Ministry Overview
Ministry Vision
The Ministry’s vision is an Ontario whose citizens enjoy safe and strong communities with abundant greenspace, economies that are thriving and prosperous, and a range of housing choices.
Ministry Mandate
The Ministry’s major areas of responsibility, service and program delivery include:
- Developing and administering the policy and regulatory frameworks for land use planning, residential tenancy regulation, affordable housing, building regulation, local government and social housing;
- Administering residential tenancy legislation and the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000 and delivering planning services under the Planning Act;
- Developing, funding and administering programs in support of community development, municipal governance and accountability, and social and affordable housing, including administration of the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program (AHP);
- Working to ensure Ontario Government policies and programs that impact municipalities are developed in accordance with provincial responsibilities under the Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO);
- Acting as a centre of expertise and providing advice, education and training on a regional basis for municipalities and other stakeholders;
- Developing and administering disaster and emergency recovery and other transfer payment programs to assist communities and individuals;
- Managing the provincial-municipal relationship and Ontario’s approach to an evolving federal-provincial-municipal relationship.
The Ministry no longer has responsibility for rural development issues as that program delivery area was transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in 2005.
Ministry Key Strategies
The Ministry’s key strategies to support the government’s priorities of stronger, safer communities and serving the public interest are:
- Maintain the Greater Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt by implementing the associated plan and land use planning activities that protect more greenspace;
- Reform land use planning to ensure sustainable growth and reduce urban sprawl through changes to the Planning Act, the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), and the Provincial Policy Statement, ongoing land use planning programs and services, and specific initiatives like the Inter-Governmental Action Plan for Simcoe, Barrie and Orillia;
- Provide real tenant protection through changes to the Tenant Protection Act;
- Increase or maintain the supply of affordable housing through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program and other social housing initiatives;
- Build stronger communities through implementation of the Stronger City of Toronto for a Stronger Ontario Act and review and reform of Municipal Act (including City of Ottawa Act), ongoing local government programs and services including reform of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS), and ongoing management of relationships with municipal leaders;
- Foster safer and more energy efficient buildings through the development of supportive building regulations and other activities.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) supports other ministries in delivering priorities which effect MMAH stakeholders and initiatives. For 2006-07, MMAH will continue to contribute to government priorities where other Ministries have the lead, specifically with the:
- Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) on social assistance and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
- Ministry of Energy (ENE) on energy conservation
- Ministry of the Environment (MOE) on source water protection
- Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) on health care facilities
- Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) on the Greenspace Strategy (Sustainable Greenspace Program for Southern Ontario) and Land Information Ontario (LIO)
- Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal (PIR) on water infrastructure, the Greater Golden Horseshoe Growth Plan, the Hydro Corridors Secondary Use Project, and ReNew Ontario
- Ministry of Transportation (MTO) on the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority
- Ontario Women’s Directorate on the Domestic Violence Action Plan
Ministry Organization Chart
Legislation
- Building Code Act, 1992
- City of Greater Sudbury Act, 1999
- City of Hamilton Act, 1999
- City of Toronto Act, 1997
- City of Toronto Act, 1997 (No. 2)
- Commercial Tenancies Act
- Development Charges Act, 1997
- Elderly Persons’ Housing Aid Act
- Geographic Township of Creighton-Davies Act, 1997
- Geographic Township of Hansen Act, 1986
- Greenbelt Act, 2005
- Housing Development Act
- Line Fences Act
- Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Act
- Municipal Act, 2001
- Municipal Affairs Act
- Municipal Arbitrations Act
- Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
- Municipal Corporations Quieting Orders Act
- Municipal Elections Act, 1996
- Municipal Extra-Territorial Tax Act
- Municipal Franchises Act
- Municipal Tax Assistance Act
- Municipality of Shuniah Act, 1936
- North Pickering Development Corporation Act, 1974
- Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001
- Oak Ridges Moraine Protection Act, 2001
- OC Transpo Payments Act, 2000
- Ontario Housing Corporation Act
- Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) Act
- Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) Act, 2006 (not yet proclaimed in force)
- Ontario Planning and Development Act, 1994
- Planning Act
- Public Utilities Act
- Regional Municipality of Peel Act, 2005
- Road Access Act
- Shoreline Property Assistance Act
- Social Housing Reform Act, 2000
- Statute Labour Act
- Tax Sales Confirmation Act, 1974
- Tenant Protection Act, 1997
- Territorial Division Act, 2002
- Toronto Islands Residential Community Stewardship Act, 1993
- Town of Haldimand Act, 1999
- Town of Moosonee Act, 2000
- Town of Norfolk Act, 1999
Agencies, Boards and Commissions
Agencies, Boards and Commissions reporting to MMAH are summarized below with financial data indicating 2006-07 expense and revenue estimates, and 2005-06 expense and revenue interim actuals (as reflected in the March 23, 2006 Budget).
Building Code Commission
- An adjudicative agency that resolves disputes regarding the technical requirements of the Ontario Building Code;
- Operating expenses for the Building Code Commission are paid out of Land Use Planning and Building Regulation (1903-07).
Table 1-1: Revenue Comparison: Building Code Commission
|
|
2006-07 Estimates
$ |
2005-06 Estimates
$ |
2005-06 Interim Actual
$ |
|
Revenue* |
60,000 |
60,000 |
400,000 |
Building Materials Evaluation Commission
- A regulatory agency that examines, researches and authorizes materials, techniques and building design where no criteria are set out in the Ontario Building Code;
- Operating expenses for the Building Materials Evaluation Commission are paid out of Land Use Planning and Building Regulation (1903-07).
Table 1-2: Revenue Comparison - Building Materials Evaluation Commission
| |
2006-07 Estimates
$ |
2005-06 Estimates
$ |
2005-06 Interim Actual
$ |
|
Revenue* |
20,000 |
20,000 |
20,000 |
Ontario Housing Corporation (OHC)
- An operational enterprise agency: The OHC social housing portfolio was devolved to the municipal sector effective January 1, 2001 and OHC is no longer responsible for the management of the public housing portfolio. Currently, OHC’s primary role is to service debentures with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Canada Pension Plan investment fund. OHC will also service any claims made on CMHC for defaults on non-profit housing mortgages.
Ontario Mortgage Corporation (OMC)
- An operational enterprise agency that provides centralized mortgage financing and administration of mortgages under various loan incentive housing programs. The majority of these loans are currently under repayment. Under an asset sales program, the marketable lease and mortgage assets have been sold. OMC continues to administer unsaleable leases and assets.
- Activities of the Corporation are carried out by Ministry staff.
- Operating expenses for the Corporation are paid out of Affordable Housing - Social and Market Housing (1904-02).
Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS)
- A trust agency: OMERS is a multi-employer pension plan for employees of local governments and is managed by a Board;
- It does not receive financial assistance from the Ministry.
Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal
- An adjudicative agency responsible for resolving applications filed under the Tenant Protection Act, 1997;
- Operational expenses are paid out of Affordable Housing – Residential Tenancy (1904-03).
Table 1-3: Revenue Comparison – Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal
| |
2006-07 Estimates
$ |
2005-06 Estimates
$ |
2005-06 Interim Actual
$ |
|
Revenue* |
9,878,000 |
9,526,000 |
9,817,000 |
Other Agencies, Boards and Commissions
Financial data were not reported for the Greenbelt Council, the North Pickering Development Corporation, Planning Boards (in Northern Ontario), the Social Housing Services Corporation and the Toronto Islands Residential Community Trust Corporation.
