ABSTRACT
Approval processes in the Province of Ontario, Canada, are criticised for being lengthy and complex. Many municipalities have attempted to address these challenges through digital transformation, including the introduction of digital technologies and digitised data. These efforts were expanded in recent years with funding from both the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada to modernise processes related to housing development.
Beyond municipalities, Ontario has approximately 40 applicable law regulations that may impact an application. These vary from requiring additional approvals near provincial highways to maintaining historical buildings. These regulations are governed by various independent organisations.
Despite best efforts, system-wide results have yet to materialise, and recent studies show conflicting results regarding improvements to approval timelines. Ontario's 444 municipalities and numerous applicable law agencies continue to face systemic technological challenges that inhibit modernisation efforts and the realisation of the promised efficiencies in approval processes. Organisations have implemented technologies for their specific needs, leading to missed opportunities for greater efficiency.
This chapter examines Ontario's journey towards digital transformation of approval processes, analyses the current state of digital adoption regarding tools and data, and identifies higher-level factors that impact the efficacy of digital tools in multi-jurisdictional settings.
