LETTER TO THE EDITOR — Ontario land-use policies remain unchanged

As a long-time resident of Ontario, I am very much aware of, and tremendously appreciative of, the Progressive Conservative government’s success in reducing red tape and taxes. Furthermore, I will continue to support this government in its further efforts on these matters.

However, with respect to the recent letter (T.N.M. April 20-26) by the Hon. Chris Hodgson, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, I must point out that the minister has been misinformed about who is actually directing this Lands For Life process.

The terms of reference imposed by the bureaucrats within the Ministry of Natural Resources on each of the citizens’ round tables are quite clear in that each round table is “responsible for applying provincial policies and objectives in relation to its planning area.” Furthermore, “in all cases, recommendations must be consistent with existing legislation and provincial policy.”

Currently, under these terms of reference, any new approaches to land-use planning, and recommendations inconsistent with existing legislation and policy, can be rejected at the discretion of bureaucrats within the Ministry of Natural Resources before the minister and government have the opportunity to review them. Thus, contrary to Minister Hodgson’s opinion, the fundamentals of Ontario’s land-use planning process have not changed; existing land-use objectives, policy and legislation, especially those pertaining to parks, are being dictated to the round tables by unseen government bureaucrats. Therefore, until the current terms of reference are changed, these citizens’ round tables provide only the illusion that a comprehensive land-use strategy is being been developed through public consultation.

Lorne D. Burden

Consulting Geologist

Peterborough, Ont.