Open Space and Parks Policies
In May 2004, the Long Range Planning Division, in conjunction with Public Works and Public Health and Community Services Departments, released a Discussion Paper: "Parks and Open Space Official Plan Policies and Zoning By-law Regulations." The purpose of the paper was to gain input on the future parks planning directions for the City. Public input was received through several mechanisms in 2004: a community survey and a series of Open Houses. Following completion of the first round of Public Open Houses and the survey, the City drafted proposed Official Plan policies and Zoning By-law regulations (urban area parks only). In late May and early June, a second round of consultation was conducted.
The OP policies classify parks by type/function (i.e. neighbourhood, community, city wide), standards for park sizes, separation distances between parks, the number of people served by each park type. In addition, other policies focus on parkland dedication policies, evaluation criteria for parkland purchases, preferred park locations and more. The Zoning By-law regulations identify the range of uses proposed for each park type as well as the performance standards (i.e. setbacks, height of buildings, etc.). Amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law for Open Space and Parks Policies were approved by City Council on June 14, 2006. The amendments were appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board. No hearing date has been set.
Technical Background Work:
Discussion Paper: Parks & Open Space Official Plan Policies and Zoning By-law Regulations
Executive Summary
- Appendix "A"
Recommendations from the Master Plan related to Official Plan Policies and Zoning By-law Regulations - Appendix "B"
Comparison of Parkland Classifications (former Hamilton municipalities) - Appendix "C"
Comparison of Parkland Classifications (Waterloo, Kitchener, Oakville, Mississauga, London & Guelph) - Appendix "D"
Comparison of Zoning Districts - Appendix "E"
Natural Open Space Zoning Districts in other Ontario municipalities - Appendix "F"
Official Plans Designations and Zoning Districts of former Municipalities for Museums
Excerpt from Ancaster OP
The policies from the Ancaster Official Plan are representative of the Official Plan policies contained in the Towns of Dundas and Flamborough, Township of Glanbrook and the Cities of Hamilton and Stoney Creek. Specific details on an individual municipal Official Plan can be obtained through the contact information listed below.
4.3 Open Space and Parks
Zoning By-Law
The City has developed 5 new Parks and Open Space zones with the creation of the New Zoning By-Law.