Habitat for Humanity Greater…

Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area is respectfully submitting the following commentary on ERO number 09-8515 as it relates to 200 Baseline Road West, Clarington.

We are in support of the Community Infrastructure and Housing Accelerator (CIHA) order for 200 Baseline Road West, Clarington. We understand that no CIHA orders will be made going forward and that the Minister may consider making a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) in response to Clarington’s CIHA’s request. The subject site is 1.34 hectares in size is located on the northwest corner of Baseline Road and Spry Avenue.

In 2021 the Town of Clarington listed the property for sale as part of their desire for affordable housing, as outlined in their 2019-2022 Strategic Plan. Habitat for Humanity GTA and Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation set forth a proposal for a 3-story apartment building with 54 units and a 4 3-storey stacked townhouse blocks for a total of 84 units. The proposal would achieve a mix of affordable housing options to meet the needs of the surrounding community.

The municipality and Habitat GTA understand the significant need for affordable housing in the region. In order to expedite this much needed affordable housing, the Municipality, in partnership with Habitat GTA and DRNPHC seek a request for a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO).

It is our opinion that the MZO tool is appropriate in this instance as it can help to streamline the delivery of affordable housing, which results in a reduction of timing and associated cost. The provision of affordable housing is in the public interest as it is widely recognized that there is a housing crisis. Additionally, the cost savings of a more streamlined process means that those costs can be put back into the project.

Extensive work was done to create a proposal that was sensitive to the surrounding area while also meeting the need for affordable housing. The proposal represents good planning as it is compatible with the adjacent residential uses, meets the policies of the Municipality and provides a public benefit. The public was engaged with and had the opportunity to speak to the proposal at the statutory public meeting on December 5, 2022.

It is our belief that the active support from the Municipality, coupled with the extensive work on the proposal, indicates the appropriateness of the use of the Ministerial Zoning Order in this instance.
Included in our submission, are a report commissioned by Bousfields Inc. on behalf of Habitat for Humanity GTA with their professional planning opinion, the Town of Clarington’s Public Meeting Report and their initial request for the Community Infrastructure and Housing Accelerator tool that has now been transferred to a Ministerial Zoning Order request on the ERO website.