1. Premier’s Stance on Fourplexes:
- Premier Doug Ford expresses opposition to building fourplexes in residential areas, particularly objecting to four-storey “towers.”
- He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between integrating units into existing houses versus constructing tall structures in communities.
2. Ontario’s Leading Role in Cottage Prices:
- Royal LePage predicts a surge in cottage prices across Ontario, indicating a trend likely to lead nationally.
3. Federal Threat to Withhold Funding:
- Federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser warns Ontario of potential funding withholding if housing targets are not met.
- Ontario pledged to deliver 19,660 affordable housing units by 2028, but current projections fall short.
4. Secrecy Surrounding Health Violations:
- Names of physicians and facilities found violating health service regulations are kept confidential by the government.
- Critics argue lack of transparency undermines trust in the healthcare system and hinders accountability.
5. Details on New Provincial Park:
- Ontario reveals preliminary plans for Bigwind Lake Provincial Park, proposing boundary expansion, potential name change, and integrated trail systems.
6. Development Plans for Ontario Place Waterfront:
- Previous plans to fill parts of Lake Ontario near Ontario Place are scrapped by the Ford government.
- Instead, emphasis is placed on expanding public realm space, constructing new facilities, and enhancing recreational amenities.
7. Highway 413 Environmental Assessment Agreement:
- Ontario and the federal government agree to cancel the environmental impact study for Highway 413, a flagship project for Premier Ford.
- The move signals progress in resolving contentious issues related to the proposed highway.
8. Proposed Class Action Against Basic Income Program Termination:
- The Ford government faces a $200 million proposed class-action lawsuit for prematurely ending a basic income pilot project in three Ontario cities.
- Critics argue the program’s cancellation had devastating effects on low-income earners, highlighting ongoing legal challenges.
Conclusion: From debates over housing policies to environmental assessments and legal battles, the week at Queen’s Park showcases a spectrum of issues shaping Ontario’s landscape. With tensions between federal and provincial entities and ongoing policy discussions, the province remains at the forefront of national attention.