Ontario’s Bill 60, known as the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, is poised to significantly reshape the planning authority of the Minister of Housing. Premier Doug Ford’s government introduced this legislation in late October, aiming to expedite housing supply through a more centralized decision-making framework.
Key Changes Under Bill 60
The primary objective of Bill 60 is to streamline the planning process, allowing the Minister of Housing to make quicker decisions without needing to align with the provincial land-use planning statement. This statement traditionally serves as a guideline for municipalities, helping them align with Ontario’s development goals concerning housing diversity and environmental protection.
- The minister’s planning decisions can now bypass municipal regulations.
- Public consultation requirements may be dismissed for certain developments.
- The bill removes some green development standards previously mandated in Toronto.
Concerns About Municipal Autonomy
Experts, including Luisa Sotomayor from the University of Toronto, express concerns regarding the erosion of municipal autonomy. The bill could diminish the ability of local governments to manage land use effectively, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas and job-preserving locations. Critics worry that this could lead to hasty approvals without adequate public input.
Critics Raise Alarm
Several advocates and city planners have voiced apprehension about the bill’s implications. The recent elimination of Toronto’s green roof bylaw serves as a significant point of contention. Established in 2009, this bylaw mandated green roofs on new constructions and has contributed to over 1,200 installations aimed at enhancing urban resilience against climate change.
- Green roofs help with urban cooling.
- They serve to mitigate flooding risks associated with intense rainfall.
Jason Thorne, Toronto’s chief planner, has noted that these changes could hinder efforts to ensure sustainable housing development. The proposed amendments may lead to the removal of essential green initiatives like electric vehicle charging stations and bike parking, which are part of the city’s development standards.
Transparency and Decision-Making
Although the government asserts that all ministerial planning decisions will be made public to ensure transparency, critics have pointed out the lack of clarity surrounding which decisions will be impacted. Bryan Purcell from the Atmospheric Fund emphasizes that certainty is crucial for developers. Discrepancies in expectations can deter investment in housing construction.
Housing Minister Rob Flack maintains that Bill 60 is designed to simplify the planning process and is essential for building homes more rapidly. He asserts that the bill will create a stable and predictable market environment.
Future Implications
The Ontario government plans to conduct online consultations regarding the future of development standards, including those related to sustainability. This has prompted concern among experts and environmental advocates about the direction of urban planning in the context of climate change.
As the province prepares to implement these changes, the balance between expedited development and environmental stewardship remains a contentious issue that warrants careful consideration.
