In an important step for the future growth of the Town of Caledon, Council directed planning staff on October 20, 2015 to initiate a visioning exercise for the “Whitebelt”.
“This exercise will help to build a truly Caledon plan, designed by our community, ”said Town of Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson. “I am hoping this will also provide for a better understanding of Provincial Planning Policy and its local impacts.”
The “Whitebelt” is the area outside the Greenbelt Plan and existing settlement areas in south Caledon. This area forms about 20% of the Town of Caledon and contains approximately 10,500 hectares of developable land. It is designated Prime Agricultural Areas and Environmental Policy Areas in the Town’s Official Plan. A 400-series highway is being planned to go across this area by the province. Under the provincial Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006), the “Whitebelt” is eligible for future growth.
The Work Program for the “Whitebelt” Visioning Exercise, as approved by Council, directs staff to expand the terms of reference of an ongoing study by the Town, known as the GTA West Land Use Study, which was originally intended to identify and protect strategic employment lands along the 400-series highway, as encouraged by Provincial Policy Statement (2014). Meridian Planning Consultants, the consultants currently working for the Town on the GTA West Land Use Study, has been contracted to assist staff in conducting the “Whitebelt” Visioning Exercise.
The “Whitebelt” Visioning Exercise will look at all land uses, such as residential, commercial, institutional, agriculture and environmental protection in addition to employment lands across the entire “Whitebelt”. The public will have ample opportunities to participate and contribute to a long term vision for the “Whitebelt”. Details of the visioning exercise can be found at http://www.caledon.ca/en/townhall/Whitebelt.asp
An open house to introduce the study and seek public input is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. on November 19, 2015 at the Brampton Fairgrounds, 12942 Heart Lake Road, Caledon, ON L76 2J3.
