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Since being enacted in January of 2007, the City of Toronto Act (COTA) has enabled our City with governmental powers representative of our growing population. City Council recently adopted a number of proposed amendments to the existing COTA, which will be submitted to the Province of Ontario as part of the act’s ongoing 5-year review process.
Among the many amendments, a few that stand out include giving the City the power to pass by-laws respecting climate change mitigation and adaptation, removal of the Ontario Municipal Board’s jurisdiction over petitions and appeals respecting ward boundaries, the requirement for ward boundary reviews every decade, and other issues including amendments covering municipal election reform. A full list of the COTA amendments can be found here.
The City of Toronto is now calling on the public, ensuring that all voices are heard by the Province of Ontario as part of their review of the legislation. A public meeting will be held for Toronto residents on Wednesday, October 28, between 7 and 9:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chamber, where attendees will be asked to share their views on the proposed changes to COTA.
The meeting will kick off with an open house at 7 PM, where the public will be given the opportunity to speak with City staff and learn the details of the proposed changes. Afterwards, guests will view a presentation from the City at 8:15 PM, to be followed by a question and comment period.
For those unable to attend the meeting, members of the public may can submit their comments directly using the Ontario Municipal Legislation Review webpage.
