Joint Advocacy Meeting 

Cornerstone hosted its first Joint Advocacy Meeting on Monday, September 29, where members of the Local Advocacy Committee and the Provincial/Federal Advocacy Committee discussed their priorities and developed their skills in advocacy and policy. 

Cornerstone will be heading to Ottawa as part of CREA’s Political Affairs Conference (PAC) from October 25-28. As part of the event, Cornerstone’s Provincial/Federal Advocacy Committee will be in attendance and meeting with Members of Parliament at Parliament Hill.

The Government of Canada launched Build Canada Homes in September, their new initiative to build more affordable housing and modular housing in Canada. The initial investment is $13 billion.

The federal budget will be released on November 4. We hope to see many of the suggestions brought forward by CREA included. Their key recommendations included:  

On September 17, the Bank of Canada announced a policy rate cut of 0.25 per cent to 2.5 per cent. The next rate announcement is on October 29. 

Recently passed Bill 2, which allows workers to work more easily in different provinces, does apply to REALTORS®, but the exact details of how they will apply are not yet clear. We will continue monitoring how the new legislation will affect registration.  

Bonnie Crombie has stepped down as Ontario Liberal Leader after receiving less than 60 per cent of the support of her party in her leadership review. Marit Stiles will continue as leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party after her leadership review.  

The City of Burlington is seeking input from residents for its Horizon 2050 initiative, aimed at planning the future of the city. This engagement survey allows community members to share their views on key areas such as sustainable growth, infrastructure, and community services.  Participate in the survey to have your say in the Burlington's long-term planning.

A new report proposing a temporary 20 per cent reduction in development charges for two years will be presented to the Pipeline to Permit Committee on October 9 and subsequently to City Council on October 14. 

The West End Home Builders' Association (WEHBA) is hosting its annual Housing Summit on November 3, 2025. This event will gather industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss key issues, trends, and innovative solutions in the housing sector. 

The City of Hamilton has created a New Mid-Rise Residential Zone to attempt to address the missing middle to allow further intensification in certain parts of the city. Further areas will be evaluated through the second phase of the project.

Congratulations to Councillor-Elect Rob Cooper on being elected to Hamilton City Council for Ward 8 in the September by-election. 

Cornerstone is pleased to sponsor the upcoming Mayor’s Breakfast hosted by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce on October 9 at LiUNA Station. Tickets are sold out. 

The City of Hamilton is hosting budget consultations. You can fill out the survey here until October 10.

The City of Hamilton is hosting budget consultations. You can fill out the survey here until October 10.

Peel Regional Council will be discussing approving nine new affordable housing projects on October 9

Cornerstone is pleased to sponsor the upcoming Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Series event featuring a discussion on the LRT on October 15.

Mark your calendars for Mayor Berry Vrbanovic’s State of the City event on October 21 at Centre in the Square at 4:30 PM.