Wanderings – Not asked questions left unanswered

It’s unfortunate that Premier Ford has such a restrictive policy when it comes to reporters asking questions at press conferences. Had the opportunity to ask more than the only one question and one follow-up at the microphone been allowed, Ontario may have seen if Doug Ford was willing to truly tackle the red tape involved with building new homes­—development charges.

A few weeks ago, the Premier was in our neck of the woods for a big ground-turning ceremony. As per the typical format of the well-managed government press conference, reporters lined up for the usual one question, one follow-up. In Toronto, reporters get multiple opportunities to ask questions because most of the Premier’s appearances are in that region, so getting even two questions in Eastern Ontario is a rare opportunity.

My first question was related to another story I am following, but my follow-up was about development charges. Specifically about the municipality that I live in looking at putting in these charges when Ford sees these as an impediment to growth. One adage in journalism is: don’t ask questions you don’t already know the answer to, and Ford gave a response that was on point with his previous messaging: Development charges are bad; Municipalities have a spending problem not a revenue problem; Development charges can add hundreds of thousands to the cost of a new home; and so on. Boy, I wish I had had the opportunity for that extra follow-up.

A note here on how tightly managed Ford’s media appearances are is appropriate. Another journalist at this event tried to use their first question as a two-part question, and found they were blocked from asking a follow-up after. When his team says “one question, one follow-up” they mean it. I disagree with the policy, but respect the fortitude of the media people who had to act as a bouncer for the ‘Club Ford’ microphone.

Have you ever thought, after some conversation where you had to make a comment, of 15 better comments you could have made — if only you could go back and repeat it? My third question is that, so here it is: As development charges are allowed by provincial legislation through The Development Charges Act, and many municipalities have been unwilling to consider lowering development charges, will the province overhaul the legislation and force charges lower?

Some reporters may have asked this question before, but if they have, I haven’t heard it — or a response from Ford. I follow provincial politics closely and know this would be a well-reported response if Ford has answered a similar question. That would have been a great response from Ford because he’d have to either decide to add this to his current political agenda, or backpedal and put blame on municipalities. From a journalist’s perspective, this is what I call baseball journalism. Cue the pitcher, throw the ball, and watch the batter knock it out of the park. No matter the direction of the answer, you’ll get lots to write about. I wonder what his answer would have been?

I understand the logic behind development charges, but find they are usually implemented under the flawed premise of growth paying for growth. In many areas, adding development charges, including high fees for multi-residential spaces, is counterintuitive. In places where housing starts have flat-lined, which is better: having development charges which scare away projects, so you collect no money; or having no or reasonable charges, so municipalities grow their tax base? The logic on charging development charges on rural housing that doesn’t connect to municipal services baffles me as well.

The province could, with a simple act of legislation, wipe out these charges or provide a wholesale cut. Neither has happened in three years of complaining. So is that really an issue for Ford? Unfortunately it’s one more question not asked.

This column was originally published in the December 3, 2025 print edition of the Morrisburg Leader.