I do not support the…

I do not support the proposed changes to the Planning Act to “make provincial policy statements inapplicable with respect to all Minister’s decisions, including past decisions, under the Planning Act outside the Greenbelt Area."

As stated in the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) 2024 under the Planning Act, the PPS “sets the policy foundation for regulating the development and use of land province-wide” and “…the relevant policies are to be applied in each situation.” As the backbone to healthy and sustainable land-use planning and development across the province, it is vital that, as stated in the PPS: “Land use planning decisions made by municipalities, planning boards, the Province, or a commission or agency of the government must be consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement.” For healthy, prosperous and sustainable communities, we urge the Government to not water the Planning Act to exempt Minister’s decisions from the PPS.

I do not support changes to the Planning Act to “enable Minister’s zoning orders (MZOs) to be made by non-regulatory orders.” While I have concerns with the number and applications of MZOs in recent years, having them as regulations provided an opportunity for public input. This has ensured that proposed MZOs on environmental sensitive lands such as wetlands not proceed. I am concerned that with this change, the public would not have the opportunity to provide input.

With respect to Community Improvement Plans (CIPs) I support changes to the Planning Act that support lower-tier municipalities in using CIP mechanism to fund community improvement projects.