Envision Durham: Recommendations on Employment Area conversion requests now available

Whitby, Ontario – The Region of Durham is undertaking a Growth Management Study as part of Envision Durham, the Municipal Comprehensive Review of the Regional Official Plan. The first Phase of the Growth Management Study is focused on the preparation of a Land Needs Assessment.

To assist with the preparation of the Land Needs Assessment, Regional staff recommendations on Employment Area conversion requests are now available.

When: This report will be considered at the Regional Planning & Economic Development Committee meeting on December 7 at 9:30 a.m. For information about how to submit a written correspondence, make a delegation before committee or to view the live stream, visit durham.ca/EnvisionDurham.

Where: The Regional staff recommendations on Employment Area conversion requests report is available at durham.ca/EnvisionDurham.

Why: The protection of the region’s supply of employment land is important to the economic vitality of Durham. An Employment Area conversion may only be considered as part of a Municipal Comprehensive Review.

The purpose of an employment area conversion may be: to re-designate Employment Areas to a Living Areas designation (mainly for residential uses); to define a Protected Major Transit Station Area within which a mix of residential and other compatible employment uses would be permitted; or to permit other uses that are not permitted within Employment Areas, such as a major retail use.

Note: As Council’s core planning document, the Regional Official Plan guides Regional decision-making on long-term growth and development.

Envision Durham is an opportunity to deliver a new forward-looking official plan that will guide growth and change in Durham in the years ahead – providing the blueprint for Durham to become known as the place to live, learn and thrive by 2051.

To learn more, visit durham.ca/EnvisionDurham.

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