Ontario Liberals Advocate for Fourplex Construction Without Municipal Approval

The Ontario Liberal Party is set to introduce legislation allowing developers and homeowners to build fourplexes across the province, bypassing the need for municipal approval. This move, originating from the province’s 2022 Housing Affordability Taskforce report, aims to address housing shortages and boost accessibility to various housing options.Liberal MPP Adil Shamji will present a private members bill at Queen’s Park, proposing the construction of four units and four-story buildings on residential urban properties statewide. The policy, recommended by the Housing Affordability Taskforce, is viewed as a means to expedite housing construction in existing neighborhoods.While the Ford government has yet to implement this recommendation, facing challenges in meeting its housing targets, discussions within the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing have included the possibility of mandating four-unit developments without municipal approval.Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, drawing from her experience as Mayor of Mississauga, emphasizes the urgency of this policy amid delays and inaction from the Ford government. Crombie asserts that the Liberals will push for the implementation of this recommendation, echoing the approach taken in Mississauga to allow fourplex construction.Notably, the Liberal initiative follows similar efforts by other parties, including a bill tabled by Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner. However, such proposals have faced hurdles, with the government redirecting them to standing committees.