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Toronto Local Appeal Body

The Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB) is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that hears appeals of Committee of AdjustmentOpens in new window decisions for minor zoning variances and land severances (consents).

The TLAB is a local board of the City established under the Planning ActOpens in new window and the City of Toronto Act, 2006Opens in new window. The TLAB assumes all the powers and authority of the Ontario Land Tribunal (formerly Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, formerly Ontario Municipal Board) for hearing appeals to Committee of Adjustments decisions for minor variance and consent applications. TLAB hearings will be conducted in accordance with the Statutory Powers Procedure ActOpens in new window.

Board responsibilities

TLAB members are responsible to:

  • Review materials filed with each application they hear;
  • Conduct site inspections of the subject property to assess the impacts the proposal may have on the surrounding area;
  • Conduct mediations;
  • Preside over hearings and render a written decision based on the evidence presented; and
  • Attend business meetings of the TLAB.

In addition to the member responsibilities, the Chair of the Toronto Local Appeal Body is responsible to:

  • Ensure that hearing practices of the TLAB are fair and effective;
  • Ensure quality and consistency of TLAB decisions;
  • Act as the lead representative and spokesperson for the TLAB;
  • Obtain external legal advice as needed;
  • Prepare the Annual Report to City Council on the TLAB activities;
  • Chair the Business Meetings of the TLAB;
  • Liaise with City staff on administrative support matters;
  • Coordinate member training and professional development; and
  • Lead the response to information and privacy related matters respecting the TLAB.

Appointed members must attend an intensive orientation and training program which may require up to 10 days of time to complete.

Term of office

The term of office for public members of the board is four years.

Composition

The TLAB consists of fourteen members, including a Chair and a Vice Chair. Each hearing is conducted by one member.

Qualifications

Members should collectively bring the following skills and expertise to the TLAB:

  • Experience in adjudication and mediation;
  • Knowledge and experience with land use planning and planning law;
  • Knowledge of or background in urban forestry and environmental planning;
  • Excellent listening skills and ability to analyze complex evidence;
  • Sound judgement, tact, fairness and decorum;
  • Ability to write clearly and concisely;
  • Demonstrated high ethical standards and integrity;
  • Ability to work under pressure to ensure timely hearing decisions; and
  • Respect for access to justice, diversity and accommodation.

In addition to member qualifications, the Chair shall also exhibit:

  • Demonstrated leadership and administrative skills;
  • Highly developed chairing and facilitation skills;
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others;
  • Knowledge of access to information and privacy legislation; and
  • The ability to effectively represent the TLAB and communicate with City Council, City committees, the media and the general public.

Applicants who are being considered for nomination will be required to successfully complete a pre-assessment test to proceed to the interview stage.

Eligibility

In addition to the general eligibility requirements of the Public Appointments Policy, members of the public must satisfy the following additional eligibility requirements to serve on the TLAB:

  • Cannot be a member of Toronto's Committee of Adjustment, a land division committee, or planning advisory committee member;
  • Former Members of Council who served in the immediately preceding term of Council are ineligible for appointment; and
  • Members cannot act as agents for applicants before the Committee of Adjustment, Toronto Local Appeal Body and other City administrative tribunals and would be required to resign from the TLAB before doing so.

Meetings and Time Commitment

Hearings and business meetings take place on weekdays and may be conducted virtually, in person or combination of both. Members will be expected to sit on approximately 2 public hearings per week and hearings typically last for 4-6 hours. Hearings may be scheduled more often when volumes are high. A minimum time commitment of 2-3 business days per week is required (equivalent to 20 hours). In addition to hearings, members will also need to spend time reading reports, preparing for meetings (such as by conducting site visits as necessary), and writing detailed written decisions on the applications which come before them at hearings. The tribunal operates in an electronic environment which involves tribunal members using computer software to review documents, conduct hearings and issue decisions therefore a high level of computer competence is an asset.

Remuneration

Members receive:
  • $600 per diem for full day hearings or mediation, business meetings and training sessions.
  • $400 for a half day hearings or mediation, business meetings and training sessions (less than 3.5 hours).
  • Remuneration for decisions including: $50 for withdrawals, $200 for motions, interim, summary and order decisions, $400 for review requests and $400 for final decisions.

In addition to receiving the remuneration for a member, the Chair shall receive $60,000 annually, the Vice Chair shall receive $15,000 annually and public members shall receive $1,500 annually.

Related Links

Membership

The current and historical Appointments for this body.

Apply now

Thank you for your interest. City Council appointed 6 public members to the tribunal at its February meeting. Applications are always being accepted for future vacancies and will be kept on file for two years from the date submitted.