3.1.3 Planning authorities shall consider the potential impacts of climate change that may increase the risk associated with natural hazards.
3.1.7 Further to policy 3.1.6, and except as prohibited in policies 3.1.2 and 3.1.5, 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, could be mitigated in accordance with provincial standards, and where all of the following are demonstrated and achieved:
  • a) development and site alteration is carried out in accordance with floodproofing standards, protection works standards, and access standards;
  • b) vehicles and people have a way of safely entering and exiting the area during times of flooding, erosion and other emergencies;
  • c) new hazards are not created and existing hazards are not aggravated;and
  • d) no adverse environmental impacts will result.

Official Plan

The City’s Official Plan was updated in 2018 to introduce second units, in compliance with Planning Act requirements. It contains a number of objectives and policies that encourage a range of housing forms and tenures within neighbourhoods, selective infill and intensification of residential areas, and affordable housing options. Amendments contained within OPA 130 conform with the current Official Plan policy direction summarized below and excerpts provided in Figure 4:

Chapters 3 (Development Strategy), 4 (Healthy Community), and 6 (Land Use) stress the importance of planning for range of housing forms and tenures in all neighbourhoods, which allows aging residents and residents with disabilities to remain in their neighbourhood.

Chapter 5 (Environmental Management) indicates that the floodplain boundary is determined in consultation with the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) and reiterates the PPS policies prohibiting development within floodway and permitting development within portions of the floodplain subject to flood proofing measures.

Chapter 7 (Infrastructure) promotes measures that reduce demands on the sewage system and the risk of basement flooding.

Chapters 8 (Urban Design) and 9 (Heritage Conservation) limits modifications within older neighbourhoods and heritage areas to ensure there is no adverse impacts to the character or heritage significance of these areas.

Chapter 11 (Tools) provides a framework for the Committee of Adjustment to approve minor variances from the Zoning By-law provisions.