The housing industry contributes over $14bn to the province's economy
by Paolo Taruc
Top Ontario government officials and representatives from the development, construction and real estate industries are calling for the streamlining of housing the residential development approval process to ensure there are no undue delays in bringing new housing supply.
“Ensuring residents can access housing that meets their needs is necessary to the sustained strength of the region. Housing is more than just where people live; it is social infrastructure that forms the building blocks of our communities and our economy,” said the Development Approvals Roundtable in a statement.
Among other things, a recently published action plan by the group encourages the Ministry of Municipal Affairs to:
According to the group’s figures, the housing industry contributes over $14bn to Ontario’s economy and is a critical economic driver in the region. “The construction of housing has significant economic spin-off effects and employs almost 200,000 people in the province. In addition, housing options that are both affordable and accessible are crucial to attracting and retaining the skilled workforce that our region needs to grow,” the group said.
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Top Ontario government officials and representatives from the development, construction and real estate industries are calling for the streamlining of housing the residential development approval process to ensure there are no undue delays in bringing new housing supply.
“Ensuring residents can access housing that meets their needs is necessary to the sustained strength of the region. Housing is more than just where people live; it is social infrastructure that forms the building blocks of our communities and our economy,” said the Development Approvals Roundtable in a statement.
Among other things, a recently published action plan by the group encourages the Ministry of Municipal Affairs to:
- address concerns on delays in the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) process
- develop new educational tools to support up-to-date zoning bylaws and/or community planning permit systems
- work with other ministries that issue permits and approvals to make existing service standards transparent
According to the group’s figures, the housing industry contributes over $14bn to Ontario’s economy and is a critical economic driver in the region. “The construction of housing has significant economic spin-off effects and employs almost 200,000 people in the province. In addition, housing options that are both affordable and accessible are crucial to attracting and retaining the skilled workforce that our region needs to grow,” the group said.
Related stories:
Ontario stabilizing amid Fair Housing Plan, new mortgage rules – RBC
Many of Toronto's rentals are being converted into condos
