Ontario Housing Minister Introduces Legislation to Speed Up Construction Amid Concerns Over Meeting 1.5 Million Homes Target

Strategic Insights -

Ontario's housing minister, Rob Flack, introduced legislation aimed at accelerating the construction of new homes, acknowledging that the province is not on track to meet its goal of building 1.5 million homes over 10 years. Flack highlighted the challenges facing the province, stating that the target has not been forgotten but that immediate changes are necessary to stay on track. The legislation seeks to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, speed up minor variances, and standardize fees developers pay, among other measures.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ontario government's goal of building 1.5 million homes over 10 years is at risk due to a 46% year-over-year decrease in housing starts in March for communities with 10,000 or more people.
  • The legislation aims to reduce the scope and number of studies required for new developments, speed up minor variances, and standardize fees for developers.
  • The bill would cap the number of affordable units a municipality can require in certain residential developments at 5% to make projects more viable.
  • The Progressive Conservative government used Minister's Zoning Orders 114 times from 2019 to 2023, compared to 6 times in the previous 20 years.
  • The legislation extends the power for granting Minister's Zoning Orders to include the minister of infrastructure for transit-oriented communities.
  • The Liberal party has raised concerns over the potential for preferential treatment with Minister's Zoning Orders and the reduction in affordable housing units.

Statistics:

  • 1.5 million: The number of homes the Ontario government aims to build over 10 years.
  • 46%: The year-over-year decrease in housing starts in March for communities with 10,000 or more people.
  • 114: The number of times the Progressive Conservative government used Minister's Zoning Orders from 2019 to 2023.
  • 6: The number of times the previous government used Minister's Zoning Orders in 20 years.
  • 5%: The cap on the number of affordable units a municipality can require in certain residential developments.
  • 10 years: The timeframe for the province to meet its goal of building 1.5 million homes.

Sources:

  • "Ontario's housing minister introduces legislation to speed up home construction" by The Canadian Press.
  • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation data on housing starts.
  • Ontario Home Builders' Association CEO Scott Andison's statement on the application and development charge requirements.
  • Auditor General report on Minister's Zoning Orders.
  • Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie's statement on Minister's Zoning Orders.
  • Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma's statement on the efficiency of the proposed legislation.