Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) have long advocated for the federal and provincial governments to play a more significant role in funding housing and growth related infrastructure. Today’s announcement acknowledges that the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario truly share responsibility for funding both. The proposed federal and provincial investments in exchange for residential development charge reductions – has the potential to help unlock projects and advance housing goals in many communities.
Municipalities have been clear, we cannot meet Ontario’s housing targets or improve affordability without all partners in the home building process focused on ensuring growing communities have the critical infrastructure our residents need for water and wastewater, roads, transit, emergency services, parks, community centres and more.
And while we all share the same goal of reducing housing prices, it can not come at the cost of increases to property taxes or on the backs of homeowners. While the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP) will cover a significant amount of the financial losses of these reductions, municipalities will still have to cover some of these costs themselves, adding to an already strained property tax system.
As an organization of 29 municipalities representing 70% of Ontarians and almost 30% of Canadians, we understand that circumstances are different in each community. This is why we asked for and support the voluntary nature of the program, with each community determining its own participation. It’s also important that the program acknowledges previous DC reductions in some municipalities.
OBCM also appreciates the broadened definition of eligible infrastructure. The inclusion of community infrastructure, such as community centres, libraries and fire halls, alongside traditionally funded housing-enabling infrastructure, better reflects the real costs of growth. As we learn more about details about this program, we will continue to advocate for recognition of variable DC rates across the province, minimizing the financial impact on municipal budgets, and a mechanism to confirm savings passed on to homebuyers.
OBCM is committed to continuing these conversations and working constructively with the federal and provincial governments as program details are released for this funding program, and with future programs on shared priorities.
“Our mayors have been clear that the costs of growth related infrastructure can’t be borne solely by new homeowners or shifted to the property tax base. Today’s announcement from the federal and provincial governments recognize they have a role to play in funding these costs. We welcome an opportunity to work with both levels of government to navigate this new funding opportunity, and get the best outcome for our member municipalities and their residents.”
Marianne Meed Ward – Chair of OBCM and Mayor of Burlington
About Ontario’s Big City Mayors
Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM), is a non-partisan organization that includes mayors of 29 single and lower-tier cities with a population of 100,000 or more, who collectively represent 70% of Ontario’s population and almost 30% of Canada’s. OBCM advocates for issues and policies important to Ontario’s largest cities.
Media Contacts
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Chair Michelle Baker, Executive Director
chair@obcm.ca michelle@obcm.ca
905-335-7777 647-308-6602