On April 1, 2026, the Ontario government introduced Bill 98, the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026.
Based on the sweeping changes to planning authorities proposed in this omnibus bill, now is a critical opportunity for stakeholders and rightsholders to weigh in on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO). There are only a few weeks to respond to each, so our aim is to help you navigate those EROs related to municipal green development standards. TAF can share details on our own submissions in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, here are the links you need to get started:
026-0300: Consultation on all aspects of Bill 98 (read TAF’s submission here)
- This is where general comments can be submitted to urge the province to protect municipalities’ authority to require low-carbon, efficient, and resilient development.
- Good provincial policy should enable and not limit local leadership on sustainability.
- Comments due May 14.
026-0309: Proposal to prohibit Green Development Standards.
- Feedback should emphasize that municipalities must retain authority to implement GDS and other lot level standards that support climate resilience and livable communities.
- Comments due May 14.
026-0310: Site plan control reform.
- Feedback should emphasize site plan control as a critical tool for sustainable and climate-resilient development.
- Comments due May 14.
026-0313: Comprehensive list of studies for complete applications.
- Feedback should emphasize preserving municipal authority to require studies that impact local emissions impacts and climate risks, particularly energy modelling reports, which are also required for many projects under the Ontario Building Code.
- Comments due May 14.
We’re open to your input and questions. Read our ERO 026-0300 submission or contact us at policy@taf.ca for more information.
The longer we delay taking collective steps to counter and mitigate Climate Change Problems the greater the future costs of remedial steps.
Municipally implemented Green Building Standards (GBS) will add a Modest Increase to Building Construction Costs, but these costs, which represent a very low percentage of total construction costs, will be offset in the near term future by reduced energy costs, reduced environmental pollution and more effective and less costly responses to Extreme Climate Events — like the recent very severe flooding that occurred in many Ontario Municipalities.
Ontario Bill 98 must NOT eliminate municipal GBS so that municipalities can retain their authority to implement GBS and other standards to support Climate Change Resilience and liveable communities.