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Local Government/Urban Affairs

MMAH consulted extensively on plans to recognize in law the Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

MMAH continued to encourage excellence in local government through the Municipal Performance Measurement Program. Through this program, municipalities collect data and report on the efficiency of garbage collection, road maintenance and other local services. During 2003-04, 73 per cent of municipalities provided local taxpayers with the results, above the 60 per cent target.

Land-Use Planning

MMAH took action to support the government’s commitment to protect greenspace and reduce urban sprawl. The ministry introduced legislation that, if passed, would freeze new urban development on rural and agricultural land in the Golden Horseshoe for a year (retroactive to December 2003) unless it had already been zoned for development. In February 2004, a Greenbelt Task Force, composed of stakeholder representatives and experts in their respective fields, was appointed to hold consultations and report their findings and recommendations to the Minister. Work also continued to implement the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan.

Steps were taken to improve Ontario’s land use planning system and reform the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). Legislation was introduced which, if passed, would curtail urban boundary expansions not approved by municipal councils from being appealed to the OMB. The ministry’s one-window provincial planning service worked well, with 96 per cent of stakeholders surveyed expressing satisfaction with the service.

Housing

The ministry announced a $10 million Rent Bank program to provide low-income households with financial assistance so they can pay rent arrears and stay in their homes. The ministry also started working on a plan to consult with the public to reform the Tenant Protection Act, 1997.

Rural Development

MMAH worked with other Ontario ministries and the federal government on a redesigned program for investment in infrastructure and economic development in rural and northern communities. The ministry also began developing Ontario’s first Rural Plan to provide a framework for the provincial government to support the building of strong rural communities. Through investment of $2.2 million in government funds through the RED (Rural Economic Development) program, $3.6 million in private sector investment was leveraged for Ontario’s rural economy.

Building Regulation

The ministry’s goal is to ensure an efficient and effective building regulatory system that is consistently applied, effectively enforced, and improves the climate for construction and maintenance of buildings. During the year, MMAH conducted ongoing reviews of the administrative and enforcement elements of building regulations and legislation. In 2003-04, ministry clients surveyed were 100 per cent satisfied with these reviews, exceeding the 80 per cent goal.

Ministry Expenditures

NOTE: Starting in 2002-2003, major tangible capital assets owned by Provincial ministries (land, buildings and transportation infrastructure) are accounted for on a full accrual accounting basis. Other tangible capital assets owned by Provincial ministries will continue to be accounted for as expense in the year of acquisition or construction. All capital assets owned by consolidated government organizations are accounted for on a full accrual basis.

ISBN 1-4249-0539-7