Regulation – Time to Grant Permission and Enter into a Compensation Agreement on Lands Subject to Zoning Order O.Reg. 568/21

Proposed Regulation

A regulation is being considered by the Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry which would require the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) to issue a permit for the development on lands within the specified MZO within a certain timeframe (45-days) of receiving a development application.

LSRCA and the proponent are also required to enter into an agreement whereby the proponent will compensate for ecological impacts caused by the development. A regulation is being considered by the Minister for this site which would require the ecological compensation agreement to be signed within 90 days after the permit is issued, while allowing the development to begin before the agreement is signed. This approach would expedite development while continuing to require compensation for ecological impacts.

Background

On October 14, 2020, the Town of Innisfil (supported by Simcoe County Council) requested that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) consider making a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) to provide certainty for the delivery of a transit-oriented community centred around a new GO Station to ensure that the GO Station is used efficiently and to increase housing supply.

Innisfil’s proposal envisions a mixed-use community based on principles of transit-oriented development. This aligns with the provincial government’s commitment to transit-oriented communities and fostering development as part of a province-wide economic recovery strategy.

MMAH issued a zoning order on August 6, 2021 for the requested lands, as described in Ontario Regulation 568/21 (Zoning Order – Town of Innisfil, County of Simcoe).

Where there is an MZO on land outside the Greenbelt, section 28.0.1 of the Conservation Authorities Act requires a conservation authority to issue a permit and enter into an agreement with the proponent to compensate for ecological impacts from the development. Conservation authorities may include conditions on these permits, including to address risks to people and property from natural hazards like flooding and erosion.

Regulatory Impact Statement

• Anticipated environmental consequences of the proposal are neutral as it maintains the permitting and ecological compensation requirements under the Conservation Authorities Act.
• Anticipated social and economic consequences of the proposal are positive, as it will help expedite development that will provide housing, economic development, employment and transportation in the area.
• No new administrative costs to businesses are associated with this regulation.