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w w w .in s id e h a lto n .c o m | OAKVILLE B EAVER | T h u rs d a y , O c to b e r 2 6 , 2 0 1 7 | 10 My View Bill 139 will provide long overdue realignm ent of OMB Narrowing the lines within which the OMB makes decisions will result in greater consistency and predictability for municipalities L ast week, I made a submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy which expressed the Town of Oakville's strong support for the Province to enact Bill 139. Bill 139 introduces a review process before an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing can happen. The review process proposed by Bill 139 is appropriate given the extensive work that municipalities must complete when doing land-use planning for their communities. Within the current appeals system, however, any developer can apply to amend our plan and disrupt our community's provincially-approved vision of itself. W ho can justify that? W hat is the point of committing municipal resources to produce a comprehensive official plan? The public demands We need, and the public demands, stability, credibility, and predictability in the local land use planning process. I believe in the rule of law and in clear, evidence-based policy and in fair procedures. I believe the changes proposed by Bill 139 are critical to ensuring that growth in our Town takes place in a planned and orderly manner that maintains the character of our communities, ensures transit-friendly communities, and creates resilient and inclusive communities that are efficient and sustainable. System ignores local decision-making By not deferring to the integrity of local planning decisions, the system, as it stands, ignores local decision-making and renders moot our community's planning role through its Council. The reforms proposed by Bill 139 will ensure that local council decision-making that complies with provincial policy directions will be respected. We need these reforms to fulfil one of the stated purposes of the Planning Act, that is, "to recognize the decision-making authority and accountability of municipal councils in planning." Oakville is not anti-growth Oakville has grown ever since 1900. Oakville is not anti-growth. We expect growth to be carefully planned and led by publicly approved policy. That is why our town invested the time and significant resources to create our Official Plan and our Zoning By-law. This work has been informed by professional planners, has undergone significant public consultation, and was Decisions for future generations I look forward to what we can achieve together when provided with a predictable framework within which we can make planning decisions for future generations of our livable Oakville. -- submitted by Oakville M ayor Rob Burton Oakville Mayor Rob Burton found by the Province to be in conformity and consistent with provincial requirements. 0 P O A K V IL L E oakviMe.ca for safe, adequate and properly maintained rental accommodation. Under this by-law, landlords will have to apply for a licence and renew it annually. W hat's happened so far? For more information about the proposed by-law including the staff report visit oakville.ca. Have your say In May 2017, town staff consulted with stakeholders and the public to discuss various topics related to a residential rental housing bylaw such as safety, regulations and enforcement, and neighbourhood impact. W hat's happening on Novem ber 6? Learn more and have your say: Planning and Developm ent Council Monday, Novem ber 6, 2017 at 7 p.m. Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road Should you wish to speak at the Council meeting, you may register as a delegate w ith the Clerk's department by noon the day of the Council Meeting at 905-815-6015 or by email townclerk@ oakville.ca. Accessibility needs The Town of Oakville is putting together a new residential rental housing licensing by-law that will give us the ability to manage low-rise residential rental housing in an effort to balance the needs of property owners with those of residents looking A staff report to Planning and Development Council (P&D) on November 6 will present information on the nature and impacts of the local residential rental market, and recommend a proposed approach for new residential rental housing regulations for Oakville, including a proposed licensing bylaw and implementation plan. Residents are invited to attend the P&D Council to learn more. The report is scheduled to go to Council for consent with final approval in first quarter of 2018. If you can attend the meeting on November 6 and have accessibility needs, please contact Clerk's departm ent by Novem ber 2 at 905-815-6015 (TTY: 905-338-4200), email townclerk@oakville.ca, or by filling out the accessible feedback form on oakville.ca. Can't m ake the Council m eeting? Send us your comments by email at enforcementservices@oakville.ca.