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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 175

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
March 19, 2024
Building Universal and Inclusive Land Development in Ontario Act, 2024
  • This Act, called the Building Universal and Inclusive Land Development in Ontario Act, 2024, makes changes to the Planning Act in Ontario. It prohibits official plans and by-laws from restricting the use of four or fewer residential units on urban residential land, as long as they are in specific types of housing structures. It also prevents the imposition of certain requirements related to lot size, floor-to-area ratio, building height, and parking spaces for residential buildings with three to six units. The Act will come into force 90 days after receiving Royal Assent.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of Bill 175, the Building Universal and Inclusive Land Development in Ontario Act, 2024, could be as follows: This bill aims to amend the Planning Act in Ontario to remove restrictions that may hinder the development of residential units on urban residential land. By repealing certain subsections and adding new provisions, the bill ensures that official plans and by-laws do not prohibit the use of four or fewer residential units on a parcel of land, as long as they are in specific types of housing structures. This change promotes more flexible and inclusive land development practices, allowing for a variety of housing options to be built without unnecessary restrictions such as minimum lot size requirements, floor-to-area ratios, height limitations, or mandatory parking space provisions. By enabling the construction of smaller residential units in urban areas, this bill can help address housing affordability issues by increasing housing supply and diversity. It also supports more sustainable and efficient land use by encouraging denser development patterns that utilize existing infrastructure more effectively. Additionally, by promoting universal and inclusive land development practices, the bill aligns with principles of urban planning that prioritize accessibility, diversity, and affordability in housing options. Overall, the Building Universal and Inclusive Land Development in Ontario Act, 2024, can be seen as a positive step towards creating more vibrant, diverse, and accessible communities in the province while also addressing pressing housing challenges.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • A steelman argument opposing Bill 175, the Building Universal and Inclusive Land Development in Ontario Act, 2024, from a right-wing anti-government perspective could be as follows: This Act represents government overreach and interference in the property rights of individuals and local communities. By restricting the ability of local governments to set their own zoning regulations, this Act undermines the principles of limited government and individual freedom. It imposes a one-size-fits-all approach to urban development, disregarding the unique needs and preferences of different communities. Furthermore, by prohibiting official plans and by-laws from imposing restrictions on the number of residential units, lot sizes, floor-to-area ratios, building heights, and parking requirements, this Act undermines the ability of local governments to maintain the character and quality of their neighborhoods. It could lead to overcrowding, increased traffic congestion, and a strain on local infrastructure and services. Additionally, by limiting the authority of local governments to regulate residential development, this Act could have negative economic consequences. It may discourage investment in housing developments that meet the specific needs of local markets and could lead to a decrease in property values as neighborhoods become less desirable due to overcrowding and lack of adequate parking. In summary, the Building Universal and Inclusive Land Development in Ontario Act, 2024, represents an overreach of government power, undermines local decision-making, and could have negative impacts on property values, community character, and quality of life for residents.
First Reading
  • March 19, 2024, noon
  • In Progress
  • Read