1. As-of-Right Variations to…

1. As-of-Right Variations to Zoning By-law Performance Standards

Do not support “as of right” variations to Zoning By-law performance standards due to property variations and the potential impacts to neighbouring properties. Staff recommend that the Minister delegate the authority to approve minor variances within the threshold to a designated staff person to review and approve minor variance applications within the threshold percentage. Applications would be reviewed on the basis of established planning principles to ensure that impacts on neighbouring properties are minimized.

2. Exempting Ministerial Decisions from the Requirements of Provincial Policy Statements (i.e. Provincial Planning Statement, 2024)

The PPS provides important provincial policy guidance in areas such as land use compatibility, housing, sewage, water and stormwater, natural heritage, mineral aggregate resources, protecting species at risk and natural hazards. Staff are concerned that allowing the province to be exempt from its own policies could negatively impact Oro-Medonte which is rich in natural features such as the Oro Moraine. Without the ability to review the oversight framework it is difficult to determine how this authority will be exercised and what land use protections might be compromised in approving priority projects. It is recommended that approval of this portion of the Act be held until the oversight framework has been reviewed and approved.

3. Amendments to the Provisions dealing with the Implementation of Community Improvement Plans (CIPs)

Support the proposed changes to the Planning Act to allow Simcoe County to introduce CIP policies in its Official Plan.

4. Changes to the Reporting of Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs)

Staff have concerns about the procedural changes to how MZOs are reported and the removal of the public’s opportunity to comment and municipality’s ability to be informed. Staff support the proposed change to allow Council the ability to delegate the entering into agreements to officers or employees; support the ability to establish timelines related to the implementation of an agreement, and support including the authority to make orders if an agreement is not satisfied.