Halton Regional Council approved what might be called the perfect compromise as their ‘Preferred Growth Plan.’ Perfect, because everyone can claim a kind of victory.

Those concerned about climate change, and sprawl got a reprieve from the debate over urban boundary expansion. A chance to look at different ways to build a community using more low/medium rise developments, and how to incorporate climate initiatives.

The politicians look good because they look like they listened to voters; a huge plus in an election year. There were 57 delegates, and many more written submissions speaking out against the plan to expand the urban boundaries. And look like leaders who are starting to listen environmental issues.

Milton is the only one that comes out of this as a mixed bag. The remaining land within the boundary is under some kind of protection- Greenbelt, Natural Heritage System (NHS), or Niagara Escarpment Commission. It’s a delayed fight, until they can see what development comes of what’s already in progress. A few high rise developments are under construction now, while others are in various stages of planning, including at the Land Tribunal. A win for one councilor who voted for the plan; and a loss for the other four.

What happened was not necessarily as bad as it was made out to be. On the surface it could be argued that it takes some control away from Milton council. But really, has Milton been doing such a great job on the planning side of things lately? There’s the building at the southwest corner of Derry and Bronte. When it came through council there was a lengthy discussion about the added traffic on the streets of the adjacent residential area, as well as access to Derry Rd. It’s almost finished. There’s the plaza at Santa Maria across from the Sports Centre with what I’d describe as the parking lot from hell.

There are developments that I’d classify as the would’ve worked in an area 10-15 years ago. The development behind the Superstore- three towers (31, 29, and 27 storeys) at the corner of Drew Centre and Thompson Rd. They were built on the assumption that because of proximity to transit, people wouldn’t be using their cars… in a town where transit revolves around the GO Station, and rush hour. And the one at southeast corner of Derry and Ontario that has just broken ground despite its approval three years ago. And that approval coming in spite of concerns over schools, traffic along 25 highway, and transit.

And then there’s the development at the southwest corner of Bronte and Main St. Two towers. Area residents have taken that developer to the land planning tribunal. Many of these developments have come before council with zoning amendments pertaining to building height. It’s a wonder that the official plan amendment process wasn’t triggered before now. The current height restrictions for the downtown area don’t work anymore. But do 16 storey buildings? In a way, it isn’t a surprise at all that the Region is taking over a little here. Councilors can yell all they want, but they haven’t done that great of a job of managing growth here or most importantly listening to what residents want, and compromising on it.

This issue sets up to be divisive municipal election campaign.