This week at the last Strathroy-Caradoc Council meeting for this 4-year term, a lengthy and passionate discussion around the Ontario Government’s potential Bill 23, As we know, The Province announced new legislation, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 to amend various acts and regulations guiding the planning process and related financial management of growth related costs and services in Ontario. The goal of the act is to build 1.5 million homes by 2023 in order to address the Provincial housing crisis. But many municipalities are not in favour due to many reasons including no need for public meetings during the planning process, and limits are proposed on what Conservation Authorities are permitted to comment on as part of the planning approvals process. Ward 1 Councillor John Brennan did not mince words Monday night.
Brennan says without question, if passed, this Bill will affect taxpayers in a bad way.
Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden chairing her final council meeting noted that this is not a good step for the province.
At this time, Bill 23 is in its second reading at the legislature, adjourned for a 30 day commenting period. If passed, it has the potential to significantly change the planning and financial landscape of Municipalities across Ontario. A full breakdown of Bill 23 can be found here.
https://pub-strathroy-caradoc.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=12770
written by: C. Soares