Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the changes proposed through Bill 23, and specifically Schedules 9 and 1. Attached is a report to the Council of the County of Brant that outlines preliminary comments on the proposed changes. These comments are also summarized below, specific to this ERO posting.

The County of Brant supports streamlining the OLT process but is concerned with eliminating third party appeal rights from concerned residents and ultimately reducing public participation and statutory rights. Municipalities play an important role in receiving and integrating public comments as part of the development review process. With limited appeal rights and condensed Planning Act timelines, consideration should be given to how best to integrate public consultation into the planning process.

The County of Brant supports permitting ARUs as of right within serviced areas. The County further supports restricting ARUs on hazard lands.

With respect to Site Plan Control, the County of Brant supports a streamlined process. While urban design contributes to aesthetically pleasing communities, it is often viewed as subjective. If implemented, design policies and guidelines will be imperative for rural community character and resilience.

Stormwater management is an important component of the review in Site Plans Control. Municipalities may lose the ability to review for drainage and stormwater management, which may impact the quality and quantity of water, resulting in pollution of land and increased local flooding. Similarly, landscaping on site plans play a key role in mitigating the impacts of a changing climate through green infrastructure. It is unclear if municipalities would continue to be able to require green infrastructure and at which point landscaping is considered green infrastructure.

Aggregates are an important component of building housing, roads, and provide multiple other benefits. The County of Brant supports the ability of proposed aggregate operations to be able to apply to permit the use at any time. The intent of planning approvals is to provide for a comprehensive review of proposed operations.