May 31, 2019 Dear Minister…

May 31, 2019

Dear Minister Clark,

Re: Request for meeting regarding concerns about the impacts on the public realm of Bill 108 – More Homes, More Choice Act

I am writing today on behalf of the 2,000 members of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA). We have been a proud association since 1968, speaking out on issues to protect the public realm and achieve healthy, liveable and resilient communities.

We are very concerned with the proposed changes identified in Bill 108 that would:

o Limit municipalities' abilities to secure parkland and community infrastructure to provide for increased population related to growth;

o Remove municipalities' abilities to set their own requirements for how much new parkland new developments should contribute, allowing them to secure only 5% of a development site; and

o Exclude parks and recreation facilities from development charges.

In denser urban communities, the need for usable parkland is needed more than ever.

Bill 108 means municipalities will not be able to require both land for parks at the same time as securing other community infrastructure such as child care facilities or libraries.

The OALA believes that liveable, complete communities need a balance of parks, open space and community infrastructure to support a healthy population. These make for a desirable place to live and results in a strong economy.

Less parkland leads to less green space and less ability to absorb stormwater and reduce the urban heat island effect. These impacts result in less resilient communities.

Landscape architects design parks, and are well positioned to offer our expertise regarding the impact of less parkland.

Landscape architects work with community needs and the natural environment to design engaging spaces that animate and inspire.

We consider:

o Safety and how people with all abilities use and move through the space

o Health - providing adequate space for shade trees and managing stormwater to address flooding and ice formation

o Beauty - resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and engaging urban fabric

Good public policy is not made in a rush, and the OALA is of the opinion that there should be more substantive consultation on the impacts of Bill 108.

The OALA has been working directly with Ministers and MPPs of all parties over the past four years, and there has been considerable interest in our messaging. Our members would welcome the opportunity to participate in this discussion.

The OALA is the regulatory body whose mission is to promote, improve and advance the profession of landscape architecture. It maintains standards of professional practice and conduct, consistent with the need to 'serve and protect the public interest'.

Landscape architects are active leaders and participants in enriching our rural and urban landscapes through innovative design solutions for natural spaces that absorb storm water, cool our cities and connect us to nature.

We will be actively asking our members to meet their individual MPPs to express their concern about this legislation.

We would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you at your earliest convenience on this important file.

Yours truly,
ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

Jane Welsh, OALA, FCSLA
OALA President

cc: OALA Council