The 2014 Provincial Policy Statement & Environmental Protection

Introduction

The Provincial Policy Statement 2014 (the "2014 PPS") was issued under section 3 of the Planning Act and replaces the Provincial Policy Statement 2005 (the "2005 PPS"). The 2014 PPS applies to all decisions in respect of the exercise of any authority that affects a planning matter made on or after April 30, 2014. Unlike previous provincial policy statements, there are no transition provisions in the 2014 PPS therefore, any municipal council decisions or Ontario Municipal Board decisions, regardless of when the development application was filed, must be consistent with the 2014 PPS as of April 30, 2014¹.

The 2014 PPS introduces a change in policy direction with a pronounced emphasis on environmental sustainability and conservation. Although it is far too early to fully appreciate how these changes will impact land use planning decisions going forward, the following provides a summary of the amendments to the 2014 PPS regarding environment protection