Canada: Generational Shift In Ontario's Planning Legislation As The More Homes Built Faster Act Receives Royal Assent

Ontario's land use and planning landscape received a major shake up yesterday, November 29^th, 2022, as the More Homes Built Faster Act (the "Act") received Royal Assent. The majority of the Act comes into effect immediately upon Royal Assent, while other provisions come into force on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor. The Provincial Government views the Act as a key step towards achieving its goal of having 1.5 million new homes built over the next 10 years.

Prior to passing its 2^nd reading on November 22, 2022, some substantive revisions were introduced after debate and consideration of the Act at the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy. A high-level review of those revisions can be found in our previous bulletin dated November 24, 2022. The Act, together with initiatives introduced through the Proposed Amendments to the Greenbelt Plan and Bill 39: the Better Municipal Governance Act which further introduces the Repeal of the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act, represents one of the most significant steps the Provincial Government has taken towards achieving its Housing Supply Action Plan. Our series of bulletins discussing these most recent changes to the land use planning landscape in Ontario can be found below:

• Bill 23: The More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 and the Proposed Amendments to the Greenbelt Plan and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan
• Bill 23 Update: Revisions Proposed to Bill 23 Following Lengthy Second Reading
• Bill 39: The Province's Newest Addition to the Tool Belt for Combating the Housing Crisis

McMillan will continue to monitor any further changes to Ontario's planning, development and land use planning policy as the Provincial Government attempts to address the current housing supply crisis. If your lands or interests may be impacted, or you wish to advocate on certain policies to guide the future of Ontario's planning, development, and land use, please contact Mary Flynn-Guglietti, Annik Forristal, Kailey Sutton or Patrick Pinho, and our team would be pleased to discuss this important piece of legislation and its potential impacts with you.

The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained.

© McMillan LLP 2021