Q&A - Grimsby Beach Area Specific Policy Set

The Town of Grimsby recognizes the unique and historic character of the Grimsby Beach community and remains committed to preserving and protecting its heritage.

As part of the Official Plan Review, the Town has received questions regarding the proposed Area Specific Policy Set for Grimsby Beach. In response, staff have prepared a Q&A to provide clarity on the intent and direction of the policy framework.

Why have the policies been updated?

Since the approval of the Grimsby Beach Secondary Plan, there have been several changes to the Planning Act and other provincial legislation that supports the planning process. At a minimum, the policies must be updated to ensure conformity and consistency with current provincial requirements.

Staff also reviewed the policies to remove duplication where appropriate. In addition, the Province has encouraged municipalities to move away from Secondary Plans in light of Bill 98, resulting in the transition to an Area Specific Policy Set.

Importantly, these updates do not change the intent of the specific policies within Grimsby Beach Secondary Plan, these policies will continue to be implemented as intended. The Town continues to be committed to protecting the historic character of Grimsby Beach.

What is the difference between an Area Specific Policy Set and a Secondary Plan?

Both are amendments to the Town’s Official Plan that provide specific policies applicable only to a defined area of the municipality.

A Secondary Plan is typically developed through a multi-phase planning process with engagement throughout. An Area Specific Policy Set can follow a similar process but is structured differently within the Official Plan.

The important collaborative work previously completed with the Grimsby Beach community enables this Area Specific Policy Set to function in the same manner as the previous Secondary Plan.

Both approaches provide the same policy protection for the Grimsby Beach area.

Will the policies continue to protect the area’s historic character and development pattern?

Yes.

The intention of the Area Specific Policy Set is to maintain the protection of the area’s historical character and development pattern. The policies will continue to ensure proper review through Planning Act applications.

The change in title does not weaken or reduce the strength of the policies or protections in place.

Will the policies ensure consistent interpretation over time?

Staff have been actively reviewing and “testing” the updated policies to ensure the framework achieves the same outcomes as the existing Secondary Plan.

The goal is to maintain consistency in how policies are interpreted and applied over time.

Will the policies address cumulative or incremental changes that could affect the overall historic integrity of the area?

The Official Plan must remain consistent with provincial policy and legislation. Staff will continue to use the policy framework to mitigate impacts and protect the character of the area through existing planning and heritage tools. Heritage protections will continue to be integrated and overlaid where applicable.

One of the most significant current challenges is the Province’s removal of the Municipal Heritage Register under Section 27 of the Ontario Heritage Act through Bill 23. The Municipal Register under Section 27 of the Ontario Heritage Act was a tool utilized as a part of the protection strategy for Grimsby Beach as it provided demolition protection to the area while guidance for change was implemented through the secondary plan. With this significant legislative change Part IV and Part V heritage designation is the only the primary tool available for long-term demolition protection. The loss of the register is occurring regardless of the Official Plan approach.

Why was consultation with the Province required?

As part of the Official Plan Review process, the Town is required to consult with provincial ministries and agencies. Following the removal of regional planning responsibilities, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is now the approval authority for the Town’s Official Plan.

Through discussions with Ministry staff during their review of the draft Official Plan, the Town was encouraged to address the Grimsby Beach policies through an Area Specific Policy Set rather than through a traditional Secondary Plan structure.

In response, staff reviewed, updated, and consolidated the existing policies to ensure the intent of the Grimsby Beach Secondary Plan remained intact within the new Official Plan framework.

The revised policy set was reviewed by Town Heritage Staff prior to release to confirm that the intent of the original Secondary Plan was maintained and that the required policies remained in place.

Town staff also met directly with Ministry representatives to discuss the Area Specific Policy Set approach. Based on those discussions, Ministry staff were generally supportive of maintaining the policies in this format in line with provincial policy and legislation.

These proactive adjustments help ensure consistency across the new Official Plan while avoiding potential conflicts or delays that could arise from reintroducing policies at a later stage.

The Town of Grimsby remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the cultural heritage, development pattern, and unique character of Grimsby Beach. Residents with additional questions are encouraged to contact staff at grimsbyop@grimsby.ca.