Ford Government Moves to Override Cities on Green Building Standards
Sourced from Canada’s National Observer
The Ford government is rushing to pass legislation that would strip cities of one of their most effective tools to confront climate threats: green building standards.
Experts say these standards, developed over years by municipalities, are designed to ensure new buildings are safer, cleaner, more resilient and more affordable to operate in the face of a growing climate crisis. Ontario cities have been dealing with heatwaves and floods in increasing numbers and severity, and building codes have been put in place to help new construction adapt.
Bill 17, the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, was introduced last month by the Ford government in response to housing pressures and economic uncertainty. The province says the legislation will “streamline development processes” and “reduce costs” by establishing consistent construction standards across all municipalities.
A key amendment in the bill makes it clear that municipalities are not allowed to pass bylaws related to the construction or demolition of buildings — a move widely seen by experts and advocates as targeting municipal green-building standards. The bill also requires municipal councils to get written approval from the provincial minister of municipal affairs and housing before making certain changes to their official plans, further restricting cities’ control over planning and development.
The bill also includes new regulations that would limit what municipalities can request from developers during the planning process. If passed, cities would no longer be allowed to require information on key design and environmental factors — such as shadow impact, wind conditions, urban design alignment, or exterior lighting — as part of a complete application for developments.
From the Living Architecture Monitor
