Several tenets of the open…

Several tenets of the open for business planning tool are deeply concerning to me:

• Allow public consultation at the discretion of the municipality, while requiring public notice after the by-law is passed (at a minimum);
• Provide that decisions are final and cannot be appealed to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal
• Remove the requirement for decisions to strictly adhere to provincial policies and provincial plans (but allow the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to impose conditions to protect matters like public health and safety when endorsing the use of the tool).
• Allow municipalities to permit the use (i.e., zone the lands) without having to strictly adhere to existing local requirements (e.g., official plan and zoning);

These proposals erode local democracy by reducing opportunities for Ontarians to provide feedback on proposed developments which directly affect them.

By removing requirements to adhere to provincial polices and plans such as the Planning Act, Greenbelt Act, Conservation Authorities Act, and the Environmental Protection Act, the Open for Business Act will jeopardize the environment and protected landscapes. This will have impacts on outdoor sports, hunting, fishing, and camping, which are important economic activities.