NEWS

Thank you for your letter of May 16, 2013, in which you provided me with the Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods’ recommendations regarding the Ontario Municipal Board. I also note the Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods’ support of the Federation of North Toronto Residents’ Association’s recommendations regarding the planning system.

I appreciate that the recommendations in your letter are based on the collective experience of a number of residents’ associations. I also note that the recommendations, along with those from the Federation of North Toronto Residents’ Association, cover a range of matters from how planning matters are dealt with before an appeal is made, to funding issues and the Board process.

The Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods of Ontario Inc., on behalf of its Member Associations and their affiliates, makes the following recommendations regarding the Ontario Municipal Board based upon a survey of urban resident associations:

1. The OMB should be restricted in its powers so that it could only hear an appeal of a development decision by a municipality on the basis that the municipality has contravened federal or provincial legislation, the Provincial Planning Document and/or its Official Plan…

The Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods of Ontario Inc. requests that your government take immediate action to amend the Municipal Elections Act and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act to address our concerns about the abuses of, deficiencies in and lack of enforcement of the current Acts.

We would also highlight our strong concern that the Municipal Elections Act be amended to prohibit contributions by corporations and trade unions to municipal candidates.