IN THE NEWS

In August, the Ontario Land Tribunal has issued what the first major decision under the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 directing that the City of Hamilton requires an urban boundary expansion to accommodate long-term growth to 2051. In one of the first tests of the PPS Sec. 2.3.2.2.1(a), the Tribunal ordered that there is a demonstrated need for at least 1,600 gross developable hectares of additional urban land to support projected population growth and housing demand.

​

In reaching its decision, the Tribunal relied on the most current Ministry of Finance population projections, recognizing that Hamilton's population is expected to exceed 853,000 residents by 2051. The decision found that the City’s No Urban Boundary Expansion to be “aspirational”, that the City’s growth strategy must be consistent with provincial policy and be “reasonable or attainable”. In doing so, it confirmed that a municipality must look to greenfield expansion and intensification equally to provide the necessary range and mix of housing options required. The Tribunal expressly relied upon John Corbett’s evidence demonstrating the need for additional urban land and recognized that timely action is necessary to address a “structural lag” in Hamilton's housing supply and population growth to 2051. Also of note, the Tribunal specifically agreed with planning and land economists position that more ground related housing forms are needed to meet regional market demands as prescribed by the PPS.

​

Corbett Land Strategies Inc. is proud of the decisions’ reliance on the evidence provided by principal John Corbett, as well as CLS’s leading role in this landmark proceeding. As project managers and planning experts for the Upper West Side Landowners Group, our team was directly involved in the coordination of the planning strategy, technical evidence, expert witness preparation, and overall case management throughout this complex hearing process. 

​

CLS recognizes that this decision carries implications beyond Hamilton, as it confirms that intensification and urban boundary expansion are complementary rather than competitive and that the implementation of provincial policies on a range housing type and mix actually matters.  It also demonstrates clearly that private urban boundary expansion applications outside the typical Municipal Comprehensive Review processes can be successful and is an effective strategy in the development approvals process.

​

CLS has extensive experience in managing urban boundary expansion proposal on behalf of it’s clients.  We welcome the opportunity to discuss our specific strategies and methodologies to other land owners and land owner groups anywhere in the GTHAS and the Province of Ontario.