The City is currently working on an Official Plan – due for approval. Staff have done a great job on this with lots of consultation and public input. I however am not in favour of passing it as is. To my mind it is way too permissive in regards to height and intensification and does nothing to protect neighbourhoods. The short form theory is that OPs paint in broad strokes what may be appropriate development in some areas- it works hand and hand with the comprehensive zoning bylaw which is more focused and prescriptive and usually more restrictive. Again in theory the OP lays out what could be possible whereas the zoning bylaw legislates what is deemed allowable. My experience with official plans and zoning exemptions tells me that if it’s in the OP it’s a done deal. The number one argument for folks looking for exemptions from a zoning bylaw is – “its in your Official Plan so therefore”. This argument also carries the day with planners and at the Ontario Land Tribunal.
With that in mind, I favour a tighter OP that would make proponents argue on merit and make parking, sidewalks, green space, neighbourhood logistics and other considerations more important than an Official Plan ‘get out of jail free card’. This of course would add to the process and require more Official Plan amendments but the City having more control over the quality of life not only for the surrounding neighbourhoods but also the quality of life of the folks moving into these intensified situations in my opinion is much more valuable.
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