Articles 2021

A commentary on the introduction of the first local appeal body in the Province - the City of Toronto’s local appeal body that will hear appeals of decisions from the City’s Committee of Adjustment relating to minor variance and consent applications

A discussion of municipal regulation of outdoor signage and the possible elimination, through Bill 68 (Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act, 2016), of grandfathering protection for existing signs

This article discusses the applicability of a municipal noise by-law enacted pursuant to the Municipal Act in the context of the Ministry of the Environment’s Environmental Noise Guideline (NPC-300)

An overview of the framework of policies and definitions introduced in the 2014 Provincial Policy Statement that could make it easier for agricultural operations to remain viable.

This article provides an overview of the de novo approach on appeals relating to planning matters in Ireland, England, New Zealand, Australia, and Scotland, framed against the backdrop of the Province of Ontario’s review of the Ontario Municipal Board.

This article provides an overview of some of the proposed changes to Ontario’s four land use plans, draws preliminary conclusions regarding the implementation challenges facing regional and local municipalities, and reviews the development industry’s shared concerns regarding these challenges.

An overview of the key themes and proposed changes identified in the Province’s Public Consultation Document that will guide the government's review of the Ontario Municipal Board.

A review of the Divisional Court’s recent decision dealing with the power of a municipality to establish an alternative rate for parkland dedication in its official plan and the question of whether the Ontario Municipal Board has the authority to impose an overall cap on the alternative requirement as part of the Board’s approval of the official plan.

An overview of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments being considered by the City of Toronto to establish specific minimum setbacks for tall buildings in downtown Toronto.

Overview of changes to the requirements to file financial statements under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 that have come into effect as a result of the Municipal Elections Modernization Act, 2016.