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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 136

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
December 06, 2023
Greenbelt Statute Law Amendment Act, 2023
  • This document is a summary of a law called Bill 136, which has been enacted as Chapter 22 of the Statutes of Ontario in 2023. The bill includes amendments to the Greenbelt Act, 2005, the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act, 2023, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Act, and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001. The bill repeals the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Repeal Act, 2022 and revokes various regulations. The schedules in the bill provide details about the amendments and changes made to each act.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • One steelman argument in favor of this Explanatory Note is that it provides clarity and guidance to readers regarding the content and purpose of Bill 136. By clearly stating that the Explanatory Note does not form part of the law, it helps readers understand that the information provided is for their aid and comprehension, rather than being legally binding. This can prevent confusion and potential misinterpretation of the law. Additionally, by including the contents and schedules of the Act, the Explanatory Note provides a comprehensive overview of the changes and amendments made by Bill 136, allowing readers to easily navigate and understand the new legislation.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Opposing Argument: Bill 136, also known as the Greenbelt Statute Law Amendment Act, 2023, introduces several changes to existing legislation in Ontario, including the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act, the Greenbelt Act, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Act, and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act. While these changes may be presented as beneficial for environmental conservation and land protection, they actually represent an overreach of government power and undermine individual property rights. Firstly, the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act, 2023, enacts provisions that bind landowners to DRAPA covenants and easements, regardless of when they acquired the land or whether a notice was registered against it. This infringes upon the rights of property owners to freely use and develop their land as they see fit. It also limits their ability to enter into voluntary agreements with conservation bodies, as these covenants and easements become mandatory and cannot be easily revoked. Secondly, the Greenbelt Act, 2005, is amended to expand the designated Greenbelt Area, including lands that were previously removed from the area. This expansion restricts the use and development of these lands, limiting economic growth and opportunities for local communities. It also imposes additional regulations and restrictions on landowners within the Greenbelt Area, further eroding property rights and hindering private enterprise. Thirdly, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Act is amended to extend protection from personal liability to Facilitators and Deputy Facilitators appointed under the Act. This provision shields government officials from accountability for their actions, even if they act in bad faith or negligently. It undermines the principle of individual responsibility and allows for potential abuse of power without consequences. Lastly, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001, is amended to reverse previous amendments made by Ontario Regulation 568/22. This effectively nullifies changes to the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, disregarding the efforts and considerations that went into those amendments. It undermines the integrity of the planning process and raises concerns about the government's commitment to long-term conservation goals. In conclusion, Bill 136 and its associated amendments may be presented as measures to protect the environment and preserve agricultural land, but they actually represent an overreach of government power and a disregard for individual property rights. These changes limit landowners' freedom to use and develop their land, impose additional regulations and restrictions, shield government officials from accountability, and undermine the integrity
Royal Assent
  • Dec. 6, 2023, noon
  • Read
Third Reading
  • Dec. 5, 2023, noon
  • Passed

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
December 05, 2023

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
November 02, 2023

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
November 01, 2023
First Reading
  • Oct. 16, 2023, noon
  • Passed