The province is seeking public input on a review on how the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) operates and its role in the planning system.
The province announced on Oct. 5 its goal is to make the OMB more efficient and more accessible to Ontarians.
The OMB, which plays a central role in the planning process as an independent and public body, conducts hearings and makes decisions on appealed matters.
The majority of appeals stem from the Planning Act, such as official plans, zoning bylaws, subdivision plans, consents and minor variances.
The province stated in a News release that possible changes to the OMB would:
– allow for more meaningful and affordable public participation;
– give more weight to local and provincial decisions and support alternative ways to settle disputes;
– bring fewer municipal and provincial decisions to the OMB; and
– support clearer and more predictable decision making.
“We know we have to take a good look at the OMB’s role in the land-use planning system. We want to ensure that the OMB is working as effectively and efficiently as possible,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs Bill Mauro in a statement.
“We’re seeking input in a number of areas, including what can be appealed, who may appeal and how the OMB hears matters.”
On Oct. 4, Erin council supported a motion from the Town of Aurora on the OMB reform.
“I really strongly support this. I feel that (the OMB has) gone beyond what they were ever intended to do,” said Mayor Allan Alls.
Council unanimously passed a recommendation that the jurisdiction of the OMB be limited to questions of law or process and specifically, when considering appeals, that the OMB be required to uphold any planning decisions of municipal councils unless said decision is contrary to the process and rules set out in legislation.
“From a professional point of view, I would support this motion as well. I do think it’s time that the OMB’s function be reviewed by the province,” said interim CAO Derek McCaughan.
“Much of it has to do with towns that do follow rules of procedures … sometimes the OMB doesn’t take that into full account when they render decisions.
“I would, tongue-in-cheek, give you an example that if this council chose to limit growth within this community, then a developer apply to the OMB shouldn’t win success at that level to force the town to grow more than it wishes to grow.”
Ontarians wishing to participate in the consultation may submit comments online by Dec. 19 or in person at one of the town hall meetings being held across the province this fall.
The next local town hall meeting will be held in Guelph on Nov. 1 at Peter Clark Hall in the University of Guelph. The public consultation report is available at mah.gov.on.ca/Page15027.aspx.
