in the life of this plan. If a settlement area expansion is
being considered, in addition to the aforementioned criteria, the settlement
area expansion policies of the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), shall
apply.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
3.3
Rural Lands
3.3.1 Introduction
The Rural designation comprises all lands outside of settlement areas in the
County that are not:
-
Natural Heritage Areas or other natural resources listed in Section 7;
-
Resource Lands such as minerals, mineral aggregate, forestry, and prime
agricultural set out in Section 2.1.; and
-
Waste Disposal Sites
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
Traditionally, these lands have been utilized as an alternative location for those
persons preferring a rural residential lifestyle.
These non-resource lands have also provided a location for commercial and
industrial uses requiring a location in the rural area because of land use
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Section 3 - Growth Management
requirements and/or proximity to natural resources. The Rural designation also
includes areas containing viable farming operations that need to be protected,
through the application of the MDS I and II formulas.
Low density residential development as well as rural-related commercial,
industrial, recreational and institutional development is desirable, provided it is
appropriately located. The Rural designation is intended to guide rural type
development while at the same time protecting the rural character, heritage and
natural resources of the County. In addition, the designation is intended to
manage growth in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner.
More specifically, on rural lands, permitted uses are:
o The management and use of resources;
o Resource-based recreational uses (including recreational/cottage
dwellings);
o Residential development of a limited scale;
o Home based industries and home occupations;
o Cemeteries
o Other rural land uses that are compatible with the nature of the rural area.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
Development shall proceed in accordance with the policies of Section 4.2 -
Servicing, Section 6 - Heritage & Culture and Section 7 - Environmental
Sustainability.
(MMAH Approval dated October 21, 2016)
3.3.2 Objectives
(1) To preserve the open space, rural character, topography and landscape of
the rural area;
(2) To promote rural living in a manner sensitive to the ecological balance,
sensitive to the farming and forestry communities and sensitive to the
protection of groundwater and surface water quantity and quality;
(3) To maintain economic stability in the County by considering factors such as
municipal servicing limitations, environmental factors, compatibility of land
uses, and land capability when reviewing development proposals;
(4) To promote the tourism economy of the County by ensuring suitable lands are
available to satisfy demands for tourism and tourism-related development;
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Section 3 - Growth Management
(5) To encourage economic diversification including greater flexibility for on-farm
activities, home-based businesses, and agri-tourism, and new small scale
industrial-type ventures that are connected to the farm economy such as milk
processing, cheese factories, and craft breweries; and
(6) To preserve the farming community as an important economic and cultural
resource for the Frontenacs;
3.3.3 Policies
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
(1) In recognition of the potential impacts that new growth and development may
have on entire watershed systems, the County encourages communication
between the local Townships within the same watershed area when a new
development proposal is considered to have a potential impact on the quality
and function of the watershed.
(2) Residential development is permitted in the Rural designation in accordance
with the following policies:
a. Lot creation should take place either through Plan of Subdivision, Plan of
Condominium, or Consent;
b. Rural residential development shall reflect the intent of preserving the
rural, open space character of the County. This will mean that, to the
extent possible, the appearance of such development should be
unobtrusive and blend in with the rural landscape.
c. New residential development should not be located on lands which would
involve major public expense in opening up or maintaining access routes,
providing drainage, or providing other public services and facilities, unless
major public services, access, and/or facilities are provided at the
developer's expense.
d. It is recognized that the majority of existing and new rural residential
development will be serviced by private wells and septic tanks; however,
the County and the Townships may be interested in the investigation of
new technologies and communal servicing options where it is deemed
feasible for such areas and is supported by the Ministry of the
Environment and Climate Change (MOECC).
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
e. In determining the location and suitability of any proposed residential plan
of subdivision, the following criteria shall be considered by both the
County and the Townships:
i.
the design of the subdivision should provide for a range of lot sizes
directly related to the site's topography, vegetation and soil and
drainage characteristics;
ii.
based on the varying topography across the County, the Local
Official Plans should establish a base minimum lot size;
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Section 3 - Growth Management
iii.
the minimum area of lot sizes should be determined by a
hydrogeological study and a terrain analysis;
iv.
the subdivision should have direct access to a public road that is
maintained year round and is improved to acceptable municipal
standards;
v.
Lots need to be of adequate size to provide for proper installation of
private services;
vi.
Any proposed subdivision should not land lock any other adjacent
parcel of land, and future connection links to adjacent properties shall
be provided where determined appropriate;
vii.
In order to maintain the rural character of the landscape, the
development should be located in areas having natural amenities
such as varied topography, mature tree cover, scenic views and
should blend in with the natural landscape so that the rural
environment is left relatively undisturbed;
viii. Rural residential development should avoid locating on lands having
significant agricultural capability and near areas where any significant
impact on established agricultural activities will occur; and
ix. The use should be compatible with adjacent land uses.
3.3.3.4
Special Policies -- Waterfront Areas
3.3.3.4.1
Introduction
Frontenac County is blessed with hundreds of lakes and
rivers covering its geography, including pristine lakes on the
Canadian Shield, Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence
River waterbodies surrounding Wolfe and Howe Islands, as
well as the southern section of the Rideau Canal National
Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In terms of sustainability, waterfront protection covers all four
'pillars' contained in the County's sustainability plan,
Directions for Our Future: social, cultural, environmental, and
economic.
Cottage development and tourist operations have developed
on many of the County's lakes and rivers since the early
twentieth century. While originally summer areas with basic
cabin structures, more and more buildings have been
converted to year round use and the majority of new
development is being built to be habitable all year. Almost all
of this development relies on private water and sewage
systems.
For the purposes of this Plan, Waterfront Areas shall
generally include all lands extending inland 150 metres (500
County of Frontenac Official Plan
Page 30 of 101
Adopted October 15, 2014
Section 3 - Growth Management
feet) from the ordinary high water mark of any lake, river, or
waterway. This is a general boundary intended to recognize
that development within this area may have an impact on
lake quality and those impacts may need to be considered
for any development within the boundary. Lands and land
uses that are more than 150 metres from shore but which
are physically or functionally related to the Waterfront Areas
shall be considered to be part of the Waterfront Area. All
lands that are less than 150 metres from shore but which do
not physically or functionally relate to the Waterfront Areas
are not considered to be part of a Waterfront Area. The
entire areas of islands, excluding Wolfe and Howe Islands,
shall normally be considered to be part of a Waterfront Area.
The Waterfront Area shall not extend into any Settlement
Area identified in this Plan, or into any prime agricultural or
other agricultural areas that are identified in the Township
Official Plans.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Section 3 - Growth Management
3.3.3.4.2
Goal
The overall goal of this Plan is to improve and protect the
waterfront areas in Frontenac County as a significant
cultural, recreational, economic, and natural environment
resource and to maintain or enhance the quality of the land
areas adjacent to the shore.
3.3.3.4.3
Objectives
(1) To encourage appropriate public access to Waterfront Areas where
accessibility is permitted;
(2) To permit shoreland development that allows for sustainable growth of
existing and new tourist developments and innovative and appropriately
designed new residential developments;
(3) To protect and enhance the heritage character of the Rideau Canal National
Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site and its associated cultural
and natural heritage resources and scenic landscape setting;
(4) To maintain or improve water quality on a watershed-wide basis;
(5) To ensure that the built form along a shoreline is not overly concentrated or
dominating to the detriment of the natural form;
(6) To maintain, enhance and/or restore the majority of the developed and
undeveloped shorelines in their natural state by promoting property
stewardship; and
(7) To preserve and enhance fish and wildlife habitat areas and other natural
heritage features that are within and along Waterfront Areas.
3.3.3.4.4
Policies
(1) The character of Waterfront Areas is linked to the natural and built form that is
associated with the lakes and rivers in the County. Generally the natural form
includes vegetated shorelines with thin soils over bedrock. The built form is
predominated by residential development including resorts and marinas. In
this context, new development or redevelopment occurring in the Waterfront
Areas should, where possible enhance and protect those qualities that
contribute to the area's character;
(2) All Waterfront Areas should be considered to be a major recreation resource
area that, where appropriate, should be accessible to both public and private
users;
(3) Shoreline alterations shall require approval by the municipality and/or the
appropriate agency (Conservation Authority, Ministry of Natural Resources
and Forestry (MNRF), Canada Fisheries and Oceans, Parks Canada).
Township Official Plans may include shoreline alteration policies that are
more restrictive than those of the approval agencies;
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
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Section 3 - Growth Management
(4) The County may participate with the Townships and/or community groups
and cottage associations in promoting public responsibility for water quality
and the visual objectives of shoreline management on a watershed basis;
(5) The County will encourage and support lake associations to conduct lake
stewardship planning. Any such lake plan may be considered as part of the
input to planning decisions at the Township level;
(6) Tree cover and vegetation is encouraged to be retained along the shoreline to
maintain the visual and environmental integrity of Waterfront Areas. Where
development is proposed along shorelines, Township Official Plans should
contain policies relating to the preservation of a natural undisturbed buffer
between the water's edge and new development;
(7) To maintain the shoreline character and water quality, Local Official Plans
and Zoning By-laws shall require that all new development and leaching beds
be set back at least 30 metres (100 feet) from the ordinary high water marks
of all waterbodies. Any proposed reduction to the 30 metre minimum setback
shall be in accordance with policies in Local Official Plans which establish
criteria for considering such reductions. A setback of greater than 30 metres
from the ordinary high water mark may be required in some locations; and
(8) Township Official Plans shall include criteria for determining an appropriate
setback where an existing lot of record cannot achieve the minimum setback
of 30 metres (100 feet). However, the greatest setback possible will be
required.
3.4
Crown Lands
Crown lands are a significant resource for the County and most of the local Townships.
The policies in this Plan are not binding on Crown land activities; use of Crown land will
be determined by the Province with regard for established planning policies of the
County and the local municipalities. Local official plans will contain policies that state
that where Crown land becomes privately-owned, the policies of the Official Plan apply.
Township official plans shall map Crown lands as a distinct land use category on their
Schedules. Conversion will not require an amendment to the County Official Plan but
change of use following disposition may require an amendment to the Local Official
Plan and/or Zoning By-law.
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Section 4 - Community Building
Section 4 - Community Building
The Community Building section sets out policies that are intended to help ensure that
the public infrastructure that ties the region together and is key to its sustainability can
be maintained and possibly enhanced over the next twenty years. The provision of
transportation, water, waste water, and solid waste is crucial to ensuring that Frontenac
County can accommodate any future growth in a manner which is environmentally,
socially, and economically sustainable.
This Plan recognizes that it is the responsibility of the local municipalities to plan,
construct, and maintain most of the public infrastructure. Continued efforts to find
solutions to local infrastructure problems by local municipalities are considered
appropriate and in conformity with the policies of the County Official Plan. County
Council may also consider undertaking regional level studies in order to help plan future
capital improvements.
The Transportation section sets out the vision for a regional transportation system that
is key for helping citizens and visitors move through the Frontenacs, including roads,
transit, trail development, pedestrian safety, ferries, and important scenic routes.
The Servicing section is intended to establish a long-term approach to dealing with
servicing in some of the County's villages to ensure safe and plentiful drinking water.
The section also contains policy direction for applying storm water management over a
watershed area.
Solid Waste Management policies are intended to recognize the importance of long
term planning for waste management across the County and to support a collaborative
approach to ensure a positive outcome from both an environmental, economical, and
health perspective.
Transmission Corridors and Communication/Telecommunication Facilities policies will
establish a set of general policies for direction to Provincial and Federal agencies to
reduce incompatibility with the existing County land base.
The Community Improvement Plan policies will establish goals and objectives for
creating new plans throughout the County, and supporting County Council's financial
investment as a basis for local improvements.
The Parks and Open Space policy section will recognize the importance of providing a
full range of parks, open space, and recreational facilities for the enjoyment, health and
welfare of Frontenac residents as a means of increasing the County's appeal as a
tourist destination. It will also recognize the importance of Crown lands and Provincial
Parks as recreation resource areas.
Infrastructure, electricity generation facilities and transmission and distribution systems,
and public service facilities shall be provided in a coordinated, efficient and cost-
effective manner that considers impacts from climate change while accommodating
projected needs. Planning for infrastructure, electricity generation facilities and
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Section 4 - Community Building
transmission and distribution systems, and public service facilities shall be coordinated
and integrated with land use planning so that they are:
Financially viable over their life cycle, which may be demonstrated through asset
management planning; and
Available to meet current and projected needs.
