There are only 2 more days to take action against Bill 185: Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024. This legislation, if passed, will likely significantly reduce community engagement within the development process, dismiss ongoing appeals against inequitable developments, and threaten the affordability of our neighbourhoods.

To get homes built faster, Ford’s provincial government wants to eliminate the community’s ability to have any input in the community development process whatsoever. In other words, luxury condos like the recent KingSett development proposal would likely be fast-tracked and approved with zero community feedback. 

Please submit a comment now and tell the provincial government that Bill 185 is anti-democratic as it stands to curtail the public’s ability to participate in the development process. 

Click here and select “Bill 185” from the drop-down menu then select “Submit material only”. Follow the prompts and submit your comment! 

The deadline to submit a comment in opposition to Bill 185 is 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Key Concerns with Bill 185: 

• Reduced Community Engagement: Bill 185 aims to eliminate public input on development projects and diminish our role in crucial planning decisions that adversely impact our livelihoods and our communities. Public participation in land use planning and development is essential and should be encouraged, not eliminated.
• Dismissal of Existing Appeals: Bill 185 proposes to disregard any current community appeals against developments, eroding our efforts to advocate for just and inclusive urban planning.
• Limited Municipal Oversight: The proposed legislation will strip local municipalities of their ability to consult on major planning applications, weakening the influence of community stakeholders in safeguarding community interests.
• Encroachment on Green Spaces: The enactment of this bill poses a risk to greenbelt areas and could undermine efforts to ensure that new developments include necessary community benefits and support affordable housing.

For more information on Bill 185 visit: https://davieshowe.com/summary-of-bill-185-and-proposed-provincial-policy-changes/