Ontario's municipalities are raising concerns about several new powers for overruling local decision-makers that Premier Doug Ford's government has proposed for itself.
If passed, the Ford government's Bill 30 would enable the labour minister to limit municipalities' powers regarding select training or skills development centres that are at least partially funded by the province. Such buildings could also be exempted from Ontario’s Planning Act and parts of the City of Toronto Act relating to zoning and development.
The legislation, the Progressive Conservatives' Working for Workers Seven Act, was welcomed by unions in the construction industry, which have been supportive of the Ford government.
"While the stated objective of supporting workers amidst potential job losses arising from the U.S.-Canada trade dynamic is noted," the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) wrote in an online policy update, the proposal "raises significant concerns."
Ontario has previously moved to exempt public works like schools and hospitals from municipal approvals — but the move to exempt private training centres "marks a significant shift," AMO wrote, as those private companies don't have the "robust accountability and regulatory frameworks that characterize broader public sector bodies."
Such training centres could be exempt from property taxes, development charges, "and other local requirements with no clear purpose or rationale," AMO wrote.
In total, the government is now looking to give four of its ministers the ability to override municipal planning, "increasing the likelihood of unintended consequences and diffuse accountability," AMO wrote.
Under Bill 17, the infrastructure minister would be able to issue minister's zoning orders (MZOs) — normally the purview of the housing minister. And under Bill 5, the minister of economic development would be able to create "special economic zones."
"AMO continues to support the need for bold and innovative action to respond to unprecedented economic challenges," the organization wrote in its brief. "However, the threat of tariffs cannot be used to justify any and all proposals to override provincial and municipal laws. AMO will continue to analyze the proposal and seek opportunities to provide commentary to the legislature."
The Ontario Big City Mayors group agreed with AMO.
"Our message is simple: we share AMO's concerns," OBCM chair and Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said in a statement.
