General Advocacy News
Cornerstone Signs Elect Respect Pledge
Cornerstone is proud to have signed the Elect Respect pledge, becoming the first real estate association to join the campaign. By participating, Cornerstone reaffirms its commitment to respectful dialogue, constructive advocacy, and a culture of civility and respect in public life.
Federal News
Meeting with MP Lisa Hepfner
On May 22, Cornerstone met with Lisa Hepfner, MP for Hamilton Mountain, as part of CREA’s PAC at Home program to discuss the future of Canada’s National Housing Strategy.
During the meeting, we shared our Cornerstone to Capstone report and Abacus Data public opinion research, advocating for gentle density and missing middle housing solutions that can help improve housing attainability, and support stronger communities as part of a renewed federal housing strategy.
Policy Rate Announcement
On June 10, the Bank of Canada announced that it would hold its policy rate at 2.25%, citing increases in energy prices and disruptions in global supply chains relating to the conflict in the middle east, continuing uncertainty on US trade policy, rising inflation, and a lower economic activity resulting in a 0.1% decrease in GDP in the first quarter.
The next policy announcement is scheduled for July 15, 2026.
Provincial News
Meetings with Hon.Graydon Smith, Hon. Rob Flack and Hon. Stephen Crawford
Increasing homeownership opportunities and improving housing attainability across our communities remains a key priority for Cornerstone.
On May 25, Cornerstone met with the Hon. Graydon Smith, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and connected with the Hon. Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, to continue advancing conversations around attainable housing solutions.
Building on recommendations shared through our work with Dr. Mike Moffatt and discussions at the Cornerstone Housing Action and Solutions Expo (CHASE) event in March, we discussed opportunities to increase gentle density, reduce barriers to development, and support more attainable housing options across the province.
We also thanked the government for its leadership in working with federal counterparts to expand the removal of HST on new homes, as well as for investments aimed at reducing development charges, which help improve housing affordability and increase housing supply.
On June 4, Cornerstone met with the Hon. Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, to discuss simplifying the process for gentle-density housing units to be individually owned by their occupants. Following the lead of other jurisdictions, we advocated for streamlined processes that would allow buildings with 10 units or fewer to be divided into individually owned parcels. This recommendation stems from the Gentle-Density Housing report developed by Dr. Mike Moffatt in partnership with Cornerstone.
Meetings with MPP Brian Riddell, MPP Deepak Anand, MPP Aislinn Clancy, MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
Throughout May, Cornerstone representatives met with several provincial representatives to advance discussions on housing attainability, supply, and homeownership opportunities across Ontario.
On May 19, Cornerstone met with Aislinn Clancy, MPP for Kitchener Centre, to discuss OREA’s housing recommendations, including extending the HST removal on new homes beyond one year and amending the development charge framework to improve housing supply and affordability.
On May 20, Cornerstone Chair-Elect Drew Hemsley met with Bobbi Ann Brady, MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk, to discuss REALTOR®-led recommendations focused on creating more opportunities for people to enter the housing market.
Cornerstone’s Government Relations Committee representatives, Andrea Fedy and Linh Vu, also met with Brian Riddell, MPP for Cambridge and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, to discuss recommendations aimed at increasing housing supply and improving affordability in our communities.
On May 22, Cornerstone representatives met with Deepak Anand, MPP for Mississauga-Malton, to present recommendations from our gentle-density housing report with Dr. Mike Moffatt, findings from Cornerstone’s Abacus Data public opinion research, and OREA’s housing recommendations. Discussions focused on development charges and expanding attainable housing options across Ontario.
We appreciate the opportunity to engage with provincial representatives on practical solutions that can help increase housing supply, improve affordability, and create more pathways to homeownership across the province.
Development Charge Reduction Program
The Development Charge Reduction Program was announced on June 1. To be eligible, municipalities must reduce development charges by between 30% and 50% and apply for funding to support eligible infrastructure projects. Under the program, the Province will cover up to 90% of project costs, with municipalities responsible for at least 10%.
Applications are due on June 19, and Cornerstone strongly encourages all local governments to reduce development charges and apply for the program. Cornerstone will continue to engage with municipal and regional governments to advocate for reduced development charges through this program. Doing so will help support housing affordability, encourage new housing development, and unlock critical infrastructure investments in our communities.
Municipal News
Haldimand County
Cornerