Commentary

Balancing Growth and Guardianship; Protecting Ontario's Farmland Amidst Red Tape Reduction

April 12, 2024 | Mackenna Roth | Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario

The Ontario government's move to streamline the development process through Bill 185: Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024, raises concerns about its impact on farmers and farmland protection. By labeling necessary consultations and input from landowners as "red tape," the government risks overlooking the crucial role of farmers as stewards of the land and essential contributors to Ontario's agricultural sector. 

Reducing red tape should not come at the expense of fair and transparent processes, especially when it involves the conversion of farmland for housing development. Farmers, as business owners and custodians of valuable agricultural resources, deserve to have their voices heard and their interests safeguarded in any land use decision-making. 

The government's emphasis on expediting the development process to address the housing supply crisis is understandable, but it must not disregard the long-term implications for agricultural sustainability and food security. Rushing through approvals without due consideration for the impacts on farmland could lead to irreversible loss of productive agricultural land, exacerbating the challenges faced by Ontario's farming community. 

While the government aims to collaborate with municipalities to achieve its ambitious housing targets, it must ensure that this partnership does not undermine the rights of farmers or the integrity of the planning process. Providing certainty and speeding up decision-making processes should not come at the expense of thorough public consultation and adherence to established regulations designed to protect farmland and promote sustainable development. 

The lumping together of multiple Acts under the guise of cutting red tape raises questions about the comprehensiveness and scrutiny of the proposed amendments. It is essential for policymakers to recognize the distinct needs and interests of various stakeholders, including farmers, and to engage in meaningful dialogue to address concerns and find balanced solutions. 

In conclusion, while efforts to streamline bureaucracy and facilitate housing development are commendable, they must be carried out with careful consideration for the rights and interests of farmers and the preservation of farmland. Reducing red tape should not equate to disregarding the concerns of those directly impacted by land use decisions, but rather to finding more efficient and equitable ways to achieve shared goals while protecting Ontario's agricultural heritage. 

If you are interested in reading a backgrounder on Bill 185: Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024, which was debated in Queen's Park on April 10 and 11, 2024. Click here -> What is happening at Queen’s Park – April 11, 2024  

Mackenna Roth is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy.