Mimico Lakeshore Network has shared some observations about the OMB

Following message is from the Mimico Lakeshore Network:

Subject: Public Meeting with P. Milczyn MPP – Reform of the OMB

Join Peter Milczyn MPP at a Town Hall Meeting to discuss the government’s review of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).

Wed, Nov. 9, 2016 (Ward 6) 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 101

3850 Lake Shore Blvd West (Lake Shore and Browns Line)

Wed, Nov. 16, 2016 (Ward 5) 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 210

110 Jutland Road

“Reform” the OMB? Why not just abolish it?

The OMB is destroying our City and our neighbourhoods. Enough!

Folks have been asking to abolish the OMB for years.

“In February (2012), with Matlow and Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam leading the charge, council voted 34–5 to ask the province to quash the OMB’s planning power over Toronto. Though only Queen’s Park can make that decision, Toronto isn’t the only body agitating for a change. Mississauga already voted to dismantle the OMB last year, one Markham councillor wants the same, and Wong-Tam says she’s heard rumblings from Hamilton and Ottawa.”

Toronto Star, June 23, 2012

“The truth, of course, is that the OMB should have been abolished decades ago. By enabling politicians to duck the hard decisions, it has left civic politicians in an infantilized state.”

Toronto Star, Christopher Hume, Feb. 7, 2012

“One of the fundamental principles of democracy is that of accountability. Over the past several years many citizens have become concerned that there has been a loss of accountability in matters of municipal land use planning.”

Michael Walker, June 2001

“Periodically, like clockwork, there are reminders that there is a malaise in Ontario’s planning system, which is of concern to observers in the public and private sectors alike; but seldom is the opportunity presented to go beyond cosmetic aspects and address not only the fundamentals, but alternatives. The Board can only hope that the Mimico-by-the-Lake experience may be helpful in that regard.”

OMB Board member Marc Denhez, August 2016

Put “ OMB” in the City’s search engine today and you will find 1,101 records, all having to do with some form of an appeal to the OMB.

City planners have to get on with the job of planning and stop wasting time at the OMB. Politicians have to grow up and start being accountable for the decisions they make.

Enough is enough. Why not abolish the OMB now?

For South Etobicoke, the OMB means serious business.

The City’s website indicates that since 2003, there were 46 development applications (44 actually) in South Etobicoke.

Eighteen of the development applications are either considered minor (i.e. school, gas station, inactive) or under review; because the file is still being processed by planning staff.

Out of the remaining 26 development applications each have a corresponding OMB file, except for two development proposals. That means that 92% of the major development applications in South Etobicoke have a corresponding file at the OMB.

What this means for South Etobicoke residents?

It means that the OMB is actively involved in the planning of this community and that the residents have less of a voice in planning matters.

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Mimico Lakeshore Network

Email: lakeshorenetwork@gmail.com
Website: http://mimicolakeshorenetwork.wordpress.com
Twitter: @MimicoLN
Facebook: Mimico Lakeshore Network

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[The preceding message is from the Mimico Lakeshore Network.]