Clarington the first to use new provincial fast-track legislation to build affordable housing

The Municipality of Clarington has figured out a way to use the Province’s controversial infrastructure fast-tracking mechanism legislation for good.

Where Ontario – and individual municipalities – have used Minister Zoning Orders (MZO) in the past to fast-track construction, the rulings have not always gone over well with the public. But the Ford government developed a new fast-track tool – the Community Infrastructure and Housing Accelerator (CIHA) as part of Bill 109, the More Homes for Everyone Act. Municipalities can use the new CIHA tool to request expedited zoning for long-term care facilities, affordable housing, and economic development opportunities.

Clarington is now the first Ontario community to use the new tool after a decision at Council last week to ask the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to expedite the zoning for 200 Baseline Road in Bowmanville to permit 32 affordable townhouses and an accessible three-storey apartment building with 52 units for low and moderate-income households and local seniors.

Durham Region Non-Profit Housing, Habitat for Humanity GTA, and The Municipality of Clarington are partnering to create new affordable housing in the community. Clarington unlocked municipally owned land to support the development of these new housing units.