I'm a resident of Sault Ste…

I'm a resident of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario who is deeply concerned about the implications of Bill 17.

I strongly support the ability of municipalities to define and effectively administer Green Development Standards (GDS) in their communities, and it's alarming to see the province getting in the way. As it stands, Bill 17 negatively impacts municipalities’ ability to implement GDS, limiting their capacity to ensure that new development is built quickly, is energy-efficient, weather-proof, and affordable over the long term. Surely, you don't want to see Ontario backsliding on these metrics.

There is evidence (via Ontario municipalities benchmarked by the Canadian Home
Builders' Association (CHBA)), that all of the cities with a GDS have made progress in accelerating approval timelines, while all of the cities without a GDS have seen timelines get slower. Retaining municipal authority over GDS is consistent with the government's aim of accelerating development, and it's good for the people of Ontario.

Please maintain municipal authorities, including the ability to require necessary reports, to ensure that new development delivers on health, safety, resiliency, and long-term affordability for Ontarians while reducing red tape. Thank you.