In October 2020, a minister’s zoning order (MZO) sparked a debate over affordable housing in Vaughan. The MZO, which was introduced by Bracor Ltd. and Crinklewood Development Inc., pledged 10 percent of its units for affordable housing.
While some councilors questioned the MZO and allowed certain developers to skip the approval queue, the council ultimately gave the green light. Its approval, however, depended on MZO’s affordable housing commitment.
At that time, both Coun. Marilyn Iafrate and Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua were fervent supporters of the project, with the former encouraging adding the condition of the vote.
Iafrate told city staff at the time to include a two-year period from the time of MZO approval to begin innovating the project to accelerate the funneling of people to affordable units.
But a year later, Iafrate said she is puzzled why the promise no longer exists when a minister’s final document shows that neither of these two conditions were met.
Marilyn expressed her frustration during a telephone interview last month, a day before councilors in the York region rejected residents’ appeals against Ontario’s 30-year growth plan, citing that there is plenty of land available for build more homes, especially affordable units.
“If they want to build affordable housing, they would,” he said. “We have MZOs that we approved that were supposed to have 10 percent affordable housing,” the councilor said in reference to the Bracor MZO.
“When the minister approved the MZO, affordable housing was not mentioned. This whole affordable housing thing is a bunch of nonsense; it’s just a way to let developers do what they want. “
However, a statement from Housing Minister Steve Clark’s office explained this discrepancy and how this is “beyond the scope” of the ministry.
“The traditional authority of the Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) does not deal with inclusive zoning or affordable housing,” the statement read.
“The MZO that was made at the request of the City of Vaughan strictly allows residential / commercial use on this site and therefore the provisions for affordable housing are out of reach.”
The ministry also “encouraged” Vaughan councilors to “take advantage of other tools the province has provided to support affordable housing projects.”
These tools include “implementing a municipal zoning framework inclusive or through community benefit charges, which are now allowed under the planning law.”
“Additionally, the municipality can support and / or secure affordable housing through the planning approval process or explore options such as collateral agreements.”
Yet the MZO has inspired Vaughan to produce his first affordable housing strategy. In its draft affordable housing strategy, inclusive zoning, also known as IZ, is expected to be completed in close coordination with the city’s official plan review.
Reference-www.thestar.com