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

[shbryant at mailservices.uwaterloo.ca]

Yes, definitely. I hope I can make the GREN meeting and the workshop.  
Susan K, can you do minutes at Gren yet again if I'm not able?


Susan B.

Quoting John Jackson <jjackson at web.ca>:

> 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
>
>
>