Planning Act Changes related to SDF Capital Project Funding for Training Centres

By speeding up or exempting approvals for worker training facilities, workers will be able to access essential training faster.

1. The Bill 30 exemptions do not remove Building Code requirements, Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 requirements, Occupational Health and Safety Act obligations, most enforcement roles of municipalities, health units, or conservation authorities and municipal development charges.
2. Also, projects funded through the SDF Capital Stream operate within clear and rigorous accountability frameworks, including Transfer Payment Agreement requirements, financial controls, training obligations, reporting mechanisms, and oversight to ensure responsible use of public funds and alignment with provincial workforce priorities.

No, the exemption from the Planning Act in Bill 30 eliminates the authority to require parkland dedication (land for parks or cash in lieu).

They are no longer required; however, the exemption from the Planning Act created by Bill 30 does not eliminate the need for the project proponent to work with the respective municipality to address certain site-specific issues (e.g., water / wastewater servicing) as well as any other approvals or agreements that may be needed as a result of the project.

1. The exemption from the Planning Act created by Bill 30 eliminates the need for re-zoning or minor variance approvals.
2. Note that there may be other Federal, provincial, or municipal permits required (e.g., to operate nuclear imaging machinery).

No, the authority for municipal zoning by-laws falls under the Planning Act. As such, the exemption from the Planning Act created by Bill 30 removes any parking requirements imposed by zoning by-laws.

Yes, while the need to conduct an archaeological study is typically triggered by the submission of an application under the Planning Act, the requirements for undertaking archaeological assessment work are set out in the Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists which are established under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Yes, the exemption from the Planning Act created by Bill 30 does not eliminate the need for a building permit.

1. Yes, the Development Charges Act is not impacted by Bill 30.
2. Municipalities retain full authority to levy development charges under existing legislation. Development charges remain a critical tool for funding growth-related infrastructure costs, and no changes are currently proposed to development charges relating specifically to SDF capital project funded training centres.

Yes, the Planning Act exemption under Bill 30 does not address this.

Yes, the Planning Act exemption in Bill 30 does not eliminate the need for a building or plumbing permit or associated fees.

Applicable approvals from a conservation authority are still required for development activities (e.g., construction, change in use, site grading, fill placement) within areas that may be subject to natural hazards such as near watercourses, floodplains, shorelines, river and stream valleys, wetlands and hazardous lands.

It is possible that there could be some cost savings in planning application fees due to the exemption from the Planning Act created by Bill 30.

Any further changes to exemptions and/or requirements for SDF capital projects funded training centres will be communicated to the successful Recipients as soon as they are known.