1) Minor Variances (as-of…

1) Minor Variances (as-of-right variances from performance standards)- Staff are not supportive of the as-of-right reduction in established development standards. Staff would not be supportive of granting the Minister authority to set prescribed percentages, automatically permitting as-of-right variances, as it would bypass the municipal approval process.

Amendments to the Planning Act should instead delegate the authorization to grant the proposed deviation to a municipal staff level which would allow a more detailed technical review prior to the minor variance(s) approval.

2) Minor Variances (as-of-right variances from performance standards)- As-or-right variances should be avoided in zone categories intended for environmental protection and natural hazards

3) Protected Major Transit Areas (PMTSAs)- Staff are unsupportive of this change, as these official plan amendments would then be subject to appeals which may cause issues in staff resourcing, extend approval timelines, etc.

4) Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs)- Staff are unsupportive of the proposed change that allows the Minister to defer unresolved agreements to the Ontario Land Tribunal without input from a municipality. As a party to the agreement, municipalities should be afforded a formal opportunity to consult with the Minister on MZO agreements, as the municipality is a party to the agreement.

5) Policy Statements and Minister’s Decisions- Staff are unsupportive of this change, as it allows decisions that could override key policy direction intended to support good planning and protect public health and safety. The change risks inconsistent planning outcomes by removing the consideration for managing growth, the efficient delivery and coordination of infrastructure, protection of employment lands and land use compatibility from future decisions. With this change, the Minister would be able to enable decisions that may override environmental protections in the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 regarding hazardous lands, agriculture, natural heritage and water resources.

6) Community Improvement Plans (CIPs)-Staff are supportive of this change extending CIPs as a tool that can be used by all upper-tier municipalities.