Commercial Policy Study

Phase 2 Report: Policy Review and Framework, May 2022

On May 18, 2022, Council endorsed the Commercial Policy Study, Phase 2 Report: Policy Review and Framework, in support of the Official Plan Review. The Staff Report is available for download.

Virtual Open House

A Virtual Public Open House was held on March 9, 2022 to present the draft policy recommendations intended to guide future commercial growth in the Town. The Study will ensure there is sufficient commercial, retail and service opportunities available to accommodate the Town’s planned growth over the next thirty years. The open house presentation is available for download. You can provide your comments and feedback by emailing opreview@townofws.ca

Phase 1 Report: Market Analysis and Background Review, November 2021

On November 16, 2021, Council endorsed the Commercial Policy Study, Phase 1 Report: Market Analysis and Background Review, November 2021. The Report identifies the Town’s commercial land needs and preliminary directions to plan for additional retail and commercial space to support the Town’s growth to 2051. The Staff Report and consultants presentation is available for download.

The Town also hosted two Virtual Public Open Houses on September 15, 2021, to present background information and research regarding the Town’s commercial inventory, supply, and future needs. The purpose of the Open House was to seek input on:

• where future retail uses in the Town should be directed;
• what type and how much new retail is needed to support local growth; and
• what are the best options to strengthen Downtown Stouffville.

A copy of the presentation, including the live polling results from the Open Houses, and a figure illustrating the Town’s existing commercial/retail inventory by type, is available for download.

If you were unable to attend, and wish to provide comments, please email Tim Hayward, Policy Planner II, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville at opreview@townofws.ca. Hard copies of the presentation are available upon request.

Project Overview

As part of the Town’s Official Plan Review, we are undertaking a Town-wide Commercial Policy Study to ensure a sufficient amount of land is designated to meet the commercial and retail needs of the Town’s growing population to 2051. The Commercial Policy Study will provide recommendations with respect to:

• commercial land supply and demand based on a market analysis;
• commercial land use structure and designations, including the location and types of permitted uses;
• the evolving commercial and retail market needs in the Town ; and
• strategies to improve the vitality and vibrancy of the Downtown Core in the community of Stouffville and assess the role and function of other commercial areas.

Business owners and the community will be consulted throughout the Study through a series of online surveys and community workshops.

To stay engaged throughout the Study, receive updates and provide your input, please sign-up for our Interested Parties email list by emailing: opreview@townofws.ca.

For more information on how to participate, or to receive hard copies of the information, please contact Tim Hayward, Policy Planner II, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville at opreview@townofws.ca or (905) 640-1910 ext. 2234.

The Commercial Policy Study is being undertaken in two phases, which generally include the following tasks:

Phase 1 – Market Analysis and Background Review

• Inventory of existing commercial space and vacant commercial space/lands;
• Analysis of Stouffville’s current shopping patterns, customer draw and unmet shopping expectations;
• Review of national, provincial and local commercial trends and best practices and innovative approaches;
• Identification of trade areas and future potential opportunities and constraints for the commercial areas; and
• Commercial needs analysis based on the 2051 planning horizon.

Phase 2 – Policy Review and Framework

• Review of current commercial policies in terms of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats;
• Develop commercial policy principles to guide development of new policy framework;
• Provide recommendations for a new commercial policy framework/structure, including updated land use designations, permitted uses and recommended locations.

Other ways you can participate:

Sign-up for our Interested Parties email list by emailing opreview@townofws.ca, or filling out the form on the right

• Read the Town’s On The Road Magazine for regular updates
• Follow us on Facebook @WStouffville