GSP Group Inc. prepared a land use study of the Horticultural Trade Industry for the Region of Halton and the local municipalities of Burlington, Halton Hills and Milton. This study was initiated by the Region in response to concerns about the location and operation of horticultural trades, including a wide range of businesses involved in the growing, selling, installation and maintenance of landscaping plants and products.

A detailed policy assessment was completed, including a review and analysis of current provincial, regional and local plans and policies and information emerging from the Region’s Sustainable Halton growth management initiative. Other components of the study included a visual assessment and public/stakeholder consultation. Building on these components, GSP developed a recommended Regional policy position providing clear direction on how to define/classify the various land uses that are part of the multidimensional horticultural trade industry; where these types of uses should be permitted or not permitted; conditions and criteria to apply to these businesses; and recommended planning tools and design measures that can be used to address potential impacts on the rural area.