Act
Northern Services Boards Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.28 Amendment
Regulation Number(s):
Northern Services Boards Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter L. 28
Instrument Type:
Act
Bill or Act:
Northern Services Boards Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter L. 28
Summary of Decision:
The Northern Services Boards Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L. 28 (NSBA) amendment as part of Bill 13, Supporting People and Businesses Act, 2021 received Royal Assent on Thursday December 2, 2021. The amendment removes the requirement to post Local Services Boards (LSBs) notice of meetings and minutes in six (6) conspicuous places within the LSB area, and replaces it with a new requirement to physically post notices in at least one location, and if available, require established LSBs to post notices electronically.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
The proposed changes do not increase costs for business. This change is anticipated to reduce costs between $0 to $500 for the municipalities, universities, school boards and hospitals (MUSH) sector as they will no longer be required to post notices in six (6) conspicuous areas.
Direct administrative cost savings related to posting (e.g. printing, fuel, administration time, etc.) are anticipated under this proposed legislative change if Boards physically post in a number of locations that is less than what is currently required under the NSBA (six (6)).
Direct administrative cost savings related to posting (e.g. printing, fuel, administration time, etc.) are anticipated under this proposed legislative change if Boards physically post in a number of locations that is less than what is currently required under the NSBA (six (6)).
Further Information:
Proposal Number:
21-ENDM025
Posting Date:
October 7, 2021
Summary of Proposal:
Local Services Boards (LSBs) were created under the Local Services Boards Act (rewritten to the Northern Services Boards Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L. 28 (NSBA) in 1990) to facilitate the delivery of basic community services in Northern Ontario unincorporated areas. LSBs are established by inhabitants in a specified geographic area where there is no municipal structure and have the authority to deliver any combination of nine (9) approved powers (services): Water Supply, Fire Protection, Garbage Collection, Sewage, Street or Area Lighting, Recreation, Roads, Public Library Service, and Emergency Telecommunications. Across Northern Ontario there are 45 LSBs that range in geographical size and population (from 30 to 2900 residents).
Under the NSBA, LSBs are required to post meeting notices and minutes in six (6) conspicuous places within the Board area. Prescribing the number (6) and means of posting meeting notices and minutes in many cases is impractical and does not recognize technological advancements (since 1990) in information sharing. Furthermore, due to COVID-19, there are limited public gatherings and posting notices in public locations has become impractical.
Under Ontario's Open for Business Initiative, amendments to the NSBA are recommended to remove the requirement to post LSBs notice of meetings and minutes in six conspicuous places within the Board area, replace it with a new requirement to physically post notices in at least one location, and if available, to require established Boards to post notices electronically.
Under the NSBA, LSBs are required to post meeting notices and minutes in six (6) conspicuous places within the Board area. Prescribing the number (6) and means of posting meeting notices and minutes in many cases is impractical and does not recognize technological advancements (since 1990) in information sharing. Furthermore, due to COVID-19, there are limited public gatherings and posting notices in public locations has become impractical.
Under Ontario's Open for Business Initiative, amendments to the NSBA are recommended to remove the requirement to post LSBs notice of meetings and minutes in six conspicuous places within the Board area, replace it with a new requirement to physically post notices in at least one location, and if available, to require established Boards to post notices electronically.
Contact Address:
Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. 7th Flr Suite 700, 159 Cedar St, Sudbury, ON P3E 6A5
Royal Assent Date:
December 2, 2021
Decision:
Approved