Activists are calling for the province to interject in a tribunal case in Vaughan that would see 1000’s of houses added to environmentally protected Oak Ridges Moraine lands.
Save the Oak Ridges Moraine (STORM) is looking for provincial intervention on an Ontario Land Tribunal case regarding properties at 11641 Dufferin St. and 11490 Bathurst St. A 1989 software was accepted to develop about 100 acres of the properties, however the proprietor now seeks to alter that so as to add an extra 150 acres for residential that may lengthen onto Oak Ridges Moraine designated land, based on STORM. The enchantment seems to name for 3,000 items, STORM stated.
STORM director Irene Ford stated it might set a foul precedent for builders making an attempt to tweak outdated purposes
“The ongoing dispute over the Oak Ridges Moraine exemplifies the persistent tension between development interests and environmental conservation efforts and underscores the critical importance of preserving this significant landform, especially in the face of our current climate crisis,” STORM stated in a information launch.
The case beneath OLT-23-000254 is beneath a pre-merit listening to. The enchantment dates again to 2023, which occurred because of the Metropolis of Vaughan not making a choice on the appliance. York Area council has additionally agreed to have an related file at its stage consolidated into this enchantment.
In line with the decision made June 12, the applicant argues the undertaking would adjust to the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, contribute to the targets of the official plan, and allow a improvement “which represents good land use planning that is in the public interest.”
Regional council has resolved that it’s going to not take part within the enchantment. However STORM stated it’s involved about how the enchantment may proceed from right here and the place Vaughan stands on the proposal. In consequence, it needs to see the province grow to be a celebration within the case to make sure the safety of the Oak Ridges Moraine.
“This is really a new development application because it’s such a significant departure,” Ford stated, including that the province ought to intervene to uphold the energy of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act (ORMCA).
The Metropolis of Vaughan stated it couldn’t tackle the matter as a result of it’s earlier than the Ontario Land Tribunal.
STORM is in search of a proper response from the province relating to its considerations and argues that provincial intervention is essential to uphold the ORMCA.
“We think the ministry should be participating due to the institutional knowledge that is going to be really important,” Ford stated.
