ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD REVIEW LAUNCHED, PUBLIC INPUT WELCOME
Oct 05, 2016
By Bob Komsic
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The province is launching an examination of the Ontario Municipal Board with the aim to make it more accessible and efficient.
One of the issue to be considered is the board’s scope, with the Wynne Liberals saying they’ve heard complaints too many issues are appealed to the OMB.
The municipal affairs minister says the government’s considering giving more deference on decision-making to local councils.
The government’s also contemplating hiring more adjudicators – currently there are 24 full-time and part-time board members – and whether multi-member panels should hear cases.
The province wants a less adversarial approach and is looking at requiring all appeals to be considered by a mediator before scheduling a hearing.
Today marks the beginning of public consultations on the review, with the public having until December 19 to give input.