Smiths Falls council has sent off comments surrounding concerns of Ontario’s Bill 17, which aims to speed up the construction process by removing various facets of the process.’
The bill passed third reading and received royal assent June 5th, meaning it’s now law, but public comments close June 12th.
One of the changes is the removal of municipalities abilities to request various supporting studies to an an application, including peer reviews.
A scary idea, says CAO Malcom Morris.
Ontario is also removing development charges for long-term care home builds, which is a thorn in the side for Mayor Shawn Pankow.
Pankow’s referring to the redevelopment of the Broadview Nursing Home which could open as early as September. He says that revenue loss will hit the taxpayers.
The bill builds upon previous changes to development charges, which resulted in long-term care homes not having to pay them until the building was occupied.
Councillor Chris McGuire made his thoughts known.
You can read the staff report included a suggested response to the province here.
Story by Grant Deme