As a Registered Professional…

As a Registered Professional Planner in Ontario, I do not think the proposed regulations regarding complete applications are appropriate and is not of the public interest.

There's a need for the province to accommodate population growth, however, this should not come at the cost of losing the quality of public space that serves all existing residents and future ones to come.

The outcome of this could result in the creation of communities no one will want to live in. Public sidewalks and parks could be constantly in shadows in a winter province where the sunshine is so precious, especially in the shoulder seasons. Not requiring wind studies would worsen the conditions of the public realm in all seasons. There are already many areas in the Province where wind is a serious safety concern and these changes will make further exacerbate the issue.

Sun/Shadow and Wind studies should absolutely be required where a change of height or built form is proposed through an Official Plan and/or Zoning By-law Amendment Application. However, I do not think it's necessary for Site Plan Control applications where permission for height already exists. For many developments, municipalities should be able to require Block Context Plans to ensure coherent planning in coordination with neighbouring lands.