Royal Orchard Ratepayers' Association

Within the past few years, the Ontario government has significantly changed the province’s planning framework. Most recently, in spite of fierce criticism by citizens, municipalities, environmentalists, and conservation authorities, the province passed the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23). Concerns included changes to site plan approval, third party appeals and potential property tax increases due to reductions in development charges.

The City of Markham expects that Bill 23 could cost the city $136 million in annual revenue, requiring an increase of 50-80 % in property taxes to maintain existing service levels (estimated $600 to $1,000 per year to the average homeowner).  Worse than trampling planning and property rights, is the complete disregard for environmental protections that we have come to expect.  Conservation authorities will no longer be able to comment on development applications, leaving municipal staff without their expertise to make informed recommendations.

Further, the province is opening up the Greenbelt to housing, contrary to past commitments. The Greenbelt was established in 2005 to permanently protect 1.8 million acres of farmland, forests, river valleys and wetlands. Its food security, climate mitigation and adaptation, recreation and economic values are almost incalculable. Over 90 % of Ontarians support the protection of the Greenbelt and the Premier and his Ministers have repeatedly promised not to touch it. The need has not been demonstrated and the parcels suspiciously associated with developers/PC party supporters.

These changes, in addition to the increased use of Ministerial Zoning Orders and Transit-Oriented Community designations, require a strong, organized community voice. Through RORA, we can collectively work together to mitigate the adverse impact of development.