As I shared in last week, this week City Council debated a new Housing Acceleration Plan that aims to speed up housing development in Ottawa by streamlining approvals, deferring development charges, supporting non-profit housing providers, and encouraging growth near transit and downtown.
At yesterday’s meeting, City Council approved the Plan, and I voted in support, including for the amending motions that partially reinstated Community Benefit Charges (CBCs). CBCs are fees that are collected to ensure that the City is able to invest directly in parks, recreation, and community amenities in the neighbourhoods that are most impacted by new development.
While I support efforts to reduce delays and accelerate housing, I remain focused on ensuring that these initiatives balance affordability, sustainability, and community well-being.
