I am writing as I'm…

I am writing as I'm concerned about Ontario's future. There are many studies on flood threats to Ontario's real estate and how floods are affecting the housing market. See links below.

Meanwhile, I am urging you to consider how climate change is already affecting Ontarians with floods, and unpredictable weather. We need to build smarter and stronger—not weaken standards that protect our health and safety. Prohibiting municipalities from requiring enhanced development standards would be a dangerous step backward.

Urban growth starts at the lot level. Simple measures like green roofs, trees, and better landscaping help manage stormwater, prevent flooding, improve air quality, and keep neighborhoods cooler. These are essential tools for public health and climate resilience.

I urge the Ontario government to keep existing green development standards. These standards are crucial for meeting climate targets, reducing energy use, and creating healthier buildings. Without them, new construction could lead to higher long-term costs and expensive retrofits.

Green standards help make buildings resilient to extreme weather, improve indoor air quality, and support innovation and job growth.

Instead of removing these tools, the province should work with municipalities and industry to find solutions that address housing needs while preparing for climate change. We need homes and neighborhoods that people want to live in—not concrete jungles.

Please do the right thing for Ontario’s future—support enhanced development standards that make our communities safer, greener, and resilient for generations to come.

Municipalities need:

- Green roofs and soft landscaping to hold stormwater and prevent flooding.
- Tree planting and proper soil volumes for healthy growth and long-term canopy cover.
- Bike parking to encourage active transportation and reduce emissions.
- Resilient landscaping that uses less water and lowers maintenance costs.

Why maintain green standards?
- Building resilience: They make buildings stronger against extreme heat and flash floods.
- Promote innovation and jobs: The green building sector drives economic growth and innovation.