John DiMichele | CEO, Toronto Regional Real Estate Board

At TRREB, we believe the solution starts with collaboration. Traffic congestion and affordability are interconnected challenges that require integrated approaches. The current system of high development charges, taxes, and administrative hurdles only exacerbates the issues. This stalls progress on building the housing supply we need to support our growing communities.

Elechia Barry-Sproule | President, Toronto Regional Real Estate Board

As we look to the future, prioritizing housing supply and diversity remains paramount. Encouraging the development of missing-middle housing—such as townhomes, duplexes, and low-rise multi-unit buildings—is critical to delivering a range of attainable options for families. Purpose-built rentals also play a vital role in ensuring everyone has access to a place they can call home.

Hon. Doug Ford | Premier, Province of Ontario

Video was shared and recorded prior to the election announcement

Olivia Chow | Mayor, City of Toronto

We have an ambitious plan in Toronto to build more houses and get Toronto moving. Toronto is a dynamic, diverse, and vibrant city working to balance affordability with rapid growth and prosperity.

We are getting back on track by investing in and building a stronger foundation. We are getting the basics right by transforming the housing system to increase the supply of affordable housing and provide stability, support people’s safety, and create more efficient transportation networks – including better and safer roads for everyone and more connected transit.

Just as we are doing our part to address the national housing crisis at a local level, we need to tackle congestion in our city head on. We are working with other governments to make generational investments in transit expansion, like the recently confirmed 55 new subway cars for Line 2 and increase the number of traffic agents active on our roads. As Mayor, I introduced an updated Congestion Management Plan and over the coming years it will improve access to information about construction projects, making it easier to plan commutes and accommodate growth while exploring new technologies and strategies that will reduce traffic on our streets.

We are making critical investments in sustainable infrastructure and fast-tracking commitments in housing and public transit that will also stimulate economic activity and improve overall quality of life for people living in the city and those who are visiting.

Basil Clarke | Warden, Simcoe County

The County of Simcoe is experiencing immense growth, creating a vibrant and dynamic region full of opportunities. Our expanding population brings fresh energy, diverse talents, and new possibilities to all our communities.

At the heart of our success is our commitment to our residents. Simcoe County is leading the way in affordable housing initiatives, surpassing our goals set out in our 10-year Affordable Housing and Homeless Prevent Strategy that launched in 2014, one year ahead of schedule.

Our innovative LINX public transit service is revolutionizing connectivity, bringing our communities closer together than ever before. We’re building up roads, bridges and key infrastructure in Simcoe County and our tourism sector continues to support our growing local economy.

One of our region’s key economic assets is the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport. Owned and managed by the County of Simcoe, the airport is a commercial port of entry for both passenger and freight, offers a growing business park and will be expanding its runway to support future growth.

Simcoe County’s proactive approach to growth management ensures we’re not just expanding but thriving as well.

With these and many more initiatives, we’re pleased to continue Building Up Simcoe County.

Alex Nuttall | Mayor, City of Barrie

Barrie continues to evolve as one of Ontario’s most dynamic and fast-growing cities, but with growth comes challenges that we cannot ignore. Affordability, housing supply, and infrastructure improvements remain top priorities for Council. We’re tackling these priorities head-on, recognizing their impact on the quality of life for our residents and the future of our community.

Our housing strategy is key to addressing the challenges surrounding housing supply. With a target of 23,000 new homes by 2031, we’ve already approved over 17,000 units and secured $32 million in federal and provincial funding to accelerate progress. While 2024 has seen a slower pace in housing construction, promising projects like the Coral Sophia Lane Housing development—which will add 45 affordable units—and the Schlegel Villages Development, bringing long-term care beds, retirement and assisted living facilities, as well as 360 residential apartments for seniors, represent major milestones for Barrie. These initiatives are crucial for meeting the needs of our diverse and growing population.

As part of Council’s commitment to further address the housing shortage, we have identified the following City-owned properties as surplus for residential housing development:

• H Block — 50 Worsley St. (excludes John Edwin Coupe Park, library and parking lot)
• Sperling Drive — 29 and 35 Sperling Dr.
• A portion of 48 Dean Ave. (excludes library and parking lot)

The sale of these properties will give us more land for residential development in areas of town where intensification can be supported. It will generate funding to support important city projects to support our growing population.

Through the newly implemented Affordable Housing Strategy and Community Improvement Plan (CIP), we are fast-tracking residential construction with incentives aimed at increasing the supply of affordable rental and ownership options.

At the same time, we’re investing in infrastructure to support this growth. Addressing traffic congestion is essential, and we are enhancing our road networks and expanding public transportation to ensure that new developments are well-integrated and reduce commuting times.

