Appeals against waste management facility in significant woodland dismissed; no negative environmental impacts found.
The appellants appealed the County's Official Plan Amendment 2 (OPA 2) and the Township's failure to make a decision on related official plan and zoning by-law amendments, which would permit an Environmental Resource Recovery Centre (ERRC) in a significant woodland.
The appellants argued the facility would have negative impacts on the natural heritage system and did not qualify for exemptions under the Growth Plan.
The Tribunal found that the proposed facility would not cause negative impacts to the significant woodlands or wildlife habitat, and that the required off-site afforestation and reforestation provided appropriate compensation.
The Tribunal dismissed the appeals against OPA 2 and approved the related amendments in part, finding them consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement and in conformity with the Growth Plan.
OLTOntario Land TribunalJan 25, 2022
