Image: Huron County Courthouse
Huron County Council received an overview of Bill 185 from the county’s planning department, which included changes that staff was optimistic about.
Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act was introduced in the Ontario legislature on April 10th, but there was no opportunity for comments initially.
Planning Manager Denise Van Amersfoort says that there will be an opportunity to provide comments on the revised Provincial Planning Statement until May 12th.
Van Amersfoort says that overall, staff was pleased with the new provincial changes.
Key changes that are relevant to Huron County include allowing 2 Additional Residential Units now being permitted on prime agricultural properties.
The Bill also says that in urban areas, there are new criteria including avoiding impacts on the agricultural system, a need for impact assessments, and providing for phased progression of urban development. It also says that the idea of affordable housing is based on each municipality, rather than the regional market area.
In terms of consultation, there is enhanced direction for early Indigenous consultation, and direction for planning authorities to provide opportunities for the development of energy supply and storage.
Bill 185 also removed the previously outlined fee refunds that were established in Bill 109, which Van Amersfoort says is an advantage as the previous refund system was not effective in streamlining approvals.
