On May 2, 2019, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced the introduction of Bill 108 in the Legislature.  This Bill made amendments to various acts including the Planning Act, Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Act, 2017, Ontario Heritage Act and the Development Charges Act,1997 to name a few. These amendments are important because they impact the Planning Act, Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Act, 2017, Ontario Heritage Act and the Development Charges Act,1997.

 

Within the Development Charges Act (Schedule 3), the creation of a second dwelling unit, including structures ancillary to dwellings (e.g. backyard suites) was exempted from development charges. Additionally, within the Planning Act (Schedule 12), Bill 108 made changes to Additional Residential Unit policies. This means that the Act requires several municipalities in Ontario to authorize additional residential units for detached, semi-detached, and row houses in primary dwellings and ancillary buildings / structures (e.g. Garden Suites, Laneway Suites, Accessory Dwelling Units). The amendments are aligned with the overarching goal of the Bill which aims to increase affordable housing in Ontario. Encouragement from the Provincial government coupled with advocacy from industry professionals and residents, fueled the creation of Garden suite by-laws / policies in Guelph, Ottawa, Kitchener, Mississauga, Brampton, and Toronto. We expect to see more and more municipalities experience the benefits over time.

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