The Orbit is envisioned as a community that will help us grow while preserving our agricultural lands and natural landscapes. It will encourage high-density living instead of suburban sprawl, mixing small town with urban living.
The Orbit is planned to be a transit-oriented community built around the proposed Innisfil GO Station by 6th Line and east of 20th Sideroad. Growth won't happen overnight—we're planning the Orbit to 2050 and beyond to ensure the growth of Innisfil feels progressive and responsibly managed over time.
On this page
Project status
The Town of Innisfil adopted the Orbit Transit Oriented Community Vision in 2019. The next step to make this vision a reality is to develop an engineering and planning document called the Orbit Potential and Innovation Plan (OPIP). The OPIP is our coordinated Master Servicing Plan and Secondary Plan that will guide the implementation of Innisfil’s vision for Orbit: a community that will help us grow while preserving our agricultural and natural landscapes.
The Orbit Vision has been developed with existing and future communities in mind to ensure that as Innisfil grows, it continues to be a great place to live.
Vision statement
The Orbit's vision statement was developed in 2021 to create established clear directions for the development of Orbit and its surrounding areas.
The Orbit is a cutting-edge community where small town and rural lifestyles co-exist with the benefits and attributes of urban living. The public realm is at the forefront with housing density & affordability, mobility, transit, arts, culture, technology, connectivity, business, digital innovation, economy, healthcare, social cohesion & infrastructure, sustainability, agriculture, open spaces, access to trails & waterfront and walkability. The Orbit creates a dynamic centre of activity for visitors and residents alike, appealing to a variety of lifestyle activities that are possible and available in the area offering a rural-urban, all-season experience and easy access to the City.
Goals
To achieve the Orbit vision, the community will pursue the following five goals:
- Sustainable Community: Build a community in a manner that protects, restores and improves the natural environment and minimizes carbon emissions through the entire process from design to construction to living.
- 15-Minute Neighbourhoods: Create 15-Minute Neighbourhoods designed with a people-first approach that promotes walkability and integrates green spaces.
- Higher Quality Density: Promote density and diversity within different types of buildings that improve living quality and build human-scale communities.
- An Insightful Community: Make day-to-day life easier by focusing on a Smart Cities concept and good neighbourhood design.
- Achieving a Sense of Place: Develop an exceptional public realm, and public private interface, to create new opportunities for placemaking and social interaction.
A Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) was initiated to provide economic certainty for private investment in the necessary infrastructure and to help expedite the development of the proposed Innisfil GO Station. An MZO was issued on August 6, 2021 and includes regulations for two zones: Transit-Oriented Community 1 (TOC 1) and Transit-Oriented Community 2 (TOC 2). The MZO regulations are embedded in the Secondary Plan, providing direction related to maximum heights, minimum densities and land uses.
A Transit Oriented Community (TOC) as per the Transit-Oriented Communities Act, 2020 can be defined as, “a development connected with the construction or operation of a transit station that is part of a priority transit project, and includes a development located on transit corridor land within the Building Transit Faster Act, 2020.”
Transit-Oriented Community 1
TOC 1 includes all lands within a 225-metre radius of the intersection of 6th Line and the rail corridor. The MZO directs that TOC 1 shall have:
- A wide range of permitted residential and non-residential land uses
- A minimum density of 200 dwelling units per hectare
- Minimum building heights of 6-storeys and maximum building heights of 40-storeys
Transit-Oriented Community 2
TOC 2 includes lands within a 225-metre to 425-metre radius from the intersection of 6th Line and the Metrolinx Barrie rail corridor. The MZO directs that TOC 2 shall have:
- A wide range of permitted residential and non-residential land uses
- A minimum density of 150 dwelling units per hectare
- Minimum building heights of 4-storeys and maximum building heights of 15-storeys, unless the building fronts onto 6th Line, in which case maximum heights are 25-storeys
Transit-Oriented Community 3
TOC 3 refers to the extent of the Secondary Plan Area beyond a 425-metre radius from the intersection of 6th Line and the Metrolinx Barrie rail corridor. The MZO does not provide regulatory direction for TOC 3. While the TOC 3 area is not subject to the MZO, the planning for the TOC 3 lands will respond to the development and infrastructure that is currently being implemented within the TOC 1 and TOC 2 MZO lands.
