Our “Mission Hypothesis” for the Ontario Situation
The UPT believes that effective planning requires a minimum of the following:
- Accountability: true accountability means that residents can influence planning policy on a regular basis, not just during election periods.
- Balance: the benefits of development need to be achieved while minimizing the costs such that neighbourhoods are sustained and housing is supplied for a range of income levels;
- Consistency: clearly-defined guidelines and rules should be applied fairly and regularly in planning decisions;
- Legitimacy: genuine legitimacy means true public involvement in and electoral approval of planning policy; and
- Sustainability: successful planning requires encouraging development while meeting environmental, heritage, infrastructure and social objectives to enable growth to be successful over the long-term.
The UPT believes that the quality of planning in Ontario can be enhanced substantially by broadening and improving the debate about good development. Specific issues meriting much greater attention include the Official Plans for municipalities as well as fostering research regarding such long-term challenges as affordable housing, fiscal policy, ongoing population growth, transportation deficiencies and urban sprawl. Our goals include highlighting and supporting independent research that helps to inform residents and other stakeholders alike. We will aim to explore alternative approaches that better meet the planning needs of citizens, thereby encouraging improved planning policy and public decision-making.