New housing bill is underwhelming on supply, MIA on affordability and dangerous to our environment

October 28, 2022

TORONTO — Ontario Greens leader and MPP for Guelph, Mike Schreiner, made the following comment on Bill 23 - More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022.

“The government’s new housing bill is underwhelming on supply, missing in action on affordability and dangerous in dismantling environmental protections.

We need housing solutions that match the level of the crisis and this bill does not meet the moment.

Building triplexes is a step forward, but it is not enough. We must allow for fourplexes and walk-up apartments in residential neighbourhoods and mid-rise housing along transit corridors and main streets, not just around transit stations, to truly meet demand.

The government’s housing plans receive a failing grade on providing the investments needed in the deeply affordable housing options people desperately need.

We are in a housing crisis, and we must do more to ensure everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.

Let me be clear, building more housing doesn’t require us to open the floodgates to sprawl or dismantle environmental protections that safeguard people’s homes.

When we lost dozens of lives and hundreds of homes after Hurricane Hazel, Ontario strengthened Conservation Authorities (CA) to avoid having such damage happen again.

But apparently this government is not afraid to let history repeat itself with its continued attack on the important work of CAs to protect homes, lives, and livelihoods.”

-30-