Overview

In 2005, the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator (PLDF) 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 PLDF 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 PLDF is an Advisory Agency under the Agencies and Appointments Directive and reports to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

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 PLDF 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 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 PLDF.

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 PLDF, 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 PLDF.

For more information, email opldf@ontario.ca.

Current assignments

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

Barrie is one of Ontario’s fastest growing communities, with its population increasing by almost 13% over the last 2 years. To support growth in Simcoe County, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing requested the PLDF engage these municipalities in facilitated discussions from Spring 2024 to November 2025 to explore boundary amendments. When consensus could not be reached, on November 25, 2025, the government introduced legislation to restructure the municipal boundaries of these 4 municipalities. The PLDF continues to be involved working with the parties on the implementation of these changes.

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

The PLDF 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.

Region of Peel, City of Mississauga, City of Brampton and Town of Caledon: Peel transfer of services

The PLDF has commenced engagement with the 4 municipalities to support the implementation of Bill 45 and review the outcomes of the transition of planning to lower-tier municipalities.

South Simcoe County growth

The PLDF, in coordination with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is advancing work on a coordinated, infrastructure-led approach to planning for long-term growth in south Simcoe. This work responds to rising housing demand, significant economic development activity and major provincial investments in transportation corridors and municipal servicing across the region. It supports the government’s objectives to attract investment, create jobs, expand housing supply and deliver infrastructure in a fiscally responsible way. This includes engagement with communities in south Simcoe, such as Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham in New Tecumseth, the towns of Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury and the townships of Adjala-Tosorontio and Essa.

As part of this work, the Minister has directed the PLDF to continue facilitating discussions and initiating negotiations with landowners of 10 potential Provincial Priority Projects identified through the Environmental Registry of Ontario. These discussions will inform future decisions following public and Indigenous consultations and may lead to agreements between landowners, the Province, and/or municipalities to support housing, employment, infrastructure delivery, and complete communities.

Input on the growth strategy for Simcoe County was sought through the Environmental Registry from August 12 – September 26, 2025. Further feedback and consultation was sought through the Environmental Registry of Ontario from April 8 — May 8, 2026.

City of Burlington: Millcroft Golf Course lands

The PLDF 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. This process supports provincial and local priorities by enabling growth, creating housing opportunities and fostering economic development to meet community needs.

Town of Aylmer and Township of Malahide: Boundary adjustment

The PLDF is facilitating negotiations between the Town and Township to reach a mutually acceptable boundary adjustment agreement that sets clear terms for parcel selection, servicing and compensation that councils can consider. This process supports provincial and local priorities by enabling growth, creating housing opportunities and fostering economic development to meet community needs.

County of Brant and City of Brantford: Boundary adjustment

The PLDF is facilitating discussions between the City of Brantford and the County of Brant to explore a boundary adjustment that would enable the Brantford Municipal Airport and surrounding lands, as agreed by the parties, to be brought within the boundary of the City of Brantford. This process supports provincial and local priorities by enabling growth, creating housing opportunities and fostering economic development to meet community needs.

City of St. Thomas and Municipality of Central Elgin

The PLDF is working with the City of St. Thomas and the municipality of Central Elgin to reach a mutually acceptable agreement that sets clear terms for the commencement and amount of daily wastewater capacity across the municipal boundary, that the councils can consider.

This process supports provincial and local priorities by enabling growth, building housing and fostering economic development to meet community needs.

Town of Innisfil: Orbit transit hub

The PLDF is engaging in discussions with the Town of Innisfil and its municipal services corporations InnServices and InnPower, the Cortel Group and relevant partner ministries and agencies relating to the proposed Orbit transit hub in the Town of Innisfil.

The purpose of facilitation includes advancing the outstanding planning approvals, expediting construction of the Alcona GO Train Station and supporting the timely build-out of the adjacent planned Orbit community on lands owned by the Cortel Group.

City of Hamilton: Urban boundary expansion

The PLDF is engaging in exploratory discussions with the City of Hamilton, the Upper West Side Landowners Group Inc., the Elfrida Community Builders Group Inc. and the Whitechurch Landowners Group Inc.

The purpose of these discussions is to assess whether a mutually acceptable, facilitated resolution can be reached regarding proposed urban boundary expansions brought forward by the Landowner Groups.

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 PLDF 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.

City of Mississauga: Lakeview village

The PLDF worked 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. On February 27, 2026, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing filed Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 35/26 to amend the zoning order for the site, including updates to the maps referenced in the regulation.

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

The PLDF collaborated with Seguin Township, the Town of Parry Sound and McDougall Township to assess available water and wastewater infrastructure to support future development. This work has resulted in a finalized water and wastewater servicing agreement between the Town of Parry Sound and Seguin Township.

Provincial Land and Development Facilitator appointees’ expenses

Information on the travel, meal and accommodation expenses incurred and claimed by Provincial Land and Development Facilitator appointees on a quarterly basis. 

View the PLDF appointee travel expenses.