Natural Resources and Agriculture

Take our survey!
As part of the Town’s Official Plan Review, we are doing a study of trends in agriculture to guide growth policies and land use in Caledon. Given the important role of agriculture, we invite everyone -- farmers or agri-business operators in particular -- to take our short survey.
Background
Natural and agriculture resources are important elements of Caledon that provide recreation, food, raw material, and economic viability. They include our forests, wildlife, geological formations, farms, mineral, and water resources. The majority of the Town's natural and agricultural resources are located within the Oak Ridges Moraine, Niagara Escarpment, Greenbelt, and designated Prime Agricultural lands.
Aggregate mineral resources, which are a significant component of Caledon’s natural resources, provide the raw materials needed to build our homes, roads and public infrastructure. However, the extraction of mineral resources can also have impacts on the community, such as noise, traffic and vibration. Therefore, it is important to balance the need for raw material and associated opportunities for economic prosperity with community and environmental objectives to minimize long-term impacts.
Caledon’s diversity of natural features and resources (natural heritage systems) are recognized and managed through the presence of:
- Four (4) conservation authorities: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation (LSRCA);
- Two (2) source water protection jurisdictions: South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Region, and the CTC Source Protection Region; and
- Four (4) prominent provincial plans: The Greenbelt Plan, 2017, The Oak Ridges Moraine Plan, 2017, The Niagara Escarpment Plan, 2017, and The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan
The effective management of these natural heritage systems is essential for Caledon to be able to protect these systems while managing continued growth and development.
Caledon’s proud agricultural industry contributes to its economic growth and culture. The preservation and enhancement of Caledon’s agricultural system is essential to maintaining the rural characteristics that make Caledon attractive to residents, prospective residents and visitors.
Policies to be developed through studies for the Natural Resources and Agriculture focus areas will be guided by the following existing legislation, policies and studies:
Provincial:
- A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe 2019
- Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 and Proposed Amendments
- Planning Act and Bill 108 amendments/regulations
- Aggregate Resources Act
- Niagara Escarpment Plan, 2017
- Greenbelt Plan, 2017
- Oak Ridges Moraine Plan, 2017
Region of Peel Official Plan Review Work Plan:
- Joint Region of Peel/Town of Caledon LEAR Study (2015) – Land Evaluation and Area Review and Update
- Edge Planning for Agriculture (2015)
- Minimum Distance Separation Guidelines
- Water and Wastewater Master Plan, 2020
- Greenland systems – Region’s conformity review
Town of Caledon Official Plan Review Work Plan:
- Provincial Plan and Region of Peel Plan conformity
- Agriculture Conformity Review
- Aggregate Rehabilitation Master Plan for Caledon Village and Belfountain Areas
- Excess Soils Study
- Aggregate Policy Review
- Agri-tourism Study
Please let us know if you have any questions about the work the Town is undertaking to plan for the future of our natural resources and agriculture. Your questions and responses from Town staff may be published here to help build awareness.