In many cities and towns in Ontario, restrictive zoning in neighborhoods prevents multi-unit homes from being built. This encourages sprawl development that eats up farmland and green space and means we end up living further away from work, shops and amenities. Sprawl is bad for people, the planet, and pocketbooks.

Such restrictive zoning has led to neighborhoods that exclude certain residents and have dwindling populations. This limits supply in the neighborhoods we want to live in, driving up demand, which in turn is one of the drivers of increasing housing prices.

Think instead about what makes a vibrant neighborhood: a true mix of housing types that are designed to reflect the needs of people, whether it be a family of four or a senior wanting to downsize. We should all be able to find affordable, accessible housing in our own communities throughout all stages of our lives.