Bill 108 and the Return of the OMB

 The Province's Bill 108 -- "The Return of the OMB" was rammed through Queen's Park with little debate and no time to respond.

I organized a meeting to discuss this legislation with the residents of Ward 8 where my fellow colleague Councillor John Filion and City Planning Staff joined us and shared their knowledge and understanding of how these dramatic reversals have gutted recently adopted, long-awaited OMB Reforms.

These changes have weakened Toronto's authority over planning and development, giving developers much more control while they benefit financially. Currently, the Province is threatening to modify the Planning Act significantly including reducing Developer Charges and Community Benefits (Section 37), which means eliminating funding from the developer used to create childcare centres, community spaces, parks, playgrounds, and other infrastructure projects to better our communities.

Other changes include:

• Cancelled the Support Centre -  created to help people understand and navigate the land use planning and appeal process.

• Bring back the overriding planning powers of the OMB over Local Development

• Include a provision that would allow developers to eliminate Endangered Species if they pay a Fee

• Dramatically weaken Heritage Protection