WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo recognizes that there is a housing inventory crisis and an affordability crisis; and
WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo is the only municipality in Canada that relies almost entirely on groundwater for its water supply, groundwater recharge areas which cross multiple municipal boundaries are protected by the Regional Official Plan. As a result of the passing of Bill 23, communities in the Region of Waterloo are particularly vulnerable to a fragmented approach to protecting ground water recharge areas; and
WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo delivers numerous services, including transit, regional roads, wastewater facilities, and housing that are closely tied to regional scale land use planning strategies, particularly as they affect the location, density and structure of urban development; and
WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo Regional Official Plan provides policies and strategies to protect land and natural ecosystems that replenish our ground water and reduce carbon emissions, while supporting the efficient growth of vibrant communities and a strong, resilient economy; the loss of a regional planning framework for the Region of Waterloo could negatively impact future generations; and
WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo has received endorsement and support from two First Nations, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Six Nations of the Grand River in support of our Regional Official Plan amendment which is unprecedented; and WHEREAS Bill 23 is legislation that will now have severe negative implications to the Region of Waterloo planning authority, the current Waterloo Regional Official Plan, Conservation Authorities Act, Development Charges Act, Municipal Act, New Homes Construction Licensing Act, Ontario Heritage Act, Ontario Land Tribunal Act, Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, Planning Act, and the Supporting Growth and Housing in York and Durham Regions Act; and
WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo is preparing comments on Bill 23 that will be submitted to the province with the understanding that the timing of the introduction of the Bill has not allowed for a thorough and comprehensive review and response by Waterloo Region Council within the original due date given that the first regular meeting is December 6; and
WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo acknowledges the affordable housing crisis and has developed a comprehensive housing strategy that already exceeds provincial recommendations; and WHEREAS the Region of Waterloo relies on development charges to provide the infrastructure required to support growth and new housing, for new residents and growing businesses, proposed changes would therefore jeopardize the ability to finance and construct the very infrastructure needed to build more housing; and WHEREAS Bill 23 will impact city and regional finances and limit the ability of the region to properly invest in infrastructure to serve new homes, creating an increased tax burden on rate payers in the region; and WHEREAS BILL 23 does not address the current labour shortage that currently exist within the industry and does not mention how it will address the current labour shortage; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Region of Waterloo requests that the Province of Ontario to reconsider Bill 23 and extend the consultation period on potential legislation, regulatory, policy, and amendment to allow for fulsome municipal consultation; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Region of Waterloo requires the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing identify and outline the processes and proposed outcomes of this bill in relation to the affordable housing crisis experienced across Ontario and its mitigating effects.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Region of Waterloo requests that the Provincial and Federal governments develop sustained infrastructure funding to meet the needs of growing communities and avoid shifting burden of growth to existing taxpayers. That might mitigate some of the worst of the financial impacts of Bill 23.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution and report COR-CFN-22-04, Bill 23 Financial Impacts in Waterloo Region, dated December 6, 2022, be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, local and area MPPs, area Municipal Councils, as well as the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario and Ontario Big City Mayors.