The Impact of Ontario's "More Homes Built Faster Act" on Property Boundaries and Land Ownership: A PYB Perspective

The Ontario government’s "More Homes Built Faster Act" (Bill 23), introduced during the 43rd Parliament, has sparked extensive discussions about its potential to reshape housing development and urban planning across the province. The legislation is part of a broader strategy to address Ontario's housing crisis by building 1.5 million homes over the next decade. While the focus is on accelerating housing construction, the bill has significant implications for land ownership, property boundaries, and the legal frameworks that protect homeowners' rights.

At Protect Your Boundaries (PYB), we specialize in helping landowners, homebuyers, and real estate professionals navigate the complexities of land ownership and boundary issues. As the More Homes Built Faster Act progresses, it’s crucial to explore how these changes might impact homeowners, particularly in areas such as zoning, easements, and boundary disputes.

Key Changes in Bill 23 Affecting Property Boundaries

Bill 23 introduced several reforms to existing legislation, including changes to the Planning Act, Development Charges Act, and Ontario Heritage Act. Here’s how some of these changes could affect property boundaries and land ownership:

1. Zoning and Density Changes One of the central aspects of Bill 23 is a push to increase residential density, particularly in urban areas. Municipalities will be encouraged to rezone land to allow for higher-density housing, including more townhomes, duplexes, and triplexes in existing neighborhoods. This push for densification could lead to property boundary challenges, especially in densely populated areas where lot lines may already be close together.

For homeowners, this could mean:

• A potential increase in boundary disputes as more properties are developed close to one another.
• Easements and shared spaces (e.g., driveways or backyards) could become areas of contention, as more homes are packed into smaller spaces.
• A need for clear and up-to-date land survey plans to protect property rights and ensure that boundary lines are properly defined and respected.

Protect Your Boundaries' extensive database of survey plans plays a critical role in ensuring that homeowners and developers alike have accurate information before embarking on new developments.

2. Development on Protected Lands Bill 23 reduces certain protections for environmentally sensitive lands, such as portions of the Greenbelt, to enable housing development. While this will free up more land for residential construction, it raises questions about how boundaries will be defined in these newly opened areas. Development on previously restricted land may lead to:

• An increase in the demand for accurate, professional land surveys, particularly in areas where historical property boundaries have never been well-defined or mapped.
• Challenges in defining and maintaining boundaries near natural features such as rivers, wetlands, and forests.

Protect Your Boundaries’ extensive database of land survey plans can help property owners and developers identify the legal boundaries and restrictions associated with these lands, ensuring that developments proceed without encroaching on protected areas or violating existing easements.

1. 3. Streamlined Approval Process for New Developments By reducing the approval timelines for new developments, Bill 23 aims to speed up housing construction. However, this acceleration could also mean less time for thorough boundary assessments, potentially increasing the risk of disputes down the line. Municipal planning departments, zoning examiners, and developers may not have the same level of scrutiny on boundary issues as before.

PYB advocates for property owners to be proactive by obtaining detailed land surveys and boundary reports before any development takes place on adjacent properties. This step can help prevent disputes related to encroachments, fence placements, and other boundary-related concerns, offering a layer of protection that might otherwise be overlooked in the rush to build.

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   4. Changes to Heritage Conservation Bill 23 also introduces changes to the Ontario Heritage Act, making it easier to de-list properties from heritage registries to allow for housing developments. For property owners of heritage properties or those living near them, this can lead to significant changes in neighborhood character and the use of land.

Historic survey plans can provide valuable insights into how land was originally allocated and used. PYB’s repository of survey plans can help homeowners understand the historical significance of their property and whether any changes in the surrounding area might impact their boundary lines or property rights. You can contact our Customer Service Team to inquire about historic property surveys.

How PYB Can Help

With the More Homes Built Faster Act in place, homeowners and real estate professionals need to stay informed about their property rights and the potential risks associated with boundary issues. At PYB, we offer:

• Access to accurate and up-to-date land surveys: With our comprehensive database of land survey plans, we can help homeowners and developers verify their property boundaries before any development begins.
• Educational resources: Our BoundaryWise™ program offers real estate professionals and municipal employees the tools and knowledge they need to understand boundary, easement, and title risks.
• Customizable property reports: For anyone buying or selling property, our detailed reports provide a clear picture of the property’s boundaries, neighboring developments, and any potential issues that could arise from zoning changes or new construction projects.

PYB is here to help navigate boundary challenges, ensuring that property owners have the information and resources they need to protect their boundaries and avoid disputes. Whether you're a homeowner, developer, or real estate professional, understanding your property rights is more important than ever in this evolving landscape. Let PYB guide you through the process with confidence and clarity.