Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to comment. I believe that the changes generally in the Proposed Provincial Planning Statement 2024 are a step in the right direction. However, I do not think they go far enough.

For example, there are outright restrictions in the PPS regarding Development and Site Alterations in areas subject to Natural Hazards (section 5.2). At first blush this is reasonable and appropriate (no-one wants to be exposed to damage due to flooding, erosion or dynamic beach hazards). However, there is already existing development all over Ontario in these areas, and these areas CAN be safely developed provided that professionals are involved in the development. The development of a pier for example is by definition in a natural hazard area (flooding risk)...but piers, quays and indeed housing developments are safely protected from the natural hazard by properly constructed retaining walls and other mitigation features. The risk to life and property for developments in areas of natural hazards is minimized because a QUALIFIED EXPERT (eg. coastal engineer or other) has signed off on how to reduce the risk of the natural hazard.

If you want to tear down red tape and bureaucracy, and speed up development, you need to put language in the PPS that allows for development and site alternation in all areas (including for example areas subject to natural hazard) provided that a QUALIFIED EXPERT signs off on the development. That qualified expert should not be someone from the government or public service, but should be a professional engineer (or other) who is an EXPERT in their field.

Some overarching language in the document that allows development subject to the approval and recommendations of a QUALIFIED EXPERT (even in areas otherwise prohobited...for example natural hazard lands) would be appropriate.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.