Ali

Ontario's rapid policy shifts—Greenbelt swaps, MZOs, Highway 413, and public service relocations—reflect poor planning, lack of transparency, and disregard for public interest.

Q: Why do we Governance Oversight / Policy Accountability Watch?

A: Examples of Damaging Policies:

- Greenbelt Land Swap

- ServiceOntario Relocations

- Ontario Place Redevelopment

- Ontario Science Centre Relocation

- Highway 413 Development

- The speed up of alcohol expansion

- Ontario Autism Program Overhaul

- Use of Minister's Zoning Orders (MZOs)

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- Greenbelt Land Swap

• In December 2022, the Ontario government removed 7,400 acres from the protected Greenbelt to facilitate housing development, while adding 9,400 acres elsewhere. The Auditor General's report in August 2023 criticized the process, stating it favored certain developers who stood to gain over $8 billion and that the changes were unnecessary to meet housing targets. Following public backlash, the government reversed the decision in September 2023, reinstating the original Greenbelt boundaries.

• Read more about the RCMP investigation.

• Related Legislation: In October 2023, the government introduced the Greenbelt Statute Law Amendment Act, 2023 (Bill 136), which was passed in December 2023. This legislation restored the lands removed from the Greenbelt and mandated that any future changes to its boundaries require legislative approval.

The Green Party of Ontario called for a public inquiry into the government's handling of the Greenbelt land removals, expressing concerns over potential misconduct and the undermining of environmental protections.

- ServiceOntario Relocations

• In January 2024, the government initiated a pilot project to relocate nine ServiceOntario centers into Staples Canada stores. A January 2025 report from the Financial Accountability Office (FAO) revealed that this move would cost $11.7 million, exceeding initial estimates, and noted potential impacts on service efficiency due to fewer service desks.

• Related Legislation: This initiative was implemented through administrative decisions rather than specific legislation.

The Green Party of Ontario raised concerns about the potential reduction in service quality and accessibility, particularly for vulnerable populations. We questioned the cost-effectiveness of the move and the potential for privatization of public services.

- Ontario Place Redevelopment

• Announced in July 2021, the redevelopment plan for Ontario Place included a partnership with Therme Group to build a large spa and wellness center on the West Island. A December 2024 report by the Auditor General found that the selection process was "not fair, transparent or accountable," noting that the project's cost had escalated from an initial estimate of $300 million in 2019 to over $2.2 billion.

• Related Legislation: In October 2022, the government proposed legislation granting itself new powers over Ontario Place, including exemptions from the Environmental Assessment Act and the Heritage Act.

The Green Party of Ontario criticized the redevelopment plan, arguing that it prioritized commercial interests over public access and environmental considerations. We expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in the decision-making process and the potential negative impact on public spaces.

- Ontario Science Centre Relocation

• In April 2023, the government announced plans to relocate the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place. The Auditor General's December 2023 report concluded that this decision was based on "preliminary and incomplete costing information" and lacked full consultation with key stakeholders. The report also highlighted that the relocation would result in a smaller facility, potentially limiting its offerings.

• Related Legislation: There is no specific legislation directly related to the relocation; the decision was implemented through government policy.

The Green Party of Ontario opposed the relocation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Science Centre in its current location to serve the local community. We criticized the move as lacking proper consultation and potentially diminishing the institution's educational role.

- Highway 413 Development

• The Ford administration has advocated for the construction of Highway 413 to connect York, Peel, and Halton regions. Environmental assessments have raised concerns about potential impacts on sensitive ecosystems and the promotion of urban sprawl. In April 2024, the federal government agreed to drop its environmental impact assessment, allowing the project to proceed.

• It will cost taxpayers billions – the government won’t say how much but the current cost is estimated to be upwards of $6-10 billion.

• Related Legislation: The project has been advanced through policy decisions rather than specific legislation.

The Green Party of Ontario strongly opposed Highway 413, citing concerns over environmental degradation, loss of farmland, and the exacerbation of urban sprawl. We advocated for investment in public transit and sustainable infrastructure as alternatives.

- The speed up of alcohol expansion

The contract between the Ontario government and The Beer Store was originally set to expire in 2025. However, the Ford government decided to terminate the agreement early in 2024, accelerating plans to expand alcohol sales to convenience stores, grocery stores, and other retailers. This decision required the government to pay significant compensation, estimated at $612 million, for breaching the contract ahead of its scheduled end date. The expansion has been described as a populist initiative aimed at increasing consumer convenience but has raised questions about its financial impact and prioritization.

The Green Party of Ontario criticized the decision, emphasizing that resources should have been directed toward more pressing issues like healthcare and climate action.

- Ontario Autism Program Overhaul

• In 2019, changes to the Ontario Autism Program altered funding allocations based on age and family income, resulting in reduced support for many families. The policy led to widespread protests and was criticized for increasing waitlists and limiting access to necessary therapies. The government later acknowledged the shortcomings and announced plans to redesign the program, but challenges persisted.

• Related Legislation: The changes were implemented through policy directives rather than specific legislation.

The Green Party of Ontario criticized the overhaul for lacking adequate consultation with affected families and failing to provide sufficient support for children with autism. We called for a comprehensive, needs-based approach to funding.

- Use of Minister's Zoning Orders (MZOs)

• The Ford administration significantly increased the use of MZOs to expedite development projects, often overriding local planning decisions. A 2024 Auditor General report found that this approach lacked transparency and frequently disregarded environmental and community considerations. The report recommended a more structured and transparent process for future zoning decisions.

• Related Legislation: The Supporting Broadband and Infrastructure Expansion Act, 2021 (Bill 257), passed in April 2021, includes provisions that enhance the government's ability to issue MZOs.

The Green Party of Ontario strongly condemned the frequent use of MZOs under the Ford administration. They argued that the orders undermined local democracy, eroded public accountability, and endangered sensitive ecosystems. The party emphasized the need for a more community-centered approach to land-use planning, advocating for decisions that prioritize long-term environmental sustainability and respect for local governance.

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