New Act Could Bring Benefits To County Residents

Friday, 11 October 2019 08:59

An update on the More Homes, More Choices Act was brought to Oxford County council. Staff's report highlighted some of the changes would impact municipalities from making important decisions relating to land use planning and others.

OXFORD COUNTY - An update on the More Homes, More Choices Act was brought to Oxford County council.

The Act was passed in June and it enables greater housing supply across Ontario by introducing flexibility on some development requirements.

Warden Larry Martin says it will be beneficial to residents in the region.

"It should definitely get us more housing and it's identifying different types of housing in different forms so that we can include more housing like second dwellings on some properties and smaller housing."

Warden Martin adds the Act will also increase the livability and the livelihood of the people.

He says the update looks at the impacts and effects on the municipalities going forward.

"The main goal from the provincial government is to expedite construction and development and growth, and to try and do away with some roadblocks that they feel are present so we can go on with our day-to-day business in a lot quicker and more equitable manner."

Thursday's meeting saw staff's report highlight some of the changes would impact municipalities from making important decisions relating to land use planning, finance and the environment without providing housing options people can afford.

Staff's report says there are a number of regulations that are new or changed, which have been either proposed or enacted to provide further implementation on various legislative changes as a result from the Act.

Staff has sent their report to the province asking for more information on the some of the changes made in the Act.

Due to the limited amount of time that is available for comments and associated regulations on the Bill, the report says staff submitted their comments to the province, on behalf of the County, to ensure they are received within the consultation window.

Warden Martin says they'll wait to hear back from the province to hear if any changes are made.