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2021/Mar/01
Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs): New PT Now Available
On July 21, 2020, following a very expedited process, the Ontario government passed the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020. This omnibus legislation amended 20 pieces of legislation including the Building Code Act, More Choice, More Homes Act (Bill 108), Places to Grow Act, and the Planning Act. Nearly half the legislation is specifically targeted toward amendments to the Environmental Assessment Act.
Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) are not new, but the OAA is seeing an increase in their use. The new Practice Tip 02.1, Legislative Overview–Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs), offers some background and suggested procedures for projects impacted. (To see a list of all Practice Tips, click here.)
For members whose projects are subject to an MZO, professional roles and responsibilities must be upheld. Neither a member’s duty of care nor professional standards change as a result of an MZO being issued. Members are encouraged to use their professional judgement to determine whether or not to be involved in a project should it become subject to an MZO.