I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) for the Transit-Oriented Community (TOC) lands in Midtown Oakville. I urge the Province to withdraw these MZOs and instead support the Town of Oakville’s Official Plan Amendment 70 (OPA 70), which represents a transparent, well-considered, and community-supported planning framework for Midtown.

1. Mega-Density and Infrastructure Overload
The proposed MZOs would impose extreme and reckless densities in Midtown Oakville, significantly exceeding densities in comparable Greater Toronto Area communities and overwhelming existing infrastructure. Local roads, transit, the GO station, and the QEW are already under stress. OPA 70 already permits high density (up to 6.0 FSI) that meets provincial intensification goals without the chaos that these MZOs would bring. These MZOs also eliminate affordable housing requirements, undermining true housing-need objectives.

2. Provincial and Private Interests Overriding Local Planning
These MZOs override local democratic planning despite Oakville’s demonstrated compliance with provincial policies and strong housing delivery record. OPA 70 was developed with public input and Town Council approval, whereas the TOC was advanced with limited transparency and confidential processes that appear to prioritize developer interests. Using MZOs in this way undermines local planning authority and community trust.

3. OPA 70 Is a Better Alternative
OPA 70 is ready to implement and would support housing delivery more effectively and quickly than the TOC/MZO approach. The proposed TOC is not aligned with “Build Homes Faster” objectives because it will not deliver significant housing before 2031 and may take decades to complete. Oakville already exceeds provincial housing requirements under OPA 70 without needing a provincially imposed MZO.

4. OPA 70 Would Build Homes Faster
Market conditions have shifted, and the high-rise, micro-unit dominant development pattern proposed under the TOC/MZO is not aligned with current housing needs. Oakville requires family-oriented, complete-community housing with supporting infrastructure. OPA 70’s framework is deliverable, financially viable, and supported by the community, while the MZOs would mainly serve to lock in inflated land values for developers with no guarantee of timely housing delivery.

5. Failure to Comply with MZO Framework
The proposed MZOs do not meet the Province’s own criteria for using MZOs as exceptional tools. There is no municipal support for this TOC/MZO approach, documented community opposition, and no credible urgency to justify bypassing established planning processes. MZOs should not substitute proper planning and should not freeze an outdated proposal that disregards infrastructure capacity, housing needs, and evolving conditions.

In conclusion, I respectfully request that the Ministry withdraw the proposed MZOs for Midtown Oakville, approve OPA 70 in its entirety, and work collaboratively with the Town of Oakville to implement a balanced, transparent, and community-aligned growth plan.

Thank you for your consideration.