housing

In related news, OALA has also provided advocacy concerning provincial legislation called the “More Homes Built Faster Act,” or Bill 23, a housing bill which aims to amend the “Municipal Act,” the “City of Toronto Act,” the “Conservation Authorities Act,” “The Planning Act,” and many more, in the name of fast-tracking new housing developments.

The first area of concern identified in a November 15 OALA letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is the removal site plan control from any building with fewer than 10 units. The concern being this amendment weakens design excellence and contributes to a reduction in quality of life, health and safety, and environmental sustainability.

Also of concern to the Association is the bill’s stripping of municipalities’ responsibility for parkland dedication, the timing and location of these green spaces, and leaving it in developers’ hands. Reducing Conservation Authorities’ role in preserving natural habitats and important watersheds is also something OALA worries will limit our ability to foster resilience in the face of climate change and the associated devastating climate events like flooding.

The letter adds, “our members remain concerned Bill 23, as currently proposed, will have consequences which threaten the important matters of health, safety, and well-being of our communities, our environment, and our future.”