Public service facilities should be co-located in community hubs, where appropriate, to
promote cost-effectiveness and facilitate service integration, access to transit and active
transportation.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
4.1
Transportation
4.1.1 Roads
4.1.1.1
Introduction
Frontenac County is served by an extensive road network that includes
municipal roads that serve both a local and regional purpose as well as
Provincial Highways 7 and 41 which travel across the upper portion of the
County. Following municipal amalgamation in 1998, more than 400
kilometres (250 miles) of Provincial Highways and County Roads were
downloaded to the four Frontenac Townships. As a result, it is the
responsibility of each Township to carry the financial cost of maintaining
and repairing these roads, including those roads which handle regional
traffic which were never designed for local traffic.
The importance of our roads in maintaining and improving the economy of
Frontenac County cannot be underestimated. The Frontenacs are
dependent on the road system for the movement of goods and services,
as well as for access to health and social services and for tourism use.
4.1.1.2
Goal
The goal of recognizing a County-wide road network is to support the
long-term viability of a regional road system to ensure access throughout
the Frontenacs and connections to the surrounding region.
4.1.1.3
Regional Road Network
This Plan identifies a regional road network on Schedule "A". These are
roads that are recognized as having regional importance in moving people
and goods within and outside the County. It is recognized that these roads
are owned and maintained by each of the four local Townships. It is the
intention of County Council to recognize that this road system is an
essential part of the infrastructure that supports the County.
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Section 4 - Community Building
The County supports a cross-jurisdictional collaborative approach to
managing and maintaining these regional roads, and to develop a
transportation system that will encourage unity within the County and will
satisfy local municipal transportation demands.
The County will investigate and support all senior government programs
that will provide financial investment in the regional transportation
infrastructure.
The County supports collaboration with the City of Kingston on efforts to
maintain and improve road connections between the County and the City.
4.1.1.4
Provincial Highway 7
Highway 7 is identified on Schedule "A". Highway 7 is a Provincial
Highway that runs east-west through the middle of the County just north of
the main village of Sharbot Lake. Historically, Highway 7 has been an
important transportation route within Frontenac County. As growth
continues in the Greater Toronto Area as well as the Ottawa Region it is
expected that Highway 7 will undergo changes and handle additional
traffic. The County will support improvements to Highway 7 that enhance
safety and convenience for its residents and the travelling public.
Highway 7 is designated by the Province as a special controlled access
highway. Any development adjacent to or impacting Highway 7 requires
the issue of permits from the Ministry of Transportation so that the long
term function of the highway is maintained.
The Highway 7 / Highway 38 intersection is an important commercial node
for both the travelling public and for local residents. The County supports
the continued viability of this area and any policies or measures to
strengthen the commercial uses at this intersection. The County will
support and work with the Township of Central Frontenac on any
measures to request the Ministry of Transportation to reduce speed levels
through this area for safety and also to allow for easier access to the
stores and gas stations at this intersection.
4.1.1.5
Provincial Highway 41
Highway 41 is identified on Schedule "A" and is the major north-south link
in the northwestern part of the County. It provides access to Bon Echo
Provincial Park and contains many services for residents and cottagers in
the northern Frontenac County. Highway 41 is a Provincial Highway that
provides access to Pembroke and beyond, and should continue to be
maintained by the Province.
4.1.1.6
Private Roads
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Section 4 - Community Building
The County is undertaking a private roads study in 2016. The results of
this work will assist the County and its lower-tiers in developing a
measurable and enforceable mechanism aimed at creating reasonable
and safe development of private roads.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
4.1.2 Rural Public Transportation
4.1.2.1
Introduction
Providing public transportation options in a rural setting such as Frontenac
County is challenging. The rural transportation problem is based on the
fact that residents need mobility of some form in order to access their
basic needs in a rural context, where distances are long and people and
services are spread out. Transportation of some form is essential.
Frontenac County is not unique in that reliable alternatives to the
automobile to a large degree do not exist, and transportation access
directly equates to personal vehicle access or ownership.
Transportation provides access to social programs, pharmacies, banking
facilities, post offices, and health centres. In terms of economic
development, public transportation can provide access to training,
education, and employment opportunities that allow people to remain
living in the rural area of the Frontenacs.
4.1.2.2
Goal
To provide a safe, convenient, effective transportation system for all
citizens of Frontenac County, including those citizens who do not have
access to a personal vehicle.
4.1.2.3
Policies
The County will support efforts to develop a public transportation system
that is sustainable in the long term and which is based on four
cornerstones of a functional system: affordability; availability; accessibility;
and acceptability.
The County recognizes and supports the efforts of Frontenac
Transportation Services (FTS) to provide volunteer-led transportation for
individuals throughout the Frontenacs. County Council will consider a
longer term investment (e.g., five years) to FTS to allow it to plan services
beyond an annual basis.
The County will explore alternatives and consider various rural
transportation models that could be effective in the context of the rural
density of the Frontenacs, including community-based models.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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The County will work with community groups such as community care
organizations, charities, and volunteers to review their potential
involvement and operation of a rural transportation system.
The County will investigate various funding options from senior levels of
government and other organizations to operate and maintain a public rural
transportation system.
The County will work with the Townships to support carpooling initiatives
and the development of new and expanded carpool lots along major
transportation routes, including the Road 38 corridor, Perth Road,
Battersea Road, and/or Sydenham Road.
The County will investigate collaborative operations with the City of
Kingston to improve public transportation options into the rural area of the
City and into the County.
The County encourages the development of transit-supportive
communities in order to increase the future potential of efficient rural
transit in the Frontenacs. This includes the creation of active
transportation connections within and between settlement areas and the
clustering of transit-supportive uses such as schools, businesses, social
services, and health facilities within settlement areas.
4.1.3 Pedestrian
4.1.3.1
Policies
Providing facilities for convenient pedestrian movement is important. The
provision of sidewalks on one side of local roads and both sides of
collector and arterial roads is encouraged wherever practical.
To encourage pedestrian travel, streetscapes in villages and hamlets
should be safe, convenient, and attractive for pedestrians. This may
include providing sidewalks, locating commercial uses at street level,
providing appropriate lighting, street furniture, landscaping, and ensuring
that it meets accessibility requirements.
Sidewalks are encouraged in conjunction with the development of new
roads within settlement areas.
The County will encourage the development and enhancement of
pedestrian trails throughout the Frontenacs, including multiple use trails.
The County supports trail routes created by a linked system between
community facilities and major parks and open space areas.
4.1.4 Trail Development
County of Frontenac Official Plan
Page 38 of 101
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Section 4 - Community Building
4.1.4.1
Policies
County Council recognizes that trails (both for walking and cycling) can
provide significant health, transportation, environmental, and economic
benefits, including the following:
o Active transportation modes use no fossil fuels and emit no gas
emissions;
o Cycling and walking provide an enjoyable, convenient, and affordable
means of travel;
o Physical activity improves cardiovascular and mental health, and is
linked to the prevention of a number of diseases; and
o Cycle tourism can benefit the economy of businesses across the
Frontenacs.
The County's goal is to establish a well-connected system of trails
throughout the Frontenacs that will provide residents and visitors the
opportunity to engage in active healthy lifestyles, to travel to key
destinations, and experience the vistas provided by the County's natural
features and cultural resources.
The County supports trail routes created by a linked system between
community facilities and major parks and open space areas.
The County will use the County of Frontenac Trails Master Plan (2009) to
direct trail development, uses, location, and implementation that will guide
future development of a trails system for the next 20 years.
The County will build on existing trail systems in the Frontenacs, including
the Frontenac K&P Trail, the Rideau Trail, and the Cataraqui
(TransCanada) Trail, to connect into the County's hamlets and villages,
roads and waterbodies, with the goal of developing a user-friendly
network.
The public shall be consulted on trail development and the implementation
of routes and facilities.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
Page 39 of 101
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Section 4 - Community Building
The County will use the following trail selection principles as a basis for
new trail creation:
o Safety
o Visibility
o Destination-Oriented
o Attractive and Scenic
o Connectivity
4.1.4.2
Special Policies: K & P Trail
The Frontenac K&P Trail is named after the Kingston & Pembroke
Railway, a rail line that was built from Kingston to Renfrew between 1871
and 1885. The railway was established by a local group of Kingston
businessmen who wanted to see the construction of a rail line north to the
Ottawa Valley for the purpose of gaining access to the natural resources
(logging and mining) and to potential markets in the north. The expected
volume of rail activity never materialized and the railway was eventually
purchased by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1901. Over time the entire
line was abandoned, with the final active portion between Tichborne and
Kingston shut down in 1986.
The Frontenac K&P Trail right-of-way runs in a north-south direction
across the mainland of the County and into the City of Kingston. The
County owns a large portion of the southern section of the right-of-way,
other portions are owned by North and Central Frontenac Townships, and
other portions are privately owned. To the south, the City of Kingston owns
the K&P right-of-way and has converted the majority of it to an active trail
which the County trail can connect into.
Conversion of the rail right-of-way to an active trail began in 2012 with the
trail developed between Orser Road - connecting with the City trail - north
to Highway 38 just south of Harrowsmith.
The main purpose of the Frontenac K&P Trail is to develop a trail spine
through the Frontenacs that can provide linkages with other trails
throughout the area.
The completion of the Frontenac K&P Trail through to the developed
portion of the K&P which starts in the Township of Central Frontenac at
Sharbot Lake, travels through the Township of North Frontenac, into
Lanark Highlands and finally meeting up with Greater Madawaska south of
Calabogie, will greatly enhance trail systems in the Frontenacs and
recognize our rich heritage.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
Page 40 of 101
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Section 4 - Community Building
4.1.4.2.1
Policies
The County will use the K&P Implementation Plan (2009) as the
guiding policy document to direct trail development, uses, land
acquisition, and phasing program to guide the development of the
K&P trail system.
In conjunction with the Townships the County will endeavour to
keep the trail continuous in order to make it more attractive to users
and more identifiable as a linear trail. Re-routing may take place
where the County does not own the property and an easement
agreement cannot be established with the landowner.
The County will work with the City of Kingston to ensure that the
K&P trail system is maintained and/or enhanced to a common
standard.
4.1.5
Ferry Services
4.1.5.1
Background
The Township of Frontenac Islands relies on ferry services to access the
mainland.
Howe Island is served by two ferries: a fifteen car cable ferry located at
the west end of the island that is operated by the County and owned and
maintained by the Ministry of Transportation which operates on demand
on a continual basis and docks at Howe Island Ferry Road in the City of
Kingston; and a three car cable ferry (known as the Foot Ferry) located at
the east end of the island which also operates on demand over an 18 hour
period and which docks at Howe Island Ferry Road East in the Township
of Leeds and the Thousand Islands.
Wolfe Island is served by a fifty-five car ferry (Wolfe Islander III) that docks
at the Island at both the village of Marysville and, in the winter, at
Dawson's Point, and at the Barrack Street dock in downtown Kingston.
Simcoe Island is served by a three car cable ferry that connects to Wolfe
Island.
There is also a privately operated ferry (Horne's Ferry) that runs from May
to October from the south side of Wolfe Island to Cape Vincent, New York.
4.1.5.2
Policies
County Council recognizes that the ferry transportation system is essential
to the sustainability of these islands, and that this ferry service is an
integral part of Frontenac County's regional transportation system.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
Page 41 of 101
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Section 4 - Community Building
The County will support efforts by Frontenac Islands to maintain adequate
service, including:
o the monitoring of ferry capacity and usage;
o the review, from time to time, of opportunities to improve the ferry
service both through expanded capacity and improvements to
infrastructure such as terminals and parking facilities;
o seeking support from the Province of Ontario in the ongoing
maintenance and possible future expansion of ferry operations;
o consideration of public/private partnerships and development
opportunities which would result in a net improvement to access to
Wolfe and Howe Islands; and
o pursue opportunities with neighbouring municipalities in seeking joint
solutions which result in ferry access improvements.
The County intends to support and work with the Township of Frontenac
Islands in any identification, survey, analysis and design of any ferry
facilities expansion or improvement on lands within the City of Kingston to
ensure the provision of appropriate vehicle access, pedestrian and bicycle
access routes which can be integrated into the City's transportation
system.
4.1.6 Scenic Routes
A scenic route or by-way is a specially designated road, waterway, or trail that
travels through an area of cultural or natural beauty. Frontenac County's location
and scenic assets provide ample opportunities for creating scenic or heritage
routes. These scenic routes draw both local residents and tourists to the scenic
areas of the County.
