For Release: February 21, 2005

Ontario's New Provincial Policy Statement and Agriculture

The revisions to the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) implement specific elements of the advice provided to the government by the Agricultural Advisory Team (AAT) and ensure that Ontario's land use policies protect agricultural lands and support farming activities.

The advisory team recommended that clearly defined urban boundaries for residential, commercial and industrial uses would provide the agriculture industry with the confidence it needs to plan long-term investments. The PPS will do this by requiring intensification and redevelopment and allowing urban boundary expansions only after comprehensive municipal review. The PPS also prohibits urban expansions on to specialty croplands.

The new PPS also includes a strong statement limiting non-agricultural lot creation in prime agricultural areas except for the severance of surplus farm dwellings. This supports the team's advice suggesting that the province adopt a strong provincial policy that limits lot creation in prime agricultural areas.

The advisory team also advised that on-farm businesses of any kind should be allowed as a means of contributing to the operation's viability, provided they are secondary to the farming operation. The PPS specifically allows development that is in keeping with the unique character of rural Ontario.

The majority of Canada's most productive agricultural land and most diverse agriculture industry are found in Ontario. The amount of productive land is finite and it must be preserved. The sector's diversity and economic viability must be promoted. In recognition of this fact, the Ontario government has and will continue to take steps to protect the province's agricultural interests, while furthering its commitment to better managing growth and preserving greenspace.

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Media Contact:
Jamie Rilett
Minister's Office
416-326-6439
416-458-2610 (Mobile)