Ontario’s New Planning Rules Require Cities to Set Minimum Affordable Housing Targets

Ontario’s housing minister has announced new planning guidelines that require cities to set minimum targets for affordable housing, a move that he says will pave the way for a “long-term building boom.” Minister Paul Calandra unveiled his government’s Provincial Planning Statement at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference this week, saying the land use guidelines will give municipal leaders the “tools and flexibility they need to build more homes.” “It will ensure one consistent set of planning direction across the province,” he told conference attendees on Aug. 20. “It recognizes that municipalities understand local challenges and priorities when it comes to building homes, and that you know best where and what types of homes are needed to address the unprecedented growth we’ve seen in Ontario.”...