Efforts to unlock existing…

Efforts to unlock existing single-residential lands for upsizing, by allowing as-of-right duplexes etc, is a step in the right direction. However, it is a grave error to see greenfield development in protected areas as any kind of benefit to the housing crisis.
There is enough vacant, undeveloped and underdeveloped land within city boundaries to create the housing we need. Indeed, many large lots are empty despite approvals to build there. The hold-up is in developer delays in approved projects. The housing crisis will be better served by requiring buildings to actually be built.
The benefits are many. By focusing on existing land, new housing will be constructed within existing infrastructure envelopes, which means it will be cheaper and faster to build. Residents will also live near existing amenities, meaning there won't be a lag in provision of schools, supermarkets, transit, and more.
We must be deliberate in our planning. We must focus on what already exists and exploit it to its full potential before unlocking additional land. More suburbs simply prolong and extend the current problem. It won't house enough people, and it will unnecessarily stretch and drain municipal resources.
The pragmatic, economically sound decision is to exploit what we have. We need to maximize the investments we have in our road networks, our school systems, our neighbourhoods and more. Incentivizing mid-rise housing development within neighbourhoods is a smart, sustainable way to increase density. Imposing 'use it or lose it' development approvals will incentivize timely construction.
We don't need new greenfield areas to achieve our collective goals. And as the impacts of climate change get closer to home, we will all be grateful to have watershed protections to manage flooding, farmland protections to ensure food availability, and cohesive neighbourhoods to support each other.
The provincial government can really lead on this issue, while supporting strong, fast development within municipal boundaries.