Federal News
Bank of Canada Policy Rate
On July 30, the Bank of Canada announced it would hold the current policy rate at 2.75%. The Bank is maintaining a cautious approach due to economic uncertainty caused by the current tariff situation, despite the Canadian market showing some resiliency. The next rate announcement will occur on September 17.
Build Canada Homes
The Federal Government released their Build Canada Homes, Market Sounding Guide and will be looking for feedback as it develops the role of this new entity.
Provincial News
New OREA CEO
Luigi Favaro was appointed CEO of OREA on July 25. Luigi will assume his new role on September 2.
New RECO CEO
Brenda Buchanan was appointed CEO of RECO on July 21, after serving as interim CEO since February 2025.
Bill 10 Adds Accountability for Residential and Commercial Landlords
Bill 10 includes a section to create additional accountability for residential or commercial landlords to prevent their properties from knowingly being used to produce or traffic-controlled substances or Cannabis.
City of Burlington
Pre-Budget Consultations
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.
Burlington Business after Business
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is co-hosting a Business after Business at City Hall with the City of Burlington on September 17.
Town of Grimsby
Pre-Budget Consultations
The Town of Grimsby is collecting feedback for its 2026 budget until August 15.
Accessory Residential Unit(s)
The Town of Grimsby has expanded the ability for its residents to build Additional Residential Units (ARUs) on their properties, to allow up to two additional ARUs within the Town’s Urban Settle Boundary and one on Rural and Agricultural lands. Last week, Julie Sergi, Chair of Cornerstone, submitted correspondence to the Planning and Development committee to support this change.
City of Hamilton
Development Charges & Down Payment Assistance Program
Development charges have been decreased by 20%, after joint advocacy efforts with the West End Home Builders’ Association (WE HBA) and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. Nicolas von Bredow delegated to the Audit, Finance and Administration committee at the end of July.
In addition to the development charge reduction, the creation of a Down Payment Assistance Program was referred to the Housing Secretariat and Housing Services to assess the feasibility of its implementation. Nicolas von Bredow used part of his time at the Audit, Finance and Administration committee to discuss the importance of creating the program, and we will continue to advocate for its creation.
Ward 8 By-Election
There will be a by-election in Ward 8 to fill the vacant councillor seat. Voting day will be on September 22.
New Homes and Long-term Care Beds Announced
On July 31, the Province of Ontario and City of Hamilton announced the construction of 512 long-term care beds and more than 1,000 additional homes by Schlegel Villages and Indwell.
Safe Apartment Buildings
The City is looking for feedback on how it assesses apartment building conditions. The survey is open until September 30.
City of Kitchener
Kitchener 2051
The City of Kitchener is continuing to develop its new official plan, Kitchener 2051, including presenting its Preferred Growth Strategy on August 11 at the Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee. The City will continue to look for engagement on the plan in Fall 2025 before adopting the new plan in 2026.
Town of Lincoln
Pre-Budget Consultations
The Town of Lincoln is running budget consultations. Feedback can be submitted until October 5.
City of Mississauga
Fourplex: 1 House 4 Homes
Sheridan College is hosting Fourplex: 1 House 4 Homes on September 5 in collaboration with the City of Mississauga, exploring how gentle density can support more inclusive, adaptable living in our growing cities.
Norfolk County
Pre-Budget Consultations
Norfolk County is running budget consultations. Feedback can be submitted here until September 30 to be considered for the October 16 meeting of Council.
City of Waterloo
Housing Accelerator Fund Programming
The City of Waterloo is collecting feedback for two of its Housing Accelerator Fund programs. The Multi-Unit Residential Acquisition, which would help organizations purchases existing rental buildings for long-term affordable housing and the Community Planning Permit System, a tool to streamline development approvals in Uptown Waterloo and Erb Street. Feedback for the Multi-Unit Residential Acquisition is ongoing and comments on the Community Planning Permit System are due by September 12.
Region of Waterloo
Pre-Budget Consultations
The Region of Waterloo is beginning its 2026 budget consultation.
Land Transfer Between Municipalities
The Region of Waterloo has accepted the proposal from the City of Cambridge and the Township of North Dumfries to transfer lands from North Dumfries to Cambridge with development plans, to allow for the land to be serviced by the City of Cambridge.
New Waterloo Regional Councillor for Kitchener
Congratulations to Councillor Joseph Gowing on being selected to Waterloo Regional Council. We look forward to working with you in your new role on housing in Kitchener and throughout the Region of Waterloo.
Waterloo Region Home Builders’ Networking Luncheon
The Waterloo Region Home Builders’ Association will be hosting their networking luncheon and annual meeting on September 18. The keynote speaker, Kristin Jensen, Vice President of Policy & Advocacy at OHBA, will share perspectives shaping housing policy at the provincial and local level. Event registration is not open yet.
Township of Wellesley
Official Plan Consultation
The township of Wellesley is collecting feedback for its new official plan. You can register for a 1 on 1 meeting with a member of the Official Plan consulting team on August 19 to give feedback on Growth Management, Employment and Agriculture or participate at their special council meeting on August 26.
Wilmot
Official Plan Consultations
The township of Wilmot is collecting feedback for its new Official Plan until August 18.
Your feedback is appreciated! Please contact us at: advocacy@cornerstone.inc.
Past Government Relations Updates
