In an address to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Linda Jeffrey announced that the government would be conducting consultations with stakeholders this fall on making changes to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).
The OMB is an independent administrative tribunal that hears appeals and helps decide numerous contentious issues across the province. Many stakeholders have voiced their frustrations with the OMB’s complex rules, and delays during the process. Minister Jeffrey hopes these consultations will provide feedback on the best way to address these issues. The Minister indicated that she hopes to make changes to the OMB that will make land use planning and the decision making process much simpler and more effective. This would make it easier for residents, municipalities, community groups, and developers to work together.
Presently, New Democrat MPP for Trinity-Spadina , Rosario Marchese is pushing forward a Private Member’s Bill to exclude the City of Toronto from OMB oversight.
OREA will continue to monitor developments and what this means for Ontario homeowners and REALTORS®.
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