Experts agree there is a housing shortage in Ontario, which led to Bill 23, touted as a solution to the problem.
However, are there brakes that can be applied to the scramble to build more homes? Brantford has exceeded its targets by 176%, for instance.
In the meantime, the Bill offers scant environmental protection. It opens the door to building in areas that do not “contribute to the vitality and health of a community, one of our city’s pillars in The Official Plan.
An example is the recent threat to SC Johnson, which is now in the hands of the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). Rezoning this industrial area is not good for the economy or the community.
In West Brant, we are concerned about a building proposed on a site that already contains a high-rise complex. The proximity of this four-storey apartment to our townhouses will affect water drainage on our property, privacy and sunlight. The developer’s plan that our city approved had a large greenspace in this plot in keeping with vitality, health and safety, including water runoff. The new plan requires modifications to our bylaws. Brantford’s Committee of Adjustment turned down this request for variance relief. The developer has appealed to the OLT.
Which circles back to Bill 23, where the OLT has ultimate power and decisions cannot be appealed. If the SC Johnson zoning dispute and our West Brant variance relief are decided in favour of the developers, overturning decisions made by our own City officials, precedents will be established that will lead to the loss of many of our community’s goals.
What can we do? Write letters to our MPP. Let Will Bouma know that the OLT rules under Bill 23 are insupportable. Overturning municipal decisions while deterring residents from appealing or joining in dialogue unless we can pay court costs, is unacceptable.
Catherine Astolfo
Brantford
