Ontario appears to be stepping back from its target of constructing 1.5 million homes within a decade. Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack has presented new legislation aimed at expediting approvals and enabling developers to speed up home construction processes. Flack emphasized the challenges of time and cost in building infrastructure and homes in Ontario and highlighted the need for streamlining processes to support homebuilders effectively.
Although the legislation aims to facilitate construction activities, Flack was noncommittal when questioned about whether it would be adequate to achieve the 1.5 million home target. He expressed a commitment to accelerating construction projects in the next six to 12 months, acknowledging the urgency of addressing the ongoing housing crisis.
Recent data reveals a shortfall in housing starts compared to the target set by the government, with the first quarter of 2025 witnessing the lowest levels since 2009. Homebuilders have suggested that reducing taxes and fees could significantly boost development efforts.
The new legislation introduced by Flack includes measures like prohibiting specific green standards like green roofs in Toronto, expediting transit-oriented community setups, allowing minor variances as of right, and facilitating quicker minister’s zoning orders. These measures are intended to streamline the planning and construction processes.
Dave Wilkes, the president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association, expressed support for the legislation, emphasizing its focus on producing housing supply efficiently to meet the needs of Ontario families. Additionally, the bill addresses rental issues, including delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board, and aims to reduce notice periods for tenant evictions due to non-payment of rent.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria highlighted that the legislation also includes provisions to enhance road safety, particularly for commercial truck drivers operating on northern highways like 11 and 17. The changes aim to ensure that drivers have sufficient experience with varied road conditions before obtaining a commercial vehicle license.
Overall, the new legislation aims to address key challenges in the housing and construction sector in Ontario, signaling a concerted effort to streamline processes and accelerate development activities.
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