A Secondary Plan is a land use plan for a particular area of a municipality that:
- Is prepared as an amendment to the Official Plan
- Establishes more detailed policies for the area it covers
- Often provides direction with respect to land uses, building heights, public spaces, parks and urban design
- Promotes a desired type of development and infrastructure
The Orbit Secondary Plan was approved by Town Council on February 28, 2024. It will require final approval by the County of Simcoe. It covers themes such as:
- Land use
- Mobility
- Public spaces
- Recreation
- Built form
- Road networks
InnServices has completed a town-wide Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan Update (MSP Update). This MSP Update identifies water and wastewater servicing solutions to accommodate future population and employment growth in the town up to 2051. The MSP Update was prepared in accordance with the Municipal Class EA process.
Key infrastructure upgrades for both the water and wastewater servicing will be required in different timeframes (short-term, mid-term and long-term) from now to 2051 to address immediate and long-term growth needs. The MSP process started in May 2023 and included two public open houses (August 2023 and April 2024). Notice of completion was issued in December 2024.
The Town of Innisfil is creating a Stormwater Master Servicing Plan (MSP) for the proposed new community of Orbit. The MSP will help:
- Develop a preferred strategy for the effective management of stormwater
- Identify and rank areas of concern
- Identify opportunities to create a plan for cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives
- Integrate the findings of the South Alcona Flood Reduction Class Environmental Assessment and build upon the Town's Stormwater Management Master Plan Update and Flooding Strategy, with a focus on the proposed Orbit lands
Orbit Stormwater Master Servicing Plan - Open House
We held a drop-in open house to introduce the project and hear initial feedback in December 2024. View the open house display boards for more information.
The study area is shown in the image below. For now, the study includes the first two phases of development. The third phase may be included later in the study. Review the Notice of Commencement for more information.
Key documents
Browse key documents related to the Orbit in the Town of Innisfil. New documents related to the Orbit will be added as they become available.
- Orbit Secondary Plan (Official Plan Amendment) - February 2024
- Draft Release of the Orbit Sustainable Development Plan and Checklist - June 2022
- Orbit Process Update - April 2022
- Mobility Orbit Update - June 2021
- Mobility Orbit Proposed MZO - February 2021
- MZO Request - November 2020
- Draft MZO and Next Steps - October 2020
- Mobility Order Project Manager and Procurement - March 2020
Planning framework
The Orbit Potential & Innovation Plan (OPIP) plays an important role in the overall multi-tiered planning process here in Ontario. The Orbit project is being evaluated at the provincial, regional and municipal levels to ensure the responsible development of this proposed community.
At each level of planning, significant public input will inform each of the frameworks from draft to their final state. The Orbit Potential & Innovation Plan will be no different and we strongly welcome the participation of all stakeholders that would like to have their say as we progress the OPIP forward.
Ontario Planning Act
The Ontario Planning Act is provincial legislation that sets out the ground rules for land use planning in Ontario. It describes how land uses may be controlled and who may control them.
The Planning Act sets outs matters of provincial interest that apply to the Orbit Potential and Innovation Plan, including:
- Adequate provision and efficient use of communication, transportation, sewage and water services, and waste management services
- Orderly development of safe and healthy communities
- Adequate provision of a full range of housing, including affordable housing
- Adequate provision of employment opportunities
- Identifying the appropriate location of growth and development
- Promotion of sustainable development
- Promotion of built form that is well-designed, encourages a sense of place, and provides high quality, safe, accessible and vibrant public spaces
Provincial Policy Statement
The Town of Innisfil is committed to grow in line with the Provincial Policy Statement and the Places to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (“Growth Plan"). These provincial policies provide a framework that supports the growth of stronger, complete communities, a thriving economy, a clean and healthy environment, and social equity.
Minister's Zoning Order
Section 47 of the Planning Act allows the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to make “Minister’s Zoning Orders” to govern land uses within areas subject to the order.
