Toronto, ON — Bryan Purcell,…

Toronto, ON — Bryan Purcell, VP Policy and Programs, The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) made the following statement in response to Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack’s Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act:

“We are concerned that the proposed Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act could unduly restrict municipalities’ abilities to apply development standards that protect energy affordability, public health and climate objectives as we build new homes and communities.

Municipal ‘green’ standards do not duplicate or conflict with the Ontario Building Code, they complement it and consolidate municipal design priorities into a single streamlined document.

Accelerating affordable housing and supporting the economy is a welcome focus for this government. However, limiting cities’ abilities to plan for growth could have a devastating impact on affordability in the long term by exposing homeowners, tenants, and building owners to spiraling energy costs and the increasing impacts of extreme weather and climate change.

Green standards don’t slow down housing development. In fact, Toronto’s housing starts have grown or stayed consistent nearly every year since its green standard was adopted, and the city is on track to exceed its provincially mandated housing targets.

Throughout my 14 years of participating in consultations regarding green development standards, key stakeholders including construction trades, developers, architects, and utilities have been broadly supportive of these policies.

The Toronto Green Standard has been the City’s most successful climate policy to date and has been endorsed by every mayor since its adoption under Rob Ford, and by then councillor Doug Ford. That’s why many other cities have adapted Toronto’s standards into their own processes, including Mississauga, Hamilton, Ottawa, Brampton, Markham, and other municipalities across Ontario.

Municipalities have a legislated responsibility to protect public health and environmental wellbeing. Restricting their ability to exercise those duties will not protect Ontario or build housing faster. It will only reduce the quality of new housing and communities and expose Ontarian residents to greater environmental risks.”

Everything this government does (except pledging money for the Line 2 subway trains) I disagree with.
Follow the money is the theme of Doug Ford’s government.
You have demonstrated NO care for human beings or the environment.
The love of money is the root of all evil.
Examine your hearts.