Windsor-Essex examines provincial planning policy [Video]

The province has released new planning guide for municipalities across Ontario aimed at increasing the volume and variety of housing built.

The new guide has prompted a lot of contemplation for Windsor’s Executive Director of Planning and Development Neil Robertson, who says that it’s an important update to guide development in the midst of a housing crisis. “I thought it was a nice improvement and clear direction from the province about what their priorities are.”

The new guide is set to take effect in October and highlights a variety of goals including intensification around shopping malls and plazas, as well as building up around transit hubs.

The province’s goals would sound familiar to city officials, as Robertson says that many of them align with the plan Windsor rolled out at the beginning of the year in a failed bid for federal housing funds. “You might not recognize Devonshire mall in …