Consolidation of Land

It is common that multiple parcels need to be consolidated in order to have a site large enough to make an affordable housing project feasible. The land consolidation process may be costly and time consuming enough to be a significant deterrent to the development occurring. Other barriers to land assembly include property owners that are uninterested/unwilling to sell; land speculation; accessing to financing because the land has no demonstrable short-term revenue stream; and, fragmented ownership. To address these challenges municipality have the legislative ability to play an active role in the land consolidation process. The City can explore the opportunities to facilitate the assembly of land for affordable housing projects as part of a CIP.

PART II – REGULATORY CHANGES (NON-CIP INCENTIVES)

In addition to the potential incentives and activities that are permitted by an approved CIP, there are also a number of regulatory changes or tools that may be useful in promoting the development of affordable housing. They can also be considered incentives in the sense that they make it easier and/or less costly to provide affordable housing. That being said, each should be evaluated individually within the context of their original intent, legislative framework, and to ensure that there are not any unintended negative consequences of implementing the idea/concept.

The regulatory regime that applies to the development of affordable housing is fairly prescriptive. In other words, affordable housing projects are subject to the same planning approvals, building permits and municipal requirements as other types of development. Furthermore, they can get quite complicated from a financial and risk perspective, maybe to the point that it deters potential developers from pursuing affordable housing projects. However, the following areas are discussion points that could be considered to address some of the barriers facing affordable housing.

Also, some are in the process of implementation, while others will be the subject of future reports to Council as the changes resulting from Bill 108 make their way through the system. They are highlighted in this report to demonstrate some of the activities that are already taking place to encourage the development of affordable housing, and as a way to identify and track them as possible options for supporting the development of affordable housing.

Additional Dwelling Units (Secondary Suites)

Bill 108, More Homes, More Choice Act, 2019 amended parts of the Planning Act to improve the affordable housing system and require municipalities to establish Official Plan policies and zoning that authorize the use of additional residential units. One change under Bill 108 is a requirement that municipal Official Plans and Zoning By-laws contain provisions permitting an additional residential dwelling unit within a detached house, semi-detached house, or rowhouse, and within an accessory structure on the