An MZO was issued on August 6, 2021 and includes regulations for two zones: Transit Oriented Community Zones 1 and 2. Note the MZO related to Orbit only applies to 425-metre radius from the centre of Orbit Project Study Area (intersection of the 6th Line and rail corridor).
Simcoe County’s Official Plan
Simcoe County’s Official Plan provides policies for growth management and intensification that emphasize complete communities and transit-supportive development.
The general location of the Orbit is at the south-west corner of the settlement area of Alcona. It is currently identified within parts of the Settlement Area, Rural, Greenlands, and Agricultural land use designations according to Schedule 5.1 of the County Official Plan.
The Official Plan provides policies for growth management and intensification that emphasize complete communities and transit-supportive development.
Simcoe County's Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR)
The Government of Ontario requires municipalities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe to review their long-term growth plans to set an overall pattern of development and environmental management until the year 2051. The Town of Innisfil contributes to the Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) led by the County of Simcoe, the upper-tier municipality in which we are situated.
The County must plan for a future population of 555,000 by 2051. As part of this overall growth to 2051, the County's Draft Land Needs Assessment is allocating a total population for Innisfil of about 85,000 people (growth of 40,000 from 2021-2051) and 26,000 jobs (growth of 16,000 from 2021-2051). The County of Simcoe has estimated that at least 7,700 people will live in Orbit’s TOC 1 and TOC 2 though their preliminary Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) process. This minimum growth is anticipated up to 2051, however, future MCR processes will re-examine population growth within Innisfil.
Innisfil's Official Plan
Innisfil’s Official Plan, "Our Place" came into effect on November 13, 2018. Part A: Making Our Place Great sets the tone of the Official Plan, which places a strong emphasis on placemaking. Placemaking is an approach to the planning, design and management of places based around strengthening the connection between people and the places they share.
‘Our Place’ recognizes the proposed GO Station and identifies part of the Orbit as a Major Transit Station Area (MTSA), which is generally defined as the area within an approximate 500-metre radius of a transit station, representing about a 10-minute walk. OPIP will seek to expand this area in the Official to reflect the Orbit Vision.
The Orbit Potential & Innovation Plan (OPIP)
The OPIP is a coordinated Master Servicing Plan and Secondary Plan that collectively will guide proposed development within Orbit by implementing a clear vision for a complete cutting-edge community where our small town and rural lifestyles are enhanced by the benefits and attributes of urban living. The two main components of the OPIP are the Secondary Plan and Master Servicing Plan:
- The Orbit Secondary Plan helps us understand land use opportunities in the Orbit area. It guides local policy development unique to Orbit and is adopted into the Official Plan. The Plan provides the most desired types of development for Orbit, informed through community engagement.
- The Orbit Master Servicing Plan identifies the infrastructure requirements needed to support the Orbit area (water, wastewater, stormwater and mobility). The Master Servicing Plan is undertaken to meet the requirements of a Schedule B Class Environmental Assessment (EA), including Phases 1 and 2 of the Class EA process.
FAQs
Orbit is envisioned as a complete community, integrated with the Town of Innisfil to be realized over several years. It is a complex project, and you may have some questions. Please explore the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below, organized by topic. If you have any additional questions, please email orbit@innisfil.ca.
How does this project benefit Innisfil?
All communities grow and change over time. By planning ahead, we make sure change is well managed; that growth occurs in the right place, with parks, services, and infrastructure in place when and where it is needed. Responsible growth will help limit the outward spread of urban areas and help protect and preserve our natural areas and agricultural lands.
The Government of Ontario requires municipalities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe to review their long-term growth plans to set an overall pattern of development and environmental management until the year 2051. The Town of Innisfil contributes to the Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) led by the County of Simcoe, the upper-tier municipality in which we are situated. The County must plan for a future population of 555,000 by 2051. As part of this overall growth to 2051, the County's Land Needs Assessment is allocating a total population for Innisfil of about 85,000 people (growth of 40,000 from 2021-2051) and 26,000 jobs (growth of 16,000 from 2021-2051). The Orbit will help concentrate this growth into one hub, instead of developing into an outward spread of urban areas.
When did the Town decide a project of this size was needed in Innisfil?
