This message is to convey my…

This message is to convey my unequivocal objection to many of the provisions of Bill 108 for the following five reasons:

1. The powers of the proposed Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) closely resemble those of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) an unelected, unaccountable body. Appeals for most of the development applications in my ward (Toronto, Ward 15) were overruled by the OMB.

2. It would reinstitute "de novo" hearings, or hearings started anew without reference to the City's decision on an application.

3. It would allow the LPAT to issue a decision independent of the municipalities and neighbourhoods affected instead of reviewing appeals in the context of existing municipal plans and provincial planning policies.

4. It would reduce the weight of planning decisions made by City Council and expand the authority of provincial LPAT appointees to make decisions that impact our local neighbourhoods, without any consultation.

5. It would reduce the proposed planning decision timelines for consideration of Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA) applications from 150 to 90 days, and Official Plan Amendment (OPA) applications from 210 to 120 days, which will ultimately allow applicants the ability to appeal to the more developer-friendly LPAT system much earlier in the process, thereby circumventing the City's rigorous development review process.