Comment
ERO 026-0300 Comments:
The Township of Mapleton supports the Province’s goal of increasing housing supply and streamlining approvals through Bill 98. However, Council is concerned that the proposed changes significantly reduce municipal planning authority and do not reflect the realities of rural and small municipalities.
The bill may limit key tools needed to manage growth in areas with limited servicing, environmental sensitivities, and smaller tax bases. Proposed changes to development charges and planning conditions could also shift infrastructure costs onto municipalities, creating financial challenges.
Council is particularly concerned that standardized planning approaches and provincially imposed minimums may undermine rural character, strain local infrastructure, and fail to account for agricultural, environmental, and servicing constraints.
Mapleton requests that the Province introduce rural-specific flexibility, including the ability to retain broader planning authority, exceed minimum standards where appropriate, and ensure that financial tools align with growth responsibilities.
Overall, Council urges the Province to adjust Bill 98 to better reflect the distinct needs of rural communities and support sustainable, locally appropriate growth.
Supporting documents
Submitted May 14, 2026 2:01 PM
Comment on
Proposed Planning Act, City of Toronto Act, 2006, Building Code Act, 1992 and Municipal Act, 2001 Changes (Schedules 1, 2 and 7 of Bill 98, the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026)
ERO number
026-0300
Comment ID
185867
Commenting on behalf of
Comment status