County Council supports the development of scenic routes across the County,
and the development of a regional signage strategy to promote these routes.
Scenic routes should be designated for roadways and also for trail systems
throughout the Frontenacs.
4.2 Servicing
4.2.1
Long Range Planning For Municipal Services
4.2.1.1
Introduction
The provision of municipal infrastructure such as roads, street lighting, and
municipal water is necessary to support long term viability of the
communities located in the Frontenacs.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
Page 42 of 101
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Section 4 - Community Building
Frontenac County recognizes the importance of providing municipal
infrastructure in a timely fashion and that the maintenance and
sustainability of existing infrastructure assets is fundamental to the
continued variety and growth of settlement areas across the County.
This Plan recognizes that the responsibility for the planning, construction,
and maintenance of municipal infrastructure is the responsibility of the
Townships. This Plan also supports the continued revitalization of local
infrastructure.
4.2.1.2
Goal
To ensure that there is adequate provision of services and utilities
consistent with the environmental, cultural, and economic goals of the
County.
4.2.1.3
Objectives
To encourage the provision of adequate municipal services to achieve and
facilitate orderly growth.
To improve the natural environment and maintain a clean and healthy level
of water quality based on a watershed approach.
To ensure that citizens of Frontenac County have access to potable
drinking water.
To promote waste reduction and waste management as per Section 4.3.
To encourage techniques for energy conservation including measures set
out in Section 2.1.4
To accommodate growth in an organized manner to minimize capital and
operating costs for the Townships.
4.2.1.4
Policies
All new development within Settlement Areas will be provided with
appropriate services to sustain permanent occupancy.
The County supports and can work with the Townships to coordinate
infrastructure and public service facilities such as potential municipal water
and sewage, and will ensure that such facilities are strategically located to
support effective and efficient delivery of services across Township
boundaries. Accordingly, Frontenac County Council may authorize the
development of regional level strategies in order to plan collaboratively for
future capital improvements.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
Page 43 of 101
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Section 4 - Community Building
Both the County and the Townships will monitor new technologies - in
areas such as broadband, water treatment, and septic systems - that
would be beneficial to residents and businesses and which would best be
coordinated across municipal boundaries and will work together to develop
strategies to ensure that optimal services can be provided in a timely and
efficient manner.
4.2.1.4.1
Special Policies: Future Village Services Planning
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
With the exception of the village of Sydenham, not one of the villages and
hamlets in Frontenac County has a municipal water supply. Villages such
as Sharbot Lake, Marysville, Verona, Plevna, and Harrowsmith are
historical settlements that date back to the mid-nineteenth century in
development. Many of the building lots in the village cores are too small
relative to today's health and safety standards with regard to the minimum
lot size of approximately 1 hectare (2 acres) to ensure a long term potable
water supply on private well and septic systems. The fact that most of the
County is set on the Precambrian Shield, which is prone to cracking and
seepage, increases the risk of septage movement over a large area.
Scientific research has identified the bacteriological contamination of
groundwater as a local concern in parts of the Shield area.
Significant investment in public infrastructure is common in all villages in
the Frontenacs including road maintenance, sidewalk construction, street
lighting, signage, and parks and recreation facilities. Also, the majority of
commercial assessment in the County is located in the villages. This
reinforces the importance of the stability and improvement of all the
County's villages which serve as community focal points for the
surrounding region.
To help ensure that these villages can sustain commercial and residential
use and remain a valuable part of sustaining rural living, the County
supports long-term planning for potential municipal services in villages.
This planning shall include the following:
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
Facilitate the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the
Source Water Protection Plans;
Work with the Townships to investigate and analyze lands adjacent
to a village that could be purchased by the County or the
Townships for the future site of a municipal well; and further, if
necessary, work with the Townships to apply land use controls to
surrounding properties to ensure long-term protection of the water
source.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Prepare a region-wide review of villages and hamlets which could
require municipal services in the future and develop a priority list for
local government investment.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
Establishment of a County reserve fund for drinking water
protection that can be used in the investment of municipal
infrastructure for water systems when required.
Work with provincial and federal governments to seek funding to
invest in municipal services.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
Partial services shall only be permitted in the following
circumstances:
Where they are necessary to address failed individual on-
site sewage services and individual on-site water services in
existing development; or
Within settlement areas, to allow for infilling and minor
rounding out of existing development on partial services
provided that site conditions are suitable for the long-term
provision of such services with no negative impacts.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
4.2.1.4.2
Communal Servicing
Communal services are systems that provide water and wastewater
treatment to clusters of residences or businesses. They can be a less
expensive alternative to centralized municipal services and a more
environmentally friendly alternative to private on-site services. However,
perceived obstacles have slowed the implementation of communal
services in many jurisdictions. A key benefit of communal services is that
they represent alternative water and wastewater servicing approaches that
can provide the County and Townships with the innovative technology and
flexibility to accommodate growth and achieve planning, environmental,
and economic objectives.
Frontenac County has completed a Communal Servicing Study to
demonstrate that the perceived obstacles - engineering, financial, risk
management, planning - are just that, and to equip Frontenac with the
tools necessary to enable redevelopment and new development on
communal services. Communal water and wastewater servicing (also
known as decentralized servicing) offers the potential to allow for new
development and infill across the County, including on village and hamlet
main streets, addressing some of the challenges associated with
centralized municipal services and with private on-site services. Most
importantly, communal servicing has the potential to support more
compact, land-efficient development than is possible with private servicing,
at a lower cost than is possible with centralized municipal services, and
enable the revitalization of Frontenac's communities.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
Page 45 of 101
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Section 4 - Community Building
The Communal Servicing Study demonstrated that development on
communal services has many potential benefits for Frontenac and rural
development.
For the Frontenac region, communal servicing enables:
Increased development potential and growing the tax base;
More water-sensitive design and other approaches to meet
sustainability objectives;
A broader range of housing types and commercial development to
allow for complete communities;
Reduced municipal service delivery costs to residents (e.g. garbage
collection, snow removal); and
A new approach to managing financial risk.
For builders, communal servicing allows for more:
Flexibility to address different market segments;
Feasible servicing approaches for developments in hard-to-service
areas; and
Guidance and certainty on servicing.
Citizens that reside in a neighbourhood with communal services can:
Have stable and continual safe operation in their water and
wastewater treatment systems;
Have a wider choice of housing options, allowing for aging in place;
and
Recognize that water resources are being appropriately stewarded.
Frontenac has created a Municipal Services Corporation (MSC) under the
Ontario Municipal Act, with the County and four Townships as
shareholders. The MSC allows for the operation of a public utility that will
manage and operate all future development on communal services.
Frontenac County is the first regional jurisdiction in Ontario that has
created a utility to develop a singular approach to supporting new
development on communal services.
(OPA Number 3, By-Law Number 2023-044)
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Section 4 - Community Building
4.2.1.4.2.1 Policies
a. The County supports new development on communal services
across the entire region, with the Municipal Service Corporation
assuming and maintaining new water and wastewater services.
b. New residential subdivision proposals in settlement areas
identified in the Township Official Plans shall be created on
communal services, wherever feasible, to achieve a density that is
compatible.
c. Communal services may also be considered by the Townships to
service parts or the whole of existing villages, including main street
improvements.
d. Communal services shall be the primary servicing method for new
large scale commercial development and industrial/business
parks.
e. Township Official Plans shall include policies to support the use
and location of communal services, including:
1) Specific settlement areas where communal services shall be
required;
2) How communal services can be used to create new forms of
housing in settlement areas, and the requirement for different
forms of housing (e.g., apartments, townhouses, tiny homes,
mixed use development, etc.), including policies about the
scale and density of development;
3) Rural areas, with policies that establish criteria for the type
and maximum density of rural residential development;
4) Waterfront development or redevelopment, including policies
about the scale and density of development; and
5) The studies and plans required to demonstrate that
communal servicing for a proposed project is appropriate and
will have no negative impacts.
(OPA Number 3, By-Law Number 2023-044)
4.2.1.5
Private Services
Where municipal sewage services and municipal water services or private
communal sewage services and private communal water services are not
provided, individual on-site sewage services sand individual on-site water
services may be used provided that site conditions are suitable for the
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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Section 4 - Community Building
long-term provision of such services with no negative impacts. In
settlement areas, these services may only be used for infilling and minor
rounding out of existing development.
Negative Impacts shall be defined for the purposes of this section and
Section 4.2.1.5 as degradation to the quality and quantity of water,
sensitive surface water features and sensitive groundwater features, and
their related hydrologic functions, due to single, multiple or successive
development. Negative Impacts should be assessed through
environmental studies including hydrogeological or water quality impact
assessments, in accordance with provincial standards.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
4.2.2 Storm Water Management Planning
4.2.2.1
Introduction
Storm water management plans are usually required for new Greenfield
development. Many new Greenfield developments are proposed through a
plan of subdivision or plan of condominium and are therefore subject to
approval by Frontenac County Council. The purpose of such a plan is to
develop methods to control flooding, ponding, erosion, and sedimentation.
Storm water plans also help to protect water quality and aquatic habitat
and other natural habitat which depend upon watercourses and other
water bodies for their existence. This is especially important considering
the many lakes within the Frontenacs and the continuing demand for
waterfront lots.
4.2.2.2
Policies
Storm water management plans may be required for any new
development consisting of more than four lots or for commercial or
industrial developments with large areas of impervious surface (e.g.,
asphalt parking and loading areas).
Storm water plans shall be prepared in accordance with the Ontario
Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) Guideline,
Stormwater Management Planning and Design Manual.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
When reviewing any such development proposals the approval authorities
will encourage the retention of existing tree cover or natural vegetation and
the provision of significant grassed and natural areas shall be encouraged
to facilitate absorption of surface water into the ground.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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4.3
Waste Management
4.3.1 Introduction
One of the major infrastructure and land use planning issues that the Frontenacs
will be dealing with over the next twenty years is planning ahead for waste
management across the County.
This Plan recognizes that each of the four Townships are proactive in their
approach to reducing solid waste reaching landfill sites, and also working to
continually increase the amount of materials that are being recycled. The
challenge of innovation is affected to some degree by the financial capabilities of
each municipality in balancing waste management with other infrastructure
issues such as roads and the relatively low tax base to apply to capital
investment. In the long term, a collaborative approach to waste management
may lead to both a reduction in waste and cost efficiencies.
With landfills reaching carrying capacity throughout the County, there is a need to
plan to reduce the production of wasteful materials. This, combined with new and
innovative waste management technologies, can establish the Frontenacs as
leaders in responsible and timely action to mitigate County-wide issues relating to
solid waste management.
4.3.2 Goal
That the Frontenacs should become part of an integrated waste management
system that ensures environmentally responsible methods of waste management
and reaches beyond its borders for solutions that are scaled to achieve regional
efficiencies.
4.3.3 Objectives
To ensure that all Frontenac County citizens have access to waste management
facilities (or pick up) within close proximity to their homes and businesses.
To continue to reduce solid waste to improve the environment.
To encourage new methods of waste management to extend the life of existing
landfill sites across the County.
To encourage the governments of the Frontenacs to work together over the long
term to develop a collaborative approach to waste management and recycling
over the next twenty years.
To recognize waste management as one of the primary focus areas of the
County's sustainability plan, Directions for Our Future, and to explore a waste
management approach that responds to local needs, with the ultimate goal of
achieving 'Zero Waste'.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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4.3.4 Policies
This Plan encourages the application of the principles of "reduce, reuse and
recycle" in order to reduce solid waste disposal needs and increase the lifespan
of landfill sites. A Waste Management Strategy will outline targets for waste
reduction in accordance with Ministry of Environment requirements.
The County and the Townships may collaborate on initiatives that support
consider working together to create a region-wide Waste Management Plan that
deals with recycling, diversion, collection, and disposal to accommodate present
and future requirements.
The Townships and the County may work together to explore new technologies
and waste diversion options.
Waste management systems shall be located and designed in accordance with
provincial legislation and standards.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
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4.4
Utility and Communications Facilities Corridors
4.4.1 Introduction
The sustainability, health, and safety of Frontenac residents and its economy is
closely linked to the hydroelectric corridors and utilities networks and related
facilities that serve the region. These facilities and corridors include a wide
variety of utilities that are owned and operated by both public and private entities,
including broadband and fibre optic networks. Also, some waterfront areas are
serviced by underwater utilities.
