General Advocacy News
Cornerstone Advocacy Reflected in HST Rebate Expansion
The expansion of the HST rebate on new homes reflects the type of solutions Cornerstone has been advocating for to improve housing affordability.
Earlier this year, Cornerstone member Andrea Fedy, Director and Provincial/Federal Advocacy Committee member, presented a pre-budget submission calling for the removal of the provincial portion of the HST on new homes; a key measure reflected in this outcome.
Engaging with Elected officials at CHASE
Cornerstone's Housing Action & Solutions Expo (CHASE) provided a valuable opportunity for Cornerstone to engage with elected officials across all levels of government, advancing key housing priorities and advocacy efforts.
Minister Graydon Smith delivered a keynote presentation, while MP John-Paul Danko and Mayor Andrea Horwath participated in Panel 2: The Policy and Politics of Housing, sharing insights on the actions being taken to address housing supply and affordability.
Federal News
Canada-Ontario Partnership to Reduce Development Charges
A new Canada-Ontario partnership will provide incentives for municipalities to reduce development charges by up to 50% over a 3-year period through an $8.8 Billion investment. Beyond development charges, the partnership also includes commitments for transit projects such as the Hamilton LRT.
Bank of Canada Maintains Overnight Rate at 2.25%
On March 18, the Bank of Canada announced it will maintain the overnight rate at 2.25%, amid economic uncertainty and geopolitical risks. The next announcement is scheduled for April 29.
This decision continues to influence borrowing costs, with implications for mortgage rates and overall housing market activity.
CREA PAC at Home: Advancing Housing Advocacy
Cornerstone is continuing its advocacy efforts through CREA’s PAC at Home program, meeting with local MPs in April and May to discuss housing priorities.
Our first meeting took place on March 31 with MP Connie Cody, where we began conversations on the issues impacting homeownership and housing supply in Cambridge.
Active Transportation Infrastructure
Canada and Hamilton have announced a joint investment in active transportation infrastructure, including expanded bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and enhanced safety features. This investment supports broader housing and growth objectives by improving connectivity and helping enable more complete, accessible communities.
Provincial News
Bill 98: Improving Transit and Building More Homes
Introduced on March 29, Bill 98 aims to improve transit and accelerate housing development. The legislation includes several key initiatives to streamline development processes and get more housing built:
- Official Plans: Requires updates to municipal official plans to simplify and standardize them.
- Building Code: Introduces amendments to reduce complexity in the Ontario Building Code.
- Municipal Standards: Limits municipalities requiring enhanced development standards.
- Development Charges: Increase transparency around development charges, helping clarify cost implications for developers and homebuyers.
Additionally, Bill 98 clarifies rules related to Peel Region Water and Wastewater services.
Ontario Introducing Legislation on Regional Governance
Ontario has introduced legislation to restructure regional governance in Niagara, Waterloo, Peel, Halton, Durham, Muskoka, York and Simcoe.
Under the proposed changes, Regional Chairs would be appointed by the province and given “strong chair” powers. In Niagara, Regional Council would be reduced from 32 members to 13 members, with only local mayors represented and the potential for weighted voting.
OREA Advocacy Days and Development Charge Reform Paper
OREA released its Development Charge reform paper on March 19, outlining significant recommendations for reforming development charges. The recommendations will be a key focus for OREA's advocacy days coming up in May.
The Ontario Budget
The Ontario Budget was presented on March 26. While it included previously announced housing measures such as the HST rebate and hinted at elements of Bill 98, it did not introduce new housing-specific initiatives.
RECO Administrator's New Implementation Plan Released
The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO)’s Administrator and Interim CEO Jean Lépine released a new implementation plan on March 31. The plan outlines changes to governance, organizational structure, culture, and operations, aimed at addressing recommendations from the Dentons Report, including trust account oversight.
Key initiatives include a public awareness campaign, stakeholder engagement, digital modernization, and education reform.
Cornerstone continues to engage with RECO, including participating in the upcoming collaboration summit on April 9, focused on education.
Municipal News
Haldimand County
Haldimand County Launches Development of an Affordable Housing Strategy
Haldimand County has begun a project to develop an Affordable Housing Strategy, one of its priorities for the current council term. The strategy will build off the county’s Housing Needs Assessment completed in 2025, which identified the need for more diverse housing types. There will be engagement opportunities to collect feedback in the coming months, including public meetings and an online survey. The project is expected to be completed in September 2026.
Halton Region
Halton Region Basement Flooding Mitigation Program
Halton Region’s Basement Flooding Mitigation Program focuses on reducing basement flooding risks through field investigations, targeted outreach and updated subsidy eligibility for certain products.
This program supports housing resilience by helping homeowners mitigate flooding risks and protect property value.
City of Burlington
Burlington Chamber AGM
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce will host its 79th Annual General Meeting on May 4 at the DeGroote School of Business Auditorium. Doors open at 4:15 PM, with the AGM starting at 4:30 PM. Following the formal business, Minister Nina Tangri will deliver a keynote address.
This event provides an opportunity to connect with local business leaders and hear directly from government on economic priorities that impact the housing market.
The City of Burlington has deferred its decision on Development Charges until the Committee of the Whole meeting on April 13. Over the past month, Cornerstone has delegated and written to Council in support of the Mayor’s motion to temporarily eliminate Development Charges to lower the costs of building new homes.
Development Charges
The City of Burlington will be discussing a Community Improvement Plan Amendment that could include reducing development charges. Cornerstone has delegated and sent correspondence on this issue and will continue to engage as discussions move forward at the April 14 meeting.
Burlington Telephone Town Hall
Join the Burlington Telephone Town Hall with Mayor Meed Ward and members of Council on April 14 at 7 PM.
This is an opportunity to hear directly from local decision-makers and raise questions on issues impacting housing, development and growth in Burlington.
Hamilton
City of Hamilton
Vacant Unit Tax Declaration Deadline
All property owners in Hamilton must declare their property’s occupancy status by April 15. Late declarations will be accepted until May 15, subject to a $250 late fee.
Mayor’s Breakfast
The Mayor's Breakfast will be hosted by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce on April 28 at Liuna Station.
This event will provide insight into local priorities and include an opportunity to connect with municipal leadership, regional stakeholders, and the business community.
Niagara Region
Town of Lincoln
Lincoln's High Consumption Relief Program and New Water Billing Schedule
On April 13, the Town of Lincoln is considering introducing a High Consumption Relief Program and will transition to water bill every two months instead of every three months.
These changes may impact operating costs for property owners and tenants, particularly for higher-consumption properties.
Peel Region
City of Mississauga
State of the City
Cornerstone had the opportunity to connect with Mayor Carolyn Parrish, Councillor Stephen Dasko, and Councillor Sue McFadden while attending the State of the City of Mississauga.
During the event, the Mayor highlighted ongoing efforts to support housing supply, including reductions to development charges, a streamlined approach to development approvals, and the importance of the housing sector in driving growth.
Mississauga Approves New By-Law to Help Protect Tenants from Renovictions
The City of Mississauga has approved a new by-law designed to protect tenants from renovictions. The by-law addresses concerns about landlords using renovations as a pretext to evict tenants and increase rents.
Cornerstone has expressed concern that the by-law may place additional administrative burdens on landlords, which could impact future rental supply.
Waterloo Region
Water Capacity
Capacity constraints in the Manheim Service Area continue to be a concern for further development in Waterloo Region. While recent repairs have restored some capacity, additional increases are still in progress, with timelines continuing to be determined.
Cornerstone continues to engage with the region through the industry stakeholder working group.
City of Cambridge
Development Charges
The City of Cambridge removed the discussion on updating development charges at their meeting on March 24.
City of Kitchener
Kitchener By-Law to Protect Tenants from Renovictions to go to Council
On April 13, the City of Kitchener Council will be discussing a new by-law to protect tenants from renovictions, aiming to prevent landlords from exploiting renovation needs to evict tenants and increase rents. While this measure is intended to improve tenant protection, some concerns exist regarding the potential administrative challenges for landlords, which could impact future rental supply.
Township of North Dumfries
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Series wit Mayor Sue Foxton
Join the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce for the Breakfast Series featuring Mayor Sue Foxton on April 14 from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM. This event will take place at the Sunbridge Hotel & Conference Centre.
City of Waterloo
Meeting with Mayor McCabe
Cornerstone recently met with Mayor McCabe to discuss the ongoing water capacity issue as well as concerns relating to development charges.
Increased Development Charges for New Homes
The City of Waterloo has approved a new Development Charge bylaw, which took effect on April 1, increasing fees for new residential construction to support infrastructure such as roads, water services, and emergency services.
While the increase has raised concerns across the industry, the City has indicated a willingness to consider flexibility in cases where projects are delayed due to ongoing water capacity constraints; meaning builders may be able to keep the previous, lower development charge rates if they are unable to move forward due to servicing limitations, subject to case-by-case approval.
Brian Santos, a member of Cornerstone's Government Relations Committee, spoke to CTV Kitchener last week regarding the increase.
2026 Waterloo State of the City Address by Mayor McCabe
The 2026 Waterloo State of the City Address featuring Mayor McCabe will take place on April 16 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM at the North Columbia Field House.
This annual address will highlight the city's accomplishments over the past year, current initiatives, and future plans.
Registration for this event is now closed.
Township of Wellesley
Wellesley to Develop New Official Plan with Public Consultation
Over the coming months, the Township of Wellesley is developing a new Official Plan to guide future growth and development.
This process will help shape housing mix, affordability, and infrastructure planning, with public consultation to inform development.
Township of Wilmot
Wilmot Township's New Official Plan Development and Public Consultation
The Township of Wilmot is continuing to develop a new Official Plan to guide future growth and development in the community.
Public consultation opportunities include a Community Meeting (April 15), a Public Open House (April 28) and a Statutory Public Meeting of Council (May 21).
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