Improving Community Consultation in the Development Review Process - Update

In April 2024, the Province introduced Bill 185: Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act (Bill 185). Bill 185 removes application fee refund provisions and the authority to require by by-law, mandatory pre-application consultation before an application is submitted, while maintaining tight legislated timelines for decision-making and approval under the City of Toronto Act and the Planning Act . Relevant provisions of Bill 185 came into force and effect on June 6, 2024. As the legislative landscape continues to shift, detailed policy recommendations to amend the Official Plan and Municipal Code are premature. Through consultation with the public, industry and Councillors, staff identified a number of near- and medium-term operating model improvements. These include, but are not limited to organizational structure, process and technology improvements that, despite legislative change, support improved community consultation practices.

2. Planning and Housing Committee request the Executive Director, Development Review, in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the City Solicitor, to establish clear requirements for recording and publishing virtual community consultation meetings on the City of Toronto's digital platforms, including standard requirements for the collection of necessary personal information under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.