Table 1-4: MMAH Results-Based Plan Summary of Strategies and Activities for 2006-07
Planning Purposes
| Priority |
Result |
Strategy |
Activity |
Sub-Activity |
| Stronger, Safer Communities |
- More Protection for Greenspace
- Reduced Sprawl
|
- Maintain the Greater Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt
- Reform Land Use Planning to Ensure Sustainable Growth & Reduce Sprawl
|
Land Use Planning |
- Green Belt
- Planning Act Reform /OMB Reform/PPS
- South Simcoe Development
- Ongoing Land Use Planning Programs & Services
|
|
|
- Provide Real Protection for Tenants
- Increase / Maintain the Supply of Affordable Housing
|
Affordable Housing |
- Residential Tenancy Reform System
- Affordable Housing Strategy
- Social Housing
|
| Serving Public Interest |
- All other ministry activities including policy / legislative requirements
|
- Build Stronger Communities
|
Local Government |
- New City of Toronto Act
- Municipal Act Review / City of Ottawa Act / Development Charges Act
- Ongoing Local Government Programs & Services
|
- Foster Safer & More Energy Efficient Buildings
|
Building Regulation |
- Building Regulation
- Strategy for Increasing Energy Efficiency of Buildings
|
|
Corporate Administration |
Published Results-Based Plan 2006/07
Alignment of MMAH Strategies with Government’s Key Priorities and Results
MMAH supports the achievement of key government commitments and priorities related to stronger, safer communities, as well as serving public interest. For MMAH, the government’s priority to develop and support stronger, safer communities involves achievement of the following key results:
- More protection for greenspace;
- Reduced sprawl; and
- More affordable housing
For MMAH, the government’s priority of serving public interest involves achievement of key results in the areas of local governance and building regulation.
All MMAH activities and sub-activities support the Ministry’s strategies that in turn support the achievement of the government’s key commitments, priorities and results.
MMAH contributes to the above noted government priorities and results through its key strategies with associated activities and sub-activities as outlined below:
Result: More protection of greenspace
Strategy: Maintain the Greater Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt
Activity: Land use planning
Result: Reduced sprawl
Strategy: Reform land use planning to ensure sustainable growth and reduce sprawl
Activity: Land use planning
Sub-activities:
· Planning Act reform; OMB reform; Provincial Policy Statement;
· Inter-Governmental Action Plan (IGAP) for Simcoe, Barrie and Orillia;
· Ongoing land use planning programs and services
Result: More affordable housing
Strategy: Provide real protection for tenants
Activity: Affordable housing initiatives
Sub-activity: Residential tenancy reform
Strategy: Increase / maintain the supply of affordable housing
Activity: Affordable housing initiatives
Sub-activities:
· Affordable housing strategy;
· Social housing initiatives
Result: Fundamental programs and services delivered
Strategy: Build stronger communities
Activity: Local government initiatives
Sub-activities:
· Stronger City of Toronto for a Stronger Ontario Act;
· Municipal Act (including City of Ottawa Act) review;
· Ongoing local government programs and services
Strategy: Foster safer and more energy efficient buildings
Activity: Building regulation
Sub-Activities:
· Building regulation initiatives;
· Strategy for increasing energy efficiency of buildings
MMAH 2006-07 Programs, Strategies and Activities with Related Objectives
Stronger, Safer Communities Strategies:
Maintain the Greater Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt
The objective of this strategy is to achieve the government commitments to create a Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt and protect one million new acres of greenspace on the outskirts of (Central Ontario) cities. The Greater Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt Plan has been established and will permanently protect over 1.8 million acres around the Greater Golden Horseshoe. This includes land use policies and mapping for agricultural protection (e.g., Niagara Peninsula tender fruit and grape areas & the Holland March). The Plan also provides environmental protection for natural heritage features and addresses recreation, tourism, rural community, infrastructure, and natural resource considerations.
A Greenbelt Council was established in June 2005 to provide advice on administration of the Greenbelt, and guidance on matters such as plan implementation, performance measures and the 10-year review of the plan. A Greenbelt Foundation (now with the Ministry of Tourism) was also established in June 2005 to preserve the natural heritage, protect prime agricultural land and support recreational opportunities in the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
Work to implement the North Pickering Land Exchange Agreement and a development plan for the Seaton Lands continues.
