Before I begin, I note that…

Before I begin, I note that I am aware that this consultation process was required in advance of passing Bill 197. The government violated the Environmental Bill of Rights. Knowingly.

I oppose the expansion of scope of Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZOs). I ask that the law be amended to limit the use of MZOs to areas not subject to an Official Plan.

I appreciate the need for affordable housing and am open to inclusionary zoning (IZ). But there is no need for an MZO to ensure affordable housing in such a capricious way. IZ can be required in a consistent, universal manner, as the Conservative government did in permitting additional residential units via Bill 108, More Homes, More Choice Act, 2019. In fact, it is the province that is denying the application of IZ across Kitchener, as City Council wishes to do, by limiting IZ to only some Major Transit Station Areas. We know what is needed in our community. Please do not shame our Provincial Parliament by proclaiming a need for MZOs to permit IZ.

As for assuming site plan control, I am pleased that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing understands the importance of the site planning process, that it “ensures that a development proposal is properly planned and designed, fits in with the surrounding uses and minimizes any negative impacts.” But I am unable to comprehend how the province could think it might know better the local situation and wish to intervene.

Using MZOs in areas subject to an Official Plan is shocking overreach. Municipalities are subject to the Planning Act, Growth Plans and Provincial Policy Statements. Municipalities already struggle to abide by the law and deliver responsible zoning and accountability to property owners and the public. Local politicians, know the local situation better than can MPPs from across the province and are most accessible and politically accountable to the public they serve. They are the ones that should be implementing zoning. Please limit your influence to afford meaningful democratic participation and rescind the possible application of MZOs in areas subject to an Official Plan.