OMB Rules are Making a Comeback
May 2, 2019
The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced this morning that the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) will revert back to the old Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) rules with de novo hearings. The proposed changes to the Planning Act and the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Act, 2017 are meant to allow the LPAT to hear appeals with . . .
Posted in: developersland use planninglegislationlocal planning appeal tribunallpatmunicipal lawmunicipalitiesontarioontario municipal boardreal estate
More Legislative Changes Affecting Municipal Law in Ontario
ELTO is gone; Cannabis retail stores are now limited
This was another busy week of legislative changes in Ontario.
First, ELTO will be no more as of January 1, 2019. All tribunals in Ontario will be grouped under a new “Tribunals Ontario”.
You can find the new Ontario Regulation 494/18 here: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r18494
Secondly, there will only be . . .
Can I Cut Down My Own Christmas Tree?
Tree-cutting laws in Ontario
The holidays are fast approaching. If you love having a real Christmas tree but you don’t want to pay for one, you may be looking to chop one down in a local forest or maybe get one from your own property.
But…is it allowed? In Ontario, the short answer is: it depends.
Individuals are permitted to cut down a tree on crown . . .
Changes to the Planning Act
Introducing a new section 34.1
On December 6, 2018 the provincial government introduced Bill 66 which, among other things, proposes an amendment to the Planning Act. This proposal would add a new section 34.1 allowing municipalities to pass “open-for-business” by-laws with approval from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
An open-for-business by-law . . .
Posted in: developersland use planninglegislationlocal planning appeal tribunallpatmunicipal lawmunicipalitiesontarioontario municipal board
Municipal Wastewater Charges
What is reasonable?
Most municipalities calculate sewage rates based on water consumption. This is likely based on the idea that what goes in must come out, but that is not always the case. Not all of the water taken will enter the sewage system, like when it is used for activities such as watering lawns and gardens. On the other hand, other waste products enter . . .
LPAT – Questions and Answers
Notes from the March 21, 2018 ELTO webcast
On Wednesday March 21, 2018 the first webinar was held as a primer to address the new Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. Two more sessions will be taking place with the same material covered in each. To register for an upcoming session, you must sign up which can be done here: . . .
Posted in: developersland use planninglegislationlpatmunicipal lawmunicipalitiesontarioontario municipal board
LPAT RULES RELEASED
New Proposed Rules of Practice and Procedure
The government has released the proposed Rules of Practice and Procedure for the new Local Planning Appeal Tribunal which are available online: http://elto.gov.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Local-Planning-Appeal-Tribunal-Proposed-Rules-of-Practice-and-Procedure-2018-02-23.pdf
Posted in: developersland use planninglegislationlpatmunicipal lawmunicipalitiesontarioontario municipal board
