The provincial government has formally announced its approval of controversial zoning orders that will allow for the construction of two condo communities consisting of 40,000 units in York Region — though some in the area say it won’t be able to handle such a huge influx of people.

In a news release Wednesday, the province said the new transit-oriented communities (TOCs) at the Future Bridge and High Tech stations along the Yonge North Subway Extension will help reduce traffic gridlock and create new jobs in the region.

The government also said that the TOC proceeds will fund and build an additional transit station at Royal Orchard, which would improve transit access for people in Thornhill, Markham and York Region.

“After decades of inaction by previous governments, our government is saying ‘yes’ to building housing and subways,” said Premier Doug Ford, in a statement.

“Others will find any reason to say ‘no’ to delay desperately needed housing and transit with more studies, committees or reports. Instead, our government is keeping costs down for families by building more homes and tackling gridlock head-on by building subways, Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass.”

CBC News reported last week that provincial zoning orders for the projects were approved late Thursday. Neighbours and city officials said at the time they are concerned the planned infrastructure — including schools and hospitals — won’t be able to support the ballooning population they would bring.

Graham Churchill, executive director for community group A Better Richmond Hill, previously said several pleas made to Ford not to go ahead with the development in its present form have fallen on deaf ears.

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