2020.MM26.8

Background

On November 5, 2020, the Government of Ontario introduced Bill 229, Protect, Support and Recover from COVID-19 Act (Budget Measures), 2020, an Omnibus Bill that proposes limitations to Conservation Authorities’ permitting, planning and enforcement powers if passed, will work to diminish Conservation Authorities’ ability to fulfill the Act’s purpose and objects.

Conservation Authorities are tasked with protecting life and property and the preservation of significant natural features within our watersheds and fastgrowing communities in the Greater Toronto Area. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority plays a crucial role in the permitting process, often on behalf of our partner municipalities.

Source: City of Toronto

Item Description

City Council request the Government of Ontario to remove proposed amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act and the Planning Act in Bill 229 relating to planning, permitting and enforcement, and to include strengthened provisions related to enforcement, in order to support a balanced approach to development, enable Conservation Authorities to mitigate natural hazards and protect natural heritage, and to prevent any downloading of enforcement costs to municipalities

City Council request the Government of Ontario to reverse its decision to eliminate citizen experts from the board of Conservation Authorities.

City Council request that this decision be forwarded to the Premier, the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Minister of Finance, the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, all City of Toronto MPPs, all Conservation Authorities serving the City of Toronto jurisdiction, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

Source: City of Toronto

Proposed by

Councillor Mike Layton, seconded by Councillor Paula Fletcher