The Municipality has…

The Municipality has concerns with changes proposed to 13 different Acts without sufficient time or information to review and understand the impact the proposed changes will have on local decision making, resources, and efficiencies. For example, with respect to Schedule 9 – Amendments to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Act, the return to de novo hearings is very disappointing for municipal governments as it will again take final planning decisions out of elected councils’ hands. Historically, the use of a de novo approach to appeals has drawn out hearings. It is unclear how this reversal will speed up housing development. The Municipality would suggest the Government halt the legislative advancement of Bill 108 to enable fulsome consultation with Municipalities to ensure that its objectives for sound decision making for housing growth that meets local needs will be reasonably achieved. Major changes to the OMB took place a mere 2 years ago. The proposed Bill does not allow time to assess the results of the changes. The Government should consider that major shifts in legislation impact small and rural municipalities with limited staff and resources, making finding efficiencies extremely difficult.