Bill 17 Proposed Regulation…

Bill 17 Proposed Regulation
Limiting Certain Reports from Complete Application Requirements
Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods (Ontario) Comments

ERO number 025-0462
https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-0462

The Province is consulting on proposed regulations that would prescribe a list of subject matters and identify which reports and studies will be required as part of a complete planning application. As drafted, the changes would apply to official plan amendments, zoning by-law amendments, site plan applications and subdivision or consent applications. The proposed regulation would also identify specific types of certified professionals whose studies municipalities must accept. According to the ministry posting, the following topics are currently being contemplated for exclusion from complete application requirements:
• Sun/Shadow: Information on the impact of shadows cast by a proposed development on the subject property and surrounding lands, including public streets.
• Wind: Information related to the potential effects of a proposed development on wind conditions in the surrounding area.
• Urban Design: Information concerning how a proposed development aligns with applicable urban design guidelines or policies.
• Lighting: Information about lighting levels on the site, including the location and type of exterior fixtures proposed for the building and surrounding property

Comments
• The proposed regulation would eliminate the ability for municipalities to factor in sun/shade, wind, urban design guidelines, and lighting plans in the decision making process which would restrict municipalities’ abilities to apply development standards that protect energy affordability, public health and climate objectives.

• Green development standards are essential tools for affordability and sustainability Municipal authority to enact proven, performance-based green development standards should be made clear. Green standards ensure buildings are efficient and address extreme weather and climate change.

• We note the Toronto Atmospheric Fund’s expert and trusted opinion that municipal ‘green’ standards do not duplicate or conflict with the Ontario Building Code (OBC). They feel that the standards complement the OBC and consolidate municipal design priorities into a single streamlined document, and neither do the standards slow down housing development. In fact, Toronto’s housing starts have grown or stayed consistent nearly every year since its green standard was adopted, and the City is on track to exceed its provincially mandated housing targets.

• Municipalities have a legislated responsibility to protect public health and environmental wellbeing. Restricting their ability to exercise those duties will not protect Ontario or build housing faster. The proposed changes will only reduce the quality of new housing and communities and expose Ontarian residents to greater environmental risks.

• Finally we note for the record our disappointment that for Bill 17, unlike most Bills, the provincial government did not hold any Standing Committee meetings — which is where experts and stakeholders (such as the Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods) would have had an opportunity to make deputations.

June 26, 2025