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ARTICLE · 12 MARCH 2015

Sweeping Amendments Proposed To Provincial Planning Law

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On March 5, 2015, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Ted McMeekin tabled the Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015.

CanadaReal Estate and Construction
Patrick MacDonald
Patrick MacDonald
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On March 5, 2015, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Ted McMeekin tabled the Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015. Following a long consultation process with stakeholders, the public, and municipalities that took place from October 2013 to January 2014, this Act proposes amendments to the Development Charges Act and the Planning Act.

While still only at the bill stage, the proposed changes to provincial planning law are numerous and significant, and could have a substantial impact on planning and development in the province.

Highlights of the proposed changes to the Planning Act include:

  • When dealing with appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board arising from a failure of an approval authority to make a decision, the Board would be required to "have regard to" the information and material that the municipal council or approval authority received in relation to the matter, which specifically includes written and oral submission from the public.

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