As a planner who has worked…

As a planner who has worked in lower-tier municipalities for the past 20+ years, I have concerns with two of the proposed changes under Bill 60.

The first change is that decisions of the Minister may not need to comply with the PPS. I understand from provincial planning representatives that this may only be used sparingly; however, it is challenging to understand why the Province would not wish to follow its own policy directives. The recent changes to the PPS support the creation of new housing from the previous PPS, and municipalities have also been working hard to fulfill this need. Any deviations from the PPS begins to lack consistency and policies that the public can trust and rely on.

The second change of concern is the as-a-right 10% performance standards, where no minor variance would be required on urban residential lands. I suspect that municipalities will be mindful of this and just reduce their zoning requirements to assume the potential 10% increase. Minor Variances are a fairly straightforward and fast process. They also provide the public with an opportunity to comment and be aware of changes, particularly in light of the removal of the ability for 3rd party appeals.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.