A debate over housing is emerging as a hot button issue in Parry Sound – Muskoka as Ontario edges closer to the February 27th election.
Today, (Feb 12th), the Ontario Greens released their fully costed 2025 platform which includes:
- Removing fees for first-time homebuyers by waiving the Land Transfer Tax and removing Development Charges on homes under 2,000 sq ft built within urban boundaries
- Building 2 million homes using a range of housing types including missing middle homes and midrises in large urban areas
PC candidate Graydon Smith is taking aim at a bill introduced by Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner in 2023 that would require municipalities to authorize multi-unit residential buildings of up to four stories. Smith says the Green’s plan could in fact result in multi-storey condominiums in areas like Huntsville, Bracebridge, and Parry Sound.
“They propose a plan that goes well beyond fourplexes,” Smith told 705BLACKFLY.COM. “It is multi-storey towers on main streets in communities in Muskoka and that’s just not going to fly with people here.”
On Monday, Richter released a statement saying in part, “The policy only applies to major streets in large urban centres, with a population of 100,000 or more. Clearly, this housing policy does not apply to anywhere in Parry Sound-Muskoka. To suggest otherwise, is not only irresponsible, it’s inexcusable.”
At a breakfast in Burk’s Falls hosted by Richter, Mike Schreiner said that Smith’s claims are misleading voters.
“By all means, throw criticism at us,” Schreiner said to the crowd. “That’s part of politics. Let’s disagree, but let’s at least do it honestly.”
Watch our video for an in-depth look at this issue and whether rural municipalities have the infrastructure to support building more housing.
For everything you need to know about voting on February 27th go to the Elections Ontario website.
