Bill 98 will nullify local…

Bill 98 will nullify local climate-safe building rules at the worst possible time—just as fuel prices are rising and we start facing another season of floods, fire, and extreme heat. Green development standards exist to ensure energy efficiency and human wellbeing in our city spaces. Well-insulated, properly built apartments and houses are healthier, more comfortable, and far cheaper to live in.
Effective community planning depends on understanding local conditions and municipalities are already harmonizing green development standards to provide predictability for builders while maintaining quality housing. Bill 98 should be withdrawn or amended to continue to 1) allow municipal official plan requirements for goals, objectives, and actions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and to adapt to a changing climate with ever increasing weather extremes and 2) allow Ontario municipalities to use green development standards, like high-efficiency heating and cooling, to ensure resilient and energy-efficient buildings.