Toronto, ON – The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) applauds the Province for introducing new legislation that would reverse the government’s earlier decision to remove protection for Greenbelt land for residential development. The housing affordability crisis is critical for Ontarians, but the most successful approaches do not come at the expense of green spaces or thoughtful climate action.

The OAA regulates the practice of architecture in the public interest. It asserts opening up the Greenbelt was by no means “required” in order to provide more housing. In its November 2022 submission related to Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, the Association offered several other strategies to improve access to quality housing. It also explored ways for architects to play a role in creating healthy, affordable, functional, and beautiful homes in which people could live.

“Gently intensifying the density of existing urban and suburban areas, especially those near transit infrastructure, should be given greater consideration,” says Settimo Vilardi, a Windsor architect and the president of the OAA’s governing Council. “There are so many opportunities to create housing in already-vibrant neighbourhoods that optimize land use, leverage existing infrastructure and amenities, and promote vibrant and inclusive complete communities.”

In 2019, the OAA commissioned SvN Architects + Planners to better understand the design and regulatory opportunities that address housing affordability in communities across Ontario. The resulting independent report, “Housing Affordability in Growing Urban Areas,” says Ontario’s housing supply could be increased through:

• infill development and intensification in existing neighbourhoods;
• expansion of permissions for gentle density development, such as duplexes, triplexes, four-plexes, and secondary suites;
• low- to mid-rise intensification along corridors; and
• mid- to high-rise intensification in centres.

Last year, the provincial government’s own Housing Affordability Task Force recommended a more permissive land use, planning, and approvals system be implemented in Ontario. This would offer more housing options by:

• overriding municipal policies, zoning, or plans prioritizing preservation of a neighbourhood’s physical character at the expense of new development;
• establishing province-wide zoning standards or prohibitions for minimum lot sizes, maximum building setbacks, minimum heights, angular planes, shadow rules, front doors, building depth, landscaping, floor space index, heritage view cones, and planes; and
• removing any floorplate restrictions to allow larger, more efficient high-density.

The provincial government is poised to have a big impact on housing affordability, and has already made significant advances. The restoration of lands to the Greenbelt demonstrates housing need not be achieved at the expense of the environment—a strategic approach that privileges a diverse range of housing types can address issues of affordability and climate action. At a time when both issues are so urgent, the OAA applauds the government for doing the right thing.

Working with all levels of government, as well as planners, building officials, and others in the design/construction community, Ontario’s architecture profession is well-equipped to help advance housing affordability. Rather than removal of land from the Greenbelt, solutions include building on already-zoned spaces, rethinking density, and giving smart consideration to the “Missing Middle,” with respect to the design of low to midrise multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), multiplexes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) such as laneway housing and garden suites.

Further Information
OAA President Settimo Vilardi, and other representatives of OAA Council, may be available for phone or email interviews. Additional information and high-resolution photos may also be available.

Media Contact
Erik Missio, Communications manager
416-449-6898, ext. 241
erikm@oaa.on.ca

About the Ontario Association of Architects
The Ontario Association of Architects is a self-regulating organization under the Architects Act, a statute of the Government of Ontario. It is dedicated to promoting and increasing the knowledge, skill, and proficiency of its members, and administering the Act, in order that the public interest may be served and protected. Its governing Council is guided by a five-year Strategic Plan that includes “Climate Action” and “Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion” as thematic lenses.