AMO says Ontario housing bill would see taxpayers footing the bill for $5-billion shorted municipalities
Ontario housing legislation could leave communities short $5 billion and see taxpayers footing the bill, either in the form of higher property taxes or service cuts, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario said Thursday.
“The province has offered no evidence that the radical elements of the bill will improve housing affordability,” AMO wrote. “It is more likely that the bill will enhance the profitability of the development industry at the expense of taxpayers and the natural environment.” “Ultimately, members of the legislature must choose between serving the interests of the development industry or serving the interests of taxpayers,” he said in a virtual meeting with New Democrat members of provincial parliament, who invited AMO to do the presentation it would have given at committee.
Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark was not available for an interview, but a spokesperson wrote in a statement that Ontario is working with the federal government to secure support for municipalities to pay for critical infrastructure. The Ontario Big City Mayors group was allowed to present to the legislative committee, and chair Cam Guthrie said municipalities had hoped to see the province address the funding gap in its recent fall economic statement.
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