Conservation Authorities across Ontario are expressing concerns about the new More Homes Built Faster Act 2022, recently introduced by the provincial government.
Ausable Bayfield General Manager Brian Horner says the bill includes changes to the Conservation Authorities Act with respect to development in Ontario and there are few areas of concerns for them.
“One they talk about is freezing the development fees. I mean that kind of contradicts what they said earlier about cost recovery. So we are concerned there if they ever tried to freeze that," says Horner.
Horner says putting a freeze on costs paid by developers is downloading to municipalities and taxpayers and if approved, could reduce service and create a greater burden for local taxpayers.
Horner says they're also concerned about another part of the bill.
“The other thing is whether we're involved with some of the permitting aspects. If it's approved in a planning agreement and we can just make comments, then it's a possibility, if the municipalities are trying to regulate some of these things, where's the efficiency in that," Horner adds.
Horner adds, municipalities need flexibility to enter into agreements with conservation authorities for plan review and downloading of this service to municipalities, that may not have the expertise, could be less efficient. Horner says municipalities and conservation authorities have worked together for decades and need to be able to continue to do so to provide cost-effective, efficient services for ratepayers.
Horner says they expected some of the changes because they've been working closely with the province but there are some components that are new and they need to get a closer look at the details.
