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We recognize this can be a stressful time for many people and we hope everyone is safe during this time. As COVID-19 (Coronavirus) rapidly changes the reality of public interaction across the Province of Ontario and Canada, OPPI is monitoring news and information coming from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Ontario Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario, and local Public Health Units, and other sources. The business of the Institute will continue but is modified as the public health situation changes. This includes OPPI staff working from home and conducting conference calls using programs like Zoom. Voicemails left for staff are forwarded to emails so we can get back to you in a timely manner. However, should you need to reach us, please email OPPI at info@ontarioplanners.ca.
As of May, OPPI continues the planning for our upcoming OPPI20 Conference in London and is working with our District Leadership Teams to provide CPL opportunities for members whether that is virtually, as a webinar or in other formats that allow members to access information from home.
OPPI will continue to monitor and this webpage will be updated with information in the drop-down items below.
As the public health situation changes and we adapt to working from home or having to complete essential work, OPPI is providing a resource list for members to access as information and articles are published. This list will grow as more resources are found and made available. If members have resources they would like to share with the membership, please email us at info@ontarioplanners.ca. Please find the following resources below:
On April 14, 2020, Bill 189, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Support and Protection Act, 2020 was passed. Shortly after the passage of Bill 189, O. Reg 149/20 was issued. Based on member feedback, and working with MMAH staff, OPPI developed two guides for members to reference the timelines impacted by O. Reg 149/20 - a quick guide for the most relevant information you need immediately and a more detailed guide that provides more information on the impacts of Bill 189 and O. Reg 149/20. Thank you to MMAH for their assistance with the development of this resource. As a reminder to members, these guides are not meant to represent a legal interpretation. Both guides are available for members to reference and share with colleagues (click on images to expand or for a PDF of both, click here):
On a bi-weekly basis, OPPI hosts timely and relevant webinars for members on the topics you want to hear more about. We will bring in guest speakers to discuss topics and issues, and it will be hosted by a member of OPPI Council and/or staff.
For 2020, OPPI is starting with a series of nine webinars focusing on the issues and topics that are relevant to the OPPI membership. We hope you will join us on a bi-weekly basis starting May 22nd, from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. as we explore a variety of issues and answer your questions. Please note: These sessions will be recorded and then posted on OPPI's Digital Learning for members to view. Members who have questions can contact OPPI at communications@ontarioplanners.ca. To learn more about our upcoming webinars, please visit our Forum Friday webpage.
OPPI and WeirFoulds LLP invite members to join our expert panel on June 4, 2020, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., for an informative session on the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020, the new Community Benefits Charge regime under Bill 108, as well as any updates on the Coronavirus Support and Protection Act, 2020 and Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Our panel will discuss the impact these legislative and policy changes will have on the planning regime in Ontario. Members are invited to submit questions to our presenters in advance of the session as you register. The presentation will be followed by a Q& A forum. Speakers:
On Thursday, May 7, 2020, from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., join Mike Salveta, President of Pivotal Integrated HR Solutions, OPPI's human resources firm, for a one-hour webinar where members can learn about the key benefits provided by the Federal Government under its Canada Emergency Response Plan, and how these can benefit you and your business. Some of the key topics that will be covered include:
On April 24, from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m., OPPI invites members to attend our free webinar, hosted by Denise Baker and Raj Kehar of WeirFoulds LLP, focusing on amendments to the Planning Act and Development Charges Act, and some updates on the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT). As many members know, recent legislative changes through the COVID-19 Support and Protection Act have led to further questions from members about the planning process and timelines. Denise and Raj will provide an overview on legislative changes and the LPAT, and then open the session up for questions from members in a Q&A format. This session will be recorded for members and, once it has concluded, it will be posted on our Digital Learning portal as quickly as possible. OPPI would like to thank Denise, Raj and WeirFoulds LLP for their assistance in the development of this webinar for members. Registration is required and members can visit OPPI's website for registration details. If members have any questions about this free webinar, please contact OPPI's Education Manager, Ryan Des Roches. To register for this webinar on April 24, please click here. To view the WeirFoulds webinar presentation, please click here.