The vision for the Major Transit Station Area was identified in the Town's Our Place Official Plan. Through Our Place consultation, we heard of the importance of placemaking—creating vibrant parks and public spaces and protecting and preserving our agricultural land and natural resources.
The initial Orbit presentation, which was brought to Council in November of 2019, is available on YouTube, along with all Council meetings that discussed the Orbit.
What is the Orbit Potential & Innovation Plan?
The Orbit Potential and Innovation Plan (OPIP) combines a Secondary Plan (planning guidelines) and Master Servicing Plan (MSP) (infrastructure needs) to plan for the area around the proposed Innisfil GO Station. The aim of OPIP is to create a cohesive plan that supports the future growth plans for Innisfil.
What is the Orbit vision?
The Orbit Vision is a growth model supported by Council through the Official Plan (OP) and strategic plan—a chance for Innisfil to grow on its own terms. The proposed changes, whether through a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) or otherwise, will be initiated through the Town to implement the Vision. The new OP recognizes the proposed GO station and higher density growth around it.
How is the project being funded?
Developers are required to pay for the proposed GO Station. Development charges will pay for the major roads.
How are the costs of the water treatment plant being covered?
The water treatment plant expansion is being partially front-end financed by the developers of the Orbit.
When will the Orbit be built?
It will be built in a phased approach over the next 30 years.
When will the OPIP be complete?
The OPIP is anticipated to be presented to Council in 2023 following extensive public and landowner reviews.
What are the Orbit Sustainability principles and when were they developed?
There are six Orbit Sustainability principles that were developed as part of the Orbit Secondary Plan: transportation and mobility, energy, buildings, flexibility, environment and green space, and social and cultural viability. You can learn more about them in the Orbit Sustainable Development Plan and Checklist and Sustainability Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
How is agricultural land being preserved and enhanced in the Orbit?
The Town’s agricultural lands are identified in Schedule B of the Town’s Our Place Official Plan and provide a policy framework to ensure the lands are protected for agricultural and agricultural-related uses.
How are sustainable development practices being integrated into the Orbit?
Orbit will be based on measurable sustainability targets, such as Envision, LEED and/or Passive House.
How does this development balance rural and urban life?
As Innisfil grows, focusing development around a proposed GO Station will help protect and preserve more of the Town's agricultural land and natural spaces.
What are biking and hiking trails going to look like in the Orbit?
The Orbit will feature broad, attractive, high-quality cycling and pedestrian pathways, making it simple, fast, and enjoyable to get anywhere in the neighbourhood without the use of a car. In addition, the network of paths will create direct routes to the proposed GO station from anywhere in the Orbit so that residents and employees can get to the proposed GO station without needing to drive.
Where is the Orbit?
The Orbit will be built around the proposed Innisfil GO station by 6th Line and east of 20th Sideroad. The 6th Line location, which is next to the Alcona settlement boundary, was selected after a screening process undertaken by Metrolinx and endorsed by Town Council in 2016.
What is the anticipated population of the Orbit?
Approximately 90,000 residents plus employment opportunities.
How is the Town considering equitable and affordable housing?
The Town is collaborating with the County of Simcoe to identify where affordable and social housing opportunities can be implemented in the Orbit Secondary Plan study area.
What is the likely phasing of growth?
The following graphic shows the anticipated growth in Orbit.
What is a Transit Oriented Community? How is this model being applied to the Orbit?
A Transit Oriented Community (TOC) is a type of development, designed around public transportation, strategically designed to be an urban community comprised of residential, business, leisure, and green space, all within walking or cycling distance. This development model aims to reduce reliance on cars and promote sustainable urban growth.
The Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) 1, 2 and 3+ are centred around the proposed Innisfil GO Station. Provincial planning regulations have been established for TOC 1 and TOC 2 through a Ministerial Zoning Order dated August 2021.
Can the Town produce all planning studies that support the densities proposed in the MZO?
The densities proposed in the MZO inner circles (Transit Oriented Community Zones 1 and 2) are supported by the Province's Growth Plan and the Town's Official Plan direction for minimum densities of 150 people and jobs per hectare around major transit stations. Master Servicing and Transportation Plans will guide planned growth within Innisfil, including Orbit. As part of the site plan control process, further technical studies may be required.
