I'm very concerned with…

I'm very concerned with several aspects of this legislation. In particular I'm disappointed to hear that this this legislation would reinstitute "de novo" hearings, or hearings started anew without reference to the City's decision on an application. In addition I'm concerned that the LPAT will issue a decision independent of the municipalities and neighbourhoods affected instead of reviewing appeals in the context of existing municipal plans and provincial planning policies.
This change would reduce the weight of planning decisions made by City Council and expand the authority of provincial LPAT appointees to make decisions that impact our local neighbourhoods, without any consultation. The proposed changes are essentially a reversion back to the format of the former OMB hearings under the new LPAT name.

In the past the OMB process was overweighted with developers interests without enough regard for the City's input and community input. It appears the above will continue this trend which has reached a dangerous level for Toronto's progressive development. As a result we now have a 35 story building being constructed directly next to a primary k-6 public school in midtown. With the extreme wind we already had a mishap of a metal wrench landing in the children's playground. This is the type of risk parents and the entire community was concerned a about in building a tower so high within feet of a public school. This example shows what happens when community is not taken seriously and corporate interests are placed first. I believe it's possible to have healthy expanding housing in the city and also have development that considers the residents and families of the city. However this proposal to again minimize the voice of the City and it's constituents risks the health of our children and the fabric of our society as it unfairly weighs the concerns of housing stock and the developers. We need proper planning with all parties involved and a city planner that can properly allocate buffer zones around schools. We also need to account for the future with green space and developers contributing adequately to parks and community centers that will complement their buidlings.

Under the current structure, Section 37 of the Planning Act requires developers to contribute to the neighbourhoods affected by new developments through provisions for community benefits such as park and streetscape improvements. Bill 108 proposes to make the costs more predictable for developers at the outset of the process by instituting a new authority that would combine and cap all community-related development charges. Parkland Dedication requirements, known as Section 42 funds, and funds to enhance local infrastructure would also be included in the total capped amount. This change would severely limit the City's ability to negotiate community benefits before approving an application. Again this change I'm concerned will be at the detriment to our city, to our representative government and to our continued democracy.

I realize Toronto will continue to grow and there is need for increased housing and development. It's through proper checks and balances among government branches and the community that our city will grow and thrive as a global metropolis that is seen as a city all want to live in.

Thank you for your consideration.
Concerned Toronto Resident, parent, employee and constituent!