Re the Ford Government's New…

Re the Ford Government's New Developer-Friendly Community Benefit Charge

Why should communities pay more so wealthy developers can make more? Cities like Toronto need funds from developers to support residents’ quality of life. Without the Parkland Dedication provision, it will be very difficult to purchase new park space in many Toronto communities due to soaring land prices.

The Conservative government has made a provision which will allow developers to recover interest on levies under the CBC in the event of a successful appeal at the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT). This provision will provide the building industry with even more leverage in development application negotiations.

The Community Benefits Charge does not provide a single new tool to increase the supply of affordable housing, despite claims from your government and its friends in the development industry. Municipalities will see their ability to provide services such as parks, daycares, recreation facilities, and libraries reduced. These amenities are essential to ensuring that the communities most affected by rapid growth are able to enjoy a high quality of life.

Another wrong step in Ford's ill-prepared government. We need to think long term, not in terms of political expediency. At this rate, with mistake after mistake piling up, you won't get elected for a second term, so why not do the right thing now? That might give you a chance.