[nfitz]

Wow this is quite conservative. Seems to basically prohibit any kind of new large scale development outside of existing municipalities, regardless of the existing use of the land.

"The establishment of new permanent townsites shall not be permitted."

Though if the province wishes to take that strategy themselves, they could certainly choose to use a Minister's Zoning Order to create a new town.

This avoids situations you see in parts of the USA, where in the middle of nowhere, you get a block of relatively dense suburban housing, with minimal retail, and no transit. Despite the residents being poor as ****. In addition, the lack of controls on sprawl are a big part of what lead some cities to hollow out. with "right flight".

 

[micheal_can]

Wow this is quite conservative. Seems to basically prohibit any kind of new large scale development outside of existing municipalities, regardless of the existing use of the land.

"The establishment of new permanent townsites shall not be permitted."

There are 2 stations between Ottawa and Montreal that are in ON; Casselman and Alexandria. Why not just build on the edge of those towns? It sounds like it would be easier than a greenfield build.

 

[Frank_Lee]

There are 2 stations between Ottawa and Montreal that are in ON; Casselman and Alexandria. Why not just build on the edge of those towns? It sounds like it would be easier than a greenfield build.

Then you have to deal with local politics and NIMBYs. I doubt that those towns would appreciate Mattamy putting up a few thousand homes nearby. Transportation amenities have a very large positive externality (basically the option value of being able to take the train/plane/bus or ship with it), but you need to be close for those amenities to matter. The Station itself is the most valuable real estate.

 

[lenaitch]

Wow this is quite conservative. Seems to basically prohibit any kind of new large scale development outside of existing municipalities, regardless of the existing use of the land.

"The establishment of new permanent townsites shall not be permitted."

Not that I believe this government cares about or has even read the document, a part of the reason for that position is in relation to resource-based or single industry areas, particularly in the north. In the past, a town would spring up around a mine or mill, then the industry would close and the province is left servicing what and who remains behind. Now, when a new mine opens, they will be permitted to have a temporary or transient camp, but it has to go when it inevitably shuts down and the area remediated per the terms of the mine licence.

Then you have to deal with local politics and NIMBYs. I doubt that those towns would appreciate Mattamy putting up a few thousand homes nearby. Transportation amenities have a very large positive externality (basically the option value of being able to take the train/plane/bus or ship with it), but you need to be close for those amenities to matter. The Station itself is the most valuable real estate.

Many would argue that "local politics" - the people who actually live there - should be the final arbiter in land use planning, so long as it within provincial guidelines. Otherwise, who should make these decisions? Queen's Park? Ottawa? "NIMBY" can either be viewed as a derogatory epithet or a desire to ensure the character and economic foundation of a community is respected as circumstances evolve.