Who approved the maximum height of 40 storeys for the core of the Orbit?
The MZO was approved by the Province allowing for a maximum of 40 storeys in Transit Oriented Community zones 1 and 2.
Why do we need a GO Station?
A proposed GO station has been envisioned for Innisfil for a number of years. The station will provide a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to make many trips—for work, play, and learning—without requiring the use of a car. The Orbit will provide a sustainable mix of land uses that is supported by the proposed GO Station and broader transportation network.
Where are the plans/designs for the GO Station?
The developer and Metrolinx are creating the plans for the proposed station. We will share the design once the plans are complete and the necessary agreements have been signed.
Will sanitary sewer service and water capacity for this development be built to accommodate the Orbit?
The Town’s wastewater treatment plant must be expanded to accommodate population growth. A Master Servicing Plan will identify the sanitary sewer and water infrastructure needed to support Orbit.
Are environmental studies being undertaken?
The current Secondary Plan and Master Servicing Plan include a summary of existing conditions to summarize the existing natural, social and cultural environments. These details are helping to inform locations to avoid.
How will Lake Simcoe be protected from the Orbit?
The Town is committed to the health of Lake Simcoe. The policies of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan apply to the Master Servicing Plan. Stormwater runoff will be strictly controlled to protect water quality.
What steps have you taken to ensure that Innisfil's environmental assets are protected?
The environment is a priority for residents and will remain a priority throughout this project.
Further studies will require consultation with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority to mitigate impacts on Lake Simcoe and its watershed. The upcoming Secondary Plan for the Orbit will also include your input to protect and enhance air and water quality and the health of Lake Simcoe.
The current Secondary Plan and Master Servicing Plan include a summary of existing conditions to summarize the existing natural, social and cultural environments. These details are helping to inform locations to avoid and will also be used to evaluate alternative infrastructure to support future development.
Why is electricity planning not part of the Servicing Master Plan?
Servicing Master Plans are undertaken to outline municipal infrastructure. Although the Town of Innisfil has InnPower, electricity falls under a separate Environmental Assessment process - Ontario Regulation 166/01 for Electricity Projects.
The Servicing Master Plan outlines high level concepts and doesn’t address distribution. Distribution of electricity would be addressed as part of future Draft Plans of Subdivision.
How can I get involved in this project?
We invite you to visit and subscribe to our Orbit Get Involved page to stay up to date about all upcoming engagement opportunities.
What have you done to inform the community on the development of the Orbit? How have/will you use community feedback to inform the OPIP?
The Orbit was introduced to the public on November 27, 2019 and a variety of engagement tools have been used to inform and consult the public. View all the Orbit engagement activities to date for more information.
Do I need to live in Innisfil to get involved?
No. We invite any interested individual to take part in our community engagement process for the OPIP. Visit our Orbit Get Involved page to stay in the loop on engagement opportunities.
Who can I contact about the project?
If you have a comment, question, or concern please email orbit@innisfil.ca.
How are Indigenous communities' concerns, opinion, and comments being integrated into the OPIP and the entire Orbit development?
Indigenous engagement on this proposed project is essential and underway with frequent meetings. The Town is sharing draft Orbit and related studies and plans with Indigenous communities to gather feedback. Indigenous input will then be reflected in the final OPIP.
What will happen to the 6th Line during construction?
Once the Orbit reaches the construction planning phase, we will evaluate how 6th Line will be used during construction, and then communicate our findings to the public.
Will there be parking available at the GO station?
Yes, parking is being planned for the proposed GO station. The GO station will also provide a Pick-Up-and-Drop-Off area for automobile passengers, a hub for other public transit vehicles, pedestrian access, and paths and storage for bikes.
How will Innisfil community members access the Orbit? How will it connect to other communities?
The OPIP will propose a variety of ways for Innisfil residents to access the Orbit. Additionally, other Town of Innisfil studies will investigate this matter further. It is important we develop an accessible and integrated community for all Innisfil residents who wish to access it.