- Current and near-future user rate/tax increases are being driven in part by PAST decisions to expand urban boundaries that forces sprawl outwards, and building low-density car-dependent subdivisions, which are expensive to service.
- Some of the costs that were once borne by developers have been downloaded to municipalities by Bills 23 and 134 that are now being borne by taxpayers
Taxpayers are paying for costly infrastructure in undeveloped lands approved by past councils. If the May 2023 council-approved Durham Region Official Plan urban expansion which opens up 9000 acres of land across Durham Region for development is approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, it would lock in more inefficient land use and expensive servicing of new communities.
The cost of servicing existing sprawl is already too high. Durham residents cannot afford to subsidize inefficient and unsustainable development patterns that do not result in “affordable housing.” We can and must build within current urban boundaries and where infrastructure and services exist.
Here is how you can help!
- Sign this letter to the Region of Durham’s Planning and Economic Development Committee by January 8 asking them to recommend both that Regional Council request information about servicing costs of infill/intensification versus greenfield development AND that Regional Council reconsider the land needs in the proposed DROP.
- Consider attending the Region of Durham’s January 11 Budget Town Hall and voicing your concerns there.
- Consider registering to delegate at the meeting
WHILE STOP SPRAWL DURHAM WILL NOT BE LEADING THE FIGHT AGAINST BROADER GREENBELT RISKS, WE ARE SUPPORTING THE WORK OF THOSE WHO ARE!!
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP
