I am opposed to the removal…

I am opposed to the removal of the public's appeal rights under Bill 185, Schedule 12.

The province’s latest bill (Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024) again seeks to remove the public’s ability to appeal the adoption or amendment of Official Plans and Zoning By-Laws. These amendments were first included in Bill 23 in 2022 but were rightly removed in response to public concern.

I strongly urge the government to - once again - remove these proposed amendments and maintain the public's critical, long-standing right to appeal local land use decisions to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

A strong land use planning regime helps to protect critical resources like water and agricultural lands, and relies on robust community engagement to be properly informed about local circumstances and prevent costly mistakes.

The public deserves to maintain their say in how our neighbourhoods develop and the quality of our local environments

Bill 185, Schedule 12 should not remove the long-standing right of the public to appeal the adoption or amendment of Official Plans and Zoning By-Laws to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Thank you for your consideration.