CMC UPDATE – JUNE 11
The OLT Case Management Conference (CMC) was held on Tuesday, June 11 at 10am.
The CMC is scheduled before a hearing for the following purposes:
• To identify additional parties and participants to the proceeding
• To establish dates by which any steps in the proceeding are to be taken or begun and determine the order of presentation of submissions
• To determine the length and schedule of a hearing and the manner of conducting it
Please note: that evidence is not presented at a CMC and is reserved for the hearing on the merits.
PARTY STATUS
The first order of business was to identify the groups that will be given “Party” status.
The Developer, QF Development Group (BT) Inc. (is it a shell company for Treasure Hill?) is the applicant.
Party Status was approved for:
• City of Vaughan
• Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
The Developer and OLT did not approve Party Status for:
• Preserve Upper Thornhill Estates Community Association
• The Upper Thornhill & Area Community Association
The City of Vaughan had no objection to granting Party Status to the Community Associations.
It is in the Developer’s interest to reject Party Status for all Community Associations with the aim of excluding the community in negotiations and to work directly with the City of Vaughan in order to get approval on their monster 15-storey condo.
It is crucial that you continue to raise this issue with your local elected officials. Speak to them, email them, and let them know that you are against this proposal, and that it should be rejected by City Council.
The reason the developer gave for denying our group, Preserve Upper Thornhill Estates Community Association, Party Status was that we are not yet fully incorporated. Our lawyer, Mr. Flett, informed the Tribunal that our application for incorporation was in progress and we expect to be fully incorporated within the next week.
Once we are fully incorporated, Mr. Flett will submit a motion for Party Status for Preserve Upper Thornhill Estates Community Association, which will hopefully be approved prior to the next OLT CMC.
The Upper Thornhill & Area Community Association was also denied Party Status as the Developer stated that "the list of issues provided by The Upper Thornhill & Area Community Association is based on comments more inline with a Participant Statement as opposed to an issue list that would be provided by a Party".
The Upper Thornhill & Area Community Association had no representation at the CMC meeting and therefore could not offer a rebuttal.
PARTICIPANT STATUS
There were approximately 30 applications for Participant Status, and all applications were approved.
CITY OF VAUGHAN DECISION "NEGLECT"
The case has come to the OLT as the developer has stated that the City of Vaughan have "neglected to make a decision".
As the City of Vaughan has not received a final report from the Planning department, the City of Vaughan requested that a second CMC be held in the fall. This would allow the Planning department to finalize a report and allow the City Council to make a decision.
NEXT STEPS
• Preserve Upper Thornhill Estates Community Association to submit motion for Party Status (June)
• Vaughan Planning department to finalize the report (June to September - TBD)
• City Council to make a decision (September)
• Second OLT CMC – September 26
• OLT Hearing – February 10 through February 14
We will continue to provide updates on the progress OLT case.
Legal expertise is essential to navigate the complex planning and zoning laws, and to present a strong case against the high-rise proposal. Your generous contribution will go directly towards legal fees and associated costs. We are committed to full transparency for every dollar spent, ensuring that all funds are used appropriately and effectively in our fight to protect our neighborhood.
Please donate and share our campaign with friends, family, and anyone who values the preservation of community spaces. Together, we can make a difference and ensure our neighborhood remains a beautiful place to live.