OPPI would like to share the results of our municipal survey that ran at the end of April. As members recall, many of the questions OPPI received focused on municipal processes but we also wanted to learn about the practices related to these processes, and how they may have changed because of COVID-19. Here is a high-level overview of the results:
OPPI would like to share with the membership the initial results of our COVID-19 survey. Specifically, we know you want to know more about:
The Government of Ontario has introduced Bill 197, the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020 as its cornerstone legislation aimed at growth, renewal and economic recovery coming out of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis and summary of the proposed updates in this legislation was developed by OPPI's government relations firm, StrategyCorp. As a key pillar to restart the economy, the government is focusing on expediting certain public infrastructure projects, streamlining transit-oriented development and providing municipalities with revenue tools to fund growth associated with development. Some of the planning-related measures in the legislative package include:
The Government of Ontario has announced the creation of a new tribunal organization, the Ontario Land Tribunals, effective July 1, 2020. The new organization will include the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, Environmental Review Tribunal, Board of Negotiation, Conservation Review Board and the Mining and Lands Tribunal. The Ontario Land Tribunals will adjudicate and mediate matters related to land use planning, environmental and heritage protection, expropriated land valuation, mining and other matters. Ontario Land Tribunals will focus on land-related dispute resolution to help increase the housing supply in the province, while balancing the needs of environmental protection and conservation. Tribunals Ontario will focus on dispute resolution for 14 tribunals in the social, property assessment, safety and licensing sectors. For more information on this announcement, please visit the Environmental and Land Tribunals Ontario website.
The Ontario Government is consulting on a proposed amendment to A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. This update includes changes to the population and employment forecasts, the horizon year for planning, and other policies to increase housing supply, create jobs, attract business investment and better align with infrastructure. A link to the posting on the Environmental Registry can be found here. The government is also consulting on a new Land Needs Assessment Methodology for the Greater Golden Horseshoe which supports the implementation of A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Information on this proposed update can be found on the Environmental Registry website. The deadline to provide input for both items is July 31, 2020.
On June 12, a letter was issued by Minister Steve Clark to Councils and Clerks informing them of the end of the temporary suspension of Planning Act timelines starting June 22, 2020. The letter also states that "we [MMAH] encourage you to continue to use electronic and virtual channels, as appropriate, to engage and provide the public with an opportunity to make representations on planning matters, while following the advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health." OPPI will share any further information we receive with members as it becomes available.
OPPI would like to thank members for providing their questions and concerns in our “How Can We Help You?” survey. On April 22, OPPI was invited to participate in a briefing session with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) which focused on Bill 189 which provided changes to development charges under the Education Act and Development Charges Act and changes to the Planning Act and regulations. A small group of OPPI members and staff participated, along with organizations such as BILD and the OHBA, and here is a summary of the questions and responses that were asked and you are thinking about. Please note the information below is a summary of OPPI's notes and should not be used as legal interpretation. As OPPI receives further information and updates from MMAH, we will share it with the membership. This information will also be found on OPPI's resource webpage. Changes to the Education Act:
On April 14, the Ontario Government passed the COVID-19 Support & Protection Act making it possible to suspend certain municipal planning decision timelines during the state of emergency, and change the Development Charges Act to ensure by-laws that were set to expire during the pandemic remain in force until shortly after the emergency has ended. Here are the significant pieces of information members need to know:
OPPI's Annual Conference is officially scheduled and it's not just a webinar. For members who may have missed our initial save the date eblast, we have announced the dates for OPPI20. Spend a few hours each Wednesday over four weeks exploring the topics of Housing and Demographics at OPPI20:
OPPI is pleased to announce to members that we are coming to a screen near you by going virtual for our 2020 Conference! As Ontario continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the themes of demographics and housing are more relevant now than ever before. The pandemic has forced many Ontarians to challenge and rethink established ideas. We’re challenging RPPs to rethink placemaking, housing, demographics, community cohesion and security as we move closer to recovery and a new normal. Originally, OPPI20 was to take place in London, Ontario at RBC Place London. We’re extremely disappointed we will not be able to convene in person in London later this year; however, OPPI would like to thank the London conference team for their hard work and we cannot wait to be back in London in the future. For this year, OPPI is committed to producing an informative and exciting virtual program for members and we hope we can bring a bit of London to you. There will be some differences this year with a virtual conference compared to previous years:
OPPI would like members to know that after some careful discussion, and looking at what other organizations are doing, we’ve decided to postpone the awards program for one year. We will launch again in 2021. Thank you to members who expressed interest in participating on our awards jury. The members selected for the PlanON jury will be asked to serve in this capacity in 2021.
