Province Of Ontario Unveils Smart Growth Agenda

Ontario's new Liberal government delivered its first Speech from the Throne on Thursday afternoon. While widely viewed as a disappointment for backing down from some of the more expensive aspects of the party's election platform, the speech announced several new policies on the smart growth front including: 1) establishing a permanent greenbelt across the Golden Horseshoe, and a new commission to protect it; 2) establishing a Greater Toronto Transportation Authority to improve public transit, reduce gridlock, and improve air quality; 3) introducing new rules for the Ontario Municipal Board, Ontario's controversial planning appellate body, that will compel it to promote sustainable growth instead of sprawl.