Please see the attached…

Please see the attached staff report presented to Middlesex Centre Council on June 4, 2025 with preliminary comments on the proposed changes.

I would also like to reiterate input that I've previously provided to Ministry staff - very much a "low hanging fruit" type initiative that could significantly improve how we receive and process development applications.

I'm strongly suggest changes to the Planning Application O. Regs (i.e. O. Reg. 545/06 - Zoning Bylaws; O. Reg. 544/06 Plans of Subdivisions, O. Reg. 542/06 Official Plans and Official Plan Amendments, O. Reg. 200/96 Minor Variance and O. Reg. 197/96 Consent Applications), and specifically the requirement for a "sworn affidavit/sworn declaration" to accompany all planning applications - the last item listed in all application types.

Middlesex Centre was an early adopter of Cloud Permit software to modernize our planning practices and speed up the approvals process. The public can now submit most planning applications directly through the website, and we’ve been working closely with the software developers to ensure the process is as smooth as possible - not just for us but for the other municipalities throughout the province that have now adopted the program.

One aspect of the process that is currently NOT smooth, is the requirement for an affidavit/sworn declaration. While the application can be submitted online, the applicants are still required to physically attend the municipal office in order to have their application commissioned by a commissioner of oaths, and then upload the signing page before they are able to submit a complete application. It's very unnecessarily clunky, when we are able to do other official processes such as driver's license renewals etc. online. While we acknowledge that virtual commissioning is an option, it just adds further complication for the average applicant.

I’m hoping you can look into this – as we are all doing our part to address the housing crisis, this is one of those aspects of the incredibly complex planning process where we need to balance risk against reward in order to make the process more efficient. It's a very simple change to the regulations that would have a very positive impact on the day to day operations of our planning departments.

Thank you,