Ontario and Canada remain in the grip of a housing crisis that is increasingly defined not only by insufficient supply of the housing that is needed, but also by a decline in confidence across the housing ecosystem. While governments and industry have made meaningful progress on planning reform, funding programs, and streamlining approvals, housing delivery is still constrained by stalled demand, frozen capital, and regulatory uncertainty. As a result, tens of thousands of approved housing units across Ontario and Canada remain unbuilt, putting future supply at risk.
The underlying housing shortage has not abated. Ontario continues to face a severe lack of housing options that would allow seniors to downsize, families to move up, and younger households to enter stable ownership. These dual challenges of weak demand alongside persistent structural undersupply of family-friendly homes require coordinated, disciplined, and fiscally responsible action by both the federal and provincial governments.
As governments prepare fiscal and policy decisions, a coalition of REALTORS®, builders, trade associations, not-for-profit organizations, and rental providers from Ontario’s housing sector continues to speak with one voice, urging a renewed focus on restoring confidence and unlocking demand. The coalition is proposing a renewed push for targeted action by the Government of Canada and the Ontario Government on the following:
Federal Policy Recommendations
- Expand the GST sales tax rebate on new homes to all buyers.
- Modernize federal financing tools to support rental and missing middle ownership housing.
- Restore practicality to mortgage qualification rules.
- Amend the prohibition on foreign home buyers, with clear and enforceable guardrails.
Ontario Policy Recommendations
- Reform development charges and improve cost transparency.
- Expand the HST sales tax rebate on new homes to all buyers.
- End exclusionary zoning in large municipalities.
- Remove municipal barriers to housing delivery.
We must act now through bold measures; the time for incremental steps is behind us. The housing sector stands ready to partner with both orders of government to translate the recommendations found in our joint letter into real homes, real jobs, and lasting affordability for Canadians.
Link to joint coalition letter.
SOURCE, TRREB
To learn more, visit TRREB, TORONTO REGIONAL REAL ESTATE BOARD
