Bill 23 is a recent bill put forward by the Province that, if passed, will seriously affect planning, farmland, and natural habitat in Ontario. To learn more about Bill 23, read our blog on it.
Recently, OFT put forward a number of policy recommendations regarding the changes proposed in Bill 23. We have compiled them below, for convenience.
This submission provides comments on the proposed integration of A Place to Grow and the Provincial Policy Statement, as outlined in Bill 23. OFT does not support this proposed integration, noting that municipalities in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) face unique challenges, and that as such the GGH should continue to receive additional policy direction from A Place to Grow.
BILL 23: ERO #019-6217 for input on Proposed amendments to the Greenbelt Area boundary regulation
This submission provides comments on the proposed amendments to the Greenbelt Area boundary regulation, as outlined in Bill 23. OFT does not support the proposed amendments to the Greenbelt that result in land being removed from the protected area, and that the proposed changes disproportionately affect farmland.
This submission provides comments on the proposed revocation of the Central Pickering Development Plan, as outlined in Bill 23. OFT recommended against the revocation of this plan, as the Plan has been successful in protecting both agricultural land and natural areas in the Pickering region. OFT also recommended that the Province take this opportunity to strengthen and reinforce the local agricultural system in the region covered by the Plan.
This submission provides comments on the proposed changes to the Ontario Land Tribunal, as outlined in Bill 23. OFT does not support the proposed changes that will affect the ability of third party appeals for planning issues. OFT believes that it is important that the agricultural community still have third-party appeal mechanisms available to them in order to correct planning issues.
This submission provides comments on the proposed updates to the Conservation Authorities Act, as outlined in Bill 23. OFT notes that natural lands and farmlands work in tandem to serve the people of Ontario, and that Conservation Authorities play a strong role in this.
BILL 23: ERO Registry #019-6161 for input on Conserving Ontario’s Natural Heritage
This submission provides comments on the proposed wetland offsetting policies, as outlined in Bill 23. OFT does not support the proposed policy, as offsetting has been shown to be ineffective. OFT is also concerned that wetland offsetting will disproportionately affect farmland.
This submission provides comments on the proposed update to the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, as outlined in Bill 23. OFT is concerned that the proposed changes allowing for wetlands within a complex to be re-evaluated individually will put farmland at greater risk of erosion and will negatively impact farmers. OFT recommends that the proposed changes allowing for wetlands within a complex to be re-evaluated individually are removed, and that the term wetland complex is reinstated in the evaluation documents.
This submission provides comments on the proposed updates to the Conservation Authorities Act, as outlined in Bill 23. OFT notes that natural lands and farmlands work in tandem to serve the people of Ontario, and that Conservation Authorities play a strong role in this.
OFT has also signed on to a joint letter with over 125 organizations about Bill 23 and the proposed removal of land from the Greenbelt. Read it here.
Check out our Farmland Policy page to review all policy submissions OFT has submitted.
