I am writing on behalf of…

I am writing on behalf of the Victoria Point Ratepayers Association, the second-largest raterpayers association in Orillia, Ontario, representing over 120 verified members. We are comprised of residents who reside on and around the shores of Lake Simcoe, with a provincially significant wetland being a dominant feature of the area. We have grave concerns about proposed amendments to Schedule 9 of the Planning Act and we support the removal of amendments that would:
1. Remove requirements regarding public meetings on certain planning matters.
2. Remove rights of individuals and other bodies, such as raterpayer associations, to appeal planning decisions (e.g., Official Plans, zoning by-laws, minor variances).
3. Remove the power of conservation authorities (CAs) to regulate or prohibit development that negatively impacts wetlands, rivers or streams.
4. Prohibit CAs from entering into agreements with municipalities to provide expert review of planning applications.
5. Limit CAs right to appeal land use planning decisions.
6. Require CAs to identify conservation authority owned or controlled lands that could support housing development.
7. Provisions that may limit the role of municipalities in planning matters; local parties are the best positioned to make informed decisions about the protection of regional farmland and natural areas, optimal locations for development and infrastructure, and efficient delivery of municipal services.

Needed housing can be achieved without these restrictive measures that erode the democratic process and threaten the well-being of existing residents. The changes will increase the economic burden of municipalities and those costs will be downloaded onto everyday taxpayers.

The implications of the proposed amendments fail to consider any of the costs of the loss of natural heritage features that will occur as a result of the changes to existing policy.