Some of you may have heard that the Ford government has decided to close down the Support Centre for communities and individuals who are struggling with a land use planning issue. Many have expressed concerns over this. Here’s why:
When communities want to appeal a decision on land use, they can take it to the the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) – formerly the Ontario Municipal Board. LPAT is an adjudicative tribunal that hears cases in relation to a range of municipal planning, financial and land matters. These include matters such as official plans, zoning by-laws, subdivision plans, consents and minor variances, land compensations, development charges, electoral ward boundaries, municipal finances, aggregate resources and other issues assigned by numerous Ontario statutes.
Challenging a decision by taking it to LPAT is lengthy and expensive process and most of us are not planning experts or lawyers. This was where the Support Centre came into play; it was there to help and give advice.
Now, suddenly, it has been closed. There was no official announcement, just an email from the Centre to all its clients.
Greenspace Alliance, Ecology Ottawa and the Federation of Citizens’ Associations have launched a petition about this issue and seeking support.
On the LeadNow.ca platform they have created a means for sending a letter to the Hon. Caroline Mulroney, Attorney General of Ontario, to protest the move. Go here to sign the letter or create your own:
https://you.leadnow.ca/petitions/don-t-shut-down-the-support-centre-for-local-planning-appeals.
Short form: https://you.leadnow.ca/p/keeptheLPASC.
Spread the word! The above information is also available on the Greensapce Alliance web site:
http://greenspace-alliance.ca/index.php/2019/03/04/dont-shut-down-the-support-centre-for-local-planning-appeals/ — shortlink: https://wp.me/p8kfbP-2nz.