4.4.2 Policies
The development of utility and communications facilities and corridors are
permitted throughout the County provided that they are in full compliance with
applicable Federal or Provincial requirements.
To ensure compatibility, the following criteria should be considered and brought
to the attention of the public or private operator:
The use is necessary in the proposed location;
Due consideration has been given to alternative locations that may result in
better compatibility; and
The proposed utility will be designed to be as compatible as practical with
surrounding land uses.
The multiple use of corridors, new or existing, shall be encouraged.
Easements are preferred over severances in the establishment of utility corridors
so as to prevent the unnecessary fragmentation of land.
4.5
Community Improvement Plans
4.5.1 Introduction
Community Improvement Plans (CIPs) are one of the many sustainable
community planning tools found in the Planning Act. They can help communities
and municipalities address challenges that prevent optimization of areas that are
currently underutilized. This tool provides a means of planning and financing
development activities that effectively assist in use, reuse and restoring lands,
buildings and infrastructure. It is a tool that ties together economic development,
infrastructure, and planning.
The typical focus of these plans is on the revitalization and improvement of the
main street of a town, village or hamlet. CIPs can also touch on a wide range of
related topics including green energy, brownfields, and recreational opportunities.
County of Frontenac Official Plan
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They are in wide use across the province and have recently been implemented
for the first time in Frontenac County as a result of Council's investment arising
from Directions for Our Future.
CIPs allow municipalities to provide grants and loans to owners and tenants, with
the goal of supporting the improvement and rehabilitation of a targeted area. This
can include projects such as improving the facade of a main street store and
providing incentives to redevelop vacant properties. CIPs can also help to
coordinate infrastructure and public space improvements, and can be used by
municipalities to acquire, rehabilitate and dispose of land (e.g., a former industrial
site).
County Council has recognized that there are a number of communities that
could potentially benefit from a Community Improvement Plan and have begun
investing in these communities through the sustainability plan.
4.5.2 Goal
It shall be the goal of using Community Improvement Plans to promote the
coordinated implementation of community planning and land use planning
programs, comprised of maintaining, rehabilitating, and redeveloping the
physical, social, and economic components of an area in the Frontenacs.
4.5.3 Objectives
It is the intent of this Plan for the County to work with the Townships to provide
for the on-going maintenance, improvement, rehabilitation and upgrading of
residential, commercial, recreational, commercial and industrial areas in the
region.
4.5.4 Policies
This Plan supports the development of Community Improvement Plans in all
areas of the Frontenacs, whether they are focused on one community or village,
or whether they cover a larger area, including an entire Township.
It shall be a policy of County Council to provide a financial investment for at least
one CIP in each of the four Townships to help facilitate investment by both
property owners and the respective municipality. To support community
revitalization and economic development, Council may consider investments in
additional CIPs.
County and Township Councils may collaborate with other public agencies such
as the Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) to seek additional
investment opportunities in a designated CIP area.
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4.5.4.1
Special Policy - Regional Community Improvement Plans
There a number of planning and sustainability issues that may be better
addressed at a regional level to allow for greater participation in a CIP
program and to deal with cross-boundary community improvement issues
(e.g., trails, renewable energy projects, transportation corridors).
County Council shall seek to become a prescribed municipality for the
purposes of Section 28 of the Planning Act immediately following approval
of this Plan.
4.6
Parks and Open Space
4.6.1 Introduction
Frontenac County contains a rich natural environment that is thriving. The
Frontenacs strive to balance the protection of natural areas with opportunity for
discovering the outdoors. The result is a healthy mix of managed forest, trails,
farmland, wetlands and watersheds. Within this system, the Frontenacs contain a
large number of regional public parks and open space systems that allow both
citizens and visitors to enjoy the expansive natural setting.
Four Provincial Parks are present in the County: Bon Echo, Sharbot Lake, Silver
Lake, and Frontenac Parks. All provide access to lakes and allow for many
recreational activities. The County also contains a large area of Crown Land,
mostly in the northern half of the region. Crown Land and the lakes within them
are used for a variety of purposes, including logging, hunting, backpacking,
canoeing/boating, and trail use.
North Frontenac Township also maintains almost 200 backcountry campsites and
hiking trails on twelve lakes and they form another important part of public open
space areas.
At the southern end of the Frontenacs the public have the opportunity to visit the
400 hectare (1,000 acre) Big Sandy Bay area on Wolfe Island, a crown land area
which is managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and
Frontenac Islands Township.
Also, there are the lockstations along the portion of the Rideau Canal within the
County that serve as passive, recreational, and cultural heritage open spaces for
both land and boating visitors alike.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
4.6.2 Policies
The County supports the continued operation and long term use of all regional
park systems throughout the Frontenacs.
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The County will coordinate with the Townships, Ontario Parks (MNR), and other
agencies on the establishment of regionally significant open space networks and
linkages across jurisdictional boundaries that will complement local parks
planning.
The County will explore funding mechanisms to support regionally significant
open space and parkland acquisitions.
The County recognizes the possible creation of a new regional park that is
proposed to be created around Crotch Lake as part of the Algonquin Land Claim,
and supports public participation and involvement in the development of such a
park.
Section 5 - Housing and Social Services
The Housing and Social Services section contains policies that establish that Frontenac
County is committed to providing a variety of housing types and social services to allow
residents to enjoy a good quality of life. Services delivered include child-care,
educational facilities and services, assisted living or long term care, employment
services, affordable housing, transitional shelters, group homes, long term care and
support services, and health facilities. The City of Kingston is responsible as the Service
Manager for both the City and the County to make sure these services are available in
the Frontenacs. Some of the social services are provided and funded directly by the
Province or community agencies while others are provided through partnerships with
the County. Volunteer groups also play an important role in the provision of social and
health services within the community. The County will continue to partner with the
Townships and various government and non-government agencies to deliver social
services that are appropriate, effective and accessible.
The Municipal Housing Strategy (MHS) forms the basis for housing policy across the
Frontenacs and in the City of Kingston as a result of its City/County approval. The MHS
serves as the primary strategic plan to help guide and align local housing efforts, and is
the foundation for the housing policies of this Plan.
5.1
Municipal Housing Strategy
5.1.1 Introduction
County Council and Kingston City Council adopted the Municipal Housing
Strategy in 2011. The Municipal Housing Strategy & the Housing and
Homelessness Plan work together. The Municipal Housing Strategy has been
updated to align with the 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan developed in
2013. It will help provide guidance for County Council to ensure that the citizens
of the Frontenacs are housed in affordable, safe, sanitary, and adequate
accommodation.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
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Section 6 - Heritage and Culture
5.1.2 Policies
The Municipal Housing Strategy shall be considered the primary strategic plan to
help guide and align local housing efforts across the County.
The County endorses the targets in the Municipal Housing Strategy for residential
units to be added to the current housing stock over the next ten years and the
goal of providing more affordable housing.
This Plan acknowledges that the Municipal Housing Strategy is being updated in
2013 to include policies and strategies to reduce homelessness in both Kingston
and Frontenac County. The County will work with the City as Service Manager to
develop programs and projects to try to end homelessness in our region.
It is the intent of this Plan to encourage the use of surplus municipal land or
facilities for the provision of housing. Each Township may consider adopting a
'Housing First' approach to coordinate surplus or disposal protocols for municipal
lands and institutional agencies such as the local school boards.
The Municipal Housing Strategy will promote the periodic identification and
monitoring of demographic changes and housing needs within the County to
determine whether housing demands and needs are not or will not be met.
5.2
Affordable Housing
5.2.1 Introduction
Frontenac County contains many households where the annual income is below
the Provincial average. This situation makes it challenging for people to find
housing that is affordable within their budget. For the long term health of the
community it is important that a wide variety of housing choices be made
available.
5.2.2 Policies
The County and the Townships will work jointly to provide for affordable housing
by enabling a wide range of housing types to meet the projected demographic
and market requirements of existing and future residents of the County.
County Council will establish and monitor an affordable housing target of 35% for
low and moderate income households in the Frontenacs, with a focus on
methods of providing housing for the low-income residents of the County. Where
specific needs are identified, Council will work with the City of Kingston (service
manager for all of Frontenac County and the City) and the Ministry of Municipal
Affairs and Housing to meet identified needs.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
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The local Townships will, where appropriate, promote intensification in settlement
areas through their planning documents. Examples include: allowing for the
conversion of single detached houses into multiple units and permitting land
severances on large underutilized properties which will allow for new residential
development on the vacant severed parcel.
The County and the Townships will work to ensure a minimum 10-year supply of
residential land across the Frontenacs at all times.
County Council will encourage and facilitate the efforts of non-profit housing and
co-operative housing to provide affordable housing.
County Council will work with other levels of government to ensure that adequate
resources are permitted to public sector housing programs and initiatives.
County Council may participate in the provision of housing, both directly and
indirectly, in accordance with the general policy and program directions
established in the Official Plan and other specific direction as may be identified in
the Municipal Housing Strategy as updated from time to time.
County Council may assess different forms of housing design which make
housing more affordable, and may investigate alternative dwelling design
standards that may contribute to more affordable housing.
Community Improvement Plans should consider initiatives to promote affordable
housing projects in each Township.
5.3
Seniors Housing
5.3.1 Introduction
The Municipal Housing Strategy has indicated that one of the biggest challenges
across Frontenac County over the next twenty years to be confronted is providing
housing choices for seniors who wish to remain in their community. With the
existing residents aging, and with the migration of seniors settling in the County
after converting their cottages to full time residential use, this issue will become a
priority. The goal is to look at ways and means of finding housing types that will
allow seniors to stay close to their communities and families.
5.3.2 Policies
The County and the Townships may work jointly to provide opportunities for new
development or redevelopment that is sustainable in a rural context and which
encourages housing that will help address the evolving needs of an aging
population.
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County Council supports the principle of aging in place as a way to address
seniors housing options while at the same time encouraging more sustainable
settlement areas.
This plan encourages identifying affordable seniors housing projects at a variety
of scales as an eligible community improvement activity in the creation of
Community Improvement Plans.
Where practical, it is the intent of this Plan to encourage the expansion of
municipal servicing to help support appropriate multi-residential development to
accommodate a seniors housing project.
It is recognized that Zoning By-laws can be barriers to the development of
housing for senior citizens if these types of dwellings are only allowed in certain
areas of a community. Therefore it is the intent of this Plan that the County and
Townships work together to create any necessary revisions to Zoning By-laws
that will help facilitate the development of seniors housing on a consistent and
inclusive basis across the Frontenacs.
5.4
Group Homes
5.4.1 Introduction
Group homes are generally defined as residences licensed or funded under a
federal or provincial statute for the accommodation of three to ten persons,
exclusive of staff, living under supervision in a single housekeeping unit and who,
by reason of their emotional, mental, social or physical condition or legal status,
require a group living arrangement for their well being.
5.4.2 Policies
A group home shall be licensed and/or approved for funding under provincial
statutes and in compliance with municipal by-laws. (Note: as defined under
Section 163 of the Municipal Act).
Group homes shall be permitted in the local Official Plans in all designations that
permit residential use.
Group homes may be subject to Site Plan Control by the local Townships to
address such matters as ensuring that the site design is in keeping with the
character of the area and that sufficient space is available to accommodate the
needs of the residents.
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5.5
Homes for the Aged (Long-Term Care Complexes)
5.5.1 Introduction
There are currently no public long-term care complexes located in Frontenac
County. There are two large-scale privately owned facilities nearby in Northbrook
and in Perth that are used in part by Frontenac County residents. There are other
small scale facilities scattered throughout the County.
The Frontenac County home for the aged - Fairmount - is located in the rural
area of the City of Kingston and accommodates Frontenac County residents.
5.5.2 Policies
It is the intent of this Plan to recognize the value of long-term care complexes to
residents of Frontenac County.
The predominant uses for these complexes shall include resident rooms and
beds, resident care and nursing facilities, therapy facilities, kitchen and dining
facilities, offices, meeting rooms, recreation facilities, resident places of
assembly, pharmacies, and open space areas.
Complementary uses can include such facilities as residential dwelling units for
the elderly, day care facilities, and parking lots.
This Plan recognizes Fairmount Home as the County owned and operated long
term care home that provides care for residents of Frontenac County, the City of
Kingston, and other communities.
