GROWTH PRESSURES PRESENT A CHALLENGE FOR TOWNS LIKE LINCOLN

the town's perspective is that planning is fluid and rapidly changing. A creature of the province, municipalities often must adapt to policy changes from Queen's Park. So when new provincial targets predicted even more growth in Lincoln, staff and council must react.

First-term councillor Adam Russell ran for a seat in 2018 in large part as a result of some of the development proposals that were coming before the town. His time on council has shown him the delicate balancing act that must be played; however, he's still not sure that municipalities like his should simply roll over and accept increased intensification because the provincial government of the day says so.

"I still think there is a need to make sure that we stand up and find what's appropriate for the town and define what I would consider smart development and make sure the infrastructure also is keeping up with development," he said.

To some, maximum height levels and density targets in municipal policies may seem pointless when they can so often be overruled, but chief administrator Mike Kirkopoulos doesn't see it that way exactly.

"Our policies remain effective and useful as it helps direct growth in key areas, i.e. our GO Secondary Plan, Prudhomme's, Ontario Street corridor, etc. But the provincial policies require municipalities to approach higher densities with flexibility," he said in an email.

Matt Bruder, director of planning and development for Lincoln, said the A Place to Grow legislation is the key provincial document affecting growth plans in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. It was developed in 2006 and updated in 2017 and 2020 to project growth further out. The latest includes projections to 2051.

"It has been difficult to keep up with this and other changes to planning legislation that look to increase density such as the provincial policy statement that now prioritizes building to a more compact built form and higher densities in urban areas," he said, referencing other documents such as the More Homes for Everyone Plan.

"These in concert essentially recognize a housing shortage and affordability issues and set the stage for consideration and expedition of developments of higher densities and more compact built forms."

"A lot of our planning policies at the Town were developed prior to the most recent changes (i.e. 2020 Growth Plan) and thus when it comes to evaluating planning applications and densities, we take a holistic and flexible approach," Kirkopoulos added.

At past council meetings, Kirkopoulos and town staff have cautioned against taking what they see as a risky approach and outright denying an application, which could lead to a Local Planning Appeal Tribunal

hearing that would likely not rule in their favour.

"What we do is evaluate applications from an urban design and infrastructure perspective, while ensuring we are helping to create a Lincoln that is a complete community," he said.

Cronkwright doesn't necessarily buy that, arguing municipalities should consider standing their ground and that growth targets are just that: targets.

"To me, that's the best out you got in the world. Stick to your rules. Let them go to LPAT and then it's off your plate," he said.

The town recently passed a motion calling for changes to the LPAT, with a focus on a regionalized tribunal.

"One of the frustrations we've had is that any time we come to a decision, it seems that the provincial policy outweighs anything that is created municipally," Russell said.

Both Cronkwright and Russell said they understand the need for growth and development. A lack of housing has been blamed for pricing younger, first-time home buyers out of the market.

But the speed at which new proposals are coming online concerns Russell. He'd also like to see the province provide more infrastructure funding.

"The reports from the consultants say the infrastructure that we've got now can handle what is coming. But handle is one thing, meeting the expectations of the residents is a lot different," he said.

"Maintaining a balance between compatibility within the community while providing a range of housing options is our goal and commitment, although this is becoming more challenging as a result of higher densities required by the province," Bruder said.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: Building new homes is seen as one solution to Ontario's housing crisis, but in areas like Lincoln, it can be viewed as problematic overintensification. Ahead of the provincial election, Luke Edwards looked at the situation in Lincoln and how municipalities and the province can make growth work for everyone.