The study area in the image shows the primary and secondary study areas in the region of Conservation Drive and Erbsville Road. The boundary is marked in red. The image was generated August 23, 2024.
A consultant team comprised of MHBC Planning, Natural Resource Solutions Inc., Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd., and MTE Consultants have been retained by a group of landowners in the Erbsville North area of the City of Waterloo to undertake the development of a Master Environmental Servicing Plan (MESP) and District Plan for the Erbsville North District.
At the November 25, 2024 Council Meeting, Waterloo City Council approved the Terms of Reference for the MESP and District Plan, authorizing the consultant team to begin working on the study. View the council meeting video, agenda and information packets. The Staff Plan and Terms of Reference can be found under Documents in this webpage.
The MESP and District Plan will combine multiple studies into an integrated process to allow for a coordinated environmental, servicing, transportation, and planning evaluation, which will guide future development in the Erbsville North District.
The MESP is guided by the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MECA) and the province’s draft Subwatershed Planning Guide. The MESP is a Master Plan that includes the following studies:
- Scoped Subwatershed Study
- Stormwater, Water, and Wastewater Servicing Plan
- Transportation Plan
- Cultural Heritage Evaluation
The District Plan, using the information from the MESP and guided by the Planning Act, will provide the following information:
- recommended mix, arrangement and density of land uses
- recommended street pattern
- recommended size and location of neighbourhood parks
- determine the location of other supporting uses
- identify the location of major services
The District Plan will provide the land use framework for the area and will provide the basis for the consideration of future Planning Act applications, such as Zoning Bylaw Amendments and Subdivision Applications.
The study is intended to progress over 3 Phases, as outlined below. The project is currently in Phase 1. The estimated timeline for the completion of the study is Fall 2026.
Phase 1: Study Initiation & Background Review
Key Deliverables
- Terms of Reference
- Technical Work Plan
- Background Review and Existing Conditions Study, including environmental and infrastructure considerations
Public Consultation
- Council endorsement of Terms of Reference
- Notice of study commencement
- Public information session #1: Project Initiation, Consultation on Background Review / Existing Conditions and Findings, Public Input
Phase 2: Determine Preferred Land Use & Infrastructure Approach / Complete Draft MESP & Draft District Plan
Key Deliverables
- Establish evaluation criteria and complete assessment and screening of Land Use and infrastructure alternatives
- Draft MESP and District Plan including:
- Subwatershed Study
- Stormwater, Water, and Wastewater Servicing Plan
- Transportation Plan
- Cultural Heritage Evaluation
- Urban Design Guidelines
Public Consultation
- Public information session #2 : Consultation of alternatives and preferred alternatives
- Informal public meeting at City Council
- Public information session #3 : Consultation on final MESP and District Plan
Phase 3: Finalization of MESP & District Plan
Key Deliverables
- Final MESP
- Final District Plan
Public Consultation
- Council consideration of MESP and District Plan
- Notice of Study Completion
Key dates and project milestones
- November 25, 2024 - Council Approved the Terms of Reference
- December 11, 2024 - Public information session #1 (Creekside Church, 660 Conservation Dr., 6:30 - 8 p.m.)
- Public information session #2 - To be determined in 2025
- Informal public meeting - To be determined in 2025
- Public information session #3 - To be determined in 2025
- Formal public meeting - To be determined in 2026
