Skip to Main Content

The Legislative Corner - Archive

Ontario releases new provincial policy statement

At the end of February, the provincial government released its new Provincial Policy Statement (PPS). If members recall, OPPI provided its recommendations back in the fall during the consultation period. 
 
The PPS sets the rules for land use planning in Ontario and guides decision-making to manage growth and development, while protecting the environment, public health and safety.
 
OPPI will continue to work with members and the government on the implementation of the new PPS. If you are interested to learn more about OPPI's response to the PPS or have recommendations on how we can support members on implementing the new PPS, please reach us by email at submissions@ontarioplanners.ca. 

 

proposed changes to community benefits 

The provincial government has posted proposed changes to regulations pertaining to community benefits authority under the Planning Act, the Development Charges Act and the Building Code Act. The government is seeking public comment and feedback on these proposed changes until the end of March. 
 
Feedback is sought on the following items:
  • Required content of a community benefits charge strategy
  • Services eligible to be funded through development charges
  • Percentage of land value for determining a maximum community benefits charge
  • Timeline to transition to the new community benefits charge regime
  • Community benefits charge by-law notice
  • Minimum interest rate for community benefits charge refunds where a by-law has been successfully appealed
  • Building code applicable law
These updates may seek to replace density bonusing under Section 37 of the Planning Act and several other services that used to be covered by the Development Charges Act. These regulations have significant implications for the building of complete communities and OPPI recommends that members provide their input to the government. 
 

ontario government introduces bill 70, the registered professional planners act

On February 19, Chief Government Whip and MPP Lorne Coe introduced Bill 70, the Registered Professional Planners Act, 2019 in the Legislature. In addition to its introduction, Bill 70 has passed First Reading. 

Bill-70-photo-with-MPP-Coe-(2).jpeg

On Thursday, February 28, MPP Coe introduced Bill 70 for Second Reading and it received unanimous consent from the Legislature. The bill has now been referred to the Committee of General Government. Members interested in reading the Hansard transcript from Thursday's session can visit the Ontario Legislature website, or members can view the debate below. 

Members should continue to visit OPPI's Legislative Corner webpage for more information and updates as they become available.

Calling all RPPs!

The Ontario Government is updating legislative regulations related to the planning profession, and they need your feedback.

Many of the regulations being reviewed and open for comment directly impact the work you do each day. It is vital for Queen’s Park to hear from you, the Registered Professional Planner community, to better inform decision-makers and make a continued effort to provide the knowledge, expertise and skill you offer.

Below are links to the regulations related to the legislation listed above that will have an impact to the planning profession moving forward, and that are open for public comment. Members are being asked to provide their feedback directly to each related Ministry on the legislation you would like to comment on.

Please see the specific legislation and regulations for review, and the deadline to submit your input.

Legislative Regulations Deadline to submit input
Connecting the Southwest: A Draft Transportation Plan for Southwestern Ontario March 17, 2020
Proposed regulations for how the Environmental Assessment process will apply to four priority transit projects in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area March 19, 2020
Proposed regulatory matters pertaining to community benefits authority under the Planning Act, the Development Charges Act, and the Building Code Act March 30, 2020
Proposed amendments to Ontario Regulation 244/97 and the Aggregate Resources of Ontario Provincial Standards under the Aggregate Resources Act  March 30, 2020
Developing Prevention and Response Plans for European water chestnut and water soldier under the Invasive Species Act, 2015 March 30, 2020
Seeking information on invasive species and carriers under the Ontario Invasive Species Act, 2015 March 30, 2020
Proposed regulation made under Ontario Regulation 332/12 (Building Code) made under the Building Code Act, 1992 April 3, 2020
Cedar Creek Provincial Park Management Planning April 3, 2020
Early Access to Land for Environmental Studies on Transmission Projects April 16, 2020