Review of Ontario Municipal Board launched by provincial government

The provincial government has launched a review of the Ontario Municipal Board, with an eye to making it more efficient and accessible, with two months of public input beginning today.

One of the issues under consideration is the OMB's scope, with the government saying it has heard complaints that too many matters are appealed to the board.

Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Mauro says the government is considering giving more deference on decision-making to local councils.

Ontario is also considering hiring more OMB adjudicators currently there are 24 full-time and part-time members of the board and whether to have multi-member panels hear cases.

Attorney General Yasir Naqvi says the government wants to see a less adversarial approach and is looking at requiring all appeals to be considered by a mediator before scheduling a hearing.

Today marks the start of public consultations on the review, with members of the public able to give input until Dec. 19.