If you’re trying to buy or rent a home in Toronto, the challenge is clear: Prices remain high and supply continues to fall short. Meeting the city’s housing goals isn’t just about achieving a number, it’s about creating real options for families, first-time buyers and newcomers who want to call this region home.

In the latest episode of TRREB’s podcast, Ready to Real Estate, TRREB Chief Information Officer Jason Mercer is joined by urban planners Alex Beheshti and Graig Uens to explore how governments, builders and communities can work together to turn plans into actual places to live.

Innovation that can make a difference

The conversation begins with the federal government’s Build Canada Homes Agency, an initiative that could accelerate construction by purchasing prefabricated homes in bulk. Prefabricated and modular homes are built faster and with less waste, at a lower cost, offering a promising way to increase supply without sacrificing quality or design.

Unlocking more choice in Toronto

Toronto’s recent zoning changes are another critical step forward. New permissions for multiplexes, garden suites and midrise buildings are opening more neighbourhoods to a broader range of housing types and price points. These policies help bridge the gap between single-detached houses and high-rise apartments, helping residents remain in their communities as their needs evolve.

Rethinking costs and coordination

One of the biggest challenges in building new homes: Development charges. While these fees fund essential infrastructure, they’ve risen over time, making many projects financially difficult to complete. Better alignment on funding, zoning and approvals across all three levels of government can make construction more viable and move good ideas from planning to production.

Working toward real solutions

Toronto’s housing challenges won’t be solved overnight, but collaboration, innovation and a shared sense of purpose can bring lasting progress. By focusing on practical solutions and removing unnecessary barriers, governments can help create the conditions for more homes, built faster, for the people who need them most.

To hear more insights from Alex Beheshti and Graig Uens, and to explore additional discussions on housing supply, market trends and policy, listen to Ready to Real Estate at trreb.ca.