Alternatives for Greenbelt Development: A Comparative Study in Urban Planning
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Oral Research Presentation
Challenges Theme
Open Challenge
Faculty Sponsor
N/A
Proposal
This project examines Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s plan to remove sections of the Greenbelt and develop them in order to build houses. The project argues that this proposal will not result in the construction of sufficient houses to resolve the housing crisis and will be detrimental to the environment. Through a comparative analysis of other cities across North America, the project argues that the solution to the housing crisis in Ontario instead lies in reforming municipal zoning policies. Governments need to reorient housing policy away from the existing emphasis on single-family residences. Zoning policies that allow for ‘upward’ development rather than ‘outward’ sprawl create high density neighborhoods which feature affordable housing alternatives like multiplexes and townhouses. The Ontario government should focus on investing in this form of development, and support non-profit organizations which aim to do the same. Promoting change to existing zoning bylaws will allow for the construction of more affordable housing alternatives, and thus create more compact urban areas. As a consequence, critical land for the environment, such as the Greenbelt will not be needlessly removed for the creation of low-density neighborhoods filled with single-family homes.
Grand Challenges
Viable, Healthy and Safe Communities
Alternatives for Greenbelt Development: A Comparative Study in Urban Planning
This project examines Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s plan to remove sections of the Greenbelt and develop them in order to build houses. The project argues that this proposal will not result in the construction of sufficient houses to resolve the housing crisis and will be detrimental to the environment. Through a comparative analysis of other cities across North America, the project argues that the solution to the housing crisis in Ontario instead lies in reforming municipal zoning policies. Governments need to reorient housing policy away from the existing emphasis on single-family residences. Zoning policies that allow for ‘upward’ development rather than ‘outward’ sprawl create high density neighborhoods which feature affordable housing alternatives like multiplexes and townhouses. The Ontario government should focus on investing in this form of development, and support non-profit organizations which aim to do the same. Promoting change to existing zoning bylaws will allow for the construction of more affordable housing alternatives, and thus create more compact urban areas. As a consequence, critical land for the environment, such as the Greenbelt will not be needlessly removed for the creation of low-density neighborhoods filled with single-family homes.