In 2006-07, MMAH plans to:
- Provide education and training to ensure municipal implementation of the Greenbelt Plan;
- Develop performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the Plan;
- Implement policies that support the protection of agricultural lands, new protected areas and trails;
- Support the government’s growth management objectives outlined in PIR’s draft Growth Plan through planning reform;
- Continue work that began in March 2005 on the Intergovernmental Action Plan involving the province and Simcoe area municipalities to address concerns about population growth and development pressures.
Reform Land Use Planning to Ensure Sustainable Growth and Reduce Sprawl
The objectives of this strategy are to achieve the government commitments to reduce sprawl, to bring in significant planning reform, to prevent developers from forcing unwanted municipal expansion, and to give municipalities more time to consider development applications.
Reform already undertaken includes the Strong Communities (Planning Amendment) Act that came into effect March 2005 and allows more public scrutiny, increased environmental protection, and improved protection of the public interest. Ontario land use planning decisions now need to be consistent with the new Provincial Policy Statement that came into effect March 2005. The Planning and Land Conservation Statute Law Amendment Act was introduced in December 2005. This act addresses planning reforms by giving local councils and residents more say in how their communities will grow and prosper, clarifying the role of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) and protecting local decision making, and improving the effectiveness of conservation easements as a tool to support the long-term stewardship and protection of agricultural lands, natural heritage areas and important watershed features on private lands in Ontario.
In 2006-07, MMAH plans to:
- Continue seeking legislative approvals for the Planning and Land Conservation Statute Law Amendment Act, including the role of the OMB and implementation tools;
- Provide education and training of provincial planning staff and stakeholders;
- Continue work on facilitating and promoting Brownfield development in partnership with MOE;
- Continue work with PIR on the draft Growth Plan.
Provide Real Protection for Tenants
The objectives of this strategy are to achieve the government commitments to more affordable housing, and the provision of real protection for tenants by introducing an effective tenant protection law. This commitment was also made in the 2003 Throne Speech and re-emphasized in the 2004 Budget. This would involve policy and legislative approval for changes to the Tenant Protection Act. Extensive consultation on residential tenancy issues has taken place.
The Ministry will be seeking policy direction on changes to the Tenant Protection Act early in 2006-07.
Increase / Maintain the Supply of Affordable Housing
The objective of this strategy is to achieve the government commitments for more affordable housing. This involves policy and legislative approvals related to the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program (AHP) and full implementation of this program. Responsibility for affordable housing policies and programs is shared among several ministries, including PIR (also the Ontario Realty Corporation - ORC), MMAH, MCSS, MOHLTC and the Ministry of Finance (MOF). Administration of the existing AHP was transferred from PIR to MMAH in May 2005 after a new agreement was signed with the Federal Government. The AHP is paving the way for MMAH to achieve the government’s commitment to create 20,000 affordable housing units by working with the federal government to fund 15,000 new units and provide 5,000 housing allowances.
The fall 2005 launch of the program included a remote stream to improve housing conditions in northern Ontario, and a home ownership stream to contribute to resolving inadequate housing. Other specific component programs of the AHP include:
-
The Housing Allowance Program (MMAH/MCSS co-lead) for 35,000 low-income households, which is estimated to cost $100 million. In November 2004, Cabinet approved a pilot program in Toronto to assist 400 low income families. In April 2005, policy approval and $80 million was received for a Housing Allowance Program to assist 5,000 low income households.
-
The Strong Communities Rent Supplement Program to provide rent supplements to low income households in private rental buildings based on agreements with landlords, which is an existing $50 million program. The program is expected to provide assistance to about 2,400 households by 2009-10, over the baseline of 3,560 households in 2003.
-
The Provincial Rent Bank Program to help tenants with short-term arrears, which is a $14 million program delivered by agreement through the municipal service managers, provides tenants with short-term arrears in their rent with loans or grants so that they can keep their homes. It is estimated that about 7,000 tenants will be assisted through this program by 2007-08.
