Auditor General Tables Audit of Development Application Review Process and several Follow-up Reports

Ottawa – Today, Auditor General Nathalie Gougeon tabled a number of reports including an Audit of Development Application Review, a Semi-Annual Report on Follow-up Procedures, and three follow-up reports.

The Audit of Development Application Review highlighted that the considerable changes in the process of reviewing development applications have resulted in a decrease in the amount of time taken for the City to review many types of applications. However, bottlenecks and inconsistent expectations across City departments have resulted in an increase of overall development review timelines for applications requiring post-approval agreements. The audit identified areas for improvement, including the need to clearly define decision-making authorities for reviewing and approving applications. The audit further highlighted the need for consistent tracking of files across City departments including maintaining evidence of clearance of subject matter feedback.

“This audit provides insights into existing challenges in the development application review process and our recommendations support further efficiency and transparency”, said Mme. Gougeon. The Auditor General also stated that, “the audit recognizes the challenging position that the City is in; being both a regulator of housing and steward of municipal assets, while also working to reach its housing targets”.

The report provided 7 actionable recommendations, all of which were agreed to by management. Also tabled at today’s meeting were the Semi-Annual Report on Follow-up Procedures, a Follow-up Report on the Audit of Enterprise Risk Management, and two Follow-up Reports related to Cybersecurity which were tabled in a closed session.

A full copy of these reports is available on the Auditor General’s website, www.oagottawa.ca.

For more information: 
613 580-9602 
OAG@ottawa.ca