|
|
Legislation Governing the Use and Conservation of the Moraine
People have long struggled to reconcile our desire to reshape the moraine's landscape, with our reverence for its natural beauty. The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, released in April 2002, divides the Moraine into various "Land Use Designations" that are designed to allow limited development to continue on the Moraine, while its important natural features and resources are preserved.
Land Use Designations:
Natural Core Areas (38%): These areas are identified by high concentrations of Key Natural Heritage Features (KNHF), Hydrologically Sensitive Features (HSF) & landform. Permitted uses include: fish, forest, & wildlife management; flood & erosion control projects; agricultural uses; transportation, infrastructure & utilities (with demonstrated need); home businesses; home industries; bed & breakfast establishments; farm vacation homes; low-intensity recreational uses; unserviced parks; and accessory uses to all of the above.
Natural Linkage Areas (24%): These are central corridors connecting core areas, and river valleys. Permitted uses include all of those included above in Natural Core Areas as well as aggregate extraction and wayside pits.
Countryside Areas (30%): These are rural, agricultural, recreational & extraction lands. Permitted uses include all of those included in Natural Core and Linkage areas as well as most agriculture-related uses, small-scale commercial, industrial & institutional uses, major recreational uses, and limited rural residential development.
Settlement Areas (8%): This includes all urban lands. All uses are permitted by applicable official plan.
To find out how living on the Moraine affects your property, please visit the ORM Interactive Atlas on the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Website or contact your local municipality's Planning Department as administrators of the Conservation Plan. The atlas shows the boundary, location, and land uses of the ORM.
Further reading: the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act ; the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan; the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Technical Paper Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
