The provincial government wants to make it easier for municipalities to encourage growth and for families to find a home.
MPP Steve Clark, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced today, at Stonecrest Estates in Quinte West, changes to the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS).
The announcement brought together Hastings – Lennox and Addington MPP Darryl Kramp, Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith, Tyendinaga Township Reeve Rick Phillips, Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison and members of the Quinte Home Builders Association.
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Clark says these changes will encourage more and different types of housing.
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He said home ownership and affordable housing have become out of reach for far too many people and the provincial government is taking decisive steps to change that.
Changes to the PPS will give municipalities greater flexibility and control over local decision making to support new housing and economic development and help ensure an adequate supply of land on which to build more housing.
Municipalities currently need to have a 20-year supply of land available for development and the PPS increases that to 25 years.
Andy Geertsma, President of GCL Development Ltd. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Andy Geertsma, President of GCL Development Ltd, says these changes are of great benefit to home builders.
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He says the changes will also give developers greater flexibility in their neighbourhood composition plans.
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The PPS was updated following consultations with municipalities and stakeholders including development and business, aggregates and resources, agriculture, environment and planning sectors and the public. There was also direct engagement with Indigenous communities.
The changes will not impact the greenbelt, ensuring that it will continue to be protected for future generations.
The updated PPS will come into effect on May 1 this year.
