I am vehemently opposed to…

I am vehemently opposed to the proposal to remove the planning policy and approval responsibilities from certain upper-tier municipalities, especially the Region of Waterloo.

Short of vindictiveness, there appears to be no motivation or rationale for this proposed change.

Upper tier municipalities, in particular the Region of Waterloo, have played an invaluable role in providing specialized guidance and expertise that lower-tier municipalities don't have, and in the future will never be able to have, if the proposed cuts to development charges proceed.

One example is in heritage conservation, cultural heritage landscapes. This concept is mentioned in the Provincial Policy Statement, but never defined there, nor in the Ontario Heritage Act. Ten years ago, regional cultural planners consulted all 7 lower tier municipalities in Waterloo Region, consulted other municipalities across Ontario, consulted provincial staff and heritage experts in other provinces, to develop guidelines and teaching materials about cultural heritage landscapes. To date, provincial heritage staff have never produced guidance or educational materials on cultural heritage landscapes.

The seven lower tier municipalities in the Region of Waterloo have used the Guide to Cultural Heritage Landscapes produced by Regional Planning Staff to study and designate cultural heritage landscapes, and include them in their individual official plans. This would never have happened without Regional Planning staff. Lower tier municipal planning staff are too busy with day-to-day applications and approvals. Those municipalities would still be waiting -- in vain -- for Provincial Heritage Staff to offer guidance and education on this important topic.

Similar stories could be told in the areas of environmental conservation, rapid transit, traffic management, and especially land use planning. Having specialized planning staff at the Regional level has made it possible for Region of Waterloo lower tier municipalities to have some of the best, environmentally and fiscally sound planning policies and innovations in the province.

It will be a huge step backward if the proposal to remove planning policy and approval responsibilities from certain upper-tier municipalities goes ahead.