February 17, 2021 – The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA), with the support of our impacted network association members BILD, Brantford, Durham Region, Guelph & District, Haldimand – Norfolk, West End, Niagara, and Waterloo Region HBAs, are asking the that the Ontario government stay focused on the proposed Greenbelt expansion study areas announced for consultation. Any expansion of the Greenbelt must be done in consideration with the required community and infrastructure planning of the Provincial Growth Plan and the More Homes, More Choice Act, 2019.
Premier Doug Ford has clearly stated his commitment to the ongoing protection of the Greenbelt, and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark has made it very clear that the existing borders are not up for change.
“We expect the government to remain focused on the study areas they have identified and not turn this into a political mapping exercise that ignores the ongoing community planning and real infrastructure needed for the three million more people joining the Greater Golden Horseshoe region in the next 20 years,” said Joe Vaccaro, OHBA CEO.
The industry is calling for a robust and comprehensive consultation on the proposed study areas with all impacted and involved parties, including landowners, residents, businesses, industry, and stakeholders.
“The government has proposed a focused approach to Greenbelt expansion, and we expect that the necessary research and ground-truthing will happen before any mapping is confirmed for both the Urban River Valleys and the Paris Galt Moraine,” noted Vaccaro.
According to the population forecast in the province’s most recent Growth Plan, the communities around the Paris Galt Moraine will see more than 500,000 new residents join their neighbourhoods by 2041.
The Ontario Home Builders’ Association is the voice of the residential construction industry in Ontario, representing 4,000 member companies organized into 27 local associations across the province. The residential construction industry contributes over $51 billion dollars to Ontario’s economy, employing more than 330,000 people across the province.
For additional information or to schedule an interview OHBA’s CEO Joe Vaccaro, contact Leah Sisnett at lsisnett@ohba.ca or 416-525-8071.