A developer’s decision to end engagement in the planning process with the City and instead appeal directly to the OLT for approval means that City Council no longer has any say in the outcome and the application becomes a legal matter handled only by City lawyers. 

 

However, the Ward 12 office strongly encourages residents to make your voice heard at the Provincial Tribunal by applying for “Participant Status” at the OLT which allows you to:

-send the Tribunal a written submission with your concerns

-listen in to the virtual hearings (similar to a zoom meeting),

-be added to the Tribunal’s mailing list for updates and decisions

 

Participant Status does not allow you to take part in or speak at the hearings. Only the lawyers who have Party Status are permitted to speak. In the past, citizens could apply for Party Status but through the Province’s recently passed Bill 185 “Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024” the Ford government has removed third party appeal rights meaning citizens no longer have a say.

 

For some historical context: In May 2024, before the passing of Bill 185 in June 2024, the Province heard delegations from interested parties to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs at Queen’s Park, and Councillor Cassar moved a motion that the City’s Acting General Manager of Planning and Economic Development, Steve Robichaud, appear before the committee and outline the City’s concerns with the proposed Bill 185. You can watch Acting GM Robichaud’s presentation at this link.

 

The City had/has several major concerns with Bill 185, and one was the Government’s intention to remove third party appeals. However, the Province proceeded with the removal of third party appeal rights meaning citizens may only send a written submission to the Tribunal outlining their concerns. Nevertheless, you are encouraged to do so by filling out a Participant Status Request and Statement Form and sending it to OLT case manager on File. 

​

You can find the form HERE

Click the drop downs above to find details you will need for the case you want to follow.