The Development and Property Committee is recommending that Renfrew County stop holding public meetings for plans of subdivisions.
The change comes as the result of Bill 23, The More Homes Built Faster Act.
With the public meeting requirement removed from the Planning Act, the public has no right to appeal a decision of the County for a plan of subdivision and it’s recommended that Council provide direction to staff whether to continue to hold public meetings or not
Concerns were raised by Warden Peter Emon about a need to hear from the public.
Jason Davis, the Director of Development and Property, is encouraging municipal staff across Renfrew County to engage with ZenCity.
The County of Renfrew has engaged with ZenCity to create a one stop program for all County departments and local municipalities to track projects and initiatives.
The service will be available to all county departments and local municipalities for public engagement through the sharing of information and data to provide transparency to the public for county projects and initiatives.
County staff say there will be cost savings for the local municipality, the County, and the developer (preparation costs, travel, and attendance) if public meetings are discontinued.
Even if the public meeting is discontinued, concerned/interested members of the public would still have the opportunity to provide written comments on an application for consideration of the County or developer.
County staff say current plans of subdivision that were submitted before the changes will still go ahead with public meetings.
Bill 23 will also remove the public’s ability to appeal.
County staff say municipalities would be able to contest applications for subdivisions and a disputed application as a result of concerns from the local municipality, other public agency, or conformity with a planning document would still trigger a Land Division Committee decision.
A decision will be made by County Council at the end of the month regarding holding public meetings and delegating staff the decision on “contested” applications.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)
