Notice of Study Commencement

Introduction

Recognizing the need for more attainable housing in Seguin Township, the Municipality submitted a request to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) for an area of land, approximately 309 hectares, located in the north part of the Township immediately adjacent to the Town of Parry Sound. The request was submitted January 5, 2022, along with supporting information including correspondence from neighboring municipalities and community organizations, preliminary environmental constraints and servicing information and planning justification. The Order was granted March 17, 2023. The MZO permits the lands to be developed to facilitate housing and mixed-use development without the need for a zoning by-law amendment application to establish the principle of use. Development of these lands will still require comprehensive studies to establish developable area and servicing requirements, together with detailed planning exercises such as draft plan of subdivision approval and site plan control.

The Township intends for the development to proceed in an orderly, well planned and coordinated manner. At its meeting of July 2, 2024, Township Council authorized staff to proceed with the preparation of a Master Servicing Plan (MSP) for the area to lay the groundwork for Water, Wastewater and Transportation Servicing.

The Study

The Township has retained the services of Ainley & Associates Ltd. to undertake the MSP for the MZO lands. The objective of the MSP is to identify and evaluate options for water and wastewater servicing and transportation (major roads) in order to develop a comprehensive long range plan for infrastructure.

The Process

The study is to follow and satisfy the requirements of Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process dated February 2024 prepared by the Municipal Engineers Association. The end product will be a comprehensive document that will be used in support of further specific projects such as water supply and wastewater treatment works.

How to Get Involved

Public input is encouraged throughout this project and will be given consideration during the study. Study notices will be published on the Township’s website https://letsconnectseguin.ca/mzo-application to inform the public of updates and engagement opportunities. To obtain additional information, provide input, or request to be added to the contact list for this study, please contact either of the following members of the study team:

Information will be collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.

This notice first issued October 1, 2024.

Master Plan Commencement - Summer 2024

Seguin Township Council has officially approved critical steps to develop the lands covered by the Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) received on March 17, 2023, totalling 309 hectares. These lands have been rezoned to support a variety of residential, local commercial, recreational, and institutional uses. Key actions approved include:

1. Allocation of Funds for Master Plan Development
   • Funds will be allocated from the Development Charges deferred spending account to finance a comprehensive Master Plan. This plan will include further environmental analysis, detailed engineering work, and robust project management activities.

2. Master Plan Details
   • The Master Plan will ensure integrated development across divided private ownerships to prevent fragmented and uncoordinated development.
   • Engineering (Ainley Engineering)
     • Preferred options for water, wastewater, and road infrastructure.
     • Compliance with Municipal Engineers Association Class Environmental Assessment Phases 1 and 2.
     • Provisions include consultations with stakeholders, Indigenous communities, agencies, and the public.
     • Various studies to be conducted: archaeological, hydrogeology, soils, noise, and road assessments.
   • Environmental Analysis (Hutchinson Environmental Services)
     • Key Focus Areas: amphibians, reptiles, aquatic habitats, lakeshore capacity, bird, and vegetation surveys.
     • Special attention to the sensitivity of Richmond Lake.
   • Project Management (MHBC)
     • Ensures the efficient implementation of all technical studies.
     • Project is expected to span approximately 48 months from consultant engagement to the issuance of building permits.

This investment underscores Seguin Township’s commitment to managed and sustainable growth, ensuring appropriate infrastructure is in place to support up to 2,500 new housing units, contingent on servicing options. The development aims to be holistic, taking environmental impacts into full consideration, with further studies and community engagements planned to refine and support project implementation.

Costs are anticipated to be recovered from Development Charges.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay engaged through forthcoming public consultations as we progress with this transformative project.

Seguin Township MZO Application Update - March 21, 2023

Province approves re-zoning of 743 acres of Seguin land

Seguin, ON. (March 21, 2023) – The Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, approved Seguin Township’s request for a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) on March 17, allowing for future residential development on 743 acres of Seguin Township land.

“This decision is a huge step in the right direction for the West Parry Sound Area where far too many people struggle to find a home,” said Seguin Township Mayor Ann MacDiarmid. “I want to thank Minister Steve Clark for recognizing this need and supporting Seguin Township’s suggested solution.”

Seguin Township submitted the MZO application in January 2022 to expediate the process of expanding lands available for residential development in the region. The application included findings from a high-level environmental assessment, letters of support from private and public sector leaders, and several neighbouring municipalities.

“The provincial government is doing everything it can to make home ownership more affordable and more attainable,” said MPP Graydon Smith, Parry Sound-Muskoka. “West Parry Sound is growing and the demand for housing is rising. This is why we’re working with municipalities like Seguin to help them build more homes for more people. I want to congratulate Mayor MacDiarmid and Council for working so hard to get this done. Seguin and Ontario are taking action to solve the housing problem,” added Smith.

This rezoning process will create opportunities for mixed-use development. It will also create net-new Environmental Protection (EP) zones in areas that previously had no designation.

Resources

O. Reg. 40/23: ZONING ORDER - TOWNSHIP OF SEGUIN, DISTRICT OF PARRY SOUND

Map of MZO lands

West Parry Sound Housing Summit Community Impact Study

MZO responses and letters of support from the West Parry Sound community

Preliminary Functional Servicing Report completed by Tatham Engineering

Environmental Constraints Analysis completed by Hutchinson Environmental

Planning Justification Report completed by MHBC Planning Urban Design and Landscape Architecture

Ontario Housing Affordability Task Force Report

Seguin Township MZO full application package

We also invite you to participate in the poll questions on this website. If you have any outstanding questions, we encourage you to share them here as well.

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