Proposed changes to green space allocation in new developments

From Peaceful Parks Coalition

We have until April 20 to comment on this proposal:

EBR # 019/1406 https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-1406

“Proposed regulatory matters pertaining to community benefits authority under the Planning Act, the Development Charges Act, and the Building Code Act”

Prior to the Ford government, every new development was provincially required to allocate 20% of any development lot to green space (Community Benefit). This could be landscaped areas along the street or open green space for residents. The Ford government reduced this requirement to only 5% green space allowing developers to squeeze higher density in smaller lots making the building more profitable.

Municipalities are allowed to exchange the requirement for green space for money – called ‘cash-in-lieu’. The ‘cash-in-lieu’ money still needs to be applied to expand green space within the city. It is often used to purchase land to expand existing parks. This ensured that green space was not being depleted with new development which often removes existing trees and green space.

With this proposal, the Ford government is now allowing municipalities to use the cash-in-lieu money for any community benefit defined by the city. It no longer needs to apply to green space preservation.

Why is this important?

*Green space is universally acknowledged as an vital component to human and mental health and every development should carry their fair share of the load to ensure urban environments remain green.

*The absence of canopy trees creates a desert effect increasing heat and accelerating wind speeds. There is no relief for residents when adequate green space is bypassed and disastrous when this practice accumulates across an entire district.

*The practice of cash-in-lieu has only contributed to the desertification of downtown cores.

*Canopy trees need open spaces. Without these dedicated spaces evenly distributed throughout the urban core, cities cannot grow trees. This negatively impacts residents and local wildlife.

*Increasingly urban land and subsequent housing is being controlled by corporations and their profits rather than individuals looking to create healthy communities. It remains the responsibility of government to ensure balance and green space is preserved.

*Other community benefits needing funding such as affordable housing are big issues that need a dedicated government response rather than a ‘nickle and dime’ approach by pirating other areas of urban development.

Please find a link to a recent news story from the CBC dated Feb. 14 2020 that looks at Urban Design and its impact of mental health.