Strongly supports the…

Strongly supports the aspects of Bill 23 that provide greater flexibility in respect of parkland dedications. Providing the opportunity for below-grade encumbrances in land to be dedicated for park purposes represents an important and necessary modernization of the Planning Act’s parkland dedication framework, which should facilitate measures such as BGI that enhance sustainability and climate resilience, and reduce demands on traditional resource-intensive piped infrastructure.

Supports the recognition in Bill 23 that open spaces that are not dedicated in fee simple to municipalities can serve an important role in the public realm network. Allowing the flexibility for such spaces is essential to supporting vibrant communities with a variety of public spaces serving different functions

Inefficiencies in the land use planning approval process are a key factor in slowing the pace at which new homes can be delivered. In this regard, Northcrest strongly supports efforts to streamline the approval process to allow projects to proceed toward development more quickly. However, certain aspects of Bill 23 go too far in curbing the rights of landowners and others interested in planning matters that may affect them to the Ontario Land Tribunal (the “Tribunal”), in a manner that undermines the objectives underlying the proposed amendments.

In addition, while Northcrest supports efforts to make the planning approval process more efficient, we are troubled by the proposal to remove the rights of third parties, such as neighbouring residents, to appeal certain matters. Community engagement is foundational to Northcrest’s approach and Northcrest believes that the public should be able to participate fully in planning matters. In this regard, Northcrest encourages the Province to explore means of streamlining the approval process that continue to allow meaningful community participation in the land use planning process.