- MMAH is working on proposals to deal with regulations related to the issue of protection for existing rental housing from unreasonable demolition or conversion to condominiums. Authority to regulate demolition/conversion of rental housing is included in the draft Stronger City of Toronto for a Stronger Ontario Act.
Additionally, MMAH is working with the MCSS and the Ontario’s Women’s Directorate to improve the provision of second stage housing for victims of domestic violence. To encourage the construction of more rental units, MMAH is working with PIR and MOF on the establishment of the Ontario Mortgage and Housing Partnership to provide low cost financing for providers of affordable housing, as well as the ORC in implementing the Government Lands for Affordable Housing Initiative to increase the supply of affordable housing.
In 2006-07, MMAH plans to:
- Start development of a comprehensive legislative framework for housing;
- Seek government direction on how to proceed with consultations and any legislative reforms to the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000 and to the Federal/Provincial Social Housing Agreement, 1999.
Serving Public Interest Strategies:
Build Stronger Communities
The objective of this strategy relates to the government’s Strong Communities agenda to strengthen communities by providing effective tools and structures to ensure their future sustainability, and working with other levels of government to create a new deal for municipalities. This involves completion of the legislative approval process and implementation of the Stronger City of Toronto for a Stronger Ontario Act, reviewing and reform of Municipal Act (including City of Ottawa Act review), the OMERS Act, and the Municipal Elections Act. It also involves the effective management of relationships with municipal leaders.
MMAH is on track with the commitment to work with other ministries to develop financial and governance tools that would give municipalities greater autonomy. MMAH undertook three reviews in 2005-06 to examine legislative changes related to municipal governance and powers:
- Joint review and consultation with the City of Toronto on the City of Toronto Act;
- Continued consultation on possible Municipal Act changes;
- Legislation passed to give municipal employers and employees greater control of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) through changes to the governance model.
Legislation was also introduced as part of the Budget Measures Act, 2006 (Bill 81) to amend the Municipal Elections Act to extend the term for municipally elected officials to 4 years.
In 2006-07, MMAH plans to:
- Seek policy direction on amendments to the Municipal Act, in conjunction with the review of the City of Ottawa Act;
- Undertake a joint education campaign with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to ensure that all provincial ministries consult with municipalities on matters of mutual interest; this follows passage of Bill 92 in June 2005 that amended the Municipal Act by recognizing the province’s MOU with AMO;
- Work with federal and municipal governments to conclude tripartite agreements that enhance cooperation and results in areas of shared interest, for example with the federal government and City of Toronto.
Foster Safer and More Energy Efficient Buildings
The objective of this strategy involves implementation of policy and legislative approvals related to energy efficiency in buildings and an objective-based Building Code. Consultations on the adoption of objective-based building and fire codes concluded in 2003. MMAH, together with the Ministry of Energy (ENE), will have begun public consultations on proposed Building Code changes that would increase energy efficiency of buildings.
Additionally, the new Provincial Policy Statement under the Planning Act includes enhanced energy policies.
In 2006-07, MMAH is seeking regulatory approval for amendments to the Ontario Building Code to:
- Support the adoption of objective-based building and fire codes;
- Improve energy efficiency in buildings by enabling provisions that would recognize proven and emerging technologies as an option in building design and mandatory higher efficiency standards for buildings.
MMAH’s Key Performance Measures with Statements of Results
Government Result: More Protection of Greenspace
- Performance Measure: Acres of greenspace protected in Southern Ontario – Greenbelt
Statement of Result: The acres of greenspace protected in Southern Ontario includes over one million new acres of greenspace protected in the Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt, in addition to the 847,769 acres already protected in the Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine components of the Greenbelt.
Government Result: Reduced Sprawl
Government Result: More Affordable Housing
- Performance Measure: Average annual rent increases under the new Rent Increase Guideline relative to the average annual Rent Increase Guideline between 1998 and 2003
Statement of Result: In 2006-10, average annual rent increases under the new Rent Increase Guideline are expected to be lower than 4.3%, the average annual Rent Increase Guidelines between 1998 and 2003.
