Mayor of Milton, Gord Krantz has offered support for Ontario’s controversial Bill 23 that aims to increase the housing stock, a move which will happen at the expense of greenspace and other land.

While speaking during Milton’s inaugural meeting of the new council term recently, Krantz said he likes the plan but not necessarily every aspect of it.

He said: “We all know that housing is one of the top priorities in the province and they are moving forward with that. I personally support the majority of what they are advocating in that area.”

But he doesn’t like some aspects, especially if Queen’s Park lowers municipalities’ ability to charge fees for development.

The Mayor said if the government forges ahead and changes the development fee structure, it will have a staggering effect on how towns like Milton operate.

As municipalities depend on development fees to pay for services, Krantz feels the burden will shift to taxpayers to make up the difference.

He said: “I have concerns when it involves the development charges. It could have a potential negative impact on the property tax base.”

Krantz made it known that he and Town staff have shown their fear about losing the fees to local MPPs.

Bill 23 is also known as the More Homes Built Faster Act and it aims to make it easier for developers to build homes, which, according to Krantz, is a top priority for Premier Doug Ford and his government.

Also, the bill aims to encroach greenspace and greenbelt areas to give room for more development. This triggered an outcry by environmentalists who said the move will damage the ecosystem by removing farms and forests while endangering wildlife in its natural habitat. 

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