May 7th, 2024 Hon. Todd…

May 7th, 2024
Hon. Todd Smith
Ministry of Energy Hearst Block, 900 Bay St.
Toronto, ON
M7A 2E1

Dear Minister Smith,

On behalf of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), we would like to thank you again for your public commitment to overturning the decision made by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) related to Enbridge Gas’ rate rebasing application on December 21, 2023. As you know, OREA supports nearly 100,000® REALTORS in helping Ontarians find a great place to call home – and the recent decision made by the OEB threatens this goal by derailing Ontario’s pro-growth housing plans. OREA is in full support of the Provincial Government overturning the OEB decision to ensure that Ontario can build the homes we desperately need. In addition to your Ministry’s support on overturning the OEB’s decision, OREA appreciates your proposed amendment to the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 (‘OEBA’). This amendment will broaden exemptions from the OEBA’s Leave-to-Construction (‘LTC’) requirements so that Ontario can fast-track critical infrastructure projects that support new homes.

Currently, the OEBA allows the OEB to exempt certain infrastructure projects from the LTC requirement – that is, the requirement for transmitters and distributors to obtain approval for the construction, expansion, or reinforcement of electricity transmission and distribution lines/interconnections. By proposing more exemptions from this requirement, your Ministry could remove the lengthy approvals process for much-needed pipeline relocation projects that support new transit, roads, and housing. OREA is also pleased that your proposal emphasizes the need to continue consulting Indigenous communities before undertaking such projects.

Ontario is at a make-or-break point in the housing affordability crisis, and we need support from all provincial ministries to bring housing supply to the market quickly. As discussed in OREA’s most recent policy report, Analysis of Ontario’s Efforts to Boost Housing Supply, we understand that infrastructure plays a key role in supporting housing, and we appreciate you and your Ministry’s efforts to help achieve this goal by reducing regulatory barriers.

Sincerely,

Tim Hudak
CEO, Ontario Real Estate Association