Comment
Dear Minister Clark,
Re: ERO #019-3233
I strongly oppose proposed changes to the Planning Act that would allow Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) to override protections for Ontario’s farmland and significant natural areas. Schedule 3 of Bill 257 aims to amend the Planning Act so that MZOs would no longer have to be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), the very foundation of Ontario’s comprehensive, integrated land use planning framework. This would strike at the very foundation of Ontario’s comprehensive, integrated land use planning framework. The Provincial government would be allowed to override – without fear of repercussion – strict protections for significant wetlands, woodlands and other wildlife habitat. Citizens would have no recourse through the courts to challenge MZOs that would shape the future of their communities.
MZOs are now being used to fast-track development without public consultation or the right to appeal.
The MZO issued on farmland annexed by the City of Stratford for the purpose of locating Xinyi Glass raises grave concerns about misuse of this tool by developers, corporations, Municipal governments, & the Provincial government itself.
I urge you to remove Schedule 3 from Bill 257.
Submitted April 3, 2021 6:29 PM
Comment on
Proposed changes to Minister’s zoning orders and the Planning Act
ERO number
019-3233
Comment ID
53403
Commenting on behalf of
Comment status