The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) is applauding the Province of Ontario for introducing a new legislation that reverses the government’s former decision to remove protection for Greenbelt land for residential development.

While the housing affordability crisis is critical for residents of Ontario, the OAA believes 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 and asserts that opening up the Greenbelt was not “required” in order to provide additional housing for Ontarians.

The OAA noted that the restoration of lands to the Greenbelt displays that housing does not need to be achieved at the expense of the environment and that a strategic approach that includes a variety of housing types can address issues of affordability and climate action.

As a result, the OAA applauds the government for “doing the right thing” at a time when both issues are urgent.

The OAA concluded by noting that Ontario’s architecture profession is well-equipped to help advance housing affordability when working with all levels of government, planners, building officials, and others in the design/construction community.

Rather than remove lands from the Greenbelt, the OAA said that other solutions include building on already-zoned spaces, rethinking density, and giving smart consideration to “Missing Middle” projects.