In a piece in this week’s Era, Chris Simon writes:

It’s a meeting intended to help Newmarket and its residents learn from the past and prepare for future development.

The long-discussed Glenway “lessons learned” meeting will take place at the Seniors’ Meeting Place, 474 Davis Dr., June 23. This “structured session” is an opportunity for residents, town staff and council members to review the key issues related to the processing of the Marianneville Developments (Glenway) application, including last year’s Ontario Municipal Board decision.

Specifically, the focus will be on how the Glenway case can be applied to future development in town. A third party, independent facilitator, who will be tasked with summarizing the session and related recommendations, will lead the discussion.

It runs from 7 to 9 p.m. The town is asking participants to register in advance by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 905-895-5193.

It makes sense to register but I am sure people won’t be turned away at the door if they arrive unannounced.

Elsewhere… I emailed the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer, Bob Shelton, on 4 June 2015 with seven questions I would like to see answered before the meeting on 23 June. I shall post the answers on shrinkslessorsquare.ca as soon as I get them.

The lessons learned meeting is not, of course, about the OMB though I am sure it will be touched on.

The Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister, Ted McMeekin, told MPPs on 21 April 2015 (the first day of the second reading debate on Bill 73 - Smart Growth for Our Communities Act):

Now, I know there are questions about the Ontario Municipal Board itself and whether we’re planning to change its role. It’s another important piece of our puzzle. The Ontario Municipal Board’s operations, practices and procedures were not part of this first-stage review. To really complete our puzzle, however, I will work with my colleague the Attorney General in a review of the OMB’s scope and effectiveness. In the end, Speaker, we all want to see planning disputes resolved, wherever possible, locally.

Whatever comes out of the lessons learned meeting on 23 June, Glenway will remain an important case study in the context of the forthcoming review of the OMB.

The Mayor will ensure this is so. Before last year’s municipal election, Van Bynen told the Newmarket Free Press:

“Given our recent experience with the OMB, one of my priorities is to work with neighbouring municipalities, our MPP and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to influence the Province to reform the OMB so that our community plans will be respected.”

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