01-09-2026, 04:45 PM
(01-09-2026, 03:34 PM)bravado Wrote: I have to assume that the legal framework doesn’t exist (and won’t, due to Ford being in charge) to give incentives to water-saving infill and “punish” waste-wasting sprawl? It doesn’t sound like anyone is discussing how we can both grow AND change our planning priorities to make it possible. It sounds like most local commentary is focused on stopping growth and claiming mission accomplished.
The legal framework doesn't exist because it hasn't been a problem like this before, there are cases where municipalities disagree with developers on servicing but nothing to the extent of this so the politics of it are brand new, as such it's going to be a complete mess.
The communication from the Region could also be improved by explaining the why, right now it's just we have a quantity issue and the media keeps making it seem like the Region hasn't planned for anything. In reality it's not that, the goal posts have just moved which the media seems to be missing.
The simplest way to grow would be to utilize existing resources in the most efficient manner, but basic economics makes that impossible. In this case it would mean moving some growth to the Middleton lands, grow Cambridge while KW finds more water. In this case it means Cambridge has to willingly accept growth which isn't going to happen within the current political realm that exists locally and provincially.
The Region doesn't even have a say in planning policy anymore because of the province removing their power, so the only people who can force development in Cambridge is now themselves, but as we all know Cambridge has a bad tendency of shooting themselves in the foot.