Ontario needs to ensure careful planning comes with reduced red tape on housing: mayors [Video]

Ontario mayors say they’re all for cutting red tape and streamlining provincial permits to accelerate much-needed new housing but will be “closely reviewing” new provincial legislation on its potential impacts to local decision-making.

“I support the goal of building more homes, faster, and increasing supply so that housing becomes more accessible and affordable for everyone (and) as the mother of three adult children who are actively trying to enter the housing market, I understand first hand how urgent and personal the housing crisis has become for many families,” said Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy.

“As this legislation moves forward, the Town of Whitby will be closely reviewing its potential impacts on development charges, local planning authority, and our ability to make decisions in the best interest of our community.”

The Ontario government introduced the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act on Tuesday, legislation aimed at building more homes faster by easing provincial permitting and approvals.

The province is also increasing its investment …