- Performance Measure: Total number of low income households for whom affordable housing has been made available since 2003
Statement of Result: Affordable housing provided through MMAH programs to low income households will increase from 2,400 in 2004-05 to at least 29,800 by 2009-10 (including the Affordable Housing Program) over the baseline of 3,560 households assisted since October 2003:
- Affordable Housing Program – 15,000
- Provincial Rent Bank – 7,000
- Strong Communities Rent Supplement Program – 2,400
- Housing Allowance Program – 5,000 (plus 400 in pilot with City of Toronto)
Government Result: Fundamental Programs and Services Delivered
- Performance Measure: Client satisfaction with the clarity, responsiveness and quality of advice and services provided in relation to the administrative and enforcement elements of the Building Code Act and the technical requirements of the Ontario Building Code
Statement of Result: The percent of clients surveyed that are satisfied with the ongoing reviews of the administrative and enforcement elements of the Building Code Act, 1992 and the technical requirements of the Ontario Building Code, 1997 is expected to equal or exceed 85% for fiscal year 2006-07.
Ministry Financial Information
Table 1-5: Ministry Planned Expenditures 2006/07
|
|
Ministry Planned Expenditures ($M) 2006/07 |
|
Operating |
741.6 |
|
Capital |
65.4 |
|
TOTAL |
807.0 |
Total Operating and Capital Expense includes Statutory Appropriation, Assets and total operating/capital expense to be voted. Operating does not include Consolidation Adjustment – Ontario Housing Corporation.
Table 1-6: Ministry Planned Expenditures by Program Name 2006/07
|
Program Name |
Ministry Planned Expenditures ($M) |
|
Affordable Housing |
732.7 |
|
Building Regulation |
3.7 |
|
Land Use Planning |
16.5 |
|
Local Government |
22.3 |
|
Ministry Administration |
31.8 |
|
TOTAL |
807.0 |
Total Operating and Capital Expense includes Statutory Appropriation, Assets and total operating/capital expense to be voted. Operating does not include Consolidation Adjustment – Ontario Housing Corporation.
Appendix
Published Results-Based Plan 2005/06
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is a policy-led ministry that works in partnership with other levels of government and in concert with stakeholders and community groups to achieve its vision of an Ontario of safe and strong urban and rural communities with abundant greenspace, economies that are thriving and prosperous, and a range of housing choices.
Ministry Key Strategies
The Ministry’s key strategies to support the government priorities of Stronger, Safer Communities, Strong People, Strong Economy and Serving Vital Public Interest are:
- Create the Greater Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt by protecting one million new acres of greenspace in the Greater Golden Horseshoe and implementing the Greenbelt Plan which outlines land use planning policies for agricultural protection, environmental protection, recreation and tourism, rural communities, infrastructure, natural resources, and standards for municipal implementation;
- Reform land use planning to ensure sustainable growth and reduce sprawl by undertaking additional amendments to the Planning Act and addressing OMB reform;
- Create more affordable housing through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program and other social housing programs;
- Provide real protection for tenants through changes to the Tenant Protection Act;
- Foster stronger communities through a joint review with the City of Toronto, undertake review of the Municipal Act and City of Ottawa Act and reform the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS);
- Lead strategy for increasing energy efficiency of buildings through Ontario Building Code amendments; and
- Deliver ongoing community programs and services.
