Federal News
Cornerstone Hosts MP John-Paul Danko
In collaboration with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Cornerstone hosted John-Paul Danko, MP for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas, on December 16 at the association’s office for a roundtable discussion on the federal budget and its impact on Hamilton. Members of Cornerstone’s Provincial/Federal Advocacy Committee and the Hamilton Chamber’s Board and Advocacy Committee participated in the meeting.
Cornerstone Meets with MP Charles Sousa
On January 12, Cornerstone met with Charles Sousa, MP for Mississauga-Lakeshore, to discuss the importance of building missing middle housing and ensuring homeownership is attainable for more Canadians.
Provincial News
RECO Updates
On December 12, Cornerstone reiterated the need to make REALTORS® affected by iPro Realty matter whole.
On December 15, CEO Bill Duce joined leaders from across the province for a meeting with Minister Crawford and RECO Administrator Lépine to discuss the necessary reforms to RECO and the need to make those affected whole.
On December 15, RECO announced that they would begin by fast tracking claims pro-rated at 50%, Cornerstone welcomed this as a first step.
On December 24, RECO outlined their plans to make REALTORS® whole and committed to working toward full payment of 100% of eligible commissions.
Rent Increase Guideline to 2.1% in 2026
The Ontario government has set the rent increase guideline for 2026 at 2.1%. This guideline applies to rented residential units covered by the Residential Tenancies Act built before November 16, 2018. Landlords may increase rent by this percentage for existing tenants without requiring approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board, provided they give at least 90 days' notice.
Pre-budget Presentations to the Provincial Government
Cornerstone is set to present our pre-budget submissions on two key dates in January 2026:
- January 15 (being rescheduled due to inclement weather): Presentation to the Parliamentary Assistant on Finance.
- January 20: Presentation to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.
These presentations will allow us to advocate for crucial housing and economic policies and ensure your voices on local issues are heard for the upcoming budget.
New Job Posting Rules Effective January 1, 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, new regulations under the ESA will affect publicly advertised job postings. Key requirements include:
- Compensation Disclosure: Employers must include expected compensation or a range of expected compensation. The range is limited to an amount equivalent to $50,000 per year or less. Exceptions apply for compensation above $200,000/year.
- AI Disclosure: Any use of artificial intelligence in the hiring process must be disclosed.
- No Canadian Experience Requirement: Job postings cannot mandate a requirement of Canadian experience.
- Vacancy Disclosure: Employers must state if the posting is for an existing vacancy or not.
- Interview Follow Up: Employers must inform interviewed applicants whether a hiring decision has been made within 45 days after the last interview. The information must be provided in person, in writing, or using technology.
These rules do not apply to employers with fewer than 25 employees.
10-Day Cooling-Off Period for New Home Purchases Delayed to 2027
The Province of Ontario has announced that they will be delaying the start of the 10-day cooling-off period for new freehold home purchases to January 1, 2027.
Once the changes come into force, consumers who enter into a purchase agreement for a new freehold home on or after January 1, 2027, will have a 10-day cooling-off period to review their agreement and make a more informed and confident purchasing decision. Purchasers who cancel their agreement during this period will receive their deposits back without penalty.
To learn more about the cooling-off period that will go into effect in 2027, you can consult the New Home Construction Licensing Act section 53.
Proposed Inclusionary Zoning Pause
The Ontario Government has announced a pause in the implementation of inclusionary zoning in Toronto, Mississauga and Kitchener until July 1, 2027.
Reminder: New Ontario Fire Code Effective January 1, 2026
Beginning January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code will require more and better-placed Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms in residential buildings (detached, townhouses, apartments/condos, etc.) to improve safety.
• CO alarms must be installed on every storey of a dwelling, not just near sleeping areas, in homes that have:
• Fuel-burning appliances (e.g., gas or wood furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, dryers)
• Attached garages
• Heating air supplied from a fuel-burning appliance outside the home
• In multi-unit residential buildings, CO alarms must also be installed in certain common/public corridors and areas if the building is heated by fuel-burning equipment.
• Landlords/building owners are responsible for purchasing, installing, and providing usage guidelines for tenants, while tenants are responsible for reporting any problems and testing the units each month.
