See also MIRANET article:
• OFFICIAL PLAN of the City

The City of Mississauga Policy Planning Division invited representatives of Residents' Associations to two information sessions on new planning tools and development incentives that the City is exploring for possible implementation in Mississauga as part of the Official Plan Review.  These tools will both promote and control intensification, as mandated by provincial 'Smart Growth' policies.

The specific tools being considered include density/height bonusing associated with certain development proposals, community improvement plans and the application of financial incentives to achieve certain preferred types of development.  In addition, planning staff presented the use of community infrastructure impact studies (which would be required as part of a development application) to determine the potential social impacts associated with a development proposal.

Community feedback and opinion on these ideas will help develop City-wide enabling policies and assist planning staff to focus the application of these tools to better suit the needs of specific communities in the future.  A Draft Report is being prepared that will be circulated to RAs for comment in Fall 2010.  This report will contain general recommendations to be approved by Council's Planning and Development Committee.

NOTE: For more information about these tools click to view the one-page background document provided by the City.

February 25, 2010: The discussion with ratepayer groups continued in this follow-up meeting at Mississauga City Hall with a focus on the following questions:

1. Could your area benefit from the use of these tools?
2. What issues in your area do you think these tools would be best suited to address?
3. What have been the major barriers to addressing these issues in the absence of these tools?

November 16, 2009: This initial information session presented the new planning tools and development incentives.  NOTE: Click here to view the amalgamated feedback received, as distributed to residents' associations on January 20, 2010 by the City's consultant, GHK.

RAs received the following presentations, and were asked to comment:

• Policy Planning Division presentation: Assessing Planning Tools to Support Growth Management & Good Planing (Stakeholder Consultation: Nov. 16, 2009)

• GHK consultant presentation: Assessing Planning Tools for Mississauga (Community Stakeholder Consultation: Nov. 16, 2009)

The purpose of the November 16, 2009 meeting was to explain:

1. How these tools work in a land use planning and development context
2. How they might benefit existing communities and businesses in Mississauga

RELATED NOTE: At the June 1, 2009 PDC meeting, the MIRANET Letter on the Urban Growth Plan - OPA 95 was submitted.  The Letter addresses various issues of concern to residents, including: Density, Conversion of land use, Mixed use and Transition zones.

For further information about this issue, or to comment, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at (905) 615-3200 ext 5514, or email the City's consultant This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at GHK International Inc.