January 30, 2021 Hon. Steve…

January 30, 2021

Hon. Steve Clark
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
17th Floor
777 Bay St.
Toronto, ON M5G 2E5
RE: Proposed implementation of provisions in the Planning Act that provide the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing enhanced authority to address certain matters as part of a zoning order (MZO) (ERO Number: 019-2811)
Dear Minister Steve Clark,

The Deer Park Residents Group represents home owners, condo owners and renters in the Toronto neighbourhood centring on Yonge and St. Clair.

We are concerned about the expanded use of MZOs under certain legislative provisions in the Planning Act now in force with the enactment of Bill 197, the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020 that now are proposed to also enable the Minister to address site plan matters and apply inclusionary zoning as part of a zoning order.

It is unclear why provisions regarding MZOs are relevant to Bill 197. That Bill should be focussing on protecting the health and safety of Ontario residents, not allow for arbitrary and unrelated development decisions. Residents should have a say in the development of their neighbourhoods.

The use of MZO eliminates the important Planning Act’s provisions regarding public review processes. This power should not be used to avoid the need to consult with those in the area around a development. MZOs should be used only in limited special situations as they allow the Provincial government to approve development without consultation with residents or even the City. Residents provide very important local knowledge and the City the relevant policy context and technical expertise.

Yours sincerely,

Cynthia Crysler
President,
Deer Park Residents Group