OPPI would like to congratulate the newest members on successfully completing the Professional Examination written on March 16, 2020. You will receive a formal letter of congratulations (and an RPP pin) and a framed RPP certificate sometime later this year once it is safe to resume normal business operations. Once OPPI has returned to normal business operations, and the company that processes our order forms has reopened, please complete the Order Form on OPPI’s website and email it to Director of Finance & Administration.
OPPI, along with the other Provincial and Territorial Institutes and Associations (PTIAs), have issued a joint letter outlining a coordinated response and maintaining service standards for members. The letter also outlines how group meetings will be held, evaluating in-person meetings, online events and working remotely. For more information, please click here to read the letter.
While members are working from home during this time, get a head start on your 2020 CPL credits by checking out OPPI's online CPL opportunities. This includes reading our Planning Exchange Blog and checking out our Digital Learning portal (member log in required) for videos and audio files. Members can also read OPPI's Y Magazine and previous issues of the Ontario Planning Journal through the Member Portal (log in required). Members can also explore the Indigenous Planning Perspectives Task Force report and supporting resources.
Thank you for supporting OPPI’s CPL courses and signing up for our Spring and Fall sessions. We regret to inform you that OPPI is cancelling our Spring courses and is working to reschedule Fall courses. Because of the spread of coronavirus, OPPI is monitoring various public health sources and is working with our Districts to provide CPL opportunities for members whether that is virtually, as a webinar or in other formats that allow members to access information from home.
A: The business of the Institute continues but is modified as the public health situation changes. OPPI staff are working from home and will conduct virtual and conference calls with volunteers and members as needed. Any voicemails left for staff are forwarded to emails so we can get back to you in a timely manner. However, should you need to reach us, please email OPPI at info@ontarioplanners.ca.
A: On March 23, the Province of Ontario announced the shutting down of non-essential services to combat COVID-19. A list was published by the Ontario government outlining the essential services that remain open during this period. On March 25, the Province of Ontario announced the launch of a toll-free line (1-888-444-3659) to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. The province issued an emergency order to close at-risk workplaces and encourage non-essential businesses to find ways to help their employees work from home. The government also reminded businesses to put in place protocols for physical distancing and regular hand-washing in order to protect the health and safety of employees and the general public. OPPI is aware of members being included in municipality crisis response teams, planning departments designated as essential, and members who have been asked to work from home. Unfortunately, there isn't a "one-size fits all answer" and it is dependent on your employer and/or workplace. OPPI will continue to provide any updates to answer this question as information change. OPPI recommends members and employers who have questions about closures of at-risk workplaces or how emergency measures impact their business or employment can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659. Help is available from Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A: The Province of Ontario and various public health agencies are asking Ontarians and Canadians to work from home, practice social isolation and self-isolation (if needed) during this period. OPPI reminds members to follow the instructions from public health agencies to stop the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). If this changes, and there is a role for members to play during this crisis, OPPI will reach out to members to let them know of these specific opportunities. In some cases, in your local community, there may be volunteer opportunities to safely assist essential service providers. Members should check with their local municipalities and agencies first to see if any help is needed.
