Introduction The Township of…

Introduction
The Township of Huron-Kinloss understands the importance of Bill 23 and commends the Province on taking unprecedented action to solve the housing crisis. While we support the overall intent of Bill 23 and a more active approach on housing development, we have some concerns that need addressed.
Our major concern with Bill 23 as written, is the blanket approach to the Province in all areas. Rural and urban Ontario are very different and Bill 23 fails to realize this. Generally speaking, rural Ontario is not ready to support Bill 23 as written because we don’t have the infrastructure in place to support it. In Huron-Kinloss we do not have public transportation, a grocery store, a hospital, a high school; 1,000 of 7,000 residents do not have a family doctor, there are no walk-in clinics nearby and many of our emergency departments are closing. These concerns only scratch the surface when it comes to specific rural issues not recognized in Bill 23.
Furthermore, Huron-Kinloss would like the Province to re-consider including the word “attainable” in Bill 23 without a proper, clear definition of what attainable housing is. The definition of affordable housing is clear and easy to understand. Attainable housing should be just as clear or should be removed from all parts of the Bill.
We understand the importance of action to make a real difference in the housing crisis. We support the Province in trying to implement actionable solutions but we hope you will consider our comments on Bill 23 and show your support and understanding for rural Ontario.
Planning Act Changes

Additional Dwelling Units

Problems: The allowance of 3 residential units on a parcel of land without any approvals required at the Municipal level will impact our water and sewer capacity. Without the ability to charge Development Charges, we have no fiscally responsible opportunity to ensure increased capacity can be met (through construction of new or expanded water and sewer infrastructure). While well intentioned, this change will disproportionately affect rural Ontario where our capacities are already maxed out. Parking will also become an issue because we don’t have public transportation, each unit will require at least one parking space. Finally, many rural communities, including Huron-Kinloss, share water and/or sewer infrastructure with neighbouring communities, additional units on any of these properties will negatively impact our neighbours water and sewer capacity as well.

Solution: Due to the capacity constraints and community infrastructure in rural Ontario, Huron-Kinloss is requesting that the Province add provisions to Bill 23 that will allow Municipalities outside of your target zones (Golden Horseshoe Area) to reject building permit applications for additional units if water and/or sewer capacity cannot support the additional dwelling units.

Conclusion
The Township of Huron-Kinloss appreciates the time and effort the Province and the Housing Task Force have put in to developing real solutions to the housing crisis in Ontario. We also appreciate the opportunity to provide our comments. If the Province takes anything from our comments, please reconsider enacting Bill 23 as sweeping legislation across the Province and work with your rural municipalities to develop a Bill that considers our unique challenges.
Huron-Kinloss wants to be a part of the solution. We want to include our voice, our resources and our commitment to solving the housing crisis. We want to work in collaboration with the Province to continue to build communities we all want to live in.