Statement on PH3.16 – Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods: Multiplex Study
During my campaign, I committed to ensuring our residents have a mix of housing options. At the May 10th City Council session, I ultimately voted in favour of the proposed Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) Multiplex initiative in alignment with my campaign commitments and my belief that addressing the "missing middle" in Toronto's housing mix is a necessary component of addressing our housing crisis.
Many concerned Ward 3 residents engaged with my office to share their concerns and to request additional input and review of EHON. As a long-time resident of our ward, I've seen firsthand the historical lack of consideration for the civic and social infrastructure necessary to absorb growth. I'm mindful of this initiative's goal to deliver housing within complete, inclusive, and sustainable communities with critical infrastructure to support growth, and I voted accordingly for an amendment to defer this item to consider where this intensification can sustainably happen. This deferral did not pass.
I will continue to monitor this issue and its impact on our neighbourhoods, tree protections, and housing supply on an ongoing basis. I am aware of ongoing community concerns including but not limited to protection of the tree canopy and replacement of existing relatively affordable housing with larger more expensive units. While EHON may have shed light on these issues, they existed before this initiative came forth. I am a believer of addressing problems at their root cause, and I intend to do so by honouring and reinforcing the tree protection policy and improving protections for renters under threat of displacement.
Thank you for your engagement on this issue.
