I do not support the…

I do not support the amendment to the Planning Act under Schedule 3 of Bill 257. The Provincial Policy Statement is an essential document highlighting the importance of land-use planning policy in Ontario.

It is critical that all planning matters in Ontario are consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, and allowing the Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZO's) to bypass this process goes contravenes good planning practices, and the democratic nature of the planning process. In addition, this amendment will only further exacerbate provincial meddling into the affairs of municipalities. I worry that this tool will be used at an increasingly liberal rate, erode the democratic nature of the planning process, and used as a means to curry favour with private developers. All planning decisions, including those of the Provincial government, must be required to remain consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement.