A proposal to permit the construction of four-plexes and multi-level apartment buildings in areas where they are restricted because of zoning by-laws has been forwarded to a legislative committee for review.
The idea is from Green Party leader Mike Schreiner.
He says passage of his private member’s bill could help far exceed the government’s housing goals.
“We could build 2 million homes in this province, far exceeding the province’s goal of 1.5 million homes,” says Schreiner.
“We have builders and developers, we have realtors. We have people who just want to start providing housing supply, which will help drive down the cost of housing.”
Schreiner sees his proposal as being an affordable housing option, especially for young people and seniors looking to downsize.
He says it is also an option that works well in small and rural communities.
“I’ve heard from mayors of smaller cities saying this is a great opportunity for seniors to be able to afford to downsize and stay in the community they love around their support networks. This is a solution that works in cities, towns and communities of all sizes,” says Schreiner.
Schreiner first introduced his bill last November.
Instead of allowing it to proceed to second reading and debate in the legislature, MPPs voted recently to send the bill to a legislative committee.
Schreiner would have preferred a debate in the legislature, but is okay if the government wants to steal the idea and present it in a different form if it leads to more affordable housing solutions.
There is no date when the committee will discuss the proposal.
