Building and Infrastructure Efficiency
Over time, layers of policy, standards, and other requirements introduced by municipalities, senior orders of government, and utility providers have created an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Our members’ projects often require input from multiple administrative teams during approval processes, where reviews and decisions – ranging from roadways to new homes – can be subject to differing standards. At the same time, municipalities face real challenges in funding growth fairly and transparently amid fiscal constraints.
To remain competitive and financially sustainable, the region must pursue innovative solutions, right-size infrastructure requirements and ensure regulations lead to outcomes that provide for community needs with a sense of fiscal restraint – avoiding unnecessary costs for investors today and ratepayers in the future.
We advocate for the following outcomes:
- Simple and consistent standards that meet, but do not exceed, community needs
- Evaluation of the cumulative impacts of regulations, including formal cost and impact assessments
- Simplified and rational development fees and charges
- Promotion of innovative financing tools, including financial partnerships
- Building codes that ensure safety of people and property, and consistent interpretation of those codes