Ontario Construction News staff writer
Legislation introduced Thursday by Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra includes measures that will spur the construction of much-needed housing in the province, according to the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON).
Calandra’s announcement came as the Ontario government prepares to release an updated version of the Ontario Building Code.
“We are pleased the provincial government remains focused on the housing supply crisis by introducing the Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024, which will focus on measures to reduce bureaucracy and allow more homes to be built faster,” said RESCON president Richard Lyall. “We are in desperate need of all types of housing across the province and must pull out all the stops to get more shovels in the ground. This legislation is certainly positive news for builders.”
“Bureaucracy and red tape are two significant obstacles that builders must overcome in trying to get housing projects underway. This legislation will help to streamline and accelerate approvals and has a number of proposals to reduce building costs and prevent delays.”
If passed, the new legislation would exempt publicly assisted universities from the Planning Act, allowing them to accelerate the building of new student housing which would ease demand on market-housing options. It would also remove the requirement to have a minimum amount of parking spaces for developments in certain areas near major transit stations, help create additional garden, laneway or basement suites, and reduce project delays by streamlining the system to get quicker planning approvals from the Ontario Land Tribunal.
“The new legislation reiterates the government’s commitment to tackling the housing supply and affordability crisis,” Lyall said. “To keep the dream of home ownership alive in Ontario, we must get shovels in the ground quicker and make them affordable. Presently, the system is on life support.”