March 11th, 2016

The only obstacle to inclusionary zoning in Ontario is Premier Wynne: NDP

Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath and NDP Municipal Affairs and Housing critic Percy Hatfield joined with municipal leaders and community groups today calling on the Liberals to stop obstructing the passage of legislation that would allow municipalities to address the lack of affordable housing in their communities. 

'Everyone should have a place to call home in Ontario, and inclusionary zoning can help move us to that goal,” said Horwath 'I am calling on Kathleen Wynne to pass legislation before the summer to allow inclusionary zoning.' 

While the Liberals have been publicly promising action on inclusionary zoning for years, the province continues to prohibit municipalities the power to build new housing using this crucial mechanism. 

'I’ve heard stories in cities and towns across Ontario about the insufficient supply of affordable housing,” said Horwath. “Inclusionary zoning doesn’t cost governments money but it has the capacity to create thousands of affordable housing units.“

This afternoon at the legislature, 57 community groups and networks operating throughout Ontario called on the Liberal government to act now on inclusionary zoning by supporting either of two private members bills currently before the legislature. 

“In 2013 the City of Toronto called on the province to allow for inclusionary zoning and they’re still waiting,” said Hatfield. “While social housing groups have been unanimous in recommending this approach.” 

Ontario New Democrats have introduced inclusionary zoning legislation five times. NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo’s Bill 3 on inclusionary zoning is currently before the Legislature.

“After years of delays from the Liberals it’s become clear the only obstacle to inclusionary zoning is Premier Wynne,” said Hatfield