On behalf of the City of…

On behalf of the City of Toronto, I am pleased to submit the City’s comments on the Ontario Regulation to be made under the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025, Criteria for Designations.

On May 15, 2025, the City submitted comments and recommendations on the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025 (ERO 025-0391). The draft of the proposed Ontario Regulation to be made under the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025, Criteria for Designations, does not address the City’s previous comments as summarized below and therefore those comments remain relevant:

• As currently drafted, the proposed Regulation does not address concerns that the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025 (SEZA) is overbroad, unclear and vague.

• The Regulation does not alleviate the concern that the SEZA would result in decision making that lacks public transparency as it does not require notice or consultation nor does it provide direction on decision-making processes.

• The City’s direction that specific processes and criteria should be stated in the legislation, not in a regulation has not been addressed.

Enclosed are the City’s previous comments on the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025 (ERO 025-0391).

Should you have any questions regarding the City’s submission or would like to arrange a meeting with City staff, please contact Corwin Cambray, Director, Strategic Initiatives, Policy & Analysis Section (416-388-1910).

Sincerely,

Jason Thorne, MCIP, RPP
Chief Planner and Executive Director
City Planning