Loyalist Township will soon be taking feedback from the public and the development community. The Economic Growth and Community Development Services Division is looking for help on making their final recommendations to council before July 1, when important amendments to the Planning Act are set to take effect.

Bill 109 (More Homes for Everyone Act) was introduced on March 30, 2022 and given Royal Assent on April 14, 2022. An important component of the bill regarding application fee refunds will take effect on July 1.

The introduction of application fee refunds for site plan control, official plan amendments, and zoning by-law is one of the more significant changes the bill will make to the Planning Act. It will require municipalities to refund application fees collected under the Planning Act if the time-line to make a decision is not met.

The Economic Growth and Community Development Services Department has been working alongside the County of Lennox and Addington to make sure they have a consistent process across all municipalities. Their report states that this does not mean each municipality will charge the same amount. It will be left up to each municipality to decide based on their respective operational needs. Mayor Jim Hegadorn mentioned that he liked the way the township is handling this process, even though it may be tough.

"We're trying to make it very amicable and trying to create a process that should promote success for everyone involved. I'm glad to see the avenues that we're going down and what we're researching," said Hegadorn.

The proposed approach will be the same as other Ontario municipalities. It includes a two-stage pre-consultation process with the public and a greater list of requirements to be able to complete applications.

The motion was passed that the May 23 report from the Development Services Division regarding the implementation of Bill 109 be received by council for information. The public will be notified when consultation is taking place.

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