AMO says Bill 23 indicates…

AMO says Bill 23 indicates the transfer of up to $1B a year in costs from private sector developers to property taxpayers without any likelihood of improved housing affordability.

Bill 23 is an attack on our wetlands, green spaces, communities and the climate. It will prohibit conservation authorities, emphasis on authorities, from protecting these areas.

The problem in Ontario housing is not a shortage of land. The problem is that too much urban land in the GTA is zoned exclusively for low-rise, single-family homes. There is more than enough land approved for development within existing urban boundaries. Cities and communities have already conducted lengthy consultation processes in which they decided to intensify development within the cities , not increase their urban boundaries. This is an erosion of local democracy and planning authority.

It is clear that the plan to develop the Greenbelt will not create affordable housing; and, once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. This government needs to listen to all of its constituents, not exclusively to the wealthy owners / builders who have suspiciously purchased undevelopable land leading up to this decision to open up the Greenbelt.

Keep your promise Mr. Ford. The people have spoken; we still don’t want you to touch the Greenbelt. Don’t touch the Greenbelt.