Planners must envision the worst-case scenarios. In every situation, private services are essential. We can’t assume rural properties have access to public services—they simply don’t, and rural taxpayers prefer it that way. So, here we are: private wells, private septic systems, private manure storage. This isn’t new, but do we, as planners, truly grasp the implications? There are critical intersections between the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and Public Health where planners are often ignored. We create lots, but can they be serviced? What is the minimum lot size? What separation distance is needed between a private well and a septic system? And how does this change when there’s a neighboring farm with Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) requirements? This session will delve into the essential considerations for planners and explore the long-term impacts of agricultural and rural lot creation.
