[GREN-Exec] Landuse planning and OMB review workshop in KW Nov 14

[John Jackson]

At our last meeting we discussed the provincial government¹s statement that
it would be reviewing the landuse planning and appeal process, which
includes the OMB. Yesterday, the Minister of Municipalities and Housing
announced the details. This is the link to the Ministry site on this:
http://news.ontario.ca/mah/en/2013/10/province-reviewing-municipal-planning.
html

The government will be receiving comments until January 10. They also are
holding a workshop in KW from 6-9:30 on Thursday November 14. This will be a
workshop with breakout groups. See http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page10361.aspx
for the agenda. I have attached the discussion document, which lists 17
questions that they will be focussing on during the workshops.

I propose that we dedicate between at least an hour of our GREN meeting on
November 6 to preparation for the workshop for the following week. If you
agree, I will send out a notice to our whole GREN list right away to
encourage registration for the government workshop and to encourage GREN
people to come to our November 6 meeting. Let me know right away whether you
agree with this approach.

Kevin, do you know if the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance is still planning a
workshop on this matter? If so, have they set a date and location yet?

John

----------------------------
These are the questions that the Ministry says it is currently considering
making changes on and not considering making changes on:
³We want to hear your suggestions on:
* how we can improve the province¹s land use planning systems, including
what can be appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board
<http://www.omb.gov.on.ca/english/home.html>  (OMB)
* the Development Charges Act
<http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_97d27_e.ht
m>  
* parkland dedication
<http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90p13_e.ht
m#BK75> 
* section 37 
<http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90p13_e.ht
m#BK56>  of the Planning Act, which enables a municipality to negotiate with
a developer for items such as affordable housing in exchange for permission
for the developer to build in excess of zoning limits
Please note that, while we are interested in hearing your views, at this
time we are not considering recommendations that would result in a complete
overhaul of the Planning Act
<http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90p13_e.ht
m> . More specifically, this consultation will not discuss or consider:
* eliminating or changing the OMB¹s operations, practices and procedures
* removing or restricting the provincial government¹s approval role and
ability to intervene in matters
* removing municipal flexibility in addressing local priorities
* changing the ³growth pays for growth² principle of development charges
* education development charges and the development charges appeal system
* other fees and taxes and matters involving other legislation, unless
housekeeping changes are needed.²


-- 
John Jackson
17 Major Street
Kitchener, Ontario N2H 4R1
519-744-7503


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