Please accept the attached…

Please accept the attached full submission as our comments to the government’s request for feedback on a proposal for Special Economic Zones under the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025. The proposal is being presented on behalf of OHBA and its 28 local associations including but not limited to the Building and Land Development Association (BILD), West End Home Builders’ Association (WE HBA), Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GO HBA), and London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA).

The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed Special Economic Zones Act, 2025. We commend the Government of Ontario for advancing a bold legislative framework to expedite strategically important economic activities and we are broadly supportive of the government's intent to streamline provincial approvals, reduce regulatory duplication, and create one-window access to government services for priority projects.

While we support the objectives and principles outlined in the proposed legislation, OHBA strongly recommends that housing be recognized and included as a strategically important economic activity within the scope of SEZs. To maximize the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of these zones, we strongly recommend: • Recognizing housing as a strategically important economic activity, • Embedding complete community planning into SEZ criteria, and • Coordinating infrastructure and utilities delivery to support both residential and industrial uses.