The Municipality of Port Hope is advising residents of a recent change in the status of planning applications tied to a proposed residential subdivision at 3852 Ganaraska Road.
The file remains under appeal with the Ontario Land Tribunal after the applicant filed for “non-decision” under the Planning Act in 2023. At issue was the property’s location within the Provincially Significant Garden Hill Earth Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest-commonly referred to as an ANSI.
ANSIs are designated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to recognize important natural features that have scientific or educational value.
On May 23, 2025, the Ministry notified the Municipality that the ANSI boundary had been amended, and that the proposed development lands had been removed from the protected area. The Municipality was not consulted and played no role in the decision. Adjusting ANSI boundaries is entirely within the Ministry’s authority.
Because the ANSI was a central issue in the appeal, Port Hope Council and staff are now consulting legal counsel to understand how the change might affect the Ontario Land Tribunal proceedings. They say updates will be provided when available.
The Municipality also says it is sharing this information now to remain transparent, noting it is restricted in what further information can be released due to the legal status of the case and closed council discussions. Residents near the former ANSI boundary are expected to receive direct notice from the Ministry.
More information is available at porthope.ca.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)