Table A-1: MMAH Results-Based Plan Summary of Strategies and Activities for 2005-06
|
RBP Category |
Priority |
Result |
Strategy |
Activity |
Sub-Activity |
|
Delivering on Key Priorities |
Stronger, Safer Communities |
More Protection for Greenspace |
Create the Greater Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt |
Land Use Planning |
Greenbelt |
|
Reduced Sprawl |
Reform Land Use Planning to Ensure Sustainable Growth and Reduce Sprawl |
Planning Act Reform / OMB Reform / PPS |
|
South Simcoe Development |
|
More Affordable Housing |
Provide Real Protection for Tenants |
Affordable Housing |
New Residential Tenancy Reform System |
|
Create More Affordable Housing |
Affordable Housing Strategy |
|
Strong People, Strong Economy |
Ensure a Reliable Energy Supply |
Lead Strategy for Increasing Energy Efficiency of Buildings |
Building Regulation |
|
|
Serving a Vital Public Interest |
Serving a Vital Public Interest |
Foster Stronger Communities |
Local Government |
|
|
Rural Development |
|
|
Deliver Ongoing Community Programs and Services |
Land Use Planning |
Ongoing Land Use Planning Programs and Services |
|
Affordable Housing |
Social Housing |
|
Corporate Administration |
Priority: Stronger, Safer Communities
Result: More Protection for Greenspace
Strategies: Create the Greater Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt
Key Activity: Land Use Planning
The objective of this strategy is to achieve the government commitment to create a Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt and protect one million new acres of greenspace on the outskirts of cities. Implementing the Greater Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt Plan would permanently protect 1.8 million acres. This includes land use planning policies for agricultural protection, environmental protection, recreation and tourism, rural communities, infrastructure, natural resources, and standards for municipal implementation.
In 2005-06, MMAH plans to
- Move forward on implementation of the Greenbelt Plan by establishing a Greenbelt Council to provide advice to the Minister on the implementation of the Greenbelt Act and Plan;
- Develop education and training to ensure municipal implementation of the Greenbelt Plan;
- Continue to implement the North Pickering Land Exchange Agreement and create a development plan for Seaton Lands; and
- Extend environmental protection to Rouge River Watershed, including tributaries in Richmond Hill.
Result: Reduced Sprawl
Strategy: Reform Land Use Planning to Ensure Sustainable Growth and Reduce Sprawl
Key Activity: Land Use Planning
The objective of this strategy is to bring in significant planning reform, to prevent developers from forcing unwanted municipal expansion, and to give municipalities more time to consider development applications. Planning reform is a major strategy to support the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal’s (PIR) proposed Greater Golden Horseshoe Growth Plan.
Much of this groundwork was undertaken in 2004 through the Strong Communities (Planning Amendment) Act, which allows for more public scrutiny, increased environmental protection, and improved protection of the public interest. A review of the Provincial Policy Statement under the Planning Act was completed to ensure that the province’s land use planning policies are effectively protecting Ontario’s interests.
In 2005-06, MMAH plans to
- Undertake three additional components of the Planning Reform initiative – further reforms to the Planning Act, new/revised planning implementation tools and Ontario Municipal Board Reform;
- Develop and commence education and training on new planning reforms for provincial planning staff and stakeholders;
- Continue to work with the PIR to finalize the Greater Golden Horseshoe Growth Plan; and
- Continue to work with the Ministry of Environment to facilitate and promote Brownfield redevelopment
Result: Create More Affordable Housing
Strategy: Provide Real Protection for Tenants
Key Activity: Affordable Housing
The objective of this strategy is to provide real protection for tenants by introducing effective tenant protection law. Since 2004, average annual rent increases have been lower than 4.3%, the average annual rent increases under the Tenant Protection Act between 1998-2003.
In 2005-06, MMAH plans to undertake further stakeholder consultation.
Strategy: Create More Affordable Housing
Key Activity: Affordable Housing
The objectives of this strategy are to establish a housing allowance program to assist 35,000 low-income families, encourage the construction of more rental units, protect existing rental housing from unreasonable demolition or conversion to condominiums, establish a provincial rent bank to help tenants with short-term arrears, and increase support for second-stage housing.
Several ministries share responsibility with MMAH for affordable housing policies and programs, including PIR, the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS), Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Ministry of Finance (MOF), and Management Board Secretariat (Ontario Realty Corporation).
