Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Mississauga is holding a live, virtual information session focused on tackling the housing crisis and working to make housing more affordable.
It is scheduled for tomorrow (April 6) from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Staff and councillors will detail the city’s strategies to create more supply and make housing more affordable.
The session will also address concerns with approaches to housing affordability and planning that were proposed by the province’s Housing Affordability Task Force, which Mississauga council says could “significantly change neighbourhoods without making housing more affordable”.
In a written response to the task force report, council said the recommendations would:
- Limit all public consultation on future developments
- Lower design standards and erase heritage
- Remove neighbourhood character considerations
- Reduce our ability to plan our city in our own way
- Create a financial risk for the development of new infrastructure and parkland in our city and put the burden for growth on existing taxpayers
- Fail to build any affordable housing, but create more supply for investors to buy and hold
- Remove the ability for residents to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal
On March 30, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing tabled Bill 109, the More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022. City staff is currently reviewing the legislation. As the legislation moves forward, we will continue to consult with the province on ways to make housing more affordable for everyone who wants to live in Mississauga.
Mississauga supports infill development and greater density in our neighbourhoods, but where it makes sense and with proper consultation through the local planning process. We want to plan our communities together.
The event will include a panel discussion and then wrap up with time for questions.
Panelists:
- Mayor Bonnie Crombie and council members
- Paul Mitcham, city manager and Chief Administrative Officer
- Andrew Whittemore, commissioner, Planning and Building
- Shari Lichterman, commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer
- Jodi Robillos, commissioner of Community Services
- Geoff Wright, commissioner of Transportation and Works
Participants can register online to attend the information session and ask questions and will receive a confirmation email with meeting information and instructions after registering.
A livestream will be available on the city’s website and the meeting will be recorded and posted on the housing affordability webpage following the event.