Ontario reduces taxes to encourage the construction of rental accommodations. The Ford administration is eliminating the sales tax on eligible purpose-built accommodations, such as apartment buildings, student housing, and senior housing. This proclamation of tax relief is anticipated to encourage the construction of rental accommodations. While Canadians support increased high-density housing, many neighborhoods have opposed rezoning for multifamily structures.
Understanding re-zoning
Rezoning is the process of modifying existing zoning regulations to permit more than single-family homes. It may consist of duplexes, triplexes, and multifamily structures. Over fifty percent of residential land in Toronto and Vancouver permitted only single-family dwellings and duplexes until recently. In the 1970s, however, zoning restrictions were tightened, resulting in a mixture of apartment structures and single-family homes in many communities. Unfortunately, the zoning restrictions have made it increasingly unaffordable for individuals under 40 to own a single-family property in well-located areas.
Removing decisions from local politicians
Zoning decisions can be a contentious issue for municipal legislators, but the involvement of the federal, British Columbia, and Ontario governments in zoning has alleviated this tension. It is essential to note, however, that Quebec’s approach to zoning may differ from that of the rest of Canada. Despite this, Montreal, Quebec, and Gatineau have embraced the concept of urban and suburban triplexes, demonstrating the potential advantages of increased density.
Local politicians know that they are not beholden to the province or even the federal government, but to the local residents who voted them into office. Local residents in much of Canada purchased homes that were zoned ‘single-family residential’. Zoning impacts the value of a property. By re-zoning properties to enhance densification, the property values of formerly solely ‘single-family residential’ properties decline.
Densification
Increasing density is essential for establishing affordable housing options, fostering walkability, and bolstering transit services. Having a certain level of density improves affordability by maximizing the use of available land. It also facilitates the development of robust transit networks and encourages walkability in localities. These factors are not only essential for establishing cities that are welcoming to women, but they also have environmental and health advantages for all residents.
But that’s an opinion, not a fact. Most residents in Canada’s suburban cities, small towns, and rural residences don’t want to live in Vancouver or Toronto’s concrete jungle with its lack of green space, horrific traffic, crime, and cost of living. Most people in Toronto don’t live on the Bridle Path or in a Rosedale mansion. Given the choice between a squishy condo or a house with a nice yard and a white picket fence, most Canadians would choose the house.
Women-Friendly and Safer Neighbourhoods
It’s argued that re-zoning in urban areas is essential for creating safer and more inclusive communities for women. That’s not true… increased density brings increased crime and danger. However, by increasing population density, we can develop mixed-use communities that provide housing options near employment and services. Re-zoning can assist in addressing the need for affordable housing among single parents, particularly single mothers. Some argue we can create more inclusive and equitable communities by contemplating what various groups can afford and by providing housing options that meet their requirements; but I don’t see wealthy residences allowing purpose-built rental units to be built behind their properties.
Affordability for everyone
The movement to re-zone in Canada seeks to address the increasing need for affordable housing and inclusive communities. By embracing increased density and permitting multifamily buildings, some argue we can provide Canadians with more affordable housing options, but that will always come at the expense of existing residents. It is essential to recognize the environmental and health benefits of re-zoning and to work toward creating cities that are inclusive and secure for everyone. Densification comes with a large carbon footprint… it takes a lot of electricity generated by burning a lot of fossil fuels to move an elevator up and down a building. Green technology requires space to be effective. Much better to enable communities to ‘work from home’ to eliminate traffic and carbon emissions and allow families to take advantage of much home cheaper prices away from dense urban centres.
The Canadian re-zoning movement has the potential to revolutionize how we view housing and communities. By embracing increased density, those who benefit argue we can create affordable housing options, support quality transit services, and construct cities that are inclusive and secure for all residents. They argue It is crucial that governments at all levels collaborate and implement zoning policies that take the requirements and affordability of different groups into account. By doing so, we can assure Canada’s continued success as a nation with diverse and welcoming communities.
