Land Use Planning and Appeal and Development Charges Systems Review
The Government of Ontario is taking a look at the way cities and towns plan for development and how to help pay for it.
We want to ensure that the land use planning and appeal systems, and the development charges system are predictable, transparent and cost effective.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is consulting from October 2013 to January 2014 across the province with the public, municipalities and stakeholders on what changes to the systems are needed.
Scope of the review
We want to hear your suggestions on:
how we can improve the province’s land use planning systems, including what can be appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB)
the Development Charges Act
parkland dedication
section 37 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. More specifically, this consultation will not discuss or consider:
eliminating or changing the OMB’s operations, practices and procedures
removing or restricting the provincial government’s approval role and ability to intervene in matters
removing municipal flexibility in addressing local priorities
changing the “growth pays for growth” 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.
Comments on issues that are not the focus of the consultation will be shared with the ministries responsible. You are invited to share your comments and ideas by January 10, 2014.Select the system you wish to comment on for more information and to find out how to participate.
Province Reviewing Municipal Planning
Ontario news release October 24, 2013
Ontario is reviewing the way municipalities plan and pay for development to ensure growth is smart and sustainable across the province.
Over the next 20 years, communities will face increasing pressure to accommodate new population growth and development. To ensure that planning decisions support more liveable communities, attract jobs and encourage economic growth now and in the future, the province is reviewing its land use planning approval system and its Development Charges Act. The review will also look to find ways to foster better co-operation and collaboration between municipalities, community groups, property owners and developers, so more land use planning matters can be resolved locally, instead of being referred to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).
Supporting the province’s communities in managing their growth is part of the Ontario government’s economic plan to invest in people, invest in infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.
QUICK FACTS
Municipalities’ official plans are based on a 20 year growth cycle.
Ontario’s land use planning legislation is the foundation for official plans, zoning bylaws and other land use planning tools and processes. It also includes a dispute resolution process overseen by the OMB.
A development charge is a revenue tool designed to assist municipalities in paying for a portion of growth-related capital costs incurred to provide services to new residents and businesses.
The general public, municipalities and stakeholders are invited to participate in this review. Interested parties can share their ideas by taking part in workshops or by sending their feedback through mail or email.
There will be regional workshops to discuss land use planning and development charges in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Toronto and Peel Region.
QUOTES
“It is time to take a good, hard look at our land use planning process and the Development Charges Act. Ontario succeeds when our communities are able to grow and prosper in a way that is effective and well-managed.”
– Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
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