Housing Can’t Come at the Cost of Nature: Modern Commons on Ontario’s Bill 23

The Modern Commons Party of Canada respects that housing is a provincial responsibility—but federal leaders must not remain silent when development comes at the cost of Canada’s natural heritage. Ontario’s Bill 23, the “More Homes Built Faster Act,” aims to address the urgent housing crisis. That goal is important, and it’s one we share. Every Canadian deserves access to affordable, safe housing. But the tools we use to get there matter—and Bill 23 raises red flags.

By reducing the role of conservation authorities, limiting municipal input, and opening up lands previously protected in the Greenbelt, Bill 23 sets a dangerous precedent. It treats environmental oversight as an obstacle rather than a cornerstone of smart, sustainable growth.

“We support building more homes,” said Jack Henry, Interim Leader of Modern Commons. “But if the cost is clean water, biodiversity, and future resilience, then we’re not solving one crisis—we’re creating a new one.”

At Modern Commons, we believe in:

• Smart density in already serviced areas, not unchecked sprawl

• Respecting local planning and Indigenous consultation

• Building in ways that protect wetlands, watersheds, and natural infrastructure

Canada needs more homes—but we also need the nature that sustains us. The environment shouldn’t be sacrificed in the name of speed.

We urge the Ontario government to revisit Bill 23’s environmental rollbacks and engage with conservation experts, municipalities, and First Nations to ensure we build not just fast—but responsibly.