Platform · Pillar 2

Resident-First Growth Planning

Growth is coming whether we plan for it or not. The question is whether it happens on the community's terms — or the developer's terms.

Housing Growth Planning Infrastructure Local Economy Community Accountability

The Challenge

The Community Is Projected to Nearly Double

Centre Wellington's population grew from 25,300 in 2001 to 32,100 in 2021 — and is projected to reach 58,200 by 2051. That is not a manageable rate of change under the current planning framework, where residents must fight every significant development application one at a time.

Under the existing system, developers apply, residents object, appeals go to the Ontario Land Tribunal, and communities lose. Repeatedly. A Community Planning Permit System changes that dynamic fundamentally.

"Residents should not be forced to fight every development one application at a time. A Community Planning Permit System would allow Centre Wellington to define where growth belongs, what infrastructure must be in place, and how neighbourhoods and local character should be protected."

— Neil Dunsmore

The Solution

The Community Planning Permit System

Under Planning Act s.70.2, a municipality can establish a CPPS for a defined area. It replaces the standard rezoning and site plan approval process with a single permit system. The township sets the rules upfront — and developers must work within them.

For Residents

You see the full framework for your neighbourhood before any specific application arrives — and you help design that framework. No more surprises.

For the Township

Fewer OLT appeals. Faster approvals for compliant projects. Stronger grounds for refusing non-compliant ones. Lower legal costs.

For Housing

The CPPS can require affordable units as a condition of permit — building affordability into the system, not negotiating it case by case.

Commitments

What a Dunsmore Administration Will Do

Develop a CPPS for the Fergus and Elora-Salem urban growth areas within the first term.
Establish a public engagement process to co-design the CPPS framework with residents before it is finalized.
Ensure the CPPS includes explicit provisions for affordable unit requirements, design standards, and required infrastructure.
Publish a plain-language guide so residents understand what the CPPS means and how to participate.
Tie all new growth approvals to confirmed infrastructure capacity — water, wastewater, roads, parks, and emergency services.

Next: Smart Infrastructure →