Farm-generated odour is a frequent source of conflict between farmers and non-farming neighbours. One means of reducing the incidence of these complaints is providing adequate distances between livestock facilities and incompatible uses.

The Planning Act requires land use planning decisions to be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement. The Provincial Policy Statement requires new land uses and new or expanding livestock facilities to comply with the Minimum Distance Separation Formulae (MDS).

Publication 707 – Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) Formulae contains the revised MDS I and II formulae that are used to determine the recommended separation distance between a livestock facility or permanent manure storage and other land uses. Publication 707 also contains information on MDS definitions, factors, implementation guidelines and calculation forms. The actual separation distance calculated by the MDS formulae vary depending on the size, type and degree of expansion of the livestock operation, the type of manure storage system, or the proposed new land use.

To assist municipalities, farmers, consultants and the general public, OMAFRA has developed a software program for distribution and use with Publication 707 – MDS Formulae. The software program is provided when you order a copy of Publication 707. Version 1.0.2 is the current version of the software distributed by OMAFRA, and is compatible with most Microsoft operating systems.

For the purposes of calculating MDS, Version 1.0.0, Version 1.0.1 and Version 1.0.2 all continue to be official versions of the MDS software recognized by OMAFRA, which yield accurate calculations for MDS setbacks.

The MDS book and CD (Publication 707) can be ordered by:

Hardcopies of publications can be ordered through ServiceOntario:
Online at ServiceOntario Publications.
By phone through the ServiceOntario Contact Centre
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
416 326-5300
416 325-3408 (TTY)
1 800 668-9938 Toll-free across Canada
1 800 268-7095 TTY Toll-free across Ontario

In person at ServiceOntario Centres located throughout the province.