Whereas Highway 404 is one of the most significant pieces of infrastructure for people and major goods movement in York Region;
Whereas the lands along the Highway 404 corridor are highly valued for employment growth;
Whereas the majority of the undeveloped lands along Highway 404 are considered a buffer between key natural heritage features and settlement areas by the provincial plans;
Whereas freezing miles of land as a buffer to protect the natural heritage features in this area is not only unnecessary, but also a huge waste of municipal and provincial investment and economic development opportunities;
Whereas not all industrial developments are a threat to the environment;
Whereas the Town has a shortage of Industrial and Commercial assessment;
Whereas York Region has a very well-established and effective land use planning system that requires proposed industrial developments to undertake rigorous studies and thorough assessments to ensure there is no adverse environmental impact; and
Whereas the provincial review of the Growth Plan is a superb opportunity for York Region to identify new and attractive employments lands for growth and convert existing less desirable employment lands to other uses.
Therefore be it resolved
That Regional Council request the province to designate the lands on the east side of Highway 404 in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, as identified in the attached map, Provincially Significant Employment Zone through Amendment #1 to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2017).