By working together with all stakeholders, we can ensure Barrie remains a thriving city for our residents.

David West | Mayor, City of Richmond Hill

In Richmond Hill, we’re focused on building a livable, sustainable community with a greater range of housing options and a well-connected, accessible, multi-modal transportation network to ensure people can live and move comfortably in our great city.

Through our Housing Accelerator Fund initiatives, we’re taking action to help expedite the development building process to create more housing for more people, updating our zoning by-laws and allowing for more housing options in major transit areas.

We’re also implementing our updated Transportation Master Plan, which plans for all modes of travel by identifying multi-modal transportation infrastructure improvements for roads, active transportation and trails, and supports planned growth in the city.

We’re building more active transportation infrastructure and will be making key decisions on emerging technologies, such as micromobility (e-bikes and e-scooters) to facilitate first and last-mile connections to transit services, which will encourage residents to use public transit by making it easier to go from their front doors to the transit stops.

The City is also continuing to work closely with transit agencies (YRT, Metrolinx) to improve transit service and invest in Richmond Hill through the expansion of the Yonge North Subway Extension, as well as dedicated transit lanes.

Our Parking and Travel Demand Management Strategy focuses on reducing parking requirements and provides a framework for implementing travel demand management measures through development. The strategy encourages walking, cycling and public transit and reduces dependence on cars, especially in Major Transit Station Areas, where easy access to transit is essential. This helps to alleviate congestion, support the City’s growth objectives, and improve the overall efficiency of the transportation network.

Through this work I am looking forward to the increased connectivity of our city that will help support more housing options and encourage residents and visitors to leave their cars at home, help reduce congestion and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Steven Del Duca | Mayor, City of Vaughan

As Canada’s largest real estate board, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of communities across the Greater Toronto Area, including Vaughan. Your collective expertise, dedication, and insights are integral to making Vaughan a place where people aspire to live, work, and thrive.

At the City of Vaughan, we are committed to forward-thinking city-building that fosters growth while ensuring affordability and quality of life for all. Our partnership with the federal government through the Housing Accelerator Fund, which secured a historic $59 million, is a testament to our shared vision. This investment allows us to expedite the creation of 1,700 housing units and pave the way for thousands more, ensuring that Vaughan remains accessible, vibrant and on track to meet our housing delivery targets.

REALTORS^® like you are crucial to this mission. You provide invaluable guidance to families and businesses as they make one of the most significant decisions of their lives—finding a place to call home. Your ongoing efforts are vital to helping us achieve our ambitious goals, including projects like the new bridge over Highway 400 that will unlock the potential for 3,100 additional housing units and enhance connectivity within our city.

Together, with partners like the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, we are building Vaughan as a world-class, future-ready city. I look forward to continuing this journey of growth and transformation with your support.

John Henry | Chair, Region of Durham

Durham Region’s new Regional Official Plan, Envision Durham, includes a comprehensive set of policies that link transit and housing. With the Region set to accommodate almost 700,000 more people over the next 30 years, significant growth is planned for our Strategic Growth Areas (SGAs). These are areas, such as Protected Major Transit Station Areas, Regional Centres and Rapid Transit Corridors will support intensification and transit-supportive higher-density mixed uses. Envision Durham states that at least 35 per cent of all new residential units created in SGAs are to be affordable to low- and moderate-income households.

In the immediate term, the Region is working with Metrolinx to advance the GO Lakeshore East Extension to Bowmanville and four new GO Stations in Oshawa and Clarington, which will create future opportunities for transit-oriented development. The Region is also advancing redevelopment on its own lands to maximize transit use. For example, the Region purchased the Ritson school site in Oshawa to develop higher density, mixed-income development, including affordable housing, within walking distance of the future Oshawa GO station.

Dan Carter | Mayor, City of Oshawa

Oshawa’s primary planning documents are the focus of substantive revisions in an effort to support transit-supportive land use planning. This includes the planning of convenient, accessible, safe and connected walking and cycling network options for “first-mile, last-mile” travel for people to get to and from their homes, workplaces, shopping and places of recreation to public transit stops. Oshawa is already advancing “Imagine Oshawa: Update of the Oshawa Official Plan” to implement the new Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, which includes a suite of new policies to facilitate the integration of housing and transit.

