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1h ago

Ontario Pledges $1.6 Billion for Housing Infrastructure as Starts Slide

Developers warn steep municipal fees are making projects unviable, with starts trending lower.

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Haden Dow delivers a pitch for the Charlottetown Gaudet’s Auto Body Islanders against Ontario Team Two at the 2025 Baseball Canada national senior men’s championship in Regina on Aug. 21. Dow pitched six solid innings to earn the win in the Islanders’ 6-2 victory.
West St. Paul councillor Dorothy Klieber is equipping and inspiring Manitobans to run for office or get involved in civic life, sharing practical insights into the realities of serving in municipal government ahead of the 2026 elections.
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Overview

  • Premier Doug Ford announced a $1.6‑billion injection to help build the roads, pipes and services needed to accelerate home construction.
  • Ontario recorded 94,753 housing starts in 2024 versus roughly 125,000 needed to stay on track for the 1.5‑million‑by‑2031 goal.
  • CMHC reported July housing starts rose 4% nationally year over year, while Ontario’s fell 28%, and the province’s fiscal watchdog flagged first‑quarter activity at its weakest since 2009.
  • Ottawa missed its 2024 target by a wide margin, building 7,871 homes against a goal of 12,583 and losing millions in provincial funding tied to performance.
  • Builders cite rising development charges as a major barrier, with Ottawa’s fees up as much as 28% in some areas and a ByWard Market infill facing about $700,000 in charges that the proponent says makes the project untenable.