New mapping proves expensive sprawl won’t solve the housing crisis

May 31, 2023

QUEEN'S PARK — Ontario Greens leader and MPP for Guelph Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to new mapping showing that Ontario can deliver the next 30 years of GTHA homes and workplaces while using just a portion of the 350 km2 of land that was approved for development before 2022.

“We’ve known all along that this government’s sprawl-at-all-costs agenda has nothing to do with solving the housing crisis.

It’s about rolling out the red carpet to a handful of well-connected speculators while the people of Ontario pay the price.

Sprawl is bad for municipalities, bad for the environment, and bad for your wallet.

Now, we have yet another study showing it’s completely unnecessary.

In 2022, the GTHA had 350 km2 of greenfield land already designated for development – when only 150 km2 are needed to meet the next 30 years of demand.

Whatever the Premier’s real reason may be for sprawling onto prime farmland, wetlands, and floodplains, this mapping analysis shows that it’s not to help Ontarians find an affordable home.

It’s not fair that young people are being forced to drive until they qualify for a mortgage.

It’s not fair that they’re being forced to choose between having a home and living in an affordable, connected community.

There is more than enough land within existing boundaries to build the homes we need where people already spend their time – while protecting farmland and the environment at the same time.”

-30-