EVERY LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT CAN DO MORE
Municipal Government
Municipal governments in Ontario have been given primary jurisdiction over land use planning and housing policy by the Province. While it is worthwhile to correct many issues at the provincial level, municipalities have the tools they need to move on this issue independently. Our suggestions will improve city affordability, the financial sustainability of municipal government, improve services, and help Toronto meet it's climate objectives.
While The Big 5 Municipal Housing Plaform was created for 2022 City of Toronto elections, the principles and policies can apply to all municipalities in the province. They are:
- Legalize Housing For All
- Make Rules That Make Sense
- Build Affordable At Every Opportunity
- Ensure Consultation Reflects Communities
- Tax Equitably And Sustainably
Provincial Government
While every level of government must play a role in fixing the housing crisis, the provincial government has the greatest powers to change the trajectory of housing unaffordability in the province. It oversees municipalities and land use planning, infrastructure and services, and controls a significant portion of housing-related taxes. Increasing construction costs and fluctuating interest rates have contributed to uncertainty and added costs. Still, Ontario has performed particularly poorly, with housing starts down 18% in 2024, according to CMHC.
With the announcement of the February 2025 provincial election, More Neighbours Toronto we have updated our provincial policy position, with ideas in five categories: Setting Ambitious Goals, Building More, Housing Justice, Changing Behaviour and Aligning Incentives, and Scaling Up and Building Faster:
- Setting Ambitious Goals
- Building More
- Housing Justice
- Changing Behaviour and Aligning Incentives
- Scaling Up and Building Faster
Federal Government
While the federal government does not have constitutional purview over land use and housing policy, it does have incredible financial and regulatory powers along with the attention of the National Media. Given their ability to influence national policy, the Federal Government can do much more than it's letting on to encourage reforms to end the housing crisis, particularly in Ontario & BC.
- Dominate The Conversation & Incentivize Better Practices
- Funding Housing & Investing Better
- Incentivize Better Systems, Disincentivize Speculatative Demand
- Immigration, Supply Chains, and Innovative Policy