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Toronto Mayor Confident in Federal Housing Funding Despite City Council Restrictions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressed confidence that $30-million in federal housing funding is secure, despite the city council's refusal to permit sixplexes across the entirety of the city. The funding is contingent on Toronto adopting a city-wide policy allowing sixplexes. Council passed a motion allowing sixplexes "as of right" in nine of the city's 25 wards, but not across the entire city. Ms. Chow acknowledged that the initial proposal was to permit such buildings city-wide, but it was amended due to concerns about not having majority support.

The federal government has pledged $118-million annually to Toronto from its Housing Accelerator Fund. The new Housing Minister, Gregor Robertson, has not indicated whether he will follow his predecessor's lead on enforcing the funding condition. Ms. Chow believes Mr. Robertson understands the housing crisis and the challenges of municipal politics.

Key Takeaways:

  • Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is confident that $30-million in federal housing funding is not at risk, despite the city council's refusal to permit sixplexes across the city.
  • The federal government has pledged $118-million annually to Toronto from its Housing Accelerator Fund, contingent on Toronto adopting a city-wide policy allowing sixplexes.
  • Toronto City Council passed a motion allowing sixplexes "as of right" in nine of the city's 25 wards, but not across the entire city.
  • The new Housing Minister, Gregor Robertson, has not indicated whether he will follow his predecessor's lead on enforcing the funding condition.
  • Ms. Chow believes Mr. Robertson understands the housing crisis and the challenges of municipal politics.
  • The city's housing plan includes faster development approvals and eviction-prevention programs.
  • Developer clients are interested in sixplexes but high city fees stop them from building, even in parts of the city that now allow them by right.

Statistics:

  • A total of $118-million is pledged annually to Toronto from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund.
  • 25 wards in Toronto permit sixplexes "as of right."
  • 9 wards in Toronto permit sixplexes "as of right" but not the entire city.
  • The federal government is negotiating funding agreements with more than 170 municipalities.
  • 108 multiplexes have been completed in Toronto since a policy allowing fourplexes was introduced in 2023.
  • 20,999 new homes were begun construction in 2024, fulfilling 88 per cent of a target set by the provincial government.

Sources:

  • The Globe and Mail
  • Toronto City Council
  • Canada's housing ministry

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