5.6
Secondary Suites
5.6.1 Introduction
The provision of affordable housing in communities is now considered to be a
provincial interest in the Ontario Planning Act. As a result, the provincial
government now has changed legislation to facilitate the creation of second units
in dwellings.
5.6.2 Policies
Township Official Plans shall permit the use of a second residential unit in a
detached house, semi-detached house or rowhouse if no building or structure
ancillary to the house contains a second residential unit; and further, to allow the
use of a residential unit in a building or structure ancillary to a detached house,
semi-detached house, or rowhouse if the house contains a single residential unit.
This policy shall not apply to existing sleeping cabins or 'bunkies' located on
waterfront properties.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
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5.7
Accessibility
5.7.1 Introduction
Frontenac County is committed to improve access and opportunities for persons
with disabilities in accordance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
5.7.2 Policies
As part of the commitment to improve accessibility in the Frontenacs, the County
will:
a) Have regard to accessibility for persons with disabilities when considering
draft plans of subdivision;
b) Establish a process to identify barriers and gaps in by-laws, policies,
programs, practices, and services;
c) Continue to improve the level of accessibility of by-laws, policies, programs,
practices, and services;
d) Actively encourage input from the community and the Accessibility Advisory
Committee appointed by the Frontenac County Council in the design,
development and operation of new, renovated, purchased or leased
municipal services and facilities;
e) Improve accessibility to persons with disabilities to encourage their
integration into the economic, political, social, cultural and educational
mainstream; and
f)
Provide resources and support to obtain these objectives.
Section 6 - Heritage and Culture
The County of Frontenac is rich with history, heritage, and culture, and as such it is
recognized as one of the key focus areas in Directions for Our Future. Heritage is a
crucial part of what makes the Frontenacs a great place to live. It has the power to allow
citizens to understand where we have come from and helps promote an appreciation of
local identity and shared community.
In recognition of the non-renewable nature of cultural heritage resources, the County of
Frontenac shall identify and conserve those resources in a manner that respects their
heritage value, ensures their viability for the future, and allows them to continue their
contribution to the character, community pride, tourism attraction potential, economic
development, and historical appreciation of the region.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
6.1
General Policies
It is the intent of this Plan that the County's significant cultural heritage resources be
identified, conserved and whenever practical, enhanced and that new development take
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place in a manner that respects the County's rich cultural heritage. The cultural heritage
resources of the County generally include:
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
a) Built heritage resources;
b) Cultural heritage landscapes; and
c) Archaeological resources.
Township Official Plans shall include policies that are intended to implement this policy
direction, including the requirement of a heritage impact assessment prior to
development taking place on lands that contain or are adjacent to cultural heritage
resources. A heritage impact assessment should generally outline the context of the
proposal, any potential impacts the proposal may have on the heritage resource, and
any mitigative measures that are necessary to avoid or lessen the negative impact on
the heritage resource to ensure their cultural heritage value or interest is retained under
the Ontario Heritage Act.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
The Townships are encouraged to establish Municipal Heritage Committees pursuant to
the Ontario Heritage Act.
The Townships are encouraged to support the use of Community Improvement Plans
under the Planning Act to help protect, promote and support cultural heritage resources,
especially the adaptive re-use of old or heritage buildings.
The County and the Townships shall consider the interests of Aboriginal communities in
conserving cultural heritage and archaeological resources.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
6.2
Archaeological Resources
The County recognizes that there are archaeological resources of pre-contact and early
historic habitation as well as areas of archaeological potential within the County that can
be adversely affected by development or redevelopment.
The Townships and/or the County will require archaeological assessments and the
preservation or excavation of significant archaeological resources including significant
marine archaeological resources in accordance with Provincial screening criteria.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
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(MMAH Approval dated October 21, 2016)
Designation:
The Townships are encouraged to utilize the Ontario Heritage Act to conserve, protect
and enhance the cultural heritage resources in their municipality through the
designation by by-law of individual properties, conservation heritage districts and
cultural heritage landscapes.
Council shall encourage the conservation of cultural heritage resources by:
conserving and mitigating impacts to all significant cultural heritage resources,
when undertaking public works;
respecting the heritage designations and other heritage conservation efforts by
area municipalities.
6.3
Algonquin Aboriginal Interests
This Plan recognizes that lands within the boundaries of the Frontenac County lie within
the historic Algonquin Territory that is part of current Treaty Negotiations with the
Federal and Provincial Crowns. Some lands within North Frontenac, Central Frontenac,
and South Frontenac Townships are within the Algonquin land claim area. Figure 6
illustrates the general boundary of the land claim within the Frontenacs. As such, this
Plan will respond to direction from the Federal and Provincial Crowns as to the progress
of these negotiations and will incorporate any Official Plan requirements that arise from
the Settlement Agreement. In the interim, the County will seek opportunities for mutually
beneficial engagement with the Algonquins on matters that affect aboriginal history and
culture.
6.3.1 Policies
The County of Frontenac and/or the Townships may consult with the Algonquins
of Ontario with regard to land use planning affecting any of the following matters
within the land claim area:
a) Protection of water quality and utilization of lakes and rivers including the
Rideau Canal within the land claim area;
b) Any development that would have an impact on navigable waterways and
their waterbeds;
c) Any archaeological studies related to proposed development where areas of
Algonquin interest have been identified; and
d) Any Environmental Impact Studies related to proposed development where
areas of Algonquin interest have been identified.
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Figure 6
Algonquin Land Claim Territory
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6.4
Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Rideau Canal National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site,
administered by Parks Canada, travels through the southeast portion of South
Frontenac Township. The canal's value lies in a combination of the engineering and
military achievement of the construction of the canal and the associated canal
structures and buildings, the continuity and integrity of the lockstations, its continuous
seasonal operation since 1832, and the unique historical environment, which together
constitute a cultural heritage resource of national significance and outstanding universal
value. Parks Canada's jurisdiction includes the bed of the canal up to the upper
controlled water elevation and the lockstations.
In order to recognize and protect the cultural heritage resource significance of the
Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site, the County has participated in an initiative,
the Rideau Corridor Landscape Strategy, along with representatives from First Nations,
federal and provincial agencies, municipalities, non-governmental organizations,
property owners and others. A goal of the Strategy is to develop and recommend
planning and management tools for municipalities and other jurisdictions that:
a)
identify and protect the cultural heritage landscapes, Algonquin history, and built
heritage resources of the waterway;
b)
introduce design guidelines that can be implemented through the site plan control
process, for new development along the waterway; and
c)
identify measures to conserve the terrestrial and marine archaeological
resources of the Rideau Canal.
Both this Plan and the South Frontenac Township Official Plan will recognize the policy
directions coming out of this Strategy.
6.5
Frontenac Arch UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
The Frontenac Arch can be described as an ancient granite 'bridge' between the
Canadian Shield and the Adirondack Mountains. Due to both its rich natural
environment and its human history it was recognized in 2002 as a UNESCO World
Biosphere Reserve.
The Frontenac Arch Biosphere lies on the Central Canadian portion of the Frontenac
Arch. It covers approximately 2,700 sq km and covers part of both Frontenac County
and the Leeds-Grenville County, including communities such as Brockville, Gananoque,
Westport, Harrowsmith, Verona and Godfrey. Figure 7 illustrates the Biosphere area
and its coverage within the Frontenacs.
It is the intent of this Plan to recognize the natural and historic value of the Frontenac
Arch to our region and to promote its long term viability.
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Section 7 - Environmental Sustainability
Section 7 - Environmental Sustainability
The County of Frontenac covers a large geographic area which is comprised of a rich
natural environment that makes the region a unique place to live, work and play. This
natural environment includes natural assets, natural sites, and natural attractions. The
value of the natural environment for the County is more than just ecological health; it
contributes to our economy and our society as well.
In addition to the Township Official Plans the following policy sections will apply:
The Environmental Sustainability section sets out policies that are intended to
help ensure that the environment that is so valued by residents in Frontenac
County can be maintained and enhanced for future generations, and the health
of humans and of the environment is protected.
The Natural Environment section outlines the natural heritage system in the
County and provides policies for protection of natural features in the Frontenacs.
The Water Resources section includes policies recognizing the role of a
watershed planning approach and of the importance of sourcewater protection
plans in ensuring safe and plentiful drinking water.
Hazard Lands Policies ensure that development is prohibited or strictly limited in
areas that could have potential for natural hazards such as flooding and erosion.
7.1
Natural Environment
7.1.1 Introduction
The County of Frontenac natural heritage system is defined as an ecologically
based delineation of nature and natural function - a system of connected, or to
be connected, green and natural areas that provide ecological functions over a
long period of time and enable movement of species. Natural heritage systems
encompass or incorporate natural features, functions and linkages as component
parts within them and across the landscape. A natural heritage system also
supports natural processes which are necessary to maintain biological and
geological diversity, natural functions, viable populations of indigenous species
and ecosystems.
The natural heritage system illustrated on Appendices "1A", "1B", and "1C" use
current standards and procedures such as the Natural Heritage Reference
Manual (MNR 2010) and Provincial Policy Statement to identify natural features
of interest, which include significant wetlands, significant coastal wetlands, fish
habitat, significant woodlands, significant valleylands, habitat of endangered
species and threatened species, significant wildlife habitat, and significant areas
of natural and scientific interest.
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Responsibility for the environment is shared among Federal and Provincial
governments, the County, Townships, the Conservation Authorities (Quinte
Conservation, Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, Rideau Valley
Conservation Authority, and Mississippi Valley Conservation) and private
landowners. All have an important role in enhancing the natural environment
within the County, and all have the responsibility to be good stewards. As a
result, preserving a natural heritage system requires co-operation among
agencies, private landholders and the wider community.
The natural heritage system, and the ecological functions it provides, contributes
to maintaining the environmental health of the County of Frontenac. This Section
of the Official Plan establishes a policy framework for a co-operative approach to
the identification of the environmental features that comprise the natural heritage
system. It also outlines how provincially and regionally significant features should
be maintained, enhanced or, wherever feasible, restored and encourages the
establishment of linkages among elements of the natural heritage system.
The natural heritage system is a layered approach to environmental protection
comprised of features delineated on Appendices "1A", "1B, and "1C", and
described in this section of the Official Plan. Each layer contains policies that
provide appropriate protection to areas of environmental significance. Notably,
the County of Frontenac's natural heritage system includes natural linkages and
biodiversity areas. Through linkages and biodiversity areas, we acknowledge
that our system is not an isolated one. We are interconnected to the natural
heritage beyond our boundaries and we value our local biosphere - the
Frontenac Arch - as well as our global biosphere, Earth.
In this context it is important for Frontenac County to use a regional approach to
ensure that significant natural heritage characteristics are protected for future
generations.
Nothing in Section 7 is intended to limit the ability of the agricultural uses to
continue.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
7.1.2 Goal
The goal of the natural heritage system is to work with the Province, Townships,
the Conservation Authorities and private landowners to maintain, enhance and
restore a comprehensive natural heritage system within the County.
7.1.3 Objectives
To achieve the goal of maintaining and enhancing a comprehensive natural
heritage system, this Official Plan will:
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Identify and describe the component environmental features of the natural
heritage system;
Incorporate policies addressing land use and environmental preservation,
conservation, and management that conform to the Provincial Policy
Statement;
Illustrate the natural heritage system on Official Plan mapping at the regional
scale;
Provide a mechanism for the refinement of the natural heritage system at the
site-specific level;
Identify, describe, and incorporate polices addressing County of Frontenac-
specific natural linkages and biodiversity areas; and,
Encourage local Townships to refine the natural heritage system to include
important local features and linkages, where appropriate.
7.1.4 Policies
7.1.4.1
Wetlands
Introduction
Wetlands are an important part of the County's biodiversity. They provide
a wide variety of ecological, economic and social benefits for both humans
and wildlife. Wetlands help reduce erosion, decrease flood damage,
improve and maintain good water quality, provide important fish and
wildlife habitat, ensure a stable, long-term supply of groundwater (by
contributing to the recharge and discharge), provide recreation and
tourism opportunities, limit greenhouse gas emissions (by acting as
carbon sinks), and provide valuable economic products, such as timber,
commercial baitfish, wild rice and natural medicines.
Council recognizes that the ecology of water systems contains a complex
environment of plants, animals, and water which represents a highly
valued resource in the Frontenacs, and that wetlands and riparian
vegetation are part of the make-up of that ecology.
Policies
The County of Frontenac recognizes the importance and value of
wetlands in the County and supports their protection.
