Urban planning might not sound like the most exciting topic, but when you dive into the intricacies of zoning bylaws and public engagement, it’s practically the latest binge-worthy drama series. Enter Alicia Monteith, a planner from Corbett Land Strategies, your go-to expert for navigating the wild world of urban development. She’s here to guide you through the twists and turns of planning approvals, community pushback, and legislative changes with the finesse of a maestro conducting an orchestra.

The Planning Process Unveiled

Planning a development is like planning a heist—minus the balaclavas and getaway cars. Alicia kicks things off by emphasizing the importance of due diligence and pre-consultation with municipalities before you even think about acquiring property. Think of it as your blueprint phase. The types of approvals you’ll need range from minor variances (the easy-peasy stuff) to zoning bylaw amendments (the "buckle up for a long ride" kind).

Missing Middle Development Strategies

Now, let’s talk about the "Missing Middle Development Strategies." Picture this: properties already zoned for your intended use are like finding a cheat code in a video game—fast track to building permits. But if you’re dealing with major amendments, you might as well pack a lunch because it’s going to be a while. Minor variances might take a few months, but official plan amendments could take years. So, patience isn’t just a virtue; it’s a necessity.

Public Engagement and NIMBY Challenges

Ah, the joys of public engagement. It’s like hosting a party where half your guests are thrilled and the other half are complaining about the music. Alicia advocates for proactive communication strategies, such as virtual town halls, to smooth over neighborhood concerns. Transparency and communication are your best friends here, unless you want your project to become the latest victim of NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) syndrome.

The Legislative Rollercoaster: Bill 185

Buckle up, because Bill 185 is here to shake things up. Recent changes include the removal of minimum parking requirements (yay for those major transit station areas) and alterations to appeal rights. No more mandatory pre-consultation requirements and a rollback of refund requirements for municipalities. It’s a whole new world out there, folks, and Alicia’s got the map.

So, whether you’re a seasoned developer or just dipping your toes into the urban planning pool, Alicia Monteith's insights are your golden ticket to navigating the complex maze of urban development. Let’s get building!

Alicia Monteith Links:

Website:https://www.corbettlandstrategies.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alicia-monteith