Cornerstone Releases New Report Calling for Policy Action to Unlock Missing Middle Housing Across Ontario

April 23, 2026 – The Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone) is proud to share the release of From Cornerstone to Capstone: Building Canada’s Missing Middle Gentle-Density Housing, the latest report from the Missing Middle Initiative.

The report calls for targeted policy action to expand the availability of attainable, gentle-density housing across Ontario and identifies several barriers to building missing middle housing, including:

Restrictive zoning and approval processes

High taxes, fees, and development charges

Limited access to financing and funding programs, particularly for Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs)

“Gentle density is an essential element that every level of government must embrace to solve our housing crisis,” said Dr. Mike Moffatt of the Missing Middle Initiative. “The recommendations in our report are crucial for increasing the supply of the types of homes that communities across diverse markets urgently need.”

The report notes that addressing these barriers will require coordinated action across all levels of government. Key recommendations include:

Improve zoning: Transition to form-based zoning and streamline approval processes to facilitate the construction of diverse housing options in existing neighbourhoods.

Reduce costs: Extend HST relief, reform development charges, and address tax-on-tax policies that inflate project costs.

Fund gentle density: Incentivize gentle-density construction by creating loan and grant programs for ADUs, expanding construction financing options, and increasing the availability of gentle-density designs.

These proposals are supported by recent public opinion research conducted by Abacus Data on behalf of Cornerstone, which found:

76% of non-homeowners want to buy a home someday (89% among those under the age of 30)

61% say that homeownership is important to them personally

77% say housing is unaffordable in their area

62% support reducing development charges

68% of renters say access to down payment assistance would make them more likely to buy a home

80% are concerned about the state of housing in their municipality

Cornerstone - Abacus Public Opinion Survey - FINAL 1

“The Abacus Data findings reveal strong public support for down payment assistance programs and reducing development charges, as well as significant interest among homeowners under 60 in adding an ADU,” said Sandra Longden, Chair of Cornerstone's Local Advocacy Committee. "This support, combined with widespread concern about housing affordability, underscores the need for further policy intervention to improve attainability.”

Together, these findings highlight a growing gap between housing demand and the availability of attainable options, particularly for missing middle housing types such as:

Restrictive zoning and approval processes

Small-scale multiplex housing within existing neighbourhoods

Infill housing on existing residential lots

Secondary units, including basement suites and ADUs

“Cornerstone is committed to advancing policies that reduce barriers to development and improve access to attainable housing,” said Julie Sergi, Chair of Cornerstone’s Board of Directors. “The insights from both reports will help ensure the REALTOR® voice is heard by policymakers and support a brighter future for our communities.”

Cornerstone to Capstone - Apr 23

About Cornerstone

Cornerstone is a not-for-profit organization with over 325 years of collective service from its founding associations. 

Established on July 1, 2024, Cornerstone leads with purpose, advocates boldly, and creates positive change for the success of our members throughout Burlington, Haldimand County, Hamilton, Mississauga, Niagara North, Norfolk County, Waterloo Region, and surrounding areas. 

With approximately 7,500 members, Cornerstone is the second-largest REALTOR® association in Ontario, dedicated to promoting the greater good of the real estate community. 

Media Contact:

Crystal Henderson

crystal.henderson@cornerstone.inc