Overview

In 2005, the Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator (OPLDF) was established to help resolve cross-cutting planning and development issues arising out of implementation of provincial policies. Since then, the role of the office has grown to encompass a broader range of projects and requests for its services. The OPLDF is classified as an Advisory Agency under the Agencies and Appointment Directives who reports to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

The Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator provides services, including:

  • impartial mediation
  • facilitation
  • negotiation

These services help individuals, businesses and municipalities resolve issues about:

  • growth management
  • land use and infrastructure planning
  • environmental protection related to land and development
  • streamline approvals to support provincial surplus lands project to facilitate housing

The office will ensure they consider the following as part of the issues resolution:

  • provincial land use policy
  • financial interests
  • environmental objectives

The facilitator may also act as a negotiator on behalf of the Government of Ontario on issues dealing with provincial:

  • land
  • assets
  • interests

Learn more about the facilitator and appointed members to the OPLDF.

How we prioritize requests

When the OPLDF receives a request for facilitation services, the office looks for at least one of the following criteria:

  • it relates to ongoing, large-scale land use, planning or development application
  • it relates to infrastructure or environmental issues that are overarching in nature and may cross municipal boundaries or watersheds
  • it falls under the mandate(s) of two or more provincial ministries or agencies
  • it involves the implementation of relevant provincial legislation, plans and policies

To prioritize requests, the office will consult with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to consider:

  • nature and time constraints of the issue
  • interests of the various parties, including those of the province
  • any outstanding legal matters, including tribunal hearings or active litigation

For more information, email opldf@ontario.ca.

Current assignments

City of Mississauga: Lakeview Village

The OPLDF is working with parties to transform a 177-acre former industrial site into a sustainable mixed-use waterfront community. On April 10, 2024, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued an Order under section 49.2 of the Planning Act outlining the agreements required for appropriately developing the site. Work continues to determine other requirements for the development of the project.

City of Barrie, Township of Oro-Medonte, Township of Springwater and County of Simcoe: Boundary adjustment

In response to the City of Barrie’s requested boundary expansion, the parties have engaged in facilitated discussions, with the intent of agreeing upon approaches to enable growth in the broader region.

Recently completed notable assignments

City of St. Thomas and Municipality of Central Elgin: Boundary adjustment

Resolved issues with annexed lands in Central Elgin as per the St. Thomas – Central Elgin Boundary Adjustment Act, 2023. The agreement in April 2024 resulted in funds and increased water service capacity for future industrial and residential growth in Central Elgin. Work continues to support development plans within Central Elgin.

City of Brantford: SC Johnson facility

The OPLDF assisted parties to resolve a conflict over a proposed residential development adjacent to an existing SC Johnson facility. The agreement in March 2024 allowed SC Johnson operations to continue unaffected and resulted in new housing opportunities elsewhere in the City of Brantford.