OFA provides comments to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding feedback on housing needs in rural and northern municipalities (consultation on the More Homes for Everyone Plan). From 2011 to 2016, the Census of Agriculture indicated that Ontario lost 319,700 acres of Ontario farmland, equivalent to 175 acres of farmland per day. OFA recognizes that protecting farmland is a balancing act amongst other provincial priorities. However, stronger protections against development on agricultural land combined with fixed, permanent urban boundaries and mandatory compliance with urban density and intensification requirements would achieve objectives for sustainable community building and farmland protection for future generations. OFA identifies the key barriers impacting municipalities in meeting its housing needs that may be unique to northern and rural communities. Flexibility needs and tools or policies to address housing needs in municipalities was also identified. OFA appreciates the opportunity to provide our agricultural perspectives on the needs, challenges, and opportunities for housing in rural and northern communities.
Submissions & Correspondence
OFA submission to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding housing needs in rural and northern municipalities
Updated: May 2, 2022