Ontario’s new government for #Homebelievers

If you’ve been listening to the conversations at a municipal, provincial and federal level, it is very clear that housing is a priority for each level of government. As the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Ontario, Steven Clark has reinforced at almost every announcement that, “we’re trying to build the right type of housing in the right places at a price that Ontarians can afford.”This is a government that wants to work with all industries, professionals and local communities to build and create the neighbourhoods and homes Ontarians want and prices and locations that work for them.

The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) started a campaign last spring before the provincial election to engage the government about the importance of homeownership. The #homebeliever campaign was designed to be a conversation starter with all governments, focusing on how housing supply and choice can create more affordable communities.

As Clark’s words indicate, this is a #homebeliever government. Since taking office, this government has pushed through a number of consultations, policies and changes that will help open doors for Ontario #homebelievers. This is clear through government initiatives like the Housing Supply Action Plan, proposed changes to the home warranty system, the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe as well as a renewed commitment to Ontario’s skilled trades through modernized apprenticeship ratios.

OHBA and its members want families and #homebelievers in communities across Ontario to achieve their dream of homeownership. Our members want to build homes and communities that Ontarians want to live in, and can afford. OHBA knows that one size does not fit all. We know that regionally, costs vary. Planning needs to be unique for each community.

Beyond the campaign, OHBA continues to support evidence-based research to support the needs of Ontarians. Most recently, OHBA commissioned a report with the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) through the Ryerson Centre for Urban Research and Land Development which calls on the government to take bold action when it comes to housing by implementing provincially as-of-right zoning along transit hubs.

The report shows that there are 200 transit sites existing with significant unmet development capacity that would be prime locations to build multi-purpose development. By pushing this forward at a provincial level, we can avoid NIMBYISM neglect that sometimes happens at the municipal level. Making it easier to build along transit corridors would create more supply and choice at prices that Ontarians can afford while keeping them connected to work and recreational activities. This is a solution we need and a direction that will put us on a path to the great Canadian dream of homeownership. Homeownership is still a valuable dream for many Ontarians who want to find a community in which to work, live, and play. Our members take pride in helping #homebelievers reach their dream.