I previously wrote about the new Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) replacing the former Ontario Municipal Board (click here). Along with the creation of the LPAT, the Province also created a new, independent agency that is designed to help the public engage early in the planning process and, if necessary, navigate the appeal process. This new agency is called the Local Planning Appeal Support Centre (LPASC).

The LPASC provides free services to individuals or groups who are, or wish to become, engaged in planning matters. They provide two categories of services:

1.    Information Services

• Free information and guidance for individuals or groups interested in understanding or participating in the land use planning and appeal process.

2.    Professional Services

• Free professional planning and/or legal services in response to a development application, policy amendment or in support of an LPAT appeal.
• These services will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, according to the eligibility criteria. The LPASC gives priority to cases with strong legal or planning merits, or that raise issues of public interest, or that may have a broad impact on land use planning matters in Ontario. The eligibility criteria is:

o   The context of the planning application or appeal: Does your case fall under the jurisdiction of the Planning Act and the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal?

o   The circumstances of the individual or group: Do you, or your group, have the capacity to file an appeal? What is your direct interest in the matter?

o   The nature and extent of public interest in the matter: Could your case lead to considerations by LPAT of an issue of broad interest or concern or guide future decisions?

The LPASC has provided us with a poster to be posted in our office and a handout that will be included in decisions that are mailed by the City.

I encourage you to reach out to the LPASC if you need help with a planning matter. Their contact information is:

Phone: 647-499-1646

Toll Free Phone: 1-800-993-8410

Email: info@lpasc.ca

Website: www.lpasc.ca