I generally do not support…

I generally do not support the Government’s unprecedented and increasing use of MZOs and their extraordinary authority to avoid and override principles of public notice, participation, transparent municipal council decision making and appeal – all enshrined in the Planning Act.

I do support the advice provided in the Greenbelt Council. In particular, advice Letter 16 of November 20, 2020 as quoted “Council has recommended that MZOs need to be accompanied by a public process that is fair and transparent. Detailed information relating to the development and a clear rationale as to why the MZO is being used should be publicly available. These measures are especially important when combined with the current intent to limit the regulatory role of Conservation Authorities in watershed planning matters.

Together these two government actions are contributing to growing public outrage and lack of faith in the ability of this government to uphold the public interest and regulate special interests. I support the current practice of municipal site plan control and urge the government not to interfere in local planning matters but to uphold provincial plans, municipal governance and public participation in land use planning matters.