Ontario's Bill 23 claims to…

Ontario's Bill 23 claims to be about “More Homes Built Faster”. But it would throw Waterloo Region's Official Plan into limbo, which our 3 cities and 4 townships have been collaborating on together over the last two years. It would remove the Countryside Line, which has successfully directed smart growth in our region around major transit stations while supporting our agricultural economy. This bill would remove protections for renters, and reduce the amount of affordable housing required in new buildings. It would cut municipal revenue while increasing new infrastructure obligations.

Waterloo Region's Official Plan Amendment No. 6 was approved by Regional Council in August, and it plans to accommodate 125,000 homes by 2031. Bill 23's target for Waterloo Region is only 70,000. We are clearly already pulling our weight as a region when it comes to welcoming new neighbours.

We know that forcing urban area expansions won’t help solve our housing crisis. In Waterloo Region, developers are sitting on land for 19,000 homes that has been fully approved and are ready for housing, but no construction has begun. Local planning policy is not to blame for holding up new home construction.

I agree that we need to build more homes and welcome more neighbours. We can do that by allowing duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, and low-rise apartments to spur "gentle density" across the entire Region. Our Official Plan lists these housing types as "neighbourhood missing middle" and Regional staff have recommended that the Province revise Bill 23 to permit “missing middle” housing as-of-right on a residential lot. If the Province is serious about encouraging new homes, it should allow these housing forms everywhere.

Therefore, I urge the Province to take the following actions:

- Withdraw Bill 23 in its entirety, and replace it with a plan for housing that respects municipalities, renters, and the environment.

- Reinstate the Regional Municipality of Waterloo's planning authority.

- Approve the Regional Official Plan Amendment (ROPA 6) passed by Region of Waterloo council in August 2022.

- Require municipalities to permit as-of-right "neighbourhood missing middle" housing forms.

If the Province truly wants to build more homes faster, it should be using Waterloo's Regional Official Plan as an example, not removing its planning authority.

Thank you for your consideration of this urgent matter.