I am a member of ACO…

I am a member of ACO Cambridge and North Dumfries and heritage matters to me. I am deeply concerned about Bill 108 - (Schedule 11) - the proposed More Homes, More Choices Act: Amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act:

1. It would take away local communities' right to say what is important to them, what parts of the past the community values and wishes to pass on to future generations.

2. It would give this authority to the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal (LPAT), who can undo the work of democratically elected councils — and the Municipal Heritage Committees and trained heritage planning staff who support them. LPAT will have the final say on approving, revoking or amending heritage protection bylaws.

3. Compounding the problem: No current LPAT members have any background in heritage. Nor are they required to have heritage expertise or an understanding of the values of the community they are judging.

4. We don't need this radical departure. The current regulations 9/06 and 10/06 work. They provide criteria that help ensure communities are objective and consistent across Ontario. The specialist Conservation Review Board (CRB) reviews municipalities' work and provides an expeditious, low-cost alternative to lengthy LPAT appeals. Don’t change a rule book that's working.