General Advocacy News
Cornerstone Calls for Action on Missing Middle Housing
Cornerstone is continuing its advocacy efforts on housing attainability with the release of a new report developed in partnership with Dr. Mike Moffatt, Founding Director of the Missing Middle Initiative. From Cornerstone to Capstone: Building Canada’s Missing Middle Gentle-Density Housing outlines key policy recommendations to help unlock more attainable housing options across Ontario, including ADUs and Multiplexes.
Supported by new Abacus Data polling conducted on behalf of Cornerstone, the report highlights growing public concern around housing affordability and strong support for measures such as reducing development charges, streamlining approvals, and expanding financing options for gentle-density housing.
Federal News
Spring Economic Statement
The Federal Government introduced their Spring Economic Statement on April 28, outlining several measures aimed at improving housing attainability and supporting homebuilding across Canada. Key highlights included extending the repayment grace period for withdrawals under the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) from two to five years, providing relief for first-time homebuyers.
The statement also introduced new flexibility measures for private mortgage insurers to support multi-unit and three-to-four-unit housing projects, alongside continued investments in innovative homebuilding initiatives and the Apartment Construction Loan Program. The Apartment Construction Loan Program was a recommendation included in the Cornerstone to Capstone report to assist smaller builders with developing missing middle housing.
Policy Rate Announcement
On April 29, the Bank of Canada announced that it would hold its policy rate at 2.25%, citing ongoing global economic volatility and continued uncertainty relating to global affairs and trade policy as key factors influencing the decision.
The next policy announcement is scheduled for June 10, 2026.
CREA PAC at Home: Advancing Housing Advocacy
Cornerstone recently met with Fares Al Soud, MP for Mississauga Centre (May 12); Matt Strauss, MP for Kitchener South-Hespeler (May 1); Dan Muys, MP for Flamborough-Glanbrook-Brant North (May 13); and Ned Kuruc, MP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek (April 24) as part of CREA’s PAC at Home program to discuss the future of Canada’s National Housing Strategy.
At each meeting, we shared our Cornerstone to Capstone report along with Abacus Data public opinion research to advocate for gentle density and missing middle housing that support stronger, more attainable housing solutions.
Provincial News
RECO Business Plan and Broker Meeting Recap
On April 30, Cornerstone hosted a Broker of Record and Broker Manager Meeting at the Royal Botanical Gardens, featuring Jean Lépine, RECO’s Administrator and Acting CEO; Glen Thomas, Head of Regulatory Compliance and Interim Registrar; and Samantha Pinto, Chief Regulatory Modernization Officer. The session provided attendees with updates on RECO’s ongoing transformational efforts, governance reform, and compliance priorities, and offered an opportunity to participate in a live Q&A.
Shortly after the meeting, RECO released its 2026 Business Plan and a Regulatory Actions webpage. The business plan outlines eight operational priorities for the coming year, including updates to compliance enforcement, enhanced financial oversight measures, and governance changes to RECO’s new Board of Directors. Cornerstone will continue engaging with RECO throughout this transition to help support a strong and effective real estate sector.
In addition, RECO’s new Regulatory Actions webpage now consolidates discipline decisions, suspension orders and tribunal and court outcomes into a single publicly accessible location.
Implementation of HST Relief on New Homes
On May 5, the Ontario government introduced the HST Relief Implementation Act, establishing the legislative framework required to remove the HST on eligible new home purchases.
Under the proposed relief structure, eligible homebuyers could receive a maximum rebate of up to $130,000 for homes valued at up to $1.5 million. The rebate would then gradually decrease for homes priced between $1.5 million and $1.85 million.
While the application portal is not yet active, the province has confirmed that the rebate will apply to eligible new homes acquired between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. The program will also be partially funded through a transfer from the Federal Government.
On May 15, OREA is hosting a briefing webinar on Ontario’s Enhanced HST Relief for New Homes from 10 AM to 11 AM. MNP tax experts will cover details of the changes to HST on new homes and eligibility, as well as how the new measures may affect home sales and how to help your clients prepare.
Cornerstone Attends Housing Discussion with Minister Flack
On April 29, Jerry Krzywda, a member of Cornerstone’s Provincial/Federal Advocacy Committee, attended the Honourable Rob Flack’s fireside chat at the Albany Club.
The event provided an opportunity to continue discussions on Ontario’s housing strategy and thank the Minister for the recent announcements regarding the HST rebate and funding for municipalities to reduce development charges on new homes.
