What happens to a province when the people who live there – the teachers, nurses, tradespeople, small business owners – can no longer afford the communities they serve?

It is a question we cannot afford to ignore.

TRREB CEO John DiMichele puts it simply, “Protecting Ontario must include ensuring that residents can afford to live and work here.” At TRREB, we believe housing affordability is not just an economic issue. It is a defining challenge that will shape the future of our province.

Housing is a cornerstone of stability and opportunity. If people are priced out of the market, we risk losing not just residents, but the heart of our communities.

Tackle the root causes

Ontario has set an ambitious goal to build 1.5 million homes by 2031. Reaching that target will require real collaboration and meaningful change.

That means modernizing zoning bylaws, investing in infrastructure and removing the red tape that delays much needed development. As DiMichele says, “We need policies that support building more homes, more quickly, in the right places, and that recognize affordability as a critical part of Ontario’s economic infrastructure.”

TRREB continues to advocate for these changes. We are calling for a diverse mix of housing types to reflect the evolving needs of Ontarians, from first-time buyers and young families to newcomers and retirees.

A realtor perspective

As realtors, we see the sacrifices individuals and families are making to address the affordability crisis every day – moving farther from their jobs, delaying major life decisions, or struggling to enter the market at all.

We do not just help people buy and sell homes. We help them find stability and build futures. That is why TRREB remains committed to solutions that support sustainable growth and real affordability.

The path forward

We all want to see Ontario thrive. To protect what makes this province strong, we need to make it more affordable to live here. That means housing policies that keep pace with real needs and strong leadership to make them a reality.

To read DiMichele’s full op-ed and learn more about TRREB’s advocacy, visit trreb.ca.