Re: Bill 60 – Simplifying…

Re: Bill 60 – Simplifying and Standardizing Official Plans
Date: November 19th,2025
ERO NUMBER: 025-1099
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Introduction
The Masonry Council of Ontario (MCO) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the government’s proposal to modernize, simplify, and standardize the Official Plan (OP) framework under the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025.
MCO represents Ontario’s masonry manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, and industry professionals. Our sector plays a critical role in supporting safe, durable, climate-resilient communities and strengthening Ontario’s domestic supply chain.
MCO supports the government’s intention to improve clarity, consistency, and efficiency in the planning system.
Support for Standardization and Streamlining of Official Plans
MCO supports the government’s goal of simplifying, standardizing, and streamlining Official Plans across Ontario.
Creating clearer, more predictable, and more strategically focused OPs will:
• reduce administrative burden for municipalities,
• increase consistency in planning policy interpretation,
• accelerate approval processes, and
• help support the efficient construction of new homes and infrastructure.
Standardized chapter structures, consistent land use designations, clearly organized schedules, and a more focused policy scope will help ensure Official Plans remain practical, accessible, and oriented toward growth.
Emphasizing Durability, Sustainability, and Made-in-Ontario Materials
As the planning system becomes more efficient and flexible, MCO stresses the importance of ensuring that these changes do not come at the expense of long-term building quality and material performance.
Ontario’s efforts to build more housing and infrastructure must maintain strong regard for:
• durable materials,
• sustainable and climate-resilient construction, and
• made-in-Ontario products that support provincial manufacturing, jobs, and economic development.
Masonry products manufactured in Ontario provide exceptional fire-resistance, longevity, energy performance, reduced maintenance costs, and lower lifecycle environmental impact. These qualities align directly with provincial goals for community safety, climate adaptation, and long-term affordability.
MCO encourages the government to ensure that streamlined Official Plans continue to support resilient construction and do not inadvertently facilitate the increased use of short-lived or less sustainable materials.
Comments on Key Elements of the Proposed Framework
1. Standardized Structure and Contents
MCO supports the proposed standardized chapter sequence and content requirements. A consistent structure will provide:
• greater clarity to municipalities, planners, and builders,
• reduced duplication between upper- and lower-tier municipalities, and
• improved alignment of OPs across regions.
The focus on core land-use planning matters is appropriate and will help ensure Official Plans remain strategic documents rather than technical manuals.
2. Limiting the Length of Official Plans
MCO supports limiting the length of Official Plans to help ensure they remain strategic, user-friendly, and focused on policy direction rather than overly detailed development standards.
3. Standardized and More Permissive Land Use Designations
MCO supports the move toward standardized land use designations across Ontario. This will improve consistency, reduce confusion, and support efficient planning and development processes.
However, as designations become more permissive, Official Plans should still enable municipalities to encourage building forms and material standards that enhance community resilience and long-term value.
4. Simplifying Submission of Official Plans
MCO supports allowing Official Plans and related documentation to be submitted through an online portal as part of a modern, digital-first government approach.
Conclusion
The Masonry Council of Ontario supports the government’s direction to simplify, standardize, and modernize Official Plans across the province. These changes will help reduce delays, improve predictability, and support Ontario’s goal of building more homes and infrastructure.
At the same time, planning reforms must continue to reinforce durable, sustainable, and made-in-Ontario construction materials. Ensuring that Ontario’s growth is supported by high-performing, resilient building practices will protect communities, advance climate goals, strengthen the provincial economy, and provide long-term value for Ontario residents.
MCO appreciates the opportunity to comment and looks forward to continued engagement as Ontario advances its planning system reforms.