Legislature Passes Planning Reform Legislation
For Immediate Release
October 19, 2006
TORONTO – Legislation to reform Ontario’s land-use planning system and promote sustainable development has been passed by the Ontario legislature.
“This legislation provides municipalities with more tools to support good planning and well-designed communities,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Gerretsen. “It includes important reforms to Ontario Municipal Board processes, which emphasize local planning and provide the board with a more effective role in helping to ensure well-planned growth.
The Planning and Conservation Land Statute Law Amendment Act, 2006, enables development of the more compact, energy efficient and transit-friendly communities that Ontario needs to maintain its prosperity and quality of life. By establishing clear requirements for information and consultation at the front-end of the planning process, it provides more opportunity for public involvement into how communities grow. Through land-use planning tools, municipalities will be able to consider architectural features, innovative technologies and sustainable design, to improve the look and feel of our communities.
“This is part of our government’s comprehensive plan to manage growth in a more strategic and intelligent manner,” said Gerretsen. “Our planning reforms will work together with our Greenbelt Plan, our Growth Plan and our initiatives promoting clean water, green energy and better transit, to build better communities.”
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Contacts:
Patti Munce
Minister’s Office
(416) 585-6333
Audrey Bennett
Provincial Planning and
Environmental Service Branch
(416) 585-6014
(416) 585-6182
