I am commenting today on the…

I am commenting today on the increased breadth of powers proposed for MZOs. Regardless of the language used in the proposal (e.g. that these new powers will be used for good things like inclusionary zoning, affordable housing, etc.) the powers included in MZOs remove local planning and input from citizens on changes to locally-zoned areas and lands. It is noted the proposal removes the Green Belt from the equation, however, wetlands and other sensitive environmental areas are not only in the Green Belt. We have already seen how MZOs are proposing to damage sensitive environmental areas (Pickering) and heritage (Toronto Don Lands). The Ontario government needs to return to local planning practices with appeal rights by developers. The proposed changes put too much power into the hands of wealthy developers and open the doors to corrupt practices in order to "buy" a minister's favour to issue a MZO.