More strong mayors won’t solve the housing crisis

June 16, 2023

GUELPH — Ontario Greens leader and Guelph MPP, Mike Schreiner, made the following statement in response to news that 26 new municipalities will be receiving undemocratic strong mayor powers.

“Let’s be clear. Doug Ford’s attack on local democracy is not a solution to Ontario’s housing crisis.

It wasn’t when these so-called strong mayor powers were first floated last year, and it isn’t now.

If this government wants to solve the housing crisis, it should try using some of the countless tools at its disposal to increase housing supply without increasing sprawl.

Tools like the ones Ontario Greens have long championed – ending exclusionary zoning so we can actually build homes people can afford in the communities where they want to live.

Strong local governments are built on a diversity of viewpoints that represent the people they serve.

Undermining local democracy takes us in the wrong direction. Concentrating power in the mayor’s office and ushering in minority rule will not solve the housing crisis.”

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