Stop the Abuse of Ministry Zoning Orders

Stop the Abuse of Ministry Zoning Orders

In Ontario, Crown Lands that have been patented to private ownership, which includes the settlement areas of the north and the majority of southern Ontario, are planned and managed under municipal authority. The Planning Act establishes the rules that govern municipalities in the creation and implementation of official land use plans. Due to the economic interests of citizens, it is often difficult for municipalities to consider and respect features of the ecological landscape which may be of provincial significance. As such, the Province lays out policies in the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) to protect greater public interest and override municipal ...

In Ontario, Crown Lands that have been patented to private ownership, which includes the settlement areas of the north and the majority of southern Ontario, are planned and managed under municipal authority. The Planning Act establishes the rules that govern municipalities in the creation and implementation of official land use plans. Due to the economic interests of citizens, it is often difficult for municipalities to consider and respect features of the ecological landscape which may be of provincial significance. As such, the Province lays out policies in the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) to protect greater public interest and override municipal planning where necessary.

Minister Zoning Orders (MZOs) are a mechanism that allow the minister to intervene in conflicts and override municipal planning authority in rare cases where it is necessary to prevent the planning system from seizing up or make a serious economic mistake. MZOs should not be a mechanism for overriding the protection of the natural resource values that we have agreed are in the interest of all the people of Ontario.

Hidden away in Schedule 3 of Bill 257, "Supporting Broadband and Infrastructure Expansion Act", is the removal of the requirement for MZOs to respect the values identified in the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS). This would essentially change MZOs from a safety valve on the current planning system to a blunt force tool capable of crushing years of scientific study, thoughtful analysis and public consultation. 

It is the role, responsibility, and indeed the sacred trust of the Province to assure that the living fabric of the land is not torn. Earthroots supporters, we are calling on all of you to let your voices be heard. From now until April 3rd, 2021, the public has the chance to speak up through the Environmental Registry

+

Email the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing!

Use our form to send an email to Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. We'll also send it to your local MPP and the head of Planning Consultation.

Let them know about your concerns regarding Section 3 of Bill 257 and why these changes worry you as a citizen of Ontario.

Compose your email