These MZOs represent a…

These MZOs represent a profound override of local democracy despite Oakville’s full compliance with provincial policies and proven track record of growth and housing development. In fact, Oakville has been rewarded with funding for housing due to meeting housing build targets set by the province! The Town’s Official Plan Amendment for Midtown (OPA 70) was developed transparently, with public input (from MANY town hall events and resident submissions) and Council approval. In contrast, the TOC was advanced behind closed doors under confidentiality agreements, striving a predetermined developer driven plan with superficial consultation. This misuse of provincial power resembles the governance failures exposed in the Greenbelt scandal, where planning regulations were overridden to benefit private interests. The Province should not repeat that mistake by going forward with a bad product produced by a seriously flawed process. I vote NO for these MZOs. They are undemocratic and profoundly offensive.

This Transit-Oriented Community (TOC) fails to comply with Premier Ford’s Build Homes Faster agenda and will not deliver a single home before 2031, the Province’s own housing deadline, and will take 25 years to complete. OPA70 is a better alternative and is ready to go. Oakville has invested significant time and effort to design a new midtown community that satisfies all requirements with consideration and respect to its residents and those who wish to call Oakville home. Oakville already meets and exceeds all provincial housing requirements through OPA 70. And Oakville has a proven track record for building houses. There is no necessity or urgency for imposing these MZOs now. In fact, imposing these MZO‘s will eliminate the superior alternative, for the financial benefits of the developer. I vote NO for these MZOs. They are undemocratic and profoundly offensive.