Comments The City supports…

Comments

The City supports provincial efforts expedite the delivery of government priorities, including transit-oriented communities, affordable housing, long-term care homes and strategic economic recovery projects by removing red tape and delays. However, City staff are concerned with the proposed changes for the following reasons set out below.

1. Proposed changes could result in MZOs that are inconsistent with the PPS

The proposed expanded powers would change the framework going forward to allow for the issuance of MZOs that are no longer consistent with the PPS. This would permit granting of an MZO that has no regard to current planning legislation or the public engagement behind those plans. Most lands in the province would follow one set of rules as defined by the PPS and local Official Plans, but lands benefiting from an MZO would be subject to a lower level of social and environmental obligations.

2. If the Government decides to use MZOs routinely, there should be greater transparency and clear public benefit

As Council has indicated in past submissions, the Province could consider establishing clear criteria to guide its use of MZOs. Moreover, MZOs should only support projects that offer clear and direct public benefits (e.g. create affordable housing, support public health and result in significant job creation). It is further recommended that consultation with upper and lower-tier municipalities be a mandatory part of the MZO process.