Municipalities rely on Green…

Municipalities rely on Green Development Standards (GDS) to enhance health and safety in new homes, reduce energy bills, lower infrastructure costs, curb tax hikes, decrease energy demand, and cut emissions. Bill 17 threatens their ability to implement GDS, undermining efforts to ensure efficient, resilient, and affordable housing. GDS consolidate sustainability requirements, reduce red tape, and speed up approvals—evidenced by faster timelines in municipalities with GDS compared to those without. To avoid confusion and delays, Bill 17’s regulations must align with municipal powers under the Planning Act and Provincial Planning Statement, which mandate health, safety, economic well-being, waste reduction, and sustainable development. Maintaining municipal authority to require necessary studies ensures new developments meet these goals while supporting long-term affordability and efficiency.