Toronto is moving forward with plans to implement inclusionary zoning — a tool the city is counting on to meet its affordable housing goals — despite the upheaval caused by provincial legislation announced earlier this month.“The fact is that we can’t afford any delays,” said Deputy Mayor Ana Bailao, speaking with the Star on Tuesday. “If the goal is to get more affordable housing we should just move forward with this one. We should continue this process.” Inclusionary zoning is the official term for a math equation that, once the actual numbers are sorted out, will be applied to future development projects and will require builders to agree to a set number of units that people with low and moderate incomes could afford.The previous Liberal government announced the regulations more than two years ago, after years of debate and consultation, and municipalities were told local governments would have a strong hand in crafting local policies.What has thrown everything into flux is Bill 108, sweeping legislation the Progressive Conservative government released on May 2, which proposes changes to the planning act that could result in inclusionary zoning only applying to buildings close to major transit hubs unless special clearance is granted by the province. Bailao said the change could set the zoning process back another two years and comes at a time when no affordable unit can be spared, something she intends to press during a meeting with Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark and chief planner Gregg Lintern that the minster’s office confirmed will take place early next week.Clark’s spokesperson Julie O’Driscoll said by email the proposed changes to inclusionary zoning “would facilitate the supply of affordable housing in areas that are generally subject to growth pressures, higher housing demand, and in proximity to higher order transit.” She said the minister w ...
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