Building Code and Tarion Updates
The Ontario government has introduced several updates to the 2024 Building Code intended to make the building and approval process clearer and more efficient for builders and homebuyers. The changes, which came into effect on April 20, include technical updates related to sewage systems, revised requirements to help speed up rapid transit station construction, and several administrative changes tied to the 2020 National Construction Codes.
The province is also changing who oversees onsite sewage system enforcement in the North Bay and Sudbury areas, with responsibility shifting from regional health units and conservation authorities to local municipalities and townships later this year.
In addition, Tarion has confirmed that as of April 1, 2026, purchasers of freehold homes must notify Tarion of their new home purchase within 45 days of signing an agreement. Related changes to deposit coverage will take effect on January 1, 2027. These updates move forward following advocacy from the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) and Tarion to help address illegal building activity while avoiding more restrictive measures.
Municipal News
Haldimand County
Affordable Housing Strategy
Haldimand County is developing an Affordable Housing Strategy to complement the county’s Housing Needs Assessment completed in 2025.
An online survey is available until May 17.
Halton Region
City of Burlington
Cornerstone Delegation Supports Development Charge Reductions in Burlington
On April 14, Cornerstone presented a delegation to the City of Burlington in support of reducing development charges on select housing projects and encouraging broader reductions across all new residential developments. The delegation focused on the need to lower upfront building costs to help improve housing affordability and increase housing supply.
Cornerstone Attends Burlington Chamber of Commerce AGM
On May 4, Cornerstone attended the Burlington Chamber of Commerce’s 79th Annual General Meeting. The event celebrated volunteers, connected members of the business community, and introduced the Chamber’s 2026-2027 Board of Directors. New directors include James Forsyth and Judi Partridge, who are joined by incoming Board Chair Shafiq Mohamed.
Housing Community Improvement Plan Update
The City of Burlington is proposing updates to its Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP), including several temporary incentive programs aimed at supporting new housing developments. The proposed programs would be funded through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) and remain in place until December 31, 2027.
Proposed incentives include a development charge reduction grant for rental and ownership housing, a new fee waiver program for missing middle housing projects, and a grant for projects that include enhanced accessibility features.
The City has also proposed several changes based on public and industry feedback, including a simpler application process, more flexibility for eligible projects, and support for shovel-ready developments.
New Building Permit By-law
The City of Burlington is proposing a new Building Permit By-law that would replace the current by-law originally introduced in 2019. The update is intended to simplify and modernize the permit process by consolidating previous amendments into a single document and aligning the by-law with the 2024 Ontario Building Code.
According to the report, the proposed by-law would improve clarity for staff, applicants, and the public while also reflecting current administrative practices, including electronic submissions. The City is also proposing updated offence and penalty provisions intended to strengthen enforcement and compliance.
The report notes that no changes to existing permit fees are being proposed as part of the update.
Bay Area Economic Summit
On June 4, Cornerstone will attend the Bay Area Economic Summit, “The Next Economy: AI and the Infrastructure of Innovation”, bringing together business leaders, policymakers and industry experts from across Hamilton and Burlington to discuss the future of economic growth, innovation and artificial intelligence in the region. The annual event is co-hosted by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and the Burlington Chamber of Commerce.
Hamilton
City of Hamilton
Council Freezes Development Charge Increases to Support Housing Supply
On May 13, Hamilton City Council approved a motion to freeze Development Charge increases this year by not indexing rates to inflation, helping avoid additional costs on new housing developments.
Hamilton LRT Project Reaches Major Milestone
The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario announced continued progress on the Hamilton LRT project by awarding the first major civil and utility works contract to the Hamilton Transit Alliance. The project will support improved transit connectivity, economic growth, and increased access to housing and jobs across Hamilton.
Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Breakfast
On April 28, Cornerstone attended the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Breakfast, where Mayor Andrea Howarth discussed economic growth, housing, infrastructure, transportation, and downtown renewal.
During the discussion, Mayor Horwath emphasized the importance of housing to Hamilton’s future, noting that “housing is key to talent retention” and that “housing fuels our economy.” She also highlighted the City’s planning approvals pilot, last year’s 20% reduction in development charges, and ongoing discussions with the Federal and Provincial governments on their recent announcement to incentivize further reductions of development charges.
City of Hamilton Shares Updates on Planning Modernization Efforts
The City of Hamilton recently shared updates on several planning modernization initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and access to information throughout the development approval process.
Highlights include updates on the All4One Site Plan Pilot, AI-supported zoning compliance review tools, and plans for a new public-facing Planning Application Information Webpage designed to improve access to development application information and supporting documents.
