Municipal Planning Toolkit:
A Guide to the Implementation of the Capital Region Growth Plan

The Planning Toolkit is a guide to aid Capital Region member municipalities and stakeholders with the implementation of the Capital Region Growth Plan. It includes information about:

• the land use planning framework;
• submitting Regional Evaluation Framework (REF) applications; and
• planning for growth within Priority Growth Areas (PGAs), Cluster Country Residential Areas (CCRAs) and the balance of the Region.

The Toolkit was developed to help member municipalities and stakeholders navigate the regional planning process by:

• providing the information necessary to implement the Land Use Policies and Principles of the Growth Plan consistently at the local level through municipal planning processes across the Capital Region; and
• assisting in knowing how and when Regional Evaluation Framework (REF) applications are required and what information is required for an application.

Ultimately, the desired result is the consistent interpretation and application of the Land Use Principles and Policies of the Growth Plan, and strong regional cooperation and collaboration.

CONTENTS

The Toolkit consists of a number of modules and fact sheets making it easier for municipal users and stakeholders to find and reference the specific information when it is needed.

Modules

1. Understanding the Land Use Planning Framework
2. About the Regional Evaluation Framework (REF)
3. Implementation Guidelines for Priority Growth Areas (PGAs)
4. Implementation Guidelines for Cluster Country Residential Areas (CCRAs)
5. Implementation Guidelines for Growth Areas Outside Priority Growth Areas (PGAs) and Cluster Country Residential Areas (CCRAs)

Fact Sheets

• Land Use Principles
• Geographic Profile
• Priority Growth Areas
• Cluster Country Residential Areas
• Growth Outside of PGAs and CCRAs
• Regional Evaluation Framework
• Residential Density Targets
• Regional Buffer Areas
• Population and Employment Forecast
• Land Supply and Regional Development Footprint

Consolidated Glossary from Growth Plan

The Toolkit is not meant to be read cover to cover. It is intended as an on-line reference to aid understanding of the Land Use Principles and Policies of the Growth Plan, and the October and December Addenda. It is not a substitute for reading and understanding the Growth Plan. For certainty, the reader is advised to refer to the Growth Plan and related legislation available through the Capital Region Board.

As the Growth Plan Principles and Policies may be amended from time to time, new modules and fact sheets will be added to the Toolkit to maintain it as a current and accurate reference tool that municipalities and stakeholders can rely on.