Enhancing Public Engagement in the Planning Process

In response to concerns raised by residents across Don Valley West, I have moved several motions at City Council requesting improvements to virtual Committee of Adjustment (COA) hearings and Community Consultation Meetings (CCMs) for major development applications. As a result, City Planning staff are now undertaking a comprehensive review of virtual and inperson engagement practices.

While the virtual meeting format has expanded opportunities for residents to engage in the planning process, it has also presented a number of challenges. In some cases, technical difficulties have prevented residents from participating in virtual COA hearings and CCMs, without sufficient real-time support to address these issues. At CCMs, the lack of standardized meeting agendas can allow the developer to dominate the discussion, reducing the time for community members to comment or ask questions about the proposal.

Over the coming months, City Planning staff will be conducting an in-depth review of meeting notification materials and posted signage, as well as assessing the impacts of transitioning to a virtual platform. Additionally, the City is partnering with the University of Toronto to identify and reduce barriers to effective public participation in the planning process.