Ontario passes housing bill amid criticism from cities, conservation authorities
Ontario has passed a bill intended to spur housing development amid criticism that it will leave municipalities short billions of dollars, increase property taxes and reduce the role of conservation authorities.
One of the most controversial aspects of the bill is freezing, reducing and exempting fees developers pay.
Those fees go to municipalities and are then used to pay for services to support new homes, such as road and sewer infrastructure and community centres.
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario says the changes could leave municipalities short $5 billion and see taxpayers footing the bill, either in the form of higher property taxes or service cuts, and there is nothing in the bill that would guarantee improved housing affordability.
The bill also limits the areas conservation authorities can consider in development permissions, removing factors such as pollution and conservation of the land.
Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark says Ontario is in a housing crisis and the measures in the new law are necessary to ensure the province can achieve its goal of building 1.5 million homes in 10 years.
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LIFE UNSCRIPTED - Episode #119
GUEST Kerry Goring on intimacy
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LIZ FLEMING TRAVELS (JAN 28, 2023)
This week, I'll be talking with travel expert Mike Baginski about why Cuba is such a favourite travel destination for Canadians. Then, I'll help listeners create a to-do list for long-term travel - everything from watering the plants photographing the contents of your suitcase in case it goes missing. Finally, we'll cover some great suggestions for giving back to local people when you travel to third world countries.
