Finding Common Ground: a Discussion Paper on Bioregionalism and Land Use Planning for Haliburton County

Founded on a case study of the planning debate begun in Haliburton County in 1990, this paper goes on to look at the politics of planning in Ontario and the existing planning framework at the township and county levels in Haliburton.  The concept of bioregionalism is defined and the relationships between land use planning and bioregionalism is examined within the context of the Haliburton debate.  It goes on to address the questions of optimum political control over equitable, sustainable and ecologically-oriented land use planning.  The paper proposes the establishment of a Bioregional Planning Council which would utilize the authority of local decision-makers; ensure that full consideration is given to the entire biological region; and recognize the fundamental significance of the land.