Ontario Construction Report staff writer
The Ontario government has passed legislation aimed at cutting red tape and speeding up development approvals across the province.
Bill 98, the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026, received Royal Assent last week and introduces changes to several statutes intended to streamline planning processes, reduce costs and support housing construction.
Among the key planning and development measures:
- Standardized official plans: The province will develop a uniform template for municipal official plans to help simplify and align planning processes across Ontario.
- Reduced site plan control requirements: Certain matters, including construction standards related to environmental protection, conservation and sustainable design, will no longer be subject to site plan control.
- Changes to parkland dedication rules: Building on reforms introduced through Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, the legislation updates the framework for parkland dedication, particularly for lands subject to encumbrances.
- Development charge exemption for non-profit retirement homes: Non-profit retirement home developments will be exempt from development charges, reducing costs for organizations providing housing for seniors.
Some provisions are already in force, while measures related to standardized official plans and encumbered parkland dedication will take effect on a future date to be determined by the province.
The government says the legislation supports its efforts to accelerate housing construction, improve transportation infrastructure and reduce regulatory barriers to development.