The reduction of…

The reduction of bureaucratic red tape in the Planning Process is a noteworthy attempt at rekindling Ontario's economy. Ontario's economy is constantly evolving and without the ability to quickly adapt, it will continue to lag behind other more free jurisdictions. I do want to bring one item to attention, and that is the relation between economic development and planning policy, specifically Ontario's place in manufacturing. The Province has traditionally been a hub of manufacturing and industrial capacity, fueling good paying jobs and economic growth. In the last several decades however, we have seen an exodus of traditional manufacturing jobs. This event has irreversibly damaged many communities in the province, leaving thousands unemployed and lands unused and increasingly derelict. With this in mind, I hope that the updated PPS addresses the fact that municipalities in Ontario need to plan for the switch of traditional manufacturing to advanced manufacturing. This means planning for the future of industrial capacity and technology-driven businesses. The connection between economic development and planning policy is well documented in academic literature, but as the literature points out (attached) municipalities need to go beyond generalized policy, and utilize planning directives to improve the evolution of Ontario's economy.