Commitment to cutting costs and accelerating construction welcomed by industry leaders
Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario builders are encouraged by the commitment to cutting costs and accelerating construction that were included in the Ontario government’s throne speech delivered on Wednesday.
With housing starts plummeting by 38 per cent across Ontario and 58 per cent in Toronto in the first quarter of 2025, builders are expressing relief at the government’s renewed commitment to addressing the affordability crisis.
“Premier Ford and his government have made it clear they are focused on removing obstacles that hinder the construction of new homes,” said Richard Lyall, president of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON). “The approvals system in Ontario takes far too long and only drives up the cost of building a home. Development charges are out of control and must be reduced to make housing affordable.”
The Throne Speech launched the new session of government, outlining plans to lower development fees, aligning with initiatives already underway in cities like Vaughan and Mississauga, where mayors Steven Del Duca and Carolyn Parrish have implemented or proposed reductions. The government also intends to standardize costs and timelines across municipalities, improving transparency in development charges, building permit approvals, and background studies.
“These reforms need to be implemented immediately,” Lyall said. “To escape the housing crisis, we must reduce the cost of building new homes for consumers, which means speeding up the process and cutting the development charges that are stifling the industry.”
RESCON also expressed support for the government’s broader economic agenda, particularly efforts to address rising construction costs driven by U.S. tariffs. The organization has long criticized these tariffs for driving up the price of building materials.
“The Ford government’s intention to confront the Trump-era tariffs and transform Ontario into the most competitive place in the G7 for investment is a positive step,” said Lyall. “Tearing down internal trade barriers within Canada is an important first move.”
Looking ahead, RESCON is eager to continue working with the provincial government to reduce costs, accelerate construction, and address Ontario’s pressing housing needs.
