Businesses and individuals getting development approvals from the Township of Minden Hills are expected to see improvements in coming months and years. The township, on May 28, endorsed consultants’ recommendations – allowing staff to further develop an implementation plan.
CAO Cynthia Fletcher pitched the review late last June and J.L. Richards & Associates Limited got the job in mid September.
Alison Luoma, a senior planner, and Emily Hazell, principal consultant, delivered their findings last week. They said the intent of the review “is to strengthen and modernize how planning and building approvals are delivered – ensuring the process is efficient, customer-focused, and able to respond to growing development demand.”
The 33-page overview, from a 104-page report, provided feedback that included: “while staff are professional and committed,
decision-making is cautious and sometimes slow, particularly for routine matters.” They were told there is limited clarity around
timelines, expectations, and accountability that contributes to uncertainty. Others said the process is complex and difficult to navigate.
They suggested a good step is to leverage the strategic planning process now underway at the township – to align council’s priorities with the ongoing modernization of planning and building services.
Fletcher said the final strategic plan will be coming to council this summer. Some other suggestions include developing and publishing a consolidated development approvals manual; enhancing digital communication and applicant facing tools, resources, and information;
and undertaking a comprehensive review of development application fees and cost recovery. They suggested phasing in changes, starting within one year, one to three years, and three years-plus.
Fletcher told council, “this review takes a holistic approach, examining not only current processes, but also governance, organizational structure, service delivery, and customer experience. The review incorporates stakeholder input, best practices, and opportunities to modernize tools, policies, and workflows.”
Coun. Ivan Ingram asked if any follow up work would require outside help. The consultant said larger initiatives might require support.
Coun. Tammy McKelvey commented they did not have to reinvent the wheel, and could use practices from other townships, such as Dysart et al. She added that looking at this process is “probably one of the most important things during her term of council.” She requested monthly reports to begin, but Fletcher insisted on quarterly reports, saying there would not be enough to report back on monthly.
Mayor Bob Carter said what was being recommended was “transformational.” He noted pressure on staff, dealing with day-to day requests from the public, on top of the consultant’s recommendations.
He asked J.L Richards if they had experience with other organizations facing similar challenges and how they were able to meet recommended timelines.
The consultant said they collaborated with township staff on the review and felt suggestions were not unreasonable. They
said things were already happening, or being worked towards. They encouraged flexible timelines with a focus on customers.
“Get the foundation work going, and it already is going, and that can lead into some of those larger ones.
