The approval process for building, zoning bylaw amendments, or even making relatively simple changes to one’s property can be onerous, long, and expensive. I spoke with a gentleman, for example, who has been trying to navigate the approval process to build a small garage on his property for two years. The township staff, of course, are carefully applying the rules and processes that are in place. That is the disconnect that council needs to address.

Some of that work is already in process. For example, discussions are ongoing regarding the changes to the provincial planning act that dictate that a refund of planning fees for zoning bylaw amendment applications must be paid if they are incomplete after a specified deadline. This will be effective on January 1, 2023. Another step that will be taken to streamline application and approval processes will be to ensure that a peer approval is done for applications before the initial submission.

It is clear to all, including staff now enforcing current rules, bylaws and processes, that they can be streamlined by implementing these measures and more that council can initiate. This goal is consistent with the Township’s operating principles, that is, that we will seek efficiency by eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure that all citizens are treated with professionalism.