Item - 2023.PH6.6

The Planning and Housing Committee recommends that:

1. City Council assign the City Solicitor responsibility for the provision of legal services to the Toronto Local Appeal Body with respect to (1) providing advice on questions identified by Toronto Local Appeal Body Members, with respect to the administration of hearings, as part of their decision making duties, and (2) providing advice on the development, review or revision of operational policies, practice directions and rules.

Enacted on May 3rd, 2017, the Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB) is an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal established through City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 142, Local Appeal Body, the City of Toronto Act, and other provincial legislation. The TLAB has all the powers of the Ontario Land Tribunal related to the hearing of appeals to Committee of Adjustment decisions for minor variance and consent applications under subsections 45(12), 53(14), 53(19) and 53(27) of the Planning Act.

The TLAB is composed of fourteen members including the Chair, Vice-Chair, and twelve Panel Members who are nominated by an impartial citizen-member nominating panel with recommendations for appointments submitted to City Council. City Council appoints Members of the TLAB for a four-year term of office.

This report transmits the 2022 Annual Report from the TLAB Chair to City Council for information. It also recommends that the City Solicitor take over the provision of legal services to the TLAB with respect to providing advice on questions identified by TLAB Members, with respect to the administration of hearings, as part of their decision making duties, and providing advice on the development, review or revision of operational policies, practice directions and rules.