I would like to express…

   I would like to express my deep disappointment with the Inclusionary Zoning regulations released in December. As an affordable housing advocate, the promise of IZ was one of a tool municipalities could use to compel developers to design and build more family friendly, complete communities for all Ontarians. However my review of these regulations left me wondering what good any of it will be, and if communities are best off relying on their S. 37 powers to incent more inclusionary development.

  Briefly, my major concerns are: 1) The 30yr time limit is nonsensical if you are trying to affect a permanent solution to the affordability crisis. If either kicks the problem down the road, or assumes that Ontarians will be uniformly rich enough to afford market housing in 2047; 2) The 5% set asides are much too low, 10-15% is likely the minimum needed to make an impact with this legislation; 3) The ability to designate areas where IZ will not apply is very concerning as it will be too tempting for developers and residents associations to advocate for exemptions that suit their pet desires--how is this remotely inclusionary? 4) The exemption of rental buildings is clearly a tip of the hat to developers but further weakens the ability of this legislation to affect change; and 5) forcing municipalities to choose from IZ or S. 37 further reduces the ability of this legislation to constructively address Ontario's housing affordability issues.

  These are just a few concerns and I hope other Ontarians concerned by the rising cost of housing in this Province will also share their thoughts on the ability of these regulations to actually address this massive social problem.

[Original Comment ID: 212238]