ERO number 019-8370 Proposed…

We hope the regulation can be amended by explicitly including a provision for local online news media as an additional vehicle for municipal notices.

The Ontario Planning Acts play a vital role in ensuring citizens are informed about municipal decisions, policies and developments that affect their communities. However, in this age of digital transformation, the Acts in their current form only recognize traditional print media outlets as valid means of disseminating notices to the public.

While community newspapers are a trusted source of local news and traditionally have served as the main medium used by municipalities to publish public notices, the widespread shift towards digital media over the last few years has led to a decline in both newspaper readership and publication frequency. This evolution in the news media landscape has made it difficult for some municipalities to communicate important information to their constituents.

Local online news media companies have gained significant prominence as trusted sources of news and information in recent years, and their audience grows daily. They offer real-time reporting, in-depth analysis and a wide reach, making them crucial channels for keeping the public informed about local government activities.

For municipalities, leveraging local digital news media for public notices offers numerous advantages.

First, it allows them to reach a broader audience more efficiently. With many people turning to local online outlets for news consumption, municipalities can ensure that their public notices receive maximum visibility and reach a diverse cross-section of the population.

Second, local digital news media offer cost-effective solutions for public notice dissemination. Compared to traditional methods such as print advertisements or mailings, digital platforms often provide more affordable options for publishing public notices. This can result in significant cost savings for municipalities, especially those operating within budget constraints.

Furthermore, local digital news media enables municipalities to enhance the effectiveness of their public notices through targeted distribution and analytics. By leveraging data analytics tools, municipalities can gain insights into audience demographics, engagement metrics, and the effectiveness of their messaging. This allows them to refine their communication strategies and ensure that public notices resonate with their target audience.

In summary, the strengths of digital news media, including its immediacy, accessibility, interactivity, make it an ideal platform for municipalities to serve their constituents and foster greater civic engagement.

Thank you