In this episode, conservative pundit Sabrina Maddeaux and economist mike Moffatt sit down with housing advocate Eric Lombardi to discuss the epic shortcomings of the community consultation processes in Toronto. Lombardi argues that they often fail to represent the diverse voices and interests of the community. He emphasizes the need for a more proactive approach to community engagement that considers the broader needs of neighborhoods rather than reacting to individual developments. The conversation also touches on the implications of property rights, the role of advocacy groups, and the responsibilities of provincial and federal governments in addressing the housing crisis. Lombardi calls for reforms that would streamline the consultation process and make it more democratic, ultimately advocating for a system that empowers citizens and promotes growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:16 Community consultation
05:30 Flaws with the current consultation processes
09:21 The anti-democratic nature of current consultations
11:23 Consultation as indirect political corruption
13:30 The role of community advocacy
14:58 The Tindale example
17:20 Property rights and freedoms vs stagnation
21:17 Reforming the consultation process
23:44 Pitching Doug Ford - the province should set the standard
29:07 Provincial responsibilities in housing policy
31:59 Development changes - Mike’s favourite topic
33:01 Federal housing policy and political capital
Research and links
Trevor Tombe: The ‘Great Canadian Slump’ is back
Growth comes to an urban backwater
Plain English with Derek Thompson
How Elevator Rules Cost Us Homes: An Interview with Market Urbanism
Some examples of public consultations in the news:
Vancouver’s public consultation process is being abused, critics say
Why blanket rezoning has become Calgary's biggest housing controversy
Judge sides with city in ruling to uphold blanket rezoning
'Neighbourhoods are going to change' — Angry reactions as Windsor speeds up home builds
Guest:
Eric Lombardi, https://x.com/EricDLombardi
Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux
Produced by Meredith Martin
This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.
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