Kitchener City Council passes a motion regarding inclusionary zoning
Posted Oct 6, 2020 05:00:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Inclusionary zoning is when a given share of new construction is affordable by people with low to moderate incomes.
The motion for inclusionary zoning was introduced by Ward 7 Councillor Bil Ioannidis with hopes it will be throughout Kitchener or near major transit bus routes.
While the motion passed unanimously, other councillors addressed concerns, such as Ward 1 Councillor Scott Davey, who was happy to support it, he is worried about supply and demand, as there is a housing shortage in general.
“We've all heard the stories of people frustrated trying to buy a home with multiple offers and people get beat out, so I'm really hoping we can keep that adequate supply there.”
Councillor Davey would also want to see a provincial or federal rule come down that inclusionary zoning is allocated throughout all zones, so that way you don't have issues of Kitchener pushing too far ahead only to see development get lost to Waterloo or Cambridge.
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic also supported the motion, because he strongly believes all housing should be available throughout Kitchener.
“The notion to be able to explore how inclusionary zoning may be able to be modelled in a way similar to the parkland dedication could be helpful as one of the methods that could help implement this type of zoning.”
Mayor Vrbanovic added he hopes Kitchener sees a positive response, as the city requested Ontario reinstate the Planning Act.
