MPPs Wayne Gates and Jennie Stevens say Ford government's housing bill could result in fewer affordable housing units, tax hikes and service cuts.
Two local MPPs are expressing concerns about the Ford government's housing legislation.
NDP MPPs Jennie Stevens and Wayne Gates say the province's housing plan could take away funding municipalities use for local infrastructure like roads and community centres.
The pair say this could lead to tax hikes and service cuts for local families while jeopardizing affordable housing.
"St. Catharines and the Niagara Region city councils are sounding the alarm over Doug Ford’s move to download costs onto municipalities," said Stevens. "If Mr. Ford takes away the funding municipalities use to pay for infrastructure and services for seniors and kids, then municipalities will have a harder time turning houses into homes, surrounded by real communities."
"Doug Ford must address the concerns of Niagara Region and St. Catharines councils," said Gates. "Without providing provincial funding to make up what he’s taking away, Mr. Ford’s scheme could result in far fewer affordable housing units and much higher costs for municipal taxpayers in the Niagara Region and St. Catharines."
Last week, the province released details of a plan to add one and a half million new homes by 2031.
The proposed bill would include allowing up to three residential units on lots without a municipal bylaw amendment.
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