Ontario Greens’ Legalize It tour builds fresh momentum to legalize housing

February 8, 2024

QUEEN'S PARK — Yesterday’s packed town hall in downtown Kitchener marked the final stop in Ontario Greens’ Legalize It housing tour.

Ontario Greens leader Mike Schreiner and Deputy Leaders Aislinn Clancy and Matt Richter made stops in Guelph, Kitchener, Orangeville and Bracebridge to meet with local leaders, housing stakeholders and community members to discuss Schreiner’s Homes You Can Afford in Communities You Love Act.

“I’m so energized by the momentum we encountered over the past week,” said Schreiner. “From small rural townships to fast-growing cities, communities saw hope in our housing plan.”

“They recognize that legalizing housing is a common-sense solution to build more homes and bring down soaring housing costs without sprawling onto our farms, forests and wetlands.”

Schreiner, Clancy and Richter hosted a series of roundtables with municipal councillors and housing stakeholders, as well as three town halls that saw record-number attendance.

“It’s clear that housing is a number-one priority for so many Ontarians right now,” said Clancy.

“Our communities have had enough of the Ford government’s failure to launch. They want more housing options in the communities they know and love, and they want a government that’s ready to step up with real solutions to get the job done.”

Schreiner’s bill would legalize fourplexes and four-story buildings in residential neighbourhoods, and midrises from six to 11 stories on major streets. It is scheduled to be debated in the Ontario Legislature on February 28.

“Aislinn and I are looking forward to bringing these conversations back to Queen’s Park as we continue building support to pass the Homes You Can Afford in Communities You Love Act,” said Schreiner.

“It’s time to say yes to more housing choices. Yes to more ownership opportunities. Yes to more vibrant communities to live, work and play.

“It’s time to legalize housing.”

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