Of note is the soon-to-be-completed Central Oshawa Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) Study, which will establish a comprehensive land use policy framework around the planned Central Oshawa GO Train Station. This new station (one of two planned for the City along the Oshawa-to-Bowmanville GO Rail Extension) is located directly south of the Downtown Oshawa Urban Growth Centre. The anticipated delivery of this station has already precipitated significant development activity in the area, including applications for the approval of 5,435 unit high density residential development adjacent to the station site. Covering just 5% of the land area of the MTSA , this multi-tower development is just one of multiple high-density projects proposed around the future station.

Kevin Ashe | Mayor, City of Pickering

The City of Pickering stands as a beacon of growth and transformation, committed to creating a community where families thrive, seniors enjoy vibrant neighborhoods, and entrepreneurs find opportunities to flourish. For these reasons and more, the Globe and Mail has named Pickering as one of the most livable cities in Canada.

In 2024, we surpassed our housing targets by over 45 per cent, establishing ourselves as one of Ontario’s growth leaders. These achievements reflect our dedication to providing more homes and greater housing choice for both new and long-time residents.

However, our growth goes beyond hitting targets; it’s about enhancing the quality of life for everyone who calls Pickering home. With diverse housing options, major infrastructure investments, and attractions like the Pickering Casino Resort and the upcoming Porsche Experience Centre, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of our residents and providing memorable experiences for visitors.

The Pickering Innovation Corridor and the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station are creating thousands of new job opportunities, enabling more residents to work closer to home and reduce commuting time.

By revitalizing areas such as the City Centre and Kingston Road Corridor, we are shaping vibrant urban neighborhoods where people can live, work, and play. These neighborhoods are conveniently connected by transit and located near The Shops at Pickering City Centre.

Pickering’s unique character is further defined by its stunning natural surroundings, including a shimmering waterfront, scenic trails, and charming hamlets. Our approach to development prioritizes environmental protection and the preservation of greenspaces that encourage healthy lifestyles. Growing communities like Seaton, City Centre, and Claremont offer a variety of housing choices while harmonizing with our natural heritage.

Our expansion includes strategic infrastructure investments to meet residents’ evolving needs. The new Seaton Recreation Complex and Library, along with the Pickering Heritage Community Centre, will serve as essential hubs for community engagement, cultural enrichment, and learning.

Our vision for the future remains clear: a thriving, inclusive community where residents of all ages enjoy a high quality of life, supported by sustainable growth, responsible development, and endless opportunities for success.

Nando Iannicca | Chair, Region of Peel

Peel Region, like far too many municipalities across the country, is facing an affordable housing crisis impacting residents from all walks of life. With an estimated 97,000 (1 in 5) residents living in core housing need; we face a daunting task of helping residents get and keep housing and preventing homelessness.

Residents will often experience health issues, isolation, and other challenges compounding their housing struggles. We’ve seen how vital wraparound supports are in helping residents maintain their housing and experience community integration.

The Region has made tremendous progress in adding affordable and supportive housing stock through Region-led and third-party led builds that are funded through the federal Rapid Housing Fund. Altogether, a total of six projects will be completed this year, resulting in over 380 affordable rental/supportive/transitional units/shelter beds across Peel. Easy access to services is as important as having a suitable place to live. These projects will be strategically located in well-developed neighbourhoods with proximity to transit, schools, green space, other amenities, and services.

Living affordably should never prevent residents from feeling connected to all a community has to offer. We will continue to build partnerships and advocate for more funding to make further progress.

Carolyn Parrish | Mayor, City of Mississauga

Mississauga is taking the housing shortage seriously. A Mayor’s Housing Task Force with the top developers and builders, including non-profit and purpose-built rental specialists, has been working diligently on the task force to streamline City Hall’s approval times and address concerns about the many fees and charges that are added to the cost of new builds. The attendance at meetings continues to grow each month to over 30 participants. Participation has been positive and enthusiastic. A new Official Plan is in development which will take the original 245,000 housing units to 345,000.

Further, the conversion of employment lands, recently approved by the Province, to mixed use with a housing component is already underway in Mississauga. There are three sites currently going through the process with more on the way.

We understand time is money so we are red-lining permits. We understand interest rates and labour shortages are adding to the drastic slowdown in new housing starts. We understand all the changes we will be launching in the new year must and will benefit the purchaser.

Patrick Brown | Mayor, City of Brampton

The City of Brampton is committed to addressing housing affordability and traffic congestion through smart planning, intensification and infrastructure investment. Our immediate focus is on integrating transit-oriented development to create vibrant, connected communities offering a diverse mix of housing options, especially in Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs).