A: According to the LPAT website, effective March 17, 2020, the LPAT is suspending all scheduled appearance hearings, telephone conference calls, and mediation events until April 3, 2020 and will reschedule at a later date. New hearing events will not be scheduled during this time. All front-line counter services will remain closed until further notice. For more information, please contact the Deputy Registrar, Evelyn Dawes, by emailing LPATRegistrar@ontario.ca. Based on the information coming from LPAT, any period of time for a person to initiate a proceeding with the Tribunal, or take a step in the proceeding, as set out in a statute, regulation or Tribunal Rule is also suspended by O. Reg. 73/20 for the duration of this Order. This is not meant to be a replacement for legal advice but is based on OPPI’s understanding of LPAT’s decision to suspend activities. Starting April 6, 2020, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) will schedule settlement hearings through teleconference or written submissions, on a case-by-case basis. Parties interested in settlement hearings must submit a Settlement Request Form demonstrating that there would be no prejudice to any other party if LPAT were to proceed by teleconference or written submissions. For more information, please visit the LPAT website.
A: We understand and appreciate members are very busy during this period but OPPI encourages members to undertake an appropriate mix of CPL activities regarding both the functional competencies (theoretical knowledge) and the enabling competencies (practical skills). Members should also make sure to regularly refresh their knowledge of the core topics of professionalism, ethics, and the public interest. We also encourage you to look into important new issues and areas of planning knowledge and practice that arise from time to time, as you may notice them or as profiled by OPPI. As OPPI continues to support members during this period, we will continue to promote CPL activities and opportunities so members can stay up-to-date. This includes Digital Learning, Planning Exchange Blog, Y Magazine, and the Indigenous Planning Perspectives Task Force Report and resource list.
A: We've heard from members who are concerned that with CPL moving primarily online they will not be able to reach the required minimum of 9 Organized and Structured CPL Units this year. Organized and Structured Learning Units are easier to claim than you think! Online courses, virtual conferences/webinars/etc. may count as Organized & Structured Learning Units. Page 8 of the CPL Program Guide contains a handy table which outlines what could be counted under Organized & Structured, and Independent & Self-Directed Learning Units. In fact, it states explicitly, “webinars, courses, videos of in-person seminars, lectures, etc. – especially if on the OPPI Digital Learning page).”
A: The decision to reduce or even waive the CPL requirement for the year does not rest with OPPI. As a national standard, a joint decision by all the Provincial and Territorial Institutes and Associations (PTIAs) is required. The PTIAs are expected to convene soon to discuss this, but for now we encourage members to continue with CPL as in any other year. As we think about the future, how to create resilient communities, we need to continue to sharpen our skills, leverage our collective knowledge and adapt to the ever evolving needs of the public. OPPI published a blog post discussing why CPL is more important now than ever. As OPPI continues to support members during this period, we will continue to promote CPL activities and opportunities so members can stay up-to-date. This includes Digital Learning, Planning Exchange Blog, Y Magazine, and the Indigenous Planning Perspectives Task Force Report and resource list.
A: During this COVID-19 public health situation, we recognize members may be focused on other priorities. However, as the voice of the planning profession and membership association, OPPI is continuing on with the business of the Institute. As per our by-laws, each year we are required to notify members about the renewal period closing and to wrap up any non-payment of membership fees. This is an action we must take to ensure the public’s confidence in the planning profession.
OPPI is starting to close the renewal period for 2020 and we’re reaching out to any outstanding members to make them aware of this. If members have received a notice from OPPI, it is because their membership has not been renewed or an invoice has not been paid.
If members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are facing hardship and require additional time to complete renewals, please contact OPPI’s Registrar at standards@ontarioplanners.ca.