Ontario Planning Legislation & Commentary, 2026 Edition

Each passing year brings changes to land use planning laws and policies in the Province of Ontario, including the Greenbelt Statute Law Amendment Act, 2023 (Bill 136), the Planning Statute Law Amendment Act, 2023 (Bill 150), the Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024 (Bill 185), the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 (Bill 17), and the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026 (Bill 98). Having a reliable resource at your fingertips while attending a hearing, a public meeting, or otherwise navigating the complex environment of land use planning and appeals, is now vital to your practice.

In one portable volume, Ontario Planning Legislation & Commentary by Patrick Harrington and Andrea Skinner from Aird & Berlis LLP includes the full text of key planning statutes together with selected regulations and pertinent resources including Ontario’s Provincial Planning Statement, 2024. It offers expert commentary outlining key features of the latest legislative changes presented with both historical context and thoroughly updated citations to relevant case law from both the Courts and the Ontario Land Tribunal (formerly the Ontario Municipal Board / Local Planning Appeal Tribunal), to capture the latest developments in planning law.

Features and Benefits

• Full text of the Planning Act; Ontario Land Tribunal Act, 2021; Greenbelt Act, 2005; Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008; Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001; Places to Grow Act, 2005; and selected Regulations – pertinent legislation at your fingertips
• Full text of the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024; the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe; the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan; the Greenbelt Plan; and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan – handy references for land use planning
• Expert commentary – gain a solid understanding of how the Planning Act and related legislation have both evolved over time and currently fit together, with expert insights on recent planning issues and noteworthy decisions

What's New In This Edition
Extensive discussion on recent legislative activity such as:

• Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022
• Bill 197, the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act
• Bill 185, the Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024
• Bill 17, the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025
• Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025
• Bill 98, the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026

Who Should Read This Book

• Real estate and municipal law practitioners who need to be well grounded in the statutory and regulatory framework of the legislation
• Planners and other professionals in the land use planning industry who require a concise, yet in-depth, guide to the Planning Act for everyday reference
• Municipal councillors and staff who need straightforward information on how the legislation and planning process work
• Students looking for a resource that describes not only the current state of planning law in Ontario, but how it has evolved over time