Appendices "1A", "1B", and "1C" illustrate the County-wide natural
heritage system, and generally identify provincially significant
wetlands, coastal wetlands and significant other wetlands.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
The Township Official Plans shall designate on a land use schedule
and protect those wetlands where development and site alteration is
prohibited. Including provincially significant wetlands and significant
coastal wetlands. If at any time during the duration of this Plan any
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additional provincially significant wetlands are identified in the County
of Frontenac by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
(MNRF), the policies in this Plan and the Township Official Plans
related to significant wetlands shall apply and the appropriate
schedules shall be updated to reflect the new provincially significant
wetlands without amendment to the plan.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
The County of Frontenac encourages local municipalities to adopt
mechanisms (such as site plan control, consent or development
agreements) that would minimize and control the removal of
vegetation, and ensure the protection of naturally vegetated buffers
adjacent to any provincially significant wetlands.
Other wetlands have also been identified on the Natural Heritage
mapping in Appendices "1A" and "1B" and may also be identified on
the Land Use Schedules of the Township Official Plans. Impacts on
these wetlands should be considered in the evaluation of development
applications in or adjacent to them, a wetland evaluation prepared by a
qualified person in accordance with the Ontario Wetland Evaluation
System and submitted to MNRF for approval and/or an Environmental
Impact Study may be required if significant characteristics are
observed and/or to demonstrate that appropriate alternatives have
been assessed and negative impacts to the feature and its function
have been prevented or minimized to the degree reasonably possible.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
Development and site alteration shall not be permitted within lands
adjacent to provincially significant wetlands or significant coastal
wetlands unless the ecological function of the adjacent lands has been
evaluated and it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative
impacts on their features or their functions. Adjacent lands shall
include lands contiguous to the wetland or areas where it is likely that
development or site alteration will have a negative impact on the
wetland. The extent of the adjacent lands shall be defined in the
Township Official Plans, based on approaches recommended by the
Province or based on Township approaches which achieve the same
objective.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
Development and site alteration in or adjacent to coastal wetlands
(other than significant coastal wetlands) shall not be permitted unless
the ecological function of the adjacent lands has been evaluated and it
has been demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on their
features or their functions. Adjacent lands shall include lands
contiguous to the wetland or areas where it is likely that development
or site alteration will have a negative impact on the wetland. The
extent of the adjacent lands shall be defined in the Township Official
Plans, based on approaches recommended by the Province or based
on Township approaches which achieve the same objective.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
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7.1.4.2
Significant Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI)
Introduction
An ANSI is an area of land and water that contains natural landscapes or
features that have been identified as having life science or earth science
values related to protection, scientific study or education. ANSIs are a
critical complement to Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves as
they represent important natural features that are not found in protected
areas.
Policies
The County recognizes the importance and value of regionally and
provincially significant ANSIs and supports their protection. Appendix
"1A" generally identifies ANSIs within the County's natural heritage
system.
The Township Official Plans shall identify and protect those regional or
provincially significant ANSI's where no development shall permitted in
or adjacent to them unless it can be demonstrated that there will be no
negative impacts on the ANSI and its ecological function. Adjacent
lands shall include lands contiguous to the ANSI or areas where it is
likely that development or site alteration will have a negative impact on
the ANSI. The extent of the adjacent lands shall be defined in the
Township Official Plans, based on approaches recommended by the
Province or based on Township approaches which achieve the same
objective.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
7.1.4.3
Significant Wildlife Habitat
Introduction
Wildlife habitat, as defined by the PPS, means areas where plants,
animals and other organisms live, and find adequate amounts of food,
water, shelter and space needed to sustain their populations. Wildlife
habitats are important since they are areas where species concentrate at
a vulnerable point in their annual or life cycle, and are areas which are
important to both migratory and non-migratory species.
Policies
The County of Frontenac recognizes the importance and value of
wildlife and supports the protection of significant wildlife habitat
Appendix "1A" may identify the location of known wildlife habitat.
Development and/or site alteration in or adjacent to significant wildlife
habitat shall not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that there
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will be no negative impacts on the significant wildlife habitat and its
ecological function through an Environmental Impact Study. Adjacent
lands shall include lands contiguous to the habitat or areas where it is
likely that development or site alteration will have a negative impact on
the habitat. The extent of the adjacent lands shall be defined in the
Township Official Plans, based on approaches recommended by the
Province or based on Township approaches which achieve the same
objective.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
Wildlife habitats occur throughout the County but may not be shown on
Appendix "1A" because the exact habitat location needs to be refined
at the local scale by site specific field work. If development or site
alteration is planned in or adjacent to the natural heritage system, the
proponent of the development may be required to document for
consideration by the local Township, whether there is potential for
significant wildlife habitat to occur in the area and whether an
Environmental Impact Study is required to identify significant wildlife
habitat for consideration during Planning Act decisions.
The local Townships shall adopt appropriate development controls to
protect significant wildlife habitat. If development or site alteration is
planned near these sites, the local Townships may contact the Ministry
of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) for technical advice
regarding the proposed development.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
Natural linkages shall be protected in order to maintain, restore and/or
improve the diversity and connectivity of natural features and the long
term ecological function and biodiversity of natural heritage systems.
Removal of vegetation shall be minimized in significant wildlife habitat
areas.
The County and local municipalities shall investigate ways to minimize
and control the removal of vegetation for buildings, site alteration or
accessory activities such as landscaping.
7.1.4.4
Fish Habitat
Introduction
Fish habitat, as defined by the Fisheries Act, means spawning grounds
and nursery, rearing, food supply, and migration areas on which fish
depend directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life processes. The
aquatic ecosystem is most often described as fish habitat since fish
communities are important resources, and as such, have a long history of
being used as indicators of aquatic ecosystem health. Aquatic habitat is
an integral part of the watershed's ecosystem as it provides feeding,
breeding and rearing areas for resident and migratory fish and
invertebrate species.
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Policies
The County of Frontenac recognizes the importance and value of the
fisheries in the municipality and supports protection of their habitat.
Development and/or site alteration in fish habitat shall not be permitted
except in accordance with federal and provincial legislation and can be
demonstrated through an Environmental Impact Study that there will
be no negative impact on fish habitat and its ecological function.
Development and site alteration in fish habitat shall require an
Environmental Impact Study, to demonstrate that there will be no
negative impacts on the fish habitat or on their ecological functions.
New development along watercourses and waterbodies which have
demonstrated no negative impact on the fish habitat or on their
ecological functions shall require a minimum setback of 30 metres.
These setbacks shall remain undisturbed and naturally vegetated,
where possible.
The County encourages the use of best management practices,
stewardship and habitat management that promotes healthy fish
habitat and natural riparian areas.
Development and site alteration shall not be permitted within lands
adjacent to fish habitat unless it has been demonstrated through an
EIS that there will be no negative impacts to the features or functions
of the habitat. Adjacent lands shall include lands contiguous to the fish
habitat or areas where it is likely that development or site alteration
would have a negative impact on fish habitat. The extent of adjacent
lands shall be defined in the Township Official Plans, based on
approaches recommended by the Province or based on Township
approaches which achieve the same objectives.
7.1.4.4.1 Lake Trout Lakes
Preamble
Lake trout lakes are rare. While only about one percent of Ontario's
lakes (i.e. approximately 2,300) are designated by policy and managed
by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) for lake
trout, this resource represents 20-25% of all lake trout lakes in the
world. The lake trout is an important fishery resource in Ontario and
Frontenac County and is a preferred species among many anglers.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
The lake trout is the only major, indigenous sport fish in Ontario that is
adapted to "oligotrophic" lakes (i.e. lakes with low levels of nutrients,
high dissolved oxygen levels and typically deep areas with very cold
water). The lake trout's slow growth, late maturity, low reproductive
potential and slow replacement rate make it a unique species in the
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province. As a top predator, the lake trout is an important part of the
province's natural heritage and an excellent indicator of the health of
these fragile aquatic ecosystems.
Approximately 5% of the province's lake trout populations have already
become extinct. Lake trout and lake trout lakes are particularly
vulnerable to the impacts of human activities including harvesting,
increased phosphorus inputs from cottage septic systems and other
sources of nutrient enrichment, acidification, species introductions, and
habitat destruction. Development on lake trout lakes may result in
habitat degradation, diminished lake trout populations and a lower
quality fishing experience.
The Frontenacs, therefore, have a great responsibility to manage them
wisely. The lake trout is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of
human activities and is an indicator of the health of aquatic
ecosystems. Special protection is required for these lakes and their
lake trout populations.
Policies
New lot creation shall not be allowed within 300 metres of at-
capacity lake trout lakes located in Frontenac County. The list of
such designated lakes are identified on Appendix "1B" and listed in
Appendix "2" and shall be included in Local Official Plans.
In consultation with the Ministry of Environment, the County will
review and revise the list of at-capacity lake trout lakes in Appendix
"2" on annual basis.
Township Official Plans shall contain policies to protect these lakes,
including the following:
o Exceptions to the prohibition of development near at-capacity
lakes, such as tile field setbacks;
o Under such exceptional circumstances, new development
requiring approval under the Planning Act that would, for
example, prohibit removal of vegetation, require a 30 metre
setback for all new buildings, or prohibit the use of fertilizers.
The Townships are encouraged to identify the moderately sensitive
at-capacity lake trout lakes in their Official Plans with policies
addressing development around these lakes to ensure their long
term sustainability.
7.1.4.5
Endangered and Threatened Species
Preamble
Endangered and Threatened species, as defined by the PPS, means a
species that is listed or categorized as an "Endangered or Threatened
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Species" on the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
(MNRF) official species at risk list, as updated and amended from time to
time; Saving Endangered and Threatened species is important for their
sake, and for ours since humans are dependent on the earth's diversity of
species for our own survival. The existing habitat sites of any endangered
or threatened species in the County are not identified in this Plan or in
Local Official Plans in order to protect endangered or threatened flora or
fauna.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
Policies
The County of Frontenac recognizes the importance and value of the
endangered and threatened species in the County and supports their
protection.
Habitat of endangered or threatened species is approved by the
Province or the Federal government. This habitat is necessary for the
maintenance, survival and/or recovery of naturally occurring or
reintroduced populations of endangered or threatened species, and
where those areas of occurrence are occupied or habitually occupied
by the species during all or any part(s) of its life cycle. Mapping of the
habitat of these species are not shown on Appendix "1C" in order to
protect such species and their habitat, or because the exact location
and habitat needs to be refined by site specific field work.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
Information regarding occurrences of endangered and threatened
species will be obtained from provincial databases and used, in
confidence, for development application screening purposes. The
Municipality recognized that information regarding the locations of
endangered and threatened species and habitat is incomplete.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
No new development or site alteration shall be permitted within the
habitat of endangered or threatened species, except in accordance
with provincial and federal requirements. Development and site
alteration shall not be permitted on the adjacent lands of endangered
or threatened species, unless it has been demonstrated through the
preparation of an Environmental Impact Study that there will be no
negative impacts on the natural features or on the ecological functions
for which the area is identified. Adjacent lands shall include lands
contiguous to the habitat of endangered and threatened specifies or
areas where it is likely that development or site alteration will have a
negative impact on the habitat. The extent of the adjacent lands shall
be defined in the Township Official Plans, based on approaches
recommended by the Province or based on Township approaches
which achieve the same objective.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
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New development proposals shall require an appropriate level of site
assessment to identify potential presence or absence of endangered or
threatened species and their potential habitats. The MNRF can be
contacted for technical advice.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
Where potential habitat is identified, a more detailed site assessment
may be required by an Environmental Impact Study to provide
information on current habitat conditions, to address any applicable
permit requirements under the Endangered Species Act (as
appropriate), and to delineate significant habitat for approval by
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
No new development and/or site alteration shall be permitted within
120 metres of significant habitats of endangered and threatened
species unless it has been demonstrated that there would be no
negative impacts on the natural features or its ecological function.
If development or site alteration is planned near these sites, the local
Township shall contact Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
(MNRF) for technical advice regarding the proposed development.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
7.1.4.6
Significant Woodlands
Preamble
Woodlands, as defined by the PPS, means treed areas that provide
environmental and economic benefits to both the private landowner and
the general public, such as erosion prevention, hydrological and nutrient
cycling, provision of clean air and the long-term storage of carbon,
provision of wildlife habitat, outdoor recreational opportunities, and the
sustainable harvest of a wide range of woodland products. Woodlands
include treed areas, woodlots or forested areas and vary in their level of
significance at the local, regional and provincial levels. Woodlands are
important for their aesthetic value, economic value, as species habitat, to
minimize erosion, to mitigate greenhouse gases (as a carbon sink), and as
providing animal species with corridors for movement.
