Housing density must be sensible

There has been a lot of debate recently regarding the “housing crisis” and Windsor not being approved for the federal government's Housing Accelerator Fund and therefore not receiving $30 million in initial funding.

The people who believe that city council should have accepted the terms — making fourplexes as-of-right in any residential neighbourhood — make some good points.

We do need more density in the city, but it should move forward in a sensible way. I do not like the tactic of being given an ultimatum with something that may not be the best solution for our city and is not popular with many residents who have never been consulted.

The city's plan provides for ample locations available to meet and exceed our targets. Certain core areas and along many corridors are appropriate for multi-residential buildings with higher heights.

In 2023, the city issued permits for 1,154 units and we approved zoning changes that will result in 3,582 new dwelling units. There are 1,699 units ready for issuing building permits. If we take politics out of this situation, we should be judged on those results. Windsor committed to the province that it would build 13,000 new residential units over a 10-year period.

Building is not moving fast enough because there are market forces beyond the city's control. Developers appear to be pausing, mainly because of labour shortages and high interest rates.

The city has done its job. Sometimes change is inevitable, like adding more density, but it must happen at a pace that is appropriate.

Putting four-storey apartment buildings in established residential neighbourhoods as a matter of right, to be implemented immediately, should only happen with proper planning and consultation.

Jim Morrison, Ward 10 councillor and chair, development and heritage standing committee, Windsor