Bye-Bye Silos: Bringing value to the province and addressing the housing crisis

Ontario's development approval process has long been criticized for its complexity and slow pace, resulting in a system that lags international standards. A key reason for this is siloed information. Every municipality (upper tier and lower tier), conservation authority, and various other authority having jurisdiction has a unique system – some of those systems are highly sophisticated - but none of them talk to each other. This fragmentation leads to delays, increased administrative costs, and a slower response to housing and infrastructure needs. ?

Over the past three years, and with funding from the CMHC, the team at One Ontario has built a system to address this data exchange challenge. This initiative is not just ready for implementation—it's a pivotal opportunity for the Ontario government to catalyze substantial improvements in our development approval ecosystem.?

But what is One Ontario exactly? ?

One Ontario is an integrator and interoperable platform that connects disparate digital systems and allows information to travel between disparate systems, essentially acting as a communication bridge between all the parties involved in the development approval ecosystem. It provides seamless integration of back-end systems and front-end portals. This strategic connectivity facilitates streamlined data sharing and decision-making processes. All it needs is support from the province. ?

Here’s what it looks like – One Ontario sits outside of the various authorities and simply acts as an integrator providing streamlined data exchange:

Non-Profit Model for Public Good?

One Ontario's operation as a non-profit entity is crucial to its mission. This model ensures the initiative's primary focus remains on improving the approval process, rather than generating profit. It encourages an environment of trust and collaboration, essential for the successful overhaul of the approvals process.?

Interoperability and Integration?

At the heart of One Ontario's approach is its commitment to interoperability. By enabling different systems to communicate and share data efficiently, One Ontario will bridge the current gaps between municipalities, various authorities and the development community. This enhanced connectivity ensures that all stakeholders have access to consistent and accurate information, leading to more informed decision-making and faster approvals.?

Massive Value to Ontario?

The implementation of One Ontario promises massive value for the province. For the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, it means a more efficient oversight and management of the development process. Municipalities will benefit from reduced administrative burdens and the ability to more quickly respond to development proposals. The development community will experience shorter approval times, reducing holding costs and enabling projects to move forward at a faster pace. Overall, the initiative supports economic growth, addresses housing shortages more efficiently, and lays the groundwork for a more connected and integrated development approval ecosystem in Ontario.?

We are ready to talk to the province to help address the housing crisis?

Doug Ford and Paul Calandra : Supporting One Ontario will transform how development approvals are managed in the province. Its readiness for implementation, ability to streamline data exchange, and focus on interoperability and integration signal immense benefits for Ontario. With its non-profit status, One Ontario prioritizes public interest, envisioning a future where development projects advance with greater efficiency and minimal bureaucracy. ?