ERO Number 019-2811 Comment…

ERO Number 019-2811
Comment

The Globe and Mail Editorial page masthead quotes the British essayist Junius, “The subject who is truly loyal will neither advise nor submit to arbitrary measures.” The greatest risk in frequently exercising Ministerial Zoning Orders and, with this proposal, expanding their scope is the potential for abuse and the perception of opacity on the part of the government. Assuming that these are not the goals of the present government, this proposal risks discrediting your own efforts and setting a precedent for future abuse of power.

Exercising the MZO to “streamline” government decisions also places a possibly intolerable burden on the Minister’s reputation – the appearance of a single Minister delivering haphazard results, ignoring highly trained, carefully selected, thoughtfully advanced professional planners. Ministers should use MZO powers in very selective, unprecedented and urgent circumstances. Ministers must then bear a greater burden of engagement and transparency on the same urgent basis each time an MZO is exercised. Failure to do almost guarantees substandard decisions that result in unwelcome, unintended consequences and expose the government to public scorn.

The neighbourhood coalition that I chair is opposed to the widespread use of MZOs, we are opposed to the use of MZO in any circumstances without discussions with the municipality and affected communities, and we are particularly opposed to the Minister exercising site planning approval powers in any circumstance.

Improving transit and building more affordable housing and long-term care residences on a more inclusionary basis throughout our communities are pressing needs. The Ontario government’s commitment to expediting and expanding these goals is welcome. Proceeding under MZOs to complete these goals must be done sparingly. When they are used, you should consult directly and urgently with responsible planning officials, municipal representatives and, through them, with the affected public to ensure better decisions that consider proper integration into municipal/urban infrastructure and honour, rather than ignore, the best intensions of neighbouring communities.

Democratic engagement is not a luxury or a burden to be jettisoned when it is inconvenient. Even in – especially in – trying circumstances, engagement and collaboration are guarantees for better decisions and broader public acceptance.