Overview

In 2005, the Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator (OPLDF) was established to help resolve cross-cutting planning and development issues arising out of the implementation of provincial policies. Since then, the role of the office has grown to encompass a broader range of projects and requests for its services. 

The facilitator and deputy facilitators are appointed under the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Act. The OPLDF is an Advisory Agency under the Agencies and Appointments Directive and reports to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

The Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator provides services, including:

  • impartial mediation
  • facilitation
  • negotiation

These services help individuals, businesses, municipalities and sometimes ministries resolve issues about:

  • growth management
  • land use and infrastructure planning
  • environmental protection related to land and development
  • municipal boundaries
  • economic development
  • streamlining approvals to support provincial surplus lands projects to facilitate housing

The OPLDF will ensure they consider the following as part of the issues resolution:

  • provincial land use policy
  • financial interests
  • environmental objectives

The facilitators may also act as a negotiators on behalf of the Government of Ontario on issues dealing with provincial:

  • land
  • assets
  • interests

Learn more about the facilitator and deputy facilitators appointed to the OPLDF.

How we prioritize requests

Requests for facilitation services should address at least one of the following criteria:

  • relate to ongoing, large-scale land use planning or development proposals
  • relate to infrastructure or environmental issues that are overarching in nature and may cross municipal boundaries or watersheds
  • fall under the mandate(s) of two or more provincial ministries or agencies
  • involve the implementation of provincial legislation, plans, policies or interests

When considering requests, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing will consult with the OPLDF, including to consider:

  • whether the request meets the criteria for facilitation services
  • the nature of the matter and any time constraints
  • interests of the various parties, including those of the province
  • any outstanding legal matters, including tribunal hearings or active litigation

The Minister has discretion as to whether a matter will be subject to facilitation services and assigned to the OPLDF.

For more information, email opldf@ontario.ca.

Current assignments

City of Mississauga: Lakeview Village

The OPLDF is working with parties to transform a 177-acre former industrial site into a sustainable mixed-use waterfront community. On April 10, 2024, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued an Order under section 49.2 of the Planning Act outlining the agreements required for appropriately developing the site. Work continues to determine other requirements for the development of the project.

City of Barrie, Township of Oro-Medonte, Township of Springwater and County of Simcoe: Boundary adjustment

In response to the City of Barrie’s requested for a boundary expansion, the parties have engaged in facilitated discussions, with the intent of agreeing upon approaches to enable growth in the broader region.

Municipality of Grey Highlands, Municipality of West Grey and Grey County: Chapman’s expansion

The OPLDF is working with all parties to identify issues and challenges related to Phase 3 of the Chapman’s plant expansion, helping to advance this economically important project that spans the municipal boundary between Grey Highlands and West Grey.

Peel transfer of services

The OPLDF has commenced engagement with the four municipalities to determine the current state of their work on transition planning.

County of Simcoe, Town of New Tecumseth, and Town of Collingwood: Simcoe County growth

The OPLDF is supporting discussions on growth, housing and infrastructure planning in Simcoe County and surrounding municipalities. This includes engagement with communities in south Simcoe, such as Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham in New Tecumseth, and the townships of Adjala-Tosorontio and Essa.

Honda’s existing manufacturing plant and anticipated expansion in Alliston are key drivers in these discussions.

Input on the growth strategy for Simcoe County was sought through the Environmental Registry from August 12 – September 26, 2025.

City of Burlington: Millcroft Golf Course lands

The OPLDF is facilitating discussions between Millcroft Green Corporation and the City of Burlington to explore how housing and an integrated parks and open space system can be delivered on the Millcroft Golf Course lands for the benefit of current and future residents.

City of Peterborough, Township of Cavan-Monaghan and County of Peterborough: Boundary adjustment

In response to the City of Peterborough’s request for a potential boundary expansion, the parties will begin facilitated discussions, with the intent of agreeing upon approaches to enable growth in the broader region.

Township of Seguin, Town of Parry Sound, and Township of McDougall: West Parry Sound growth and development

The OPLDF is engaging with Seguin, Parry Sound, McDougall, and other key partners to support housing and infrastructure planning in the region. These discussions aim to help local municipalities attract new development and economic opportunities while addressing servicing needs in the region.

Recently completed notable assignments

City of St. Thomas and Municipality of Central Elgin: Boundary adjustment

Resolved issues with annexed lands in Central Elgin as per the St. Thomas – Central Elgin Boundary Adjustment Act, 2023. The agreement in April 2024 resulted in funds and increased water service capacity for future industrial and residential growth in Central Elgin. Work continues to support development plans within Central Elgin.

City of Brantford: SC Johnson facility

The OPLDF assisted parties to resolve a conflict over a proposed residential development adjacent to an existing SC Johnson facility. The agreement in March 2024 allowed SC Johnson operations to continue unaffected and resulted in new housing opportunities elsewhere in the City of Brantford.