Quinte West Council is reacting to some proposed changes in provincial planning legislation.
During Wednesday’s council meeting, councillors received a report on the changes to provincial law and policy with Bill 185.
One item that attracted comment from councillors, is that under bill 185, residents around a potential development will lose the ability to appeal zoning decisions. Currently, third parties can issue an appeal to a planning decision if they have made written or oral submissions to the planning committee during the approval process.
Deputy Mayor Shelley Stedall said the public appeals are an important part of the planning process.
“I think that the public could get despondent, they could decide that they don’t have any say at all when it comes to planning applications,” said Deputy Mayor Stedall. “I think this gives them the ability to at least make their opinions known and to scrutinize our system.”
Quinte West’s comments and concerns will be submitted to the province as an official response to the new legislation. Bill 185 has currently been referred to the standing committee, after it’s second reading.
