Oakville city council voted down two zoning proposals this month after local residents expressed concerns.
Oakville could be the first city in Canada to lose $25 million in federal funding if it doesn’t live up to the promises its mayor made to the federal government, including “personal assurances” that he would help bring in gentle density policies such as fourplexes across the city.
Housing Minister Sean Fraser sent a sharply worded letter to Oakville Mayor Rob Burton last week, obtained by the Star, which expresses disappointment with the mayor for rejecting a recent motion in council to introduce gentle density measures, including four-unit dwellings on a single lot and greater densification near Sheridan College.
“You gave me personal assurances that you were sincerely looking to partner, and to improve the availability of housing in your community,” Fraser writes in the letter. “I was disappointed to see council reject the amendments which would have permitted gentle density in Oakville, as is required under our Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) agreement.”
“As a result of voting down the zoning reforms you had committed to, Oakville is now at risk of becoming the first HAF recipient in Canada to have breached its agreement and is jeopardizing its funding.”
Last year, the federal government initiated a $4-billion program aimed at accelerating the supply of affordable homes — and has given money to dozens of cities to push forward progressive housing policies.
This could be the first time a city has pushed back on the conditions to get that funding, despite a binding agreement.
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Disgraceful behaviour on Parliament Hill
‘Was it you or not?’ Jagmeet Singh confronts heckler on Parliament Hill, Sept. 17
How to Fix our Congestion Crisis - Toronto has some of the worst congestion on the continent, Coun. Brad Bradford writes. Fixing it requires common sense and better planning and prioritization at the top.
Toronto has one of the world’s best film festivals but as stars like Will Ferrell pointed out, we also have some of the world’s worst traffic. He joins a long list of international celebrities, professional athletes and musicians that have echoed the concerns of thousands of residents forced to do battle with Toronto’s gridlock everyday.
Rogers' Power Play- Company will have near-lock on city's pro sports with buyout of Bell's stake in MLSE
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Weakened Liberal Party Saved by BQ - Who would have thought Canada might be saved from an election by the only political party that seeks to break up the country?
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Lebanon is Rocked Again by Deadly Exploding Devices - Israel acknowledges 'new phase in war'; civilians among dead
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Feds Impose New Limits on International Students - Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced new limits on international students Wednesday, saying Canada is facing an untenable number of people wishing to come here.
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Bloc Will Vote to Prop up Liberals - Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet, said he does not have confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority government, but believes he can use the situation to push for his party's priorities.
Leader says he will oppose Tory motion to bring down Trudeau government. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet, said he does not have confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority government, but believes he can use the situation to push for his party's priorities.
Dutcher wins second Polaris award
Singer donating prize to school in New Brunswick
