I very strongly support the…

I very strongly support the proposed changes to OMB. I have been involved in a number of OMB/developer proposals in Toronto and at our summer cottage on Stony Lake in the Kawarthas. It has been extremely discouraging to be powerless before big developers. I understand the history and reasons why OMB was created, but its time has passed. With Municipal, County, Provincial and City Official Plans approved and in place, it is ridiculous that external developers can over-ride years of thoughtful and long-term focused debate in creating those Plans simply motivated by short term profit. I firmly reject the developer's argument that the changes will create more NIMBYism. In fact, I believe the opposite will happen. If the proposed development aligns with locally approved Plans, NIMBY will have no argument to make.

The current arrangement is so unbelievably tilted in favour of Developers that the disruption to local, long term planning is ridiculous. I have watched developers blatantly lie or distort their own stories and approaches. While this might sound bold, I have watched Developers lie to/deliberately mislead OMB hearings, and would be delighted to share my examples. However, I know this isn't the forum for that. I have never seen local Planning or Approved Plans mislead, or mis-represent official Plans.

I admit that local, grass root groups can get very hysterical but, I submit, it is in part because they know the rules are so heavily tilted against the Approved Plans that the Grass Root groups have been involved in. And they know, based on experience, that the Developer's proposals will be very damaging (as well as in violation of the Approved Plan).

I disagree with many Ontario Government proposals, but on these OMB Changes, I am in complete agreement. Please do not amend the proposed changes. Please do not give in to Developers' associations or Development Lobby Groups. These Changes are crucial.

[Original Comment ID: 210719]