TORONTO – Nathalie Des Rosiers, MPP for Ottawa – Vanier, released the following statement on housing and affordability in Ontario:
“Every Ontarian deserves to know they have a safe place to call home. Ontarians deserve to know that their government is looking out for their best interest, not undermining important protections and only supporting developers.
I do applaud this government’s goals to create more affordable housing more quickly, especially near transit, I am concerned about the direction they are taking.
At first glance, proposed changes to the Local Planning and Appeals Tribunal outlined in today’s announcement mean planning decisions will no longer reflect local priorities. Changes to the Development Charges Act, as outlined in today’s announcement, may mean mean fewer benefits for communities and less money for vital infrastructure. Removing the requirement for new homes to have the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is short-sighted.
This bill is a gift to developers that will leave communities worse off. It’s clear the Ontario Municipal Board, which voters spend years trying to reform, is back.
We deserve better than this – it is possible to be environmentally conscious, business conscious and create more housing. I’m looking forward to working with Minister Clark as this plan develops.”