Resources
KEY TOWN AND COUNCILLOR CONTENT
OAKVILLE RESIDENT'S ASSOCIATION CONTENT
Maps
INDUSTRY RESEARCH, POSITIONS & PAPERS
The WLO group has done extensive research to support and inform our opinions. Our full reference list is available here and within this open GoogleDrive folder.
Distributed Density
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Density Done Right (external link)
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Source: Ryerson University
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Summary: This paper from Ryerson University argues that density becomes liveable if it is distributed. We agree with most of its positions, but disagree that diktats of 3 or 4 units as of right is good planning at a community level.
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Source: Paper using pics from google maps. Reference - See street votes below
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Summary: A short paper illustrating the opportunity, as an example in Ward 3, to distribute density along single storey retail and office areas, of which there are many in Oakville. The paper also summarizes the alternative to 3-4 units as of right - aka “Street Votes”.
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Grand Boulevards and the AB 2011 Revolution (external link)
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Source: HR Inc
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Summary: This approach to distributed density was pioneered by Peter Calthorpe and legislated into practice in California
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Superbia (external link)
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Source: SUPURBIA A study of urban intensification in outer London - work in progress
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Summary: A forward-looking study of how to evolve our suburban areas to a denser and livable model
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Street Votes - Empowering communities for more and better housing (external link)
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Source: YIMBY Alliance - Based on the “Supurbia” proposals of the Greater London Authority and HTA Design
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Summary: A high-level summary of the “Street Votes” idea proposed in the UK. Which we believe is an attractive and more democratic approach to “gentle densification” of our neighborhoods rather than a government diktat of 3 or 4 units as of right. Follow the link to Home - YIMBY Alliance for more detail
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Liveability
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Liveability 101 - What Makes a Community Livable? (external link)
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Source: The American Institute of Architects
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Summary: An overview of Livability considerations by the American Association of Architects
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Other Resources (External Links)
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A nature partner journals / RMIT University paper on lifecycle greenhouse emissions of cities
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Architects Declare Open Letter re Tall Buildings
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An open letter from 2023 on the need to move urban architecture away from tall buildings because of their negative effect on climate change
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The Guardian - Cities need Goldilocks housing density – not too high or low, but just right
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An influential and much quoted article by Toronto writer Lloyd Alter on the need to avoid extreme urban densities in favour of the goldilocks density level.
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Article - How tall should a building be: How not to build in a climate crisis
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Also by Lloyd Alter, on the environmental cost of building tall.
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Article from York University, Toronto, on the need to address housing policy to counteract finance capital that is driving vertical sprawl in Toronto.
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American Society of Landscape Architects - Interview with Peter Calthorpe
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From the American Society of Landscape Architects, an interview with visionary and influential urban planner, Peter Calthorpe.
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Spacing - Explaining Transit Oriented Development: Benefits and Drawbacks
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Article by Erick Villagomez, UBC professor, explaining transit oriented development and why tall towers are not necessary parts of TOD.
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Affordable housing
ONTARIO AND MUNICIPAL REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
HOUSING DEMAND REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Making life easier for developers and increasing their profits do nothing for affordability. The Ontario Housing Affordability Task Force recommendations do not address housing demand. Below are links to articles on what the experts say about housing demand:
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Investors now make up more than 25% of Ontario homebuyers, pushing prices higher, experts warn
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Want to solve the housing crisis? Address super-charged demand
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Giving developers free rein isn’t the solution to the GTHA housing challengess
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Canada Has Over 1.3 Million Vacant Homes, About 6 Years Of Supply: OECD
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A shortage of homes isn’t the main reason house prices keep rising
RELAXING ZONING BYLAWS
What have experts and studies in other parts of the world indicated about relaxing zoning bylaws as a means to solve the housing affordability crisis in their jurisdictions?
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Upzoning Chicago: Impacts of a Zoning Reform on Property Values and Housing Construction (see and study and news coverage)
BILL 23 - WHAT IT MEANS TO OAKVILLE RELAXING ZONING BYLAWS
You may have seen an email created by Coronation Park Residents Association outlining the many concerning features and impacts of Bill 23. We have provided a link to the email. Here is an excerpt:
Bill 23 and the associated pieces of legislation that accompany it represent a deliberately calculated demolition of local governments, systematic stripping of municipal powers and an unprecedented suppression of citizens’ rights.
Our local MPP’s have consequential decisions ahead. Will they support the rights of their constituents, or support a government that has clearly chosen a path that demeans and devalues them in favour of land developers and private business? While Bill 23 has been passed, there are still ongoing meetings, hearings, etc. Take time to let your MPP know that you oppose Bill 23 and want it repealed. You can read the full details and how to take action here. What have experts and studies in other parts of the world indicated about relaxing zoning bylaws as a means to solve the housing affordability crisis in their jurisdictions?
DELEGATION TO OAKVILLE TOWN COUNCIL ON MIDTOWN