Inclusionary zoning as a…

Inclusionary zoning as a policy to include a variety of housing types within a given piece of land or across all types of areas zoned residential is a welcome policy and should have a wide range of benefits for housing and beyond. While I support policies to implement inclusionary zoning in Ontario communities, there are two aspects described in this policy I would object to

1) "The proposed amendments to O. Reg 232/18 would establish an upper limit on the number of units that would be required to be set aside as affordable, set at 5% of the total number of units (or 5% of the total gross floor area of the total residential units, not including common areas)."

- in the housing affordability task force report, they recommend a minimum of 20% affordable housing for new developments. A 5% upper limit seems extremely low especially since housing pricees are so high. Additionally, a 25 year limit is weak - it should be designated as affordable indefinitely, otherwise there's no guarantee it won't simply become unaffordable again.

2) "Amendments would also prescribe the approach to determining the lowest price/rent that can be required for inclusionary zoning units, set at 80% of the average resale purchase price of ownerships units or 80% of the average market rent (AMR) for rental units."

- this seems like a weak standard for housing affordability. Most definitions of affordable housing use the 'costs are no greater than 30% of household income' definition. To be affordable across a range of income levels, a much lower threshold must be considered. With market values for housing and rent so high, 80% of average is still a lot. Perhaps more like less than less than or equal to 50% would be more appropriate for the lowest price can required.