SCOOP: Grits promise to take on MZOs
Plus: New Environmental Assessment and recycling rules, a familiar policy director at MGCS, Michael Bryant's swan song, AG report teaser, tracking Omicron, and decked out halls
ABOVE THE FOLD
First in Queen’s Park Observer — GRITS SAY NO TO MZOs: Liberal Leader STEVEN DEL DUCA wants to put the kibosh on controversial Minister’s Zoning Orders.
That’s according to a party insider who spoke on deep background about the proposed ban on MZOs, which can bypass local consultation and planning processes to fast-track development in a way that cannot be appealed — and have been used prolifically by the governing PCs.
Details are expected at a campaign-style announcement at 10 a.m. at The Foundry site in Toronto — which was at the centre of an MZO battle itself. After community pushback, the historic buildings were partially saved from demolition under a deal between the city and province.
It’s a topical pledge: In a sweeping report last week, Auditor General BONNIE LYSYK recommended that MZOs be subject to public scrutiny, chiding the PCs for the lack of transparency over environmental decision-making.
Housing is also shaping up to be a major factor in t…