Ontario announces new housing strategy

Ontario minister of housing, Steve Clark announced key pillars for the province’s plan to add 1.5 million new homes by 2032 today.

The “gentle density” pillar would allow property owners to build up to three residential units on most lots without needing a by-law amendment.

The Ford government is expecting municipalities to reach 10-year housing goals. For example, Hamilton is expected to build 47,000 new homes, Oakville has a goal of 33,000 new homes, and Burlington, 29,000.

Minister Clark says for in order to reach these goals, developers and homeowners need fewer institutional and financial roadblocks.

Cutting fees for developers only increases affordability if the developer passes along those savings to buyers. What the developer saves on fees, municipalities will lose in terms of revenue.