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Public Hearing Requirements for Rezoning
First seen: November 9, 2021
Last seen: November 9, 2021
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November 9, 2021Council
Full RecordingBill 26 - Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2021
Council discussed Bill 26, which allows local governments to waive the requirement for public hearings if a rezoning application aligns with the Official Community Plan (OCP). Council voted to send a letter expressing concern over the change and requested a staff report on how View Royal should approach public hearings in light of the new legislation.
"Council consensus was strongly against removing the public hearing requirement, viewing it as fundamentally undemocratic, despite the Bill giving municipalities the choice. Two motions were passed: one to formally express concern to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, and a second instructing staff to draft a report establishing a formal Town approach to ensure public hearings remain the standard practice."
Formal MotionPassed
"THAT the Committee recommend to Council, that in response to the changes anticipated with Bill 26, a report be prepared to establish an approach with respect to public hearings for rezoning applications that are consistent with the official community plan."
Moved by: John Rogers
Seconded by: Damian Kowalewich
John Rogers
David Screech
Damian Kowalewich
Gery Lemon
Ron Mattson
Formal MotionPassed
"THAT the Committee recommend to Council that a letter be written to the Minister of Municipal Affairs expressing concern about the proposed changes to section 464 of the Local Government Act that will remove the default requirement for local governments to hold public hearings for zoning bylaw amendments that are consistent with the official community plan."
Moved by: Ron Mattson
Seconded by: John Rogers
Ron Mattson
John Rogers
David Screech
Damian Kowalewich
Gery Lemon