Actions in progress

Provide a government liaison to new food processing businesses

Status: Action in progress

What we heard

It is too difficult for new food processing businesses to act as an intermediary between sources that do not work together, such as municipalities and local health units.

Our plan

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) created a Food and Beverage Processing Business Information Bundle as a resource to help anyone starting or expanding a food processing business in Ontario. The ministry will also enhance its communication products and promote them to food processing businesses, municipalities, economic developers and local health units.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) is working on improving the notification and approvals process for new food processing businesses and will work with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MMA) to develop tools that will enhance communication between local building departments and public health units.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) is working on improving the notification and approvals process for new food processing businesses and will work with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MMA) to develop tools that will enhance communication between local building departments and public health units.

In late 2017, OMAFRA will work with MOHLTC, MMA, and the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth to create a streamlined roadmap to local processes and requirements for setting up a food processing business.

Actions tracking

Co-ordinate land use approvals

Status: Action tracking

What we heard

Approval for land planning takes too long, and is not co-ordinated across ministries and municipalities. In addition, ministries and offices at the two levels of government do not communicate, which means that the business must act as a go-between to keep the approval process moving.

Our plan

Under the current Provincial Coordinated Plan Review, the terminology, definitions and policy approaches of various provincial land use plans (including the Niagara Escarpment Plan) are being aligned to make sure they are interpreted consistently.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MMA) will work with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ontario Investment Office and others in 2017/2018 to create a short navigation guide that includes best practices to help those developing land to navigate through the approvals process.

The MMA will identify and promote municipal best practices in approaches to expediting land use approvals.

Exemptions to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) developed in 2013 will also help to streamline the approval process under the ESA for certain activities (e.g., exemptions may be applicable for  specific species). In addition, the Niagara Escarpment Plan is proposed to be revised to better align with the ESA when the provincial co-ordinated plan review is completed. It is expected that the Plans will be finalized in spring 2017.

Provide sample policies and templates to small retirement homes

Status: Action tracking

What we heard

Smaller retirement homes find it difficult to meet regulations and are not able to keep up with all current policies.

Our plan

In 2017, the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority will begin implementation of its new strategic plan, including initiatives to support operators, including smaller homes (e.g., targeted education and development of compliance standards, sample templates and other educational tools). The Ministry of Seniors Affairs is reviewing stakeholder feedback from the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 Five-Year Review for opportunities to enhance administration and effectiveness, clarify language and intent and address any technical matters.