Planning for the Future

Planning for the Future

Provincial Policy Statement updates proposed

Building the volume and variety of homes that Ontario requires begins with a solid foundation of planning and forecasting. That is why the latest consultation on changes to the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) is crucial for new residents to our province. The stark reality is that Ontario’s population is projected to increase by 43.6%, or almost 6.6 million, over the next 24 years, from an estimated 15.1 million on July 1, 2022 to almost 21.7 million by July 1, 2046. This significant population boom is why a foundation for growth is vital to ensure that housing supply can meet anticipated demand.

Builders and buyers alike know that we need the right mix of housing types, formats and locations to ensure that Ontarians at all stages of life can find a place they can call home. Both groups should be encouraged by the proposals that have been put forth to update how Ontario plans for growth.

The consultation posed many changes to identify large and fast growing municipalities and to provide specific paths for growth such as minimum density targets, while requiring intensification policies. Both the changes for municipalities to plan to a minimum 25-year horizon and maintaining the 15-year residential land supply are good indications that the province wants all communities to plan and vitally prepare for growth. Additionally, requiring municipalities to ensure there is a range of housing types and typologies means that communities will be open to more Ontarians and give additional options to both buyers and renters. These types of long-needed changes confirm that housing supply and choice is required in every corner of Ontario.

We also know that thriving communities need strong local economies. That is why employment lands are crucial to fostering multi-use spaces that meet the needs of every municipality. OHBA was very encouraged by the rescoping of the definition of “areas of employment,” which will both foster better usage of these areas and provide municipalities with more flexibility in their application. Ensuring that employment and housing can work together to build better communities is a prudent approach that will benefit areas across Ontario.

We also know that new housing is predicated upon infrastructure capacity. Updates to require municipalities to plan for stormwater systems, water and wastewater capacity and large transportation corridors is very encouraging, as it means that communities across Ontario will have the infrastructure planned to accommodate growth. This type of change will help make new housing supply more predictable for both builders and buyers.

The changes set out to craft the new PPS are indicative that Ontario is growing and preparing for that growth in a comprehensive way. These changes send a clear signal to both industry and residents that a solid foundation is being built for future generations.

Members can visit OHBA’s website for more information and our full comments on the consultation.