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Click the image to read Osler Law’s synopsis of Bill 185. —>
“Most significantly, the Bill proposes to reinstate the ability to appeal the refusal official plan amendment applications that propose settlement area boundary expansions. This appeal prohibition was first introduced in 2006. Combined with the proposed changes to the Provincial Policy Statement, private sector applications for settlement area boundary expansions now can be made at any time, and appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal.”
April 10, 2024
The Provincial Government’s new “Cutting Red Tape” Bill 185 is another attempt by this government to force suburban sprawl onto unwilling municipalities.
“Together, the new law and the proposed Provincial Planning Statement would effectively wipe out the protective Settlement Area Boundaries and Municipal Comprehensive Review processes that prevent low-density sprawl from destroying what remains of farmland and natural areas outside the Greenbelt. Under the proposed Provincial Policy Statement, land speculators could demand at any time that farmland, wetlands and wildlife habitat be earmarked for sprawl development, with the new law letting them appeal any refusal.”
Click the image to read the statement by Environmental Defence
October 23, 2023
The Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing has announced that the Provincial government will reverse their forced urban expansion decision! This means 5,400 acres of farmland will be saved in Hamilton!
Nov 2022 - On the same day the Province announced their plan to remove lands from the Greenbelt, they also amended Hamilton’s Official Plan to force the expansion of Hamilton’s urban boundary by over 5436 acres, far more than what was originally contemplated.
November 2023
Similar to the Greenbelt Grab, the forced expansion of Hamilton’s urban boundary is now also being called into question. In Nov 2023, city council will vote on a motion to call for an RCMP investigation into the PC government’s forced expansion onto Hamilton farmland.
A sprawling disaster - Ford's plan for Ontario
Heavy duty lobbying for sprawl
Expanding our urban boundary is not the answer
Will the survey be unbiased?
Hamilton wants more opinions on expanding its urban boundaries and developing rural land