Official Plan Review - Phase II CITIZEN REFERENCE PANEL

HOUSING and LAND USE

ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY C OLLABORATION C ONSULTATION C OMMUNICATION Information Consultation Collaboration Information Consultation Information

COLLABORATIVE PLANNING 1.INCREASING SOCIAL RELATIONS 2.SHARING KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE 3.BUILDING CAPACITY 4.IMPROVING TRUST 5.BUILDING CONSENSUS; and 6.MAKING PLAN TOGETHER

OP ROLE & POSITION DEVELOPMENT BYLAW OFFICIAL PLANPLANNING ACT

OP FRAMEWORK VISIONOBJECTIVESPOLICIESACTIONS WHERE DO WE WISH TO GO? VALUES & FINAL DESTINATION HOW CAN WE ACHIEVE THESE? WHAT DO WE WANT TO ACHIEVE? ISSUES WHAT SHOULD BE DONE ELEVATION ELABORATION / PRACTICAL

COMPONENTS CATEGORIES / ISSUESOBJECTIVESPOLICIESACTIONS GOVERNANCE HOUSING LAND USE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RECREATION ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE

HOUSING - CURRENT ISSUES 1.Housing for Low and Mid Income groups 2.Housing for Seniors 3.Affordable Housing 4.Sustainable Housing 5.Diverse Types of Housing 6.Housing and Accessibility 7.Housing, Immigration and Economy 8.Higher Vacancy Rate on Rental Apartments 9.Housing and Land Use Planning

Findings – Housing Study By 2031 Number of seniors will almost Double Housing Demands will be more than Double Housing prices in Stratford continue to rise and outpace the surrounding market. Housing is considered inaccessible to many first time homebuyers and young families as well lower income groups, including seniors. Mix of housing types may help to accommodate continued growth, and fulfill future demand If new housing types are smaller and therefore less costly to build, a more balanced range of housing prices could result. Less costly housing could make the market more affordable for Seniors and young families.

Recommendation- Housing Study The needs of young families and seniors should be key considerations. By taking a balanced approach to future development, the Town can help to ensure housing will accommodate a wide range of needs. The development of row houses or smaller homes that should be more affordable for moderate income groups might create increased opportunity for young families to move into Stratford.

Recommendation – Housing Study Seniors wish to transition to smaller, reasonably priced housing, with lower maintenance requirements, in close proximity to health care and social care services. Apartments, condominiums, or single-level homes might be attractive forms of housing. To develop Policies and Regulations for physical modifications that minimize or eliminate physical risks and barriers. Regulations can also be adjusted to enable Secondary Suites that would allow for home-based or family care-giving services.

Recommendation – Housing Study The Town should understand the future needs, and integrate the needs into future housing scenarios. To facilitate the transition between independent living, assisted living and long-term care, a number of housing types are needed. Housing Character: Senior Friendly, Neighborhood Walkability, Availability of Transportation Options, Access to Service, Availability of different Housing Options, Safety and Opportunities to Engage in Social and Civic Activities

Housing-Suggested Objectives 1.Stratford is an attractive residential area with well designed, sustainable, and affordable neighbourhoods. 2.Stratford has a long-term plan for housing development within the Town as a sustainable response to local housing demands. 3. Stratford celebrates diverse and inclusive neighbourhoods in residents and housing patterns. 4.Stratford provides efficient urban services to all residents. 5.Stratford’s residential areas accommodate and integrate a diverse and wide range of residential densities and building types.

Housing - Suggested Policies 1. Create more sustainable housing zones, and encourage compact and affordable housing options. 2. Promote a wide range of residential densities and housing options in future land development, specifically considering seniors and young families. 3.Encourage higher density residential development, especially in Core Areas, adjacent to collector or arterial roads and near existing transit routes. 4.Residential land development supports future population growth and shifts in demographics specifically considering seniors and young families. 5.Facilitate multi-unit dwellings, smaller lot size single family housing, condominiums and townhouse developments. 6.Encourage the establishment of senior citizens’ housing and amend zoning regulations to allow for inter- generational housing options. 7.Promote and encourage diverse housing in residential neighbourhoods for diversity, inclusion, and social enrichment. 8.Facilitate and encourage the design and construction of green buildings and innovative and sustainable housing projects.

LAND USE - CURRENT ISSUES 1.More Efficient Use of Land 2.Minimum Impacts on the Natural Environment 3.Sustainable Design 4.Smaller Lot Size in a Residential Zone 5.Density 6.Mixed Use 7.Maintaining Existing Character of the Community

Policies Recommended – Core Area Plan 1.Encourage density in the Core Area to reduce the Town’s ecological footprint. 2.Minimize front, side and rear lawns for all buildings in the Core Area. 3.Encourage zero lot line developments in the Core Area 4.Build at densities able to support a viable range of uses and facilities. 5.Reduce space given over to roads and parking.

…Policies Recommended – Core Area Plan 6.Intensify along transport corridors and link areas of high activity. 7.The Core Area should include as much mixed use (residential and commercial) development as possible. 8.Where possible, ground floors should be reserved for commercial type uses, while upper floors should encourage residential or office type uses. 9.The waterfront area should become Stratford’s eventual ‘downtown’ 10. Alternative small lot housing should be encouraged in and around the core area.

Land Use - Suggested Objectives 1. Stratford’s land use pattern facilitates lower demand for vehicle urban travel. 2.Stratford’s land use plan encourages low impact development and green infrastructure integrating the natural environment into the community. 3.Stratford’s land use pattern and regulations attract investors, businesses and developers to the Town, facilitating and promoting a sustainable economy. 4.All parts of the Town are connected and accessible through an integrated master transportation plan. 5.Stratford is planned and designed to better connect people, places and the natural environment. 6.New subdivisions are designed so that a variety of services and facilities are within reasonable walking and cycling distances. 7.New subdivisions are planned and designed with significantly smaller ecological footprints. 8.Residents live, work and play in neighbourhoods which are close to green space, public transit and amenities. 9.Community spaces encourage personal interaction and shared activities. 10.Developed areas are designed to harmonize with the surrounding natural environment.

Land Use - Suggested Policies 1.Support and encourage low impact development and green infrastructure. 2.Create more land use diversity and more mixed-use zones in the Town. 3.Design the community to have accessible public spaces, and create a strong sense of place and community identity. 4.Encourage and facilitate active transportation and public transit access in new subdivisions. 5.Encourage in-filling and densification within the existing developed areas while protecting the character of existing neighbourhoods. 6.Create land use policies to achieve active transportation plan objectives and create safe physically active transportation within the existing subdivisions. 7. Create a conservation land policy which supports local designated agricultural land and protects the Town’s agricultural heritage and encourages the production of local healthy food. 8. Support and encourage a high level of pedestrian safety and security. 9. Facilitate safe, accessible, and convenient connections among major nodes, hubs, destinations, transit centers, and major land use and activity center for all populations, particularly those with visual or mobility impairments.

Thank You Questions?