Policies
The County recognizes the importance and value of woodlands and
supports the protection of significant woodlands. These woodlands
have value in the County, both natural and human. Examples include
maintaining and/or improving the air quality, preventing soil erosion,
helping to retain water and recharge ground water, producing
economic value (firewood, maple syrup, lumber), providing recreational
opportunities, and contributing to the overall beauty of the Frontenacs.
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Appendix "1C" identifies all woodlands within the County, but does not
identify any significant woodland.
Township Official Plans within Ecoregion 6E shall identify and protect
significant woodlands. These are to be identified using criteria
established by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
Development and/or site alteration in or adjacent to significant
woodlands that may be identified in the majority of South Frontenac
and all of Frontenac Islands (i.e., within MNR Ecoregion 6E of the
PPS) shall not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that there
will be no negative impacts on the significant woodland and its
ecological function. Adjacent lands shall include lands contiguous to
the significant woodland or areas where it is likely that development or
site alteration will have a negative impact on the woodland. The extent
of the adjacent lands shall be defined in the Township Official Plans,
based on approaches recommended by the Province or based on
Township approaches which achieve the same objective.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
When new significant woodlands are identified, consideration and
protection of the areas shall be assessed prior to approving new land
use planning applications.
7.1.4.7
Significant Valleylands
Preamble
Valleylands, as defined by the PPS, means a natural area that occurs in a
valley or other landform depression that has water flowing through or
standing for some period of the year. Valleylands are often defining
landscape features essential to the character of an area, help buffer
waterbodies from the effects of human settlement, provide linkages to the
rest of the watershed, and provide important corridors allowing the
dispersion of plants and movement of animals. Significant valleylands may
be identified in the southern part of the County (i.e., within MNR Ecoregion
6E of the PPS).
Policies
The County recognizes the importance and value of valleylands and
supports the protection of significant valleylands.
Significant valleylands are not shown on the Natural Heritage System
mapping and can be identified in consultation with the Townships and/
or the local Conservation Authority based on local factors and
conditions.
The Township Official Plans shall contain policies that ensure that
development and site alteration shall not be permitted in significant
valleylands and its adjacent lands unless it has been determined, via
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an Environmental Impact Study, that there will be no negative impacts
on the natural features or their ecological functions.
The Township Official Plans shall contain policies that ensure that
when new significant valleylands are identified, consideration and
protection of the areas shall be assessed prior to approving new land
use planning applications.
7.1.4.8
Linkages and Biodiversity Areas
Preamble
The County of Frontenac's natural heritage system as mapped in
Appendices "1A", "1B", and "1C" includes natural linkages and biodiversity
areas. Through linkages and biodiversity areas, we acknowledge that our
system is not an isolated one. We are interconnected to the natural
heritage beyond our boundaries and we value our local biosphere - the
Frontenac Arch - as well as our global biosphere, Earth.
7.1.4.8.1 Linkages
Preamble
The County of Frontenac is home to wildlife that traverses eastern
Ontario and by identifying linkages; the County is able to support
the valuable wildlife that contributes to the County's high quality
natural environment. The County has undertaken a geographic
information systems (GIS) analysis to determine regional scale
linkages.
Policies
Linkages mapped in this plan on Appendix "1A" are intended to
promote regional connectivity in the natural heritage system and
the County of Frontenac encourages municipalities to establish
and maintain linkages by incorporating them into their Official
Plans.
Where appropriate, the Townships are encouraged to add local
linkages which facilitate greater connections between natural
features of the natural heritage system.
Linkage mapping has been completed at a regional scale, and
the boundaries are intended to be refined at the site level. When
development is proposed within a linkage, this plan encourages
that linkages be incorporated into the development, retained in
its natural state and an Environmental Impact Study be
completed to document management recommendations for the
protection of the linkage.
Linkages may be considered as priority areas for ecological
stewardship projects, re-naturalization projects, or
environmental land acquisition projects, or as potential lands for
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conservation easements granted to the municipality by the
property owner.
Existing development and activities within linkages may
continue.
7.1.4.8.2 Biodiversity Areas (Overlay)
Preamble
The County of Frontenac benefits from having a large undeveloped
area that is rich in natural heritage and contains a wide range of
species, habitats and ecosystems. Biodiversity Areas protect
species, habitat and ecosystems that are representative of the
County's natural heritage system. Protecting biodiversity is a way
to promote stewardship and ensure that impacts to the environment
through challenges such as climate change are mitigated. The
County has undertaken a geographic information systems (GIS)
analysis to determine specific areas for the protection of
biodiversity.
Policies
Biodiversity areas are identified on Appendix "1A".
Biodiversity areas may receive priority consideration for the
creation of new conservation areas, conservation easements, or
new ecological stewardship programs;
Notwithstanding the policies of the underlying land use
designation, lands within Biodiversity Areas may be:
o Discouraged from lot severance or subdivision unless
immediately abutting existing development;
o Discouraged from the creation of new buildings unless on an
existing previously undeveloped lot; and,
o If developed, encouraged to develop by minimizing changes
to topography and vegetation, and by using materials and a
built form that integrates well with a natural area.
7.1.4.9
Mineral Aggregate Operations
Policies
New mineral aggregate operations may be permitted in the natural
heritage system where the policies of this plan and the Township
Official Plans allow and:
o progressive and final rehabilitation shall be required to
accommodate subsequent land uses, to promote land use
compatibility, and to recognize the interim nature of extraction;
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o the assessment of the natural features and restoration plan taking
into account the natural heritage system will be incorporated into
the Natural Environment Report required under the Aggregate
Resources Act.
7.1.4.10 Environmental Impact Study
Preamble
An Environmental Impact Study is an important tool used during the
development review process which helps delineate, characterize, analyze,
and plan for the protection and conservation of the natural heritage system
and its components.
Policies
Where the policies in this Plan provide for the preparation of an
Environmental Impact Study EIS), it is understood that, on the basis of
consultation with the appropriate review agency, the EIS may be
scoped or eliminated in those instances where the potential impact of
development is reduced or is non-existent.
Where County Council is the planning approval authority, it shall
require an impact assessment for development and site alteration
proposed in designated natural heritage features and adjacent lands.
An Environmental Impact Study shall be prepared to support land use
planning applications and prior to the approval of the proposed
development or site alteration. Depending on the type of planning
application and the approval authority, the County, Townships and/or
the Conservation Authorities will co-ordinate the requirements for the
preparation of an Environmental Impact Study which shall be
undertaken in accordance with the Natural Heritage Reference Manual
and any other applicable guidelines.
The potential scope required for the preparation of an EIS is listed in
APPENDIX "3".
7.1.4.11 Land Uses and Zoning
Policies
The County of Frontenac encourages the Townships to identify
appropriate land uses and other performance standards in their Zoning
By-laws that provide for protection of the features identified in the natural
heritage system and which are compliant with the PPS.
7.1.4.12 Stewardship Planning
Introduction
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One of the key factors that make Frontenac County such a unique place is
that it is largely undeveloped, especially when compared to other parts of
Ontario.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
(MMAH Approval dated October 21, 2016)
Policies
The County supports the development of a regional stewardship plan in
order to provide a broad prospective on protecting ecosystems and
managing landscapes.
This Plan recognizes that connectivity of landscapes and ecosystems is
important for the long term resilience of the natural environment in the
Frontenacs.
7.1.4.13 Lake Management Plans
Introduction
A Lake Management Plan (LMP) is an approach by a lake association to
identify and protect the physical and environmental values of a lake or
river system. A LMP can result in a long range vision for the lake
community that can be implemented through stewardship direction and
potential land use policies. County Council endorses the development of
LMPs by lake associations, particularly those lakes that may be
experiencing development pressure.
Policies
Lake Management Plans may include a number of components,
including:
o A lake capacity assessment to help determine the carrying
capacity for development and for opportunities to improve
water quality;
o An inventory of existing and proposed development by type,
and characteristics of sewage and water services;
o A shoreline capacity assessment to help determine lands
which are suitable for development based on such features
as slope, vegetation cover, and depth of overburden;
o A fish habitat assessment;
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o The nature of public access and the use of the lake for
aquatic and boating activities;
o Road access to the lake or river for shoreline development;
o Shoreline management practices that can provide direction
for appropriate conservation or retention of natural features;
o Identification of special attributes of the lake;
o Public education; and
o An implementation and monitoring program.
Township Official Plans may include policies that identify Lake
Management Plans that have been completed, recognizing that the
primary use of these plans is for stewardship purposes.
7.2
Water Resources
7.2.1 Source Protection Plans
This Plan is based on a watershed planning approach. The Source Water
Protection Plans were developed for each major watershed in the Frontenacs.
The Quinte Source Protection Plan and the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection
Plans took effect January 1, 2015 and the Cataraqui Source Protection Plan took
effect April 1, 2015. Decisions made under the Planning Act shall conform to the
significant threat policies and have regard for other policies. The County supports
the development of Source Protection Plans for each major watershed in the
Frontenacs, including the Quinte Source Protection Plan, Cataraqui Source
Protection Plan, and the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Plan. The
Townships shall amend their Official Plans and Zoning By-laws as part of the
implementation of source protection plans.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
The protection, conservation and careful management of groundwater resources
is necessary to meet both the present and future needs of residents and the
natural environment. As groundwater and aquifer contamination is extremely
difficult and costly to rectify, prevention of contamination is the best strategy.
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Policies
The County shall:
o Support and participate in initiatives that implement the Clean Water Act,
as necessary and appropriate;
o Prohibit the establishment of new waste disposal sites or wastewater
treatment plants in the Sydenham intake protection zones 1 and 2 (As
identified in the Cataraqui Source Protection Plan)
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
o Where the County is the approval authority, require the submission of a
notice from the Risk Management Official under Section 59 of the Clean
Water Act with all planning applications or proposed land use changes in
the Sydenham intake protection zones 1 and 2 (As identified in the
Cataraqui Source Protection Plan)
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
o Ensure that groundwater and surface water quality and quantity will not be
negatively impacted by development in vulnerable areas for the protection
of drinking water, including highly vulnerable aquifers and significant
groundwater recharge areas (As identified in the Cataraqui Source
Protection Plan);
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
o Contribute and promote a culture of conservation among all public,
private, community groups and local citizens and aim to reduce water use
in all sectors;
o Establish sector-specific targets for water use reductions;
o Contribute and show leadership by considering water conservation and
efficiency within its municipal culture, decision making, and operations.
7.3
Hazard Lands
7.3.1 Introduction
The County of Frontenac's long-term prosperity, environmental health and social
well-being partly depends on reducing the potential for public cost or risk to
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Frontenac residents from natural or human-made hazards. Development should
be directed away from areas of natural or human-made hazards where there is
an unacceptable risk to public health or safety or of property damage.
7.3.2 Natural Hazards Policies
The County and the Townships shall consider the potential impacts of climate
change that may increase the risk associated with natural hazards.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
7.3.2.1 Development shall generally be directed to areas outside of:
hazardous lands adjacent to the shorelines of the Great
Lakes - St. Lawrence River System and large inland
lakes which are impacted by flooding hazards, erosion
hazards and/or dynamic beach hazards;
hazardous lands adjacent to river, stream and small inland
lake systems which are impacted by flooding
hazards and/or erosion hazards; and
hazardous sites such as unstable soils (sensitive marine
clays [leda], organic soils) or unstable bedrock (karst
topography).
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
7.3.2.2 Development and site alteration shall not be permitted within:
the dynamic beach hazard;
defined portions of the one hundred year flood level along
connecting the St Lawrence River
areas that would be rendered inaccessible to people and
vehicles during times of flooding hazards, erosion
hazards and/or dynamic beach hazards, unless it has been
demonstrated that the site has safe access appropriate for
the nature of the development and the natural hazard; and
a floodway regardless of whether the area of inundation
contains high points of land not subject to flooding.
7.3.2.3 Development shall not be permitted to locate in hazardous
lands and hazardous sites where the use is:
an institutional use associated with hospitals, nursing homes,
pre-school, school nurseries, day care and schools, where
there is a threat to the safe evacuation of the sick, the elderly,
persons with disabilities or the young during an emergency as
a result of flooding, failure of floodproofing measures or
protection works, or erosion;
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an essential emergency service such as that provided by fire,
police and ambulance stations and electrical substations,
which would be impaired during an emergency as a result of
flooding, the failure of floodproofing measures and/or
protection works, and/or erosion; and
uses associated with the disposal, manufacture, treatment or
storage of hazardous substances.
