On December 11th, 2023, Council adopted an update to the Development Application Procedures Bylaw which would eliminate the requirement to hold Public Hearings for development applications consistent with the Official Community Plan. Further, the City is proposing to remove the requirement for Council Hearings for Development Variance Permits and Housing Agreements. Planning staff will continue to evaluate the merits of variance requests on a case-by-case basis based on existing Council policy and planning best practices. While a Council Hearing would no longer be held, Council consideration and approval is still required.

With these changes, the City is also proposing a minor amendment to require the rezoning sign to be installed a minimum of 4 weeks prior to Council consideration (up from 3 weeks).

These changes ensure the City's alignment with both Bill 26 (2021) and the new Bill 44 (2023). For more information, see the full report.