In 2005-06, MMAH plans to
- Assume responsibility for administering the existing Federal-Provincial Affordable Housing Program from PIR, and continue to work with PIR to negotiate a new Federal-Provincial Affordable Housing Program Agreement that will contribute to achieving the government’s commitment of matching federal funding to create up to 20,000 affordable housing units;
- Proceed with a Housing Allowance Program pilot in Toronto that will assist 400 low-income families;
- Continue to deliver the Strong Communities Rent Supplement Program which provides rent supplements to low-income households in private rental buildings;
- Fund a $10 million Provincial Rent Bank Program which provides loans or grants to tenants with short-term arrears so that they can keep their homes;
- Continue working with MCSS and the Ontario Women’s Directorate to improve the provision of second stage housing for victims of domestic violence; and
- Continue discussions with PIR and MOF on establishing the Ontario Mortgage and Housing Partnership that will provide low-cost financing for providers of affordable housing.
Priority: Strong People, Strong Economy
Result: Ensure a Reliable Energy Supply
Strategy: Lead Strategy for Increasing Energy Efficiency of Buildings
Key Activity: Building Regulation
The objective of this strategy is to achieve the government commitment to help Ontario homes and businesses reduce their energy costs and electrical consumption by at least 5% by 2007.
In 2005-06, MMAH plans to
- Work with the Ministry of Energy to develop amendments to the Ontario Building Code to improve energy efficiency in buildings.
Priority: Serving a Vital Public Interest
Strategy: Foster Stronger Communities
Key Activities: Local Government and Rural Development
The objective of this strategy is to ensure that urban and rural communities have the capacity and governance means to address local needs.
In 2005-06, MMAH plans to
- Rebalance the provincial-municipal relationship so that municipalities have more autonomy and fiscal accountability by providing municipalities with a legislative framework that enhance municipal powers, fiscal capacity and accountability; explore new fiscal tools for municipalities, including development charges; and work with the municipal sector through the formal MOU process to consult on provincial and federal matters that affect municipalities.
- Support the objectives of the Rural Plan by strengthening local economies through strategic infrastructure investments and sustaining needed investments from partners and other levels of government for economic development; providing tools and resources to enhance capacity for local economic development, retain investment, and revitalize communities including brownfields, downtown areas and waterfronts; and working with other ministries to help ensure that future government policies and program have a rural perspective.
Strategy: Deliver Ongoing Community Programs and Services
Key Activities: Land Use Planning and Affordable Housing
The objective of this strategy is to ensure that legislated requirements and obligations under Federal-Provincial agreements related to land use planning and social housing are met.
In 2005-06, MMAH plans to
- Support municipalities to meet their existing legislative responsibilities under the Planning Act by continuing to provide education and advisory programs and services, and continuing to administers components of the Planning Act for which the province is responsible through its one-window planning service to ensure that provincial interests continue to be protected;
- Continue to safeguard the province’s interests in social housing by ensuring that the province’s obligations under the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000, and the Federal-Provincial Social Housing Agreement, 1999 are met; and
- Continue to facilitate negotiations between the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area Regions regarding equalization payments to ensure that appropriate funding is available to support social housing.
Table A-2: Ministry Planned Expenditures 2005/06
| |
Ministry Planned Expenditures ($M) 2005/06 |
|
Operating |
757.6 |
|
Capital |
131.4 |
Total Operating and Capital Expense includes Statutory Appropriation, Assets and total operating/capital expense to be voted. Operating does not include Consolidation Adjustment – Ontario Housing Corporation.
Table A-3: Ministry Planned Expenditures by Program Name 2005/06
| Program Name |
Ministry Planned Expenditures ($M) |
| Affordable Housing Program |
801.3 |
| Land Use Planning and Building Regulation |
22.1 |
| Local Government |
30.2 |
| Ministry Administration |
35.4 |
|
TOTAL |
889.0 |
Total Operating and Capital Expense includes Statutory Appropriation, Assets and total operating/capital expense to be voted. Operating does not include Consolidation Adjustment – Ontario Housing Corporation.
Contacts
Mark Mascarenhas
Minister Gerretsen’s Office
416-585-6932
Patti Munce
Minister Gerretsen’s Office
(416) 585-6333
* Revenues are shown only for those Agencies that collect and remit revenues to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.