July 2025

Bill C-4, which proposes a cut to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for first-time homebuyers, is progressing. The bill aims to make new homes and substantially renovated homes more accessible by retroactively eliminating GST for a broader range of eligible individuals as of May 27, 2025. 

For more information: GST Rebate for First-Time Homebuyers . Stay tuned for more details.

The proposed Bill C-2 is moving forward. It aims to restrict cash transactions larger than $10,000. If passed, this legislation will prohibit not only single cash payments exceeding this threshold, but also a series of transactions that cumulatively equal or surpass $10,000. 

This initiative is designed to combat money laundering and enhance financial transparency. You can find the bill here: Bill C-2, Part 11 . Stay tuned for more details. 

Bill 2 aims to make it easier for people to get certified in regulated jobs in Ontario. It establishes timelines for those already certified elsewhere, but may not be applicable in all professions. 

We will monitor any implications for REALTORS® and TRESA. Stay tuned for updates.

For additional insights, read OREA Media Statement here ↱

The Ontario Government announced they would be capping rent increases for properties occupied for the first time before November 16, 2018, at 2.1% for 2026. 

Read the full release here  ↱

The first draft of Burlington’s New Zoning By-law for Residential Zones is now available for you to read and give feedback on the project page. 

You can submit written comments on Draft 1 of the proposed by-law and mapping via the online Public Comment Form until August 5.  

The City is collecting feedback for its 2026 budget until July 31, 2025.

Fill out the budget survey here  ↱

Let us know what you would like to see from the City of Cambridge’s budget at advocacy@cornerstone.inc  

The City of Cambridge is considering changing its zoning regulations to form-based zoning in residential areas to make it easier to build missing middle housing.  

Feedback is open until July 11 here  ↱

Grimsby is considering proposed amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law regarding Additional Residential Units (ARUs). These changes aim to increase housing supply and flexibility, providing more options for buyers and renters.  

A recent planning meeting included a presentation detailing the proposed amendments, which align with the growing demand for diverse housing options.

Read the full report here  ↱

The Town of Grimsby is collecting feedback for its 2026 budget until July 15, 2025.

Fill out the budget survey here  ↱

Let us know what you would like to see from the Town of Grimsby’s budget at advocacy@cornerstone.inc 

Hamilton is implementing a new Stormwater Fee designed to shift the cost of managing stormwater away from property taxes to a “user-pay model”. Effective April 2026, this fee will be calculated based on the total impervious surface area of properties for larger properties and by type of property for smaller residential properties. 

For single detached homes, the fee is set at $200.75 (which equals 1 billing unit). For residential properties with seven or more units, mixed-use properties and non-residential properties, for every 291m² of impervious area (this includes rooftops, roadways, and parking lots, which prevent water from penetrating the ground), 1 billing unit will be charged. 

Credits and rebates are available for property owners with water management measures.

More details available here  ↱

Calculate your Stormwater Fee here  ↱

During the Planning Committee meeting on June 25th, Nicolas von Bredow, Board member and spokesperson for Hamilton-Burlington, addressed the housing attainability crisis in Hamilton. 

Nicolas emphasized the need for a moderate urban boundary expansion to meet housing targets and provide a variety of housing options, noting that relying solely on intensification is insufficient. He pointed out that rejecting the expansion proposal could lead to costly legal challenges and slow housing development, ultimately jeopardizing jobs and economic growth. 

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, West End Home Builders’ Association, and Dr. Mike Moffatt of the Missing Middle Initiative also delegated in support of the expansion to emphasize the need for missing middle housing in Hamilton.  

Council voted against the expansion and committed to maintaining the current boundary.   

The City of Hamilton is holding a by-election for Ward 8 after John-Paul Danko was elected MP for Hamilton West—Ancaster —Dundas. Nominations must be submitted by August 8^th at 2:00 PM, and election day will take place on September 22nd. 

More details available here  ↱

CityHousing Hamilton has submitted an MZO request to the Province to expedite the development of up to 642 units at 405 James St. North. There will likely be a 30-day public comment period on the Environmental Registry of Ontario, followed by further provincial deliberations before Minister Flack makes a final decision. 

Cornerstone representatives attended the Hamilton State of the City (formerly known as the City Manager’s Breakfast) on June 16^th. Government Relations Committee members and members of our team met with senior city leadership and other community leaders and heard updates from the City Manager.  

City Council has officially approved plans to develop a Rental Renovation Licensing By-law designed to protect tenants from “renovictions” under the guise of renovations. This initiative follows a directive from June 2025 aimed at addressing bad-faith evictions in the city. 

The new by-law will work alongside existing provincial regulations and will be crafted in consultation with housing law experts and landlord-tenant advocates. The consultancy phase is expected to begin this summer, with a comprehensive report and draft by-law anticipated by early 2026.  

We will keep you updated on opportunities to provide feedback. 

City Council determined not to proceed with a short-term rental licensing by-law at their meeting on June 23. They will continue to address citizen concerns with short-term rentals through other means. 

City Council approved grants for brownfield remediation, facilitating the development of 319 housing units and 145,000 square feet of commercial space. The Tax Incremental Grant (TIG) program aims to promote the redevelopment of contaminated sites, aligning with Kitchener’s goals to enhance housing availability, support economic growth, and promote sustainable development. 

Peel Council recently approved a 50% reduction in development charges from July 10, 2025, to November 13, 2026, facilitated by a $1.3 billion investment from the provincial government to offset revenue loss. This initiative, suggested in Mayor Parrish’s Housing Task Force Report, aims to stimulate growth and support new housing developments in the region. 

Ontario officially broke ground on June 25^th on the new Peter Gilgan Hospital in Mississauga. This state-of-the-art facility is expected to increase its capacity to meet community needs by bringing 2,400 more health-care workers and 400 additional doctors to Mississauga.

Read the full release here ↱ 

On June 24^th, 2025, Norfolk County Council approved moving ahead with the sale of Vittoria Old Town Hall.  

More details available here  ↱

The City of Waterloo is launching an Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Grant Program as part of its Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan.  

The ARU Grant Program features two financial support streams: 

Priority will be given to affordable rental units, with a requirement to rent at affordable rates for a minimum of five years. The program is expected to launch in the fall of 2025. 

More details available here  ↱

The City of Waterloo has updated its Residential Rental Licensing By-law. Changes include: 

These regulations will take effect on July 1, 2026. 

More details available here  ↱

Waterloo Region is looking to fill a vacant Regional Council seat for Kitchener after the untimely death of Regional Councillor Kari Williams. Applications are open until August 1^st at 4:00 PM.

More details available here  ↱

Zoning and draft plans have been approved for up to 169 new homes in Wellesley village on Gerber Road, including 57 detached homes, 34 semi-detached homes and 54 townhouses. 

The Record article available here  ↱

The Township of West Lincoln is collecting feedback for its 2026 budget until July 21, 2025.

Fill out the budget survey here  ↱

Let us know what you would like to see from the Township of West Lincoln’s budget at advocacy@cornerstone.inc