Thank you all for your comments. They have been recorded in our comment matrix , and will be taking into consideration for the OPR. Marissa Handley Planner SBA

1. Do you think that the Township has an appropriate mix and choice of housing to accommodate all needs? If not, what additional housing choices should be made available and where?

As it stands - no, the predominant form is single family and seasonal cottage residential. There are huge opportunities that would bring all kinds of benefits to the municipality if the scope of housing was expanded to include such things as 'live-work' units, low-rise multi-family, semi's, duplexes and even townhouse development. Notwithstanding, this does have to be managed carefully to ensure such development lends itself to the context, setting and character of the settlement area or locality in question.

2. Do you agree that residential development in settlement areas should occur through intensification, infill, and redevelopment opportunities?

Yes, but the expression 'density done well' comes to mind. Such intensification has to be executed through the lens of design excellence that is sensitive and fitting to the unique and special character of settlement areas. This means that Seguin has to prioritize good urban design, have the right staff expertise (development review) and make use of other tools to manage the form of development. Another very important consideration is think about a mix of uses in these areas that have access to complimentary support services and other uses (retail, employment, institutional, recreational, open space, etc) and even sustainable considerations. Have you heard about the 5 minute Community?

3. How do you think the character of a community can be retained while intensification and new development occurs? Should the Township consider development of guiding principles for complete communities and integration of land uses?

Guiding principles are a start, but the municipality will need to go further and drill down to zoning. Council approved urban design guidelines will be helpful. In thinking about special character areas, such as Rosseau, such tools as the Ontario Heritage Act (heritage conversation districts) may come in handy to manage the existing character where there are unique aspects and special qualities including matters of scale, built-form, landscape, open space qualities, public realm ... the great part about districts is that they do allow sensitive infill and intensification to occur without freezing development. They are also known to perform quite well from a property values perspective and the municipality can use heritage as a way to promote culture and tourism.

4. Should the Township consider establishment of a minimum target for a housing units within settlement areas which will need to be attainable? Should the Township consider policies establishing targets for a minimum number of units which are: designed to be accessible to people with disabilities, designed to accommodate larger families, and designed to be age-friendly?

Absolutely. With the current exodus of people from larger urban centres, Seguin needs to be proactive and take some bold steps to capitalize on the opportunities at play. This would certainly help in maintaining a competitive edge for the municipality in both the short and long term, building the tax base/revenue generation and addressing the needs of a broader demographic, diversity and inclusion, aging-in-place for the existing population, et al. When young people can no longer afford the expensive costs of living and/or real estate in larger urban centres, they seek new opportunities and places to live ... what better way for Seguin to pave the way and welcome them through a range of housing options and choice!

5. Please provide any other comments you may have for consideration in the development of new policies.

Growth can be accommodated if it is planned for and executed really well. But the devil is in the details. Being deliberate about growth is key - a vision for what you want connected to the bigger picture, robust planning policies, zoning and urban design guidelines will be instrumental. Equally important will be Council's commitment to implementation, making sound decisions in the broader public interest without cherry picking the principles that really matter.

I really want to see Seguin make it easier for more types of multiple unit housing such as duplexes, townhomes, grannies suites in both settlement areas and in rural areas.

we also must make it easier for rural subdivision of lots to smaller sizes and on many types of roads.

Additionally it is vitally important that we make Seguin attractive for investors, developers and others to build more housing. It has to be easy, welcoming and not over prescriptive. Let’s allow creative solutions to our housing needs.

1. Seguin Township has a good mix and choice of housing. Additional affordable housing choices should be made available. Ideally these would be situated in areas with easy access to local amenities.

2. I agree that residential development in settlement areas should occur through intensification, infill, and redevelopment opportunities.

3. To retain the character of a community while intensification and new development occurs, the Township should develop guiding principles for complete communities and integration of land uses. The principles should not discourage investment, instead they should focus on a long term vision of a community that is accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.

4. The idea of establishing a minimum target for a housing units within settlement areas (e.g., targets for units that are accessible to seniors, larger families, and people with disabilities) may be too prescriptive. Some developers may only meet the minimum, when MORE accessible housing could be accommodated. Instead, the Town should follow guiding principles to make reasonable decisions based on the best evidence available at the time the planning decision is made.