On Wednesday, July 23, North Glengarry council voted against updating its public planning notification policy. Council had previously directed staff to prepare a report outlining changes to how the public is notified about planning applications, particularly those considered sensitive.
Director of Building, By-law, and Planning Jacob Rheaume informed council that potential changes would still be required to meet standards set out in the Ontario Planning Act.
Rheaume proposed using the provincial definition of sensitive land uses, referring to areas where activities may be negatively affected by nearby facilities, operations, or other sources. This often includes residential areas or buildings, such as daycares, schools, and health facilities.
The report listed factors that could make a proposal sensitive, including the development’s scale, potential for community opposition, environmental or heritage impacts, and green energy projects, among others.
Rheaume’s recommended measures included longer notification periods, broader mail distribution, on-site signage enhancements, and public information sessions.
Councillor Jeff Manley questioned the need for any changes, noting that council already meets the Planning Act’s requirements.
Councillor Brian Caddell agreed with Manley’s assessment. He questioned why council would be required to spend time and money on this effort, given that provincial policymakers would have already considered these impacts when drafting the act.
Deputy Mayor Carma Williams said that with the government of Ontario pushing green development infrastructure, municipalities are beholden to the province’s goals.
“We’re the ones dealing with any backlash, not the province. They’re basically placing this in our laps without any additional support or amendments to the Planning Act,” said Williams.
The motion to update the policy was defeated, with Councillors Williams and Madden voting in favour, and Caddell, Manley, and Gary Martin opposed. Councillor Jacques Massie was absent.
