Municipal Matters
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 . . .
RIP OMB; HI LPAT
The OMB became the LPAT today
The Ontario Municipal Board is no more as it was replaced by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal on April 3, 2018.
You can find more information on their website: http://elto.gov.on.ca/news/local-planning-appeal-tribunal/
If you have any questions on how this impacts you as a municipality, developer or resident please . . .
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
My Summer Student Experience
As the summer comes to an end, I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude for my involvement with Barriston for the past two summers. I will be returning to the University of Ottawa for my last year of law school and I am very grateful for the experiences that Barriston has given me which will assist me in school and my future . . .