Cornerstone meets with Minister Lumsden
On January 13, Cornerstone met with Minister Neil Lumsden, MPP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek to discuss RECO, improvements to the RTA and LTB, and removing the HST from all new homes to ensure homeownership is attainable for more Ontarians.
Municipal News
Halton Region
Burlington
New Residential Zoning Bylaw update and meeting on February 10
The City of Burlington has delayed the presentation of the bylaw to allow for further consultation. The next consultation meeting will be on February 10.
Mayor’s State of the City Address
Hosted by the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Meed Ward’s State of the City address will be held on January 23 at the Burlington Convention Centre.
Three Strikes and You’re In
There is a motion at Pipeline to Permit to consider a Three Strikes and You’re In model aimed at reducing the time for site plan approvals. This model is used in Mississauga and Vaughan.
Hamilton
Vacant Unit Tax Declaration Period Now Open
The declaration period for the Vacant Unit Tax in Hamilton is now open. All property owners must complete their declaration by the deadline of April 15, 2026. This applies to all properties, whether they are occupied or vacant.
Development Charge Exemption for Fourth Residential Units
There is a motion in committee at the City of Hamilton to explore an exemption for development charges on fourth residential units at the Audit, Finance and Administration Committee meeting on January 15.
Interim Fee for Secondary Plan Official Plan Amendment Applications
The City of Hamilton is considering implementing a fee for the development of future secondary plans. The motion was passed at planning committee and will be discussed at Council on January 21.
Niagara Region
New Regional Chair
The Province of Ontario has announced the appointment of Bob Gale as the new Chair of the Niagara Region. Bob Gale has previously served as a Niagara Regional Councillor.
Lincoln
Upcoming Annual Politicians’ Breakfast
The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is hosting their annual Politicians’ Breakfast on February 6 at the Shore.
Norfolk County
Municipal Accommodation Tax
Norfolk County is considering implementing a Municipal Accommodation Tax at their meeting on February 10, which would lead to a 4% fee applied to a guest’s bill for local accommodations, including hotels and short-term rentals.
Peel Region
Mississauga
Minister Bethlenfalvy
Cornerstone attended the Mississauga Board of Trade’s event with Minister Bethlenfalvy on January 14, where he discussed local investments, including the LRT, interprovincial trade and the response to tariffs, and tax reductions in Ontario since 2018. Cornerstone had the opportunity to speak with the Minister at the event about the importance of removing HST for all new home buyers.
Upcoming Mississauga Board of Trade events with Minister Flack and Premier Ford
Minister Flack will be speaking on January 22, and Premier Ford will be speaking on February 4.
Waterloo Region
Water Capacity in Waterloo Region
The Region of Waterloo has released a report on the water capacity issue. The pause on approvals of new development is currently ongoing, but the region has reiterated that current homes will not face water shortages and that there is no impact on water quality.
Cornerstone hosted a webinar on January 12 with the Region of Waterloo commissioner; future webinars and updates will be available as further information is released.
If you have any questions regarding the issue, please reach out to: regionaldevelopment@regionofwaterloo.ca
Vision 1 Million event on Healthcare
On January 15, the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce hosted their second “Vision 1 Million: Are We Ready?” event of the season. This session focused on healthcare and included an update from the Future Cities Institute, where they launched their updated scorecard.
Waterloo Region Home Builders’ Association Luncheon with Tony LaMantia
Cornerstone will be attending the WRHBA luncheon with Tony LaMantia to hear an update from the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation on economic pressures, regional resilience and what’s next for Waterloo Region.
Cambridge
Form-Based Zoning Delay until February 3 Council Meeting
Cambridge City Council has deferred their decision on form-based zoning to February 3. The goal of this change is to simplify overall zoning regulations and support the development of missing middle housing.
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Breakfast with City Manager Rob Axiak
On January 16, the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a breakfast meeting with new City Manager Rob Axiak.
Waterloo
Rental Renovation and Tenant Support
On January 19, the City of Waterloo council will be determining if they will proceed with the implementation of a Rental Renovation Licensing Program. The staff report is recommending that they do not proceed with the program. If it were to be created, the program or enhanced tenant support, landlords would require a license for renovation if there is an eviction included.
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