MZO use for new Midland development spurs positive, cautionary reactions
By: Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: MidlandToday.ca, May 2, 2025
Attendees voiced both positive support and some strong words of caution during a public meeting regarding Midland’s possible use of an MZO.
Cited as “another tool in the toolbox” by Mayor Bill Gordon, the provincial land-use and development approval MZO (Minister’s Zoning Order) was granted for municipalities to hasten development through zoning matters.
Midland council had an opportunity in March to approve use of an MZO for approximately 420 proposed units within a mixed-use subdivision development at 565 Balm Beach Road, but unanimously chose hosting a non-statutory public meeting to allow the public to be a part of the process before making the formal approval.
During this week’s meeting, Jamie Robinson of MHBC Planning explained that the MZO request was made to get around red tape surrounding OPA 7’s (Simcoe County’s Official Plan Amendment). He said that if council were to grant MZO approval, there would still be various studies and that council would still have the opportunity to grant or deny the proposed development as per due process.
The first member of the public to speak was planner Greg Barker of Innovative Planning Solutions, who expressed support for the MZO usage and added that an adjacent property on Balm Beach Road would also be looking for a similar application to Midland council in the near future.
Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North CEO Kimberley Woodcock also spoke at the podium in support. Project developer Delbrook Group had earlier offered to donate lands toward affordable housing to the not-for-profit organization.
However, some locals shared reservations over the implications of development in the corridor between County Road 93 and Marshall Road.
Town staff and council members responded to concerns from Midland resident Judy Thomas by saying a lack of available family doctors could be alleviated by providing them housing and the issue of overcrowded schools would be a matter for school boards to explore. As well, they noted that wildlife in the area would be part of a study.
Thomas also mentioned a previous petition made in decades past, which asked for a speed reduction along Balm Beach Road (it changes from 60 km/h to 80 km/h near the Salvation Army) to a continuous 60 kilometres per hour, adding that it had been defeated back then.
Tiny Township resident Dave Hobson raised caution to safety requirements in the area, speaking from perspective as a member of the police.
Citing experience, Hobson advised the town, its staff, and the planners attending the meeting to explore street lights, intersection lights, potentially a roundabout, as well as consideration for a speed reduction.
Regarding use of the MZO, Gordon stated during the public meeting: “If there were ever a reason to believe that it’s the right thing to do in Midland, you look at this example.
“And I’m hoping the takeaway for other developers who will see this, and perhaps factor in more Habitat lots into their builds to participate in that public-private partnership – which I believe is the future of trying to solve the housing crisis,” Gordon added.
Midland’s committee of the whole approved to support the MZO request, with potential ratification at an upcoming regular meeting of council. The matter would then be sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for further approval.
Delbrook CEO Mehdi Shafiei told MidlandToday that the concerns were critical for the developers as well, and assured that they would be addressed through detailed analysis and studies with consultants as well as through collaboration with the town planning department.
“The support was great,” said Shafiei. “That shows that people know that they need housing, and the shortage of housing in Ontario is all over the news so that’s understandable.”
Woodcock told MidlandToday that the benefits to housing reach far beyond simple lodging.
“We need supply in the first place, but to have a development that’s committed to multiple areas of the housing continuum – which includes inclusivity and affordability – it’s a very responsible way of developing,” said Woodcock. “The concerns are understandable but also addressable.”
When asked about the potential for other developers to donate lands similar to Delbrook’s offer, Woodcock replied: “Habitat for Humanity is excited by any and every opportunity to create affordable housing and serve people in the community who need help accessing affordable and secure housing.”
The MZO non-statutory public meeting presentation by MHBC Planning is available in the council agenda on the town of Midland website.
Council meetings are held every third Wednesday, and can be viewed on Rogers TV cable channel 53 when available, or through the livestream on the Rogers TV website. Archives of council meetings are available through Rogers TV and on the Town of Midland’s YouTube channel.