The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) is applauding the Province of Ontario for introducing a new legislation that reverses the government’s former decision to remove protection for Greenbelt land for residential development.

While the housing affordability crisis is critical for residents of Ontario, the OAA believes the most successful approaches do not come at the expense of green spaces or thoughtful climate action.

The OAA regulates the practice of architecture in the public interest and asserts that opening up the Greenbelt was not “required” in order to provide additional housing for Ontarians.

In November 2022, the OAA made a submission related to Bill 23 called the More Homes Built Faster Act, where it offered multiple strategies to improve access to quality housing.

The submission also highlighted different ways that architects could play a role in creating healthy, affordable, functional, and beautiful homes for people to live in.

“Gently intensifying the density of existing urban and suburban areas, especially those near transit infrastructure, should be given greater consideration,” said Settimo Vilardi, a Windsor architect and the president of the OAA’s governing Council. “There are so many opportunities to create housing in already-vibrant neighbourhoods that optimize land use, leverage existing infrastructure and amenities, and promote vibrant and inclusive complete communities.”