7.3.2.4 Where the two zone concept for flood plains is applied,
development and site alteration may be permitted in the flood
fringe, subject to appropriate floodproofing to the flooding
hazard elevation or another flooding hazard standard approved
by the Minister of Natural Resources.
7.3.2.5 Further to policy 7.3.2.4, and except as prohibited in policies
7.3.2.2 and 7.3.2.3, development and site alteration may be
permitted in those portions of hazardous lands and hazardous
sites where the effects and risk to public safety are minor so as
to be managed or mitigated in accordance with provincial
standards, as determined by the demonstration and achievement
of all of the following:
development and site alteration is carried out in accordance
with floodproofing standards, protection works standards,
and access standards;
vehicles and people have a way of safely entering and exiting
the area during times of flooding, erosion and other
emergencies;
new hazards are not created and existing hazards are not
aggravated; and
no adverse environmental impacts will result.
7.3.2.6 Hazardous Forest Types for Wildland Fire
Development shall generally be directed to areas outside of lands that are
unsafe for development due to the presence of hazardous forest types for
wildland fire.
Development may however be permitted in lands with hazardous forest
types for wildland fire where the risk is mitigated in accordance with
wildland fire assessment and mitigation standards.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
7.3.3 Human-Made Hazards
Development on, abutting or adjacent to lands affected by mine hazards; oil, gas
and salt hazards; or former mineral mining operations, mineral aggregate
operations or petroleum resource operations may be permitted only if
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rehabilitation measures to address and mitigate known or suspected hazards are
under-way or have been completed.
Contaminated sites shall be remediated as necessary prior to any activity on the
site associated with the proposed use such that there will be no adverse effects.
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Appendices
Section 8 - Implementation
The intent of the Implementation section is to provide guidance when interpreting and
implementing the policies of this Plan. This section includes policies relating to
boundary interpretation, Official Plan amendments, subdivision and condominium
applications, public participation, complete application requirements, land use
compatibility, and development charges. These policies are intended to give direction to
proponents when considering projects requiring approval by County Council, and to
provide clarity to staff and Council when processing and evaluating development
proposals.
8.1
Interpretation of Land Use Boundaries
It is intended that the boundaries of the land use designations shown on Schedule "A"
be considered as approximate except where bounded by major roads, railways, water
bodies, legal lot lines or other geographical features. Therefore, amendments to this
Plan will not be required in order to make minor adjustments to the land use boundaries
provided the general intent of the policies of this Plan is preserved.
8.2
Amendments to the Plan
Amendments to this Plan shall be considered in accordance with related policies
elsewhere in this Plan, the Provincial Policy Statement, the Planning Act, and with
general land use planning principles. Amendments shall only be considered when they
are justified and when the required supportive information is provided as stated in the
policy sector proposed for revision.
Proposed amendments to this Plan shall be accompanied by sufficient information to
allow County Council to fully understand and consider the following:
1.
the relationship to and impact of the proposed change on the goals, objectives
and policies expressed in this Plan;
2.
the need for the proposed change and the benefit to the County;
3.
the effect of the proposed change on the need for public services and facilities;
4.
the physical suitability of the land for the proposed use and the effect of the
proposal on the natural environment; and
5.
compliance with the Provincial Policy Statement and other applicable policy and
legislation
Applications to amend this Plan will not be considered complete until the information
and materials required under the Planning Act and Regulation 543/06, along with any
other information and materials identified by the County have been provided.
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The County may request the Minister to amend Ontario Regulation 525/97 to be exempt
from ministerial approval of future amendments to the County Plan.
8.3
Amendments to the Township Official Plans
Amendments to Township Official Plans shall be considered in accordance with the
Provincial Policy Statement, the policies in the County Official Plan, related policies
elsewhere in the applicable Township plan, the Planning Act, and with general land use
planning principles. Amendments shall only be considered when they are justified and
when the required supportive information is provided.
Nothing in this Plan shall prevent the Townships from adopting more restrictive policies
or standards than those outlined in this Plan, provided such policies are consistent with
the general intent of this Plan.
8.4
Public Participation
Council shall consult with the public for amendments to and reviews of the Plan. The
consultation process shall include the provision of adequate information in a timely
manner, as well as opportunities for members of the public, review agencies, and other
stakeholders to discuss this information with County staff and to present views to
Council and to Township Councils.
When considering planning applications that are specific to one Township, the County
will generally request that the Township hold any public meetings on the County's
behalf.
Under exceptional circumstances, Council may forego the requirement for a public
meeting when refusing an amendment to its Official Plan.
8.5
Zoning By-laws
The preparation and amendments to Township Zoning By-laws shall be the
responsibility of each Township Council. Each Zoning By-law shall reflect the policies
established in the Township Official Plan.
8.6
Subdivision and Condominium Approvals and Agreements
The County of Frontenac is the approval authority for plans of subdivision and plans of
condominium in the County under Ontario Regulation 477/00. This can include
subdivisions for development in settlement areas, rural residential, commercial, and
business park/industrial.
Council may delegate all or any part of the approvals process by By-law to a committee
of Council or to staff.
Township Official Plans shall contain policies to guide the review of plans of
subdivisions and plans of condominium.
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Applications for plans of subdivision and condominium will not be considered complete
until the information and materials required under the Planning Act and Regulation
544/06, along with any other information and materials identified by the County have
been provided.
8.7
Planning Applications - Consultation and Complete Application
Requirements
8.7.1 The submission of a complete application may include, but not be limited
to, the completion of any applicable municipal forms, the payment of all
required fees, the submission of studies, reports and drawings, and
technical comments on studies, reports and drawings by all relevant
departments, agencies, ministries, or third-party peer reviewers.
(OPA Number 2, By-Law Number 2022-0046)
8.7.2 In situations where County Council acts as the planning approval authority,
the County shall request additional information and material that it needs
when considering development proposals or Planning Act applications.
Such information that may be required to deem an application complete
may include but is not limited to any of the following:
Hydrogeological and Terrain Analysis Report
Water Supply Assessment
Groundwater Impact Study
Surface Water Impact Study
Storm Water Management Report/Master Drainage Plan
Environmental Impact Study/Statement
Environmental Site Audit/Assessment
Flood Plain Management/Slope Stability Report
Geotechnical Karst Study
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
Lake Capacity Study
Boat Capacity Study
Transportation/Traffic Impact Study
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Municipal Servicing Capacity Reports
Servicing Options Report
Archaeological Resource Study
Cultural Heritage Impact Statement
Natural Heritage Evaluation
Aggregate study
Noise/Dust/Vibration Study
Agricultural Soils Assessment Study
Minimum Distance Separation calculation
Market Study
Planning Rationale
Concept Plan showing ultimate use of land
Previous Land Use Inventory
Financial Impact Report
Any other studies required by the County which are not reflected in
the above list
Any other studies identified in the Township Official Plans
(OPA Number 2, By-Law Number 2022-0046)
8.7.3 All required reports and technical studies will be carried out by qualified
persons retained by and at the expense of the proponent. The County may
require a peer review of any report or study by an appropriate public
agency or a professional consultant retained by the County at the
proponent's expense.
(OPA Number 2, By-Law Number 2022-0046)
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8.7.4 Pre-application consultation is required for all applications where the
County is the approval authority. The County may structure the pre
application consultation process to include multiple stages, where
warranted, based on the complexity of the proposal and the type of
application.
(OPA Number 2, By-Law Number 2022-0046)
8.7.5 The County may require a proponent to hold a public open house early in
the process, including prior to any statutory public meetings required by
the Planning Act.
(OPA Number 2, By-Law Number 2022-0046)
8.7.6 Township Official Plans may include policies for pre-application
consultation and complete applications for planning applications where the
Township is the approval authority.
(OPA Number 2, By-Law Number 2022-0046)
8.8
Development Charges
The County and any of the Townships may pass Development Charges By-laws in
accordance with the Development Charges Act, 1997. Council may request that the
City of Kingston collect development charges for applicable services provided by the
County within the City's boundaries.
8.9
Land Use Compatibility
Land use conflicts should be avoided as much as possible. Policies in Official Plans,
setbacks in Zoning By-laws, and strategic design and layout of development
applications can reduce the potential for conflicts by providing adequate mitigation
measures to address issues before they arise.
Township Official Plans shall contain provisions addressing impacts such as noise,
dust, contamination, odour, and other impacts that may result from a change in land use
or proposed development.
Township Official Plans shall contain policies and guidance for setbacks for sensitive
uses from features such as rail lines, mining and aggregate operations, and heavy
industrial operations.
8.10 Delegated Authority
8.10.1 The County may delegate its authority for various approval or advisory
functions in accordance with the provisions of enabling legislation
including the Planning Act, the Municipal Act, and the Ontario Heritage
Act.
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8.10.2 Township Official Plans may include policies for Township Councils to
delegate their authority for various approval or advisory functions in
accordance with the provisions of enabling legislation including the
Planning Act, the Municipal Act, and the Ontario Heritage Act.
(OPA Number 2, By-Law Number 2022-0046)
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APPENDICES
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(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
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APPENDIX "2" - DESIGNATED 'AT CAPACITY' LAKE TROUT LAKES
Shabomeka (Buck) Lake, Kishkebus (Dyers) Lake, Little Green
Lake, Buckshot (Indian) Lake, Lucky Lake, Mosque (Mosquito)
Lake, Big Ohlmann (Rock) Lake, Mackie Lake, Reid (Boundary)
Lake, Round Schooner Lake, Camp (Little Mackie) Lake, Big
Salmon Lake, Bobs (Green Bay) Lake, Buck Lake (South
Frontenac), Crow Lake (Central/South Frontenac), Devil Lake,
Eagle Lake, Garter Lake (near Potspoon Lake), Knowlton Lake,
Loughborough (West Basin) Lake, Potspoon Lake, Sharbot (West
Basin) Lake, and Silver Lake.
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
"NOT AT CAPACITY" LAKE TROUT LAKES
Big Clear Lake (South Frontenac), Birch Lake, Brule Lake, Canoe
Lake, Desert Lake, Gould Lake, Mazinaw Lake, and Palmerston
Lake.
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APPENDIX "3" - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY REQUIREMENTS
The County, in consultation with the Province, the local Townships and
the Conservation Authorities may require the completion of a single
comprehensive Environmental Impact Study where:
o development or site alteration is proposed on multiple adjacent
properties containing elements of the natural heritage system;
o a comprehensive community planning process is being
undertaken;
o environmental studies are required to support the proposed
expansion of the Township Urban Area or settlement boundary;
or,
o as deemed required by the County of Frontenac ,where the
County is the approval authority.
An Environmental Impact Study is intended to provide for an
assessment of the potential impact of a proposed development or site
alteration on a particular natural heritage feature and shall be used to
determine whether the proposed development, redevelopment or site
alteration should or should not be permitted. The Environmental Impact
Study will be undertaken by the proponent of the development and/or
site alteration.
The components of the Environmental Impact Study shall be tailored to
the scale of development and may range from a simplified assessment
(scoped assessment) to a full assessment. The County may consult
with the conservation authority having jurisdiction and the Ministry of
Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) in determining information
requirements and the type and content of an Environmental Impact
Study. The following is intended to provide an initial guideline on the
potential scope of an Environmental Impact Study:
(MMAH Approval dated January 11, 2016)
o a description (including a map) of the study area and landscape
context (including natural features and areas, and ecological
functions);
o a description of the development proposal;
o date of field visits;
o identification of the natural features
o species lists of flora and fauna recorded for the site;
o assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed
development on natural features or areas and on their
ecological functions for which they have been identified;
o identification of alternatives and avoidance measures
implemented to reduce impacts;
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o identification of mitigation, monitoring and contingency
requirements;
o quantification of residual impacts (those that cannot be
mitigated) if any;
o recommendations on how to implement mitigation measures;
and,
o conclusion(s) on the environmental impact(s).
The County of Frontenac may prepare a comprehensive guideline for
the preparation of and Environmental Impact Study which further
implements this plan's Environmental Impact Study policies.
The Environmental Impact Study must be undertaken by a qualified
professional to the satisfaction of the appropriate agency / approval
authority.
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