[All] ROPP maps: how they are created and by whom.

[Louisette Lanteigne]

Hi folks

I asked the Region about the mapping process regarding recharge and aggregate resources in the ROPP in order to understand who has the jurisdictional power to influence map delineation and to better understand the process. The maps I sent were of the Yellow preliminary recharge, and the existing OPP maps for Source Water and Aggregate Resources. 

I inquired details on why the section of preliminary recharge known as the Crosshill Spur was removed from Wellesley as a source water area and included in the aggregate extraction areas in the official plan. 

Here are the answers to the inquiries as provided by Regional Staff: 

QUESTIONS 1 AND 5: The Regional Planning, Housing, and Community Services Department and the Regional Water Services department worked collaboratively to delineate the Regional Recharge Area(s) on the Regional Official Plan maps.  There was also extensive consultation with the GRCA and all Area Municipalities during the development of the policies and mapping for the Regional Official Plan. 
 
In addition, the Ministry of the Environment (in 2009, through the EBR) released a document that assessed the Region’s policy protection framework to determine whether there was a need for new provincial policy to protect groundwater and source waters in the Waterloo moraine.  The conclusion was that “new provincial policy or legislation is not required to protect the functions of the Waterloo moraine at this time.”  This document can be found at the link, below.
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@ene/@resources/documents/resource/stdprod_078243.pdf
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is the approval authority of the Regional Official Plan (ROP), including all mapping. After the ROP has been approved, any amendments to the policies or mapping of the ROP, including the source water protection areas, must be approved by Regional Council.  Such amendments must follow the process outlined in the Planning Act and provide an opportunity for the public to provide input on the amendment.
 
QUESTIONS 1, 2, AND 3: Regarding the specific area you are referring to in Wellesley (on the preliminary map or Slide 1 in your email), this is known as the Crosshill Spur.  It is an isolated portion of the Waterloo Moraine and was removed because it was not considered regionally significant in terms of recharge.
 
QUESTION 4: The aggregate resource areas shown in the ROP were obtained from the Ministry of Natural Resources.  These areas have been identified by the Ministry as having a high potential to contain mineral aggregate resources. Mineral aggregate resources include gravel, sand, clay, earth, shale stone, limestone, dolostone, sandstone, marble, granite, rock or other material prescribed under the Aggregate Resources Act.

QUESTION 5: The Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for delineating mineral aggregate resources.  The boundaries of the mineral aggregate resource areas may be refined by the Region and Area Municipalities.


It was interesting to find that Community Services Department influenced recharge maps. I never knew they played a roll in that process. I have always shared data with the Planners and Water Services but I never approached Community Services before. Good to know!

Lulu :0)
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