New legislation under Bill 17, the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, passed last week, limiting municipal ability to implement bylaws that relate to construction or demolition of buildings. The vague language in the sweeping amendments to the Building Code Act, 1992 and the Planning Act, could apply to many bylaws that cities rely on to protect health, safety, and environmental wellbeing.
Who could argue with building faster and smarter? It’s certainly something TAF and many other organizations support, through innovative low-carbon design, streamlining development processes, and using new technologies that are more efficient. Unfortunately, Bill 17 will not speed up housing or make it more efficient, in fact, it risks undermining efficiency completely and strapping homeowners with higher utility costs for years to come. It was a disappointing outcome.
Our team has seen an amazing response from industry to support cities and their right to oversee construction in their communities. TAF’s letter of amendments to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing received almost 800 signatures.
It’s not too late to refine the regulation
While Bill 17 has already passed without amendments, there is still an open consultation on the regulation via the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO). It takes about three minutes to complete a submission, and every action helps. Feel free to draw on TAF’s submission for recommended language (note TAF’s submission is in reference to ERO 025-0461, due June 11. You can use the same comments for ERO 025-0462, due June 26).
- Click here to get started and review the consultation
- Click on the “Submit a Comment” button (you can submit a comment without registering)
- Follow the instructions and submit your response before June 26th
Contact us at policy@taf.ca with your questions.
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