The Ontario government has appointed a facilitator to help guide discussions on future housing and employment land needs in the Peterborough region.
The City of Peterborough says the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has assigned a representative from the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator’s Office following the city’s request to address future residential and employment land requirements.
As part of the process, the City of Peterborough and Cavan Monaghan Township each completed independent land needs studies prepared by third-party consultants. The confidential reports are intended to provide data to support discussions about accommodating future regional growth.
Representatives from the City of Peterborough, Cavan Monaghan Township, Peterborough County and other stakeholders met Thursday for the first facilitated session to review the studies. Additional meetings are planned over the coming months to examine the findings and discuss options for future development.
The city says the process is intended to support responsible growth, create more housing opportunities, expand employment lands and encourage long-term economic development throughout the region.
Discussions will remain confidential while negotiations continue. If the municipalities reach an agreement that requires provincial approval, the proposal will be made public through a future community consultation and approval process.
Mayor Jeff Leal said the region’s focus is on supporting growth, housing construction and job creation, while thanking the province for its leadership in addressing future housing and economic needs.
The City of Peterborough says it remains committed to working with its municipal partners and the province to develop a long-term plan for regional growth.