Medium-term, we envision seamless connectivity across the Greater Golden Horseshoe, leveraging Brampton’s strategic location. The expansion of our transit network, including partnerships with Metrolinx to advance regional projects like the Hurontario LRT and GO expansion, is a cornerstone of our strategy.
Enhancing public transit accessibility and promoting higher-density housing in key growth areas will reduce the dependency on personal vehicles. We are taking a multi modal approach to congestion by advancing new forms of micromobility to create walkable neighbourhoods and we maintain competitive development charges to strengthen housing choices and supply.

Whether it’s adopting Brampton Plan, our new Official Plan, Brampton’s 2040 Vision or Housing Brampton, we are focused on innovative approaches for sustainable growth. Building a modern, inclusive, world-class city where residents can establish deep roots and prosper takes many dedicated partners working in unison. We continue to collaborate with all levels of government on a coordinated, forward-thinking approach.

Gary Carr | Chair, Region of Halton

The population of Halton Region’s local municipalities of the City of Burlington and Towns of Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills is forecasted to grow by at least 1.1 million people and 500,000 jobs by 2051. Halton Region is currently completing an Integrated Water, Wastewater and Transportation Master Plan to support a resilient and adaptable transportation system that supports continued growth and travel demand.

Widening of most Regional roads to six lanes will be completed within the next decade and the Master Plan provides an opportunity to optimize the Regional Road network to support a multi-modal transportation system that provides safe and continuous access for all modes of travel, including transit and active transportation. Network improvements will enhance connections both within Halton Region and within the broader provincial network for all users and all abilities.

Doug Downey | MPP, Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte

By providing municipalities with a new set of land-use planning rules, the Ontario government is empowering municipalities with the tools and flexibility to hit their housing targets in a way that is responsive to local challenges and reflective of local priorities. Through the new Provincial Planning Statement the province will help support growth by reducing and streamlining planning rules, simplifying approvals to build homes and eliminating duplication.

These targets for building new housing are also supported by the Building Faster Fund which rewards municipalities that make significant progress against their targets by providing funding for housing-enabling and community-enabling infrastructure. Funding is provided to municipalities that have reached at least 80 per cent of their provincially assigned housing target for the year with increased funding for municipalities that exceed their target.

The government is also seeking to reduce gridlock and allow more freedom of choice for those who live in Simcoe County and other Greater Golden Horseshoe regions by building the Bradford Bypass and Highway 413. The province is also investing in local transit improvements through the Gas Tax Program, with the City of Barrie Transit receiving over $4.7 million in funding since 2022. With over 100 immediate or near-term actions for this rapidly-growing region, the government is laying the groundwork that will improve people’s access to good-paying jobs, housing healthcare, education and family and friends.

Hon. Paul Calandra | Minister Of Municipal Affairs And Housing, Province of Ontario

Since coming to office in 2018, our government has been focused on laying the groundwork for an economic and building boom to support the unprecedented population growth we have seen.

This includes finding ways to build smarter. Through our new Provincial Planning Statement, we are encouraging the building of more homes in areas close to major transit stations, including subway, GO, light rail, and rapid transit bus stations. We want more people living close to public transit to make the best use of our government’s historic investments in transit and reduce the gridlock on our roads.

We have also made changes to allow homebuyers and homebuilders to decide on the number of parking spaces for new residential developments based on market needs in areas near most major transit stations. In some municipalities, this could save up to $50 million for a 500-unit development, making it cheaper to build and purchase new homes near transit.

Our government is cutting red tape and giving our partners the tools and flexibility they need to get more homes built faster where they are needed most.

We look forward to continuing to work with TREBB in the coming year.

Hon. Kinga Surma | Minister of Infrastructure, Province of Ontario

Ontario is taking a bold, new, innovative approach to city building in response to calls from our municipal partners and stakeholders for more housing and less traffic congestion. As the Minister of Infrastructure, I am leading the Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Program, a smart, forward-thinking plan to build vibrant, mixed-use communities that will bring more housing and jobs closer to transit.

The province is bringing faster, more reliable, and seamless transit to the Greater Golden Horseshoe by expanding the GO Transit network and delivering four new priority subway projects — the largest subway expansion in Canadian history. Work is underway to deliver TOCs at 12 future stations along the province’s new Ontario Line, Yonge North Subway Extension, and Scarborough Subway Extension. Once completed, these TOCs will create approximately 79,000 new jobs and approximately 54,000 new residential units, including affordable housing, at or within a short distance of transit stations. We also continue to advance five new TOC sites along GO Transit and light rail transit lines to increase the housing supply, reduce traffic congestion and improve the quality of life in Ontario.

Since 2018, our government has sold 135 government buildings and properties, many of which support provincial priorities such as attainable housing and other social infrastructure.

Ontario continues to act, together with our partners, to meet our goal of building at least 1.5 million homes by 2031.