Habitat Hamilton Breaks Ground on Largest Build in its History
On April 29, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton broke ground on a 10-unit residential development located at 19 Dawson Avenue in Stoney Creek. The project will support local families in achieving homeownership.
Niagara Region
Town of Lincoln
West Lincoln Adopts Affordable Housing CIP
On April 27, West Lincoln Council adopted the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan which establishes a framework and incentives aimed at improving housing access and affordability in the community.
Norfolk County
Cornerstone Attends Norfolk Innovation Frontier Forum
On April 9, Cornerstone attended the Innovation Frontier Forum, hosted by the Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce. The event brought together more than 200 businesses and community leaders for discussions on innovation, tourism, leadership, and economic development.
Speakers included Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho, Bruce MacDonald of Imagine Canada, Nicolle Butcher of Ontario Power Generation, Graham Henderson of the London Chamber of Commerce, Brock Dickinson of the University of Waterloo, and John Regan, Director of Strategic Innovation and Economic Development at Norfolk County.
Cornerstone Chair-Elect Drew Hemsley also introduced keynote speaker Cassie Campbell-Pascall, who shared insights on perseverance, resilience and embracing opportunities.
The event was also an opportunity to reconnect with Norfolk’s Deputy Mayors Adam Veri and Kim Huffman, local council members and senior staff, as well as Haldimand County Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley, and members of Haldimand County council and staff.
Peel Region
City of Mississauga
Major Public Transit Infrastructure Investment
The federal and provincial governments, along with the City of Mississauga, recently announced more than $14.3 million in funding for public transit and active transportation infrastructure projects.
The investment will support upgrades to MiWay bus storage and maintenance facilities to accommodate battery electric buses, as well as planning and design for nearly 8 km of new cycling infrastructure connecting residents to GO Transit stations.
The project aims to support Mississauga’s climate goals, improve connectivity, and improve transportation options for residents.
Waterloo Region
Waterloo Region Coalition Pushes to Reopen Development Approvals
Cornerstone has partnered with the Waterloo Region Home Builders' Association (WRHBA), BuildUrban, the Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA), and the Conestoga Heavy Construction Association (CHCA) to advocate for the reopening of development approvals in Waterloo Region amid ongoing water capacity challenges.
The coalition recently launched reopenwaterlooregion.ca, a new advocacy website focused on raising awareness about the region’s water capacity constraints and the impact on housing developments.
As part of these efforts, hydrogeological engineer Chris Gerrits hosted a technical briefing webinar on May 14 at 9:00 AM to discuss signs of restored water capacity and how additional capacity may be allocated moving forward.
Additionally, a presentation to Regional Council is also scheduled for May 20, ahead of key decisions expected at the Region’s June 3 Council meeting.
City of Kitchener
Approval of Rental Renovation Licensing By-law
Kitchener City Council has approved a new Rental Renovation Licensing By-law aimed at protecting tenants from bad-faith evictions related to renovations.
The by-law introduces a licensing process for renovations that require tenants to vacate their unit through an N13 notice, along with new fees and enforcement measures.
Kitchener State of the City Address
On June 9, the 2026 State of the City Address will take place at the Glovebox Building. Attendees will hear about the city’s accomplishments, challenges, and a vision for the future.
City of Waterloo
Heritage Housing Proposal
Waterloo City Council has voted to request that the province establish a new Heritage Helping Housing Building Grant program to support the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings for housing.
The proposed $10 million annual grant program, introduced by Architectural Conservancy Ontario (ACO), would encourage the conversion and reuse of existing heritage buildings to help create new housing units. Supporters say repurposing existing buildings can provide a faster, more cost-effective, and sustainable approach to increasing housing supply compared to new construction.
Council noted that the motion aligns with the City’s Complete Community strategic priority to encourage housing attainability.
Cornerstone Attends Mayor McCabe’s State of the City
On April 16, Cornerstone attended Mayor Dorothy McCabe’s 2026 State of the City address, where she emphasized the importance of collaboration during a period of change, and highlighted progress on housing affordability, moving projects forward, and the upcoming BuildNow initiative.
The event also provided an opportunity to connect with the Honourable Bardish Chagger, MP for Waterloo. We discussed recent federal housing measures, including the removal of HST and upcoming reductions to development charges on new homes.
Hosted by Rotary Waterloo, the event raised more than $24,000 for Waterloo Wayside Centre, along with an additional $5,000 for Rotary’s Community Grant Fund.
