Local Implementation of Smart Growth Policies in Ontario

This study is a detailed review of the implementation of smart growth planning policies in three Ontario Municipalities: the City of Ottawa, the Region of Waterloo and York Region. The case studies assessed each municipality's formal policies and, to the extent possible, recent planning and infrastructure investment decisions against eleven criteria reflecting smart growth principles. The three case studies highlight continuing gaps between the directions laid out in formal policies and the planning and infrastructure investment decisions and policies actually being made by municipal councils. The case studies also highlight the impact of provincial policies on local planning and infrastructure decisions.