This is in regards to the…

This is in regards to the proposed changes to the development charges that will profoundly affect what money will be available and how the city will manage to spend that money when new development is approved. The proposed changes are not neutral in terms of preparing a community with the necessary infrastructure to incorporate a new development. In the North York area, where I live, these developments are massive and are having a profound impact on the people working and living here. We need to continue to build our city; but, in a way that keeps it healthy, safe and encourages a sense of belonging and citizenship. Although the present system isn't perfect, it does leave room to do a lot of this. The proposed change in development charges takes away any flexibility and much of the cash to build and sustain a liveable city.

It is a fallacy to suggest that the proposed changes will make housing more affordable. We have seen how much of the more recent new housing is shutting out people from being able to buy their homes. The government needs to listen and learn from successful past experiences with doing this.