Statement from Mayor Eisenberger
New provincial development legislation poses challenges for municipalities
HAMILTON, ON - A special meeting of Hamilton City Council on Friday, April 8, 2022, will review concerns over the impact of new development-related legislation proposed by the Government of Ontario.
On March 30, 2022, the Province announced the More Homes for Everyone Plan, and introduced Bill 109, More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022. Bill 109 includes changes intended to curb non-resident land speculation, strengthen consumer protection for new home purchasers, help to build more housing using provincially owned lands, and accelerate planning processes to catalyze an increase in housing supply.
The proposed legislation could have several unintended consequences for Ontario municipalities, including Hamilton. These consequences could include:
- Increased Provincial jurisdiction on local planning processes and decisions;
- Penalizing municipalities for decision-making timelines not being met;
- Reduction in development fees replaced with increased legal tribunal fees;
- Cost of growth being shifted to existing ratepayers through higher user fees and property taxes.
The special Council meeting will take place on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 11 am and will include a fulsome overview from City staff on the new legislation and its potential implications.
Bill 109, if passed, would only make it more difficult for municipalities to consult with the public in a meaningful way and take the necessary time to process development applications, resulting in increased costs that would be passed on to existing property taxpayers. In effect, the cost of growth would be passed on to people who already own homes, rather than requiring new development pay for itself. This is not the way to increase the availability of housing in our community.
Mayor Fred Eisenberger
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Mayor's Office
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