Frequently Asked Questions

What is the status of the Bram West Secondary Plan Review

In October 2006, the findings of the secondary plan review were implemented through the Council adoption of two official plan amendments (OP93-270/271) that revised the land uses and policies of the existing Bram West Secondary Plan. These amendments were appealed to the OMB and have subsequently been partially approved as it relates to the lands east of Mississauga Road (approved as Chapter 40(c) in February 2009. The balance of the amendments are likely to be approved in 2010 starting with the lands known a Chapter 40(d) which are located between Mississauga Road and Heritage Road, north of Steeles Avenue West to the Credit River Valley.

What is a Secondary Plan, and how does it differ from the Brampton Official Plan?

Secondary Plans are part of the Brampton Official Plan. The Brampton Official Plan consists of TWO parts:

Part I: The General Plan establishes the general direction for planning and development in Brampton by prescribing goals, objectives, and policies for land use planning in the City.

Part II: The Secondary Plans adapt and implement the direction of the General Plan in response to the specific circumstances of individual planning districts within the City. In many cases, the policies of Secondary Plans will be more detailed and/or restrictive, but consistent with, the policies of the General Plan.

So far Secondary Plans have been prepared for 38 districts within the City of Brampton.

There has been a lot of talk about Brampton’s Growth Management Program. How will the GMP affect the development of the Bram West area?

The Bram West Secondary Plan will be implemented in accordance with the objectives and guidelines outlined in the City’s Growth Management Program (GMP). The GMP is an implementation program aimed at ensuring the timely delivery of services and infrastructure to new development areas while maintaining appropriate service levels for existing residents. The staging and sequencing of development within Bram West will be coordinated through the GMP to ensure that infrastructure is provided along with development.

The Growth Management Program includes specific guidelines and service level targets to address the timely and adequate provision of the following key infrastructure and servicing elements:

Significant elements of the road network required to support a given amount of development;

Transit service
Water and waste water services
School sites and related facilities
New parks and recreation facilities
Emergency services such as fire stations

These guidelines will be implemented through the preparation of staging and sequencing plans required as part of the City’s development approval process.

How long will it take for the area to be fully developed?

For planning purposes, it has been estimated that the Bram West Secondary Plan area will be largely built out by 2021. However, it should be noted that changes in market conditions and Provincial legislation might affect the time for ultimate build out of Bram West.

When will construction commence within Bram West?

Construction of housing and business areas has already commenced generally east of Mississauga Road in Bram West, in respect of development proposals that were consistent with the existing Secondary Plan, as well as the proposed Bram West vision set out in the Council adopted official plan amendments.

Why do we need to review the existing Bram West Secondary Plan?

Since the Bram West Secondary Plan was approved in 1998, the City needs to adjust for new market conditions and address the policy shortcomings that became apparent during the processing of the SCM application to permit the development of a one million square foot warehouse distribution centre at the north-east quadrant of Mississauga Road and Steeles Avenue West, and the subsequent Municipal Board hearing. The Bram West review is based on the following objectives:

Update environmental protection measures
Refine the land use plan by designating land at suitable locations for signature office buildings and Prestige Industrial/Commercial development
Address specific urban design issues
Provide for an effective road and transit network to support new development