The Building Better Communities and Conserving Watersheds Act, 2017 will replace the Ontario Municipal Board with the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, and help ensure that proceedings before the tribunal are faster, fairer and more affordable. The new legislation will also create the free Local Planning Appeal Support Centre, which will provide people across the province with information about the land use planning appeal process, legal and planning advice, and, in certain cases, may provide legal representation in proceedings before the tribunal.
The act will also modernize the Conservation Authorities Act, guiding the conservation of Ontario’s watersheds. “Our government is taking action to give residents and municipalities a greater say in how their communities develop,” Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Mauro said. The legislation clarifies the roles and responsibilities of conservation authorities and strengthens oversight and accountability. It also encourages increased public engagement by setting requirements for more public disclosure and for meetings to be open to the public. These changes will enable conservation authorities to have the flexibility to address growing environmental pressures such as climate change.
The changes were introduced in May, 2017. Tribunal decisions could be appealed to the courts by either party.
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