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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 27

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
December 05, 2022
Protecting Agricultural Land Act, 2022
  • This is a bill called the Protecting Agricultural Land Act, 2022. It amends the Planning Act in Ontario to protect agricultural land. The bill introduces a new section called Agricultural Impact Assessment, which applies to land that was zoned for agricultural uses before the bill came into force. The bill restricts local municipalities and the Minister from changing the permitted uses or zoning of the land without conducting an Agricultural Impact Assessment. The bill also amends Section 70 of the Act to include provisions for prescribing agricultural uses and governing Agricultural Impact Assessments. The bill will come into force on the day it receives Royal Assent and is titled the Protecting Agricultural Land Act, 2022.
  • H1
  • H2
  • H3
  • RA
  • Yea (9)
  • Nay (9)
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of Bill 27 2022, the Protecting Agricultural Land Act, could be as follows: The amendment to the Planning Act, which introduces the requirement for an Agricultural Impact Assessment before any changes to zoning by-laws or Minister's zoning orders can be made, is a necessary step to protect agricultural land in Ontario. Firstly, the preservation of agricultural land is crucial for ensuring food security and maintaining a sustainable agricultural industry. By implementing an Agricultural Impact Assessment, the government can assess the potential consequences of any proposed changes to zoning on agricultural land. This assessment will help identify the impact on agricultural productivity, soil quality, water resources, and other factors that are essential for successful farming operations. By considering these impacts, the government can make informed decisions that prioritize the long-term viability of agricultural land. Secondly, the amendment promotes responsible land use planning. By requiring an assessment before any changes to zoning by-laws or Minister's zoning orders, the government can prevent hasty decisions that may have unintended negative consequences. The assessment process will ensure that any changes made are well-considered and take into account the potential impact on the agricultural sector, local communities, and the environment. Furthermore, the amendment provides a level of certainty and stability for farmers and agricultural businesses. By protecting agricultural land from arbitrary changes in zoning, farmers can have confidence in their ability to plan for the future and make long-term investments in their operations. This stability is crucial for fostering a thriving agricultural industry and attracting new farmers to the sector. Lastly, the amendment aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development and environmental protection. By safeguarding agricultural land, the government can contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, the mitigation of climate change, and the conservation of natural resources. Agricultural land often serves as important habitat for wildlife and plays a role in carbon sequestration. By protecting this land, the government can support these environmental objectives. In summary, the amendment to the Planning Act, as outlined in Bill 27 2022, is a necessary measure to protect agricultural land in Ontario. By requiring an Agricultural Impact Assessment before any changes to zoning by-laws or Minister's zoning orders, the government can ensure responsible land use planning, promote food security, provide stability for farmers, and contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 27: Bill 27, also known as the Protecting Agricultural Land Act, 2022, may seem well-intentioned, but it is an unnecessary expansion of government power that interferes with property rights and stifles economic growth. While protecting agricultural land is important, this bill goes too far in restricting the ability of local municipalities and the Minister to make decisions regarding land use and zoning. Firstly, this bill imposes a burdensome requirement for an Agricultural Impact Assessment before any changes can be made to zoning by-laws. This assessment adds unnecessary red tape and delays to the process of developing land for other purposes. It assumes that agricultural land is always the most valuable use of the land, disregarding the potential benefits of other types of development, such as housing or commercial projects. This restriction limits the ability of local municipalities to respond to the changing needs of their communities and hampers economic growth. Furthermore, the bill restricts the Minister's ability to make zoning orders without an Agricultural Impact Assessment. This undermines the authority of the Minister and centralizes decision-making power in the hands of bureaucrats. It is important to trust the expertise and judgment of elected officials and allow them to make decisions based on the unique circumstances of each situation. This bill unnecessarily limits their ability to respond swiftly and effectively to changing circumstances. Additionally, the bill fails to consider the potential negative consequences of preserving agricultural land at all costs. While agriculture is an important industry, it is not the only industry that contributes to the economy and provides jobs. By prioritizing agricultural land over other types of development, this bill may hinder economic diversification and limit opportunities for growth in other sectors. In conclusion, while the protection of agricultural land is a worthy goal, Bill 27 goes too far in restricting the decision-making authority of local municipalities and the Minister. It imposes unnecessary regulations and limits economic growth. It is important to strike a balance between protecting agricultural land and allowing for responsible development that meets the needs of communities and promotes economic prosperity.
Second Reading
  • Dec. 5, 2022, noon
  • In Progress
  • Read

Assembly Motion No. 4374

43rd Parl. 1st Sess. (ON)
Dec. 5, 2022, 9 a.m.
  • Bill 27
  • Latest: Second Reading Deferred vote
  • Second Reading of Bill 27, An Act to amend the Planning Act to protect agricultural land.
First Reading
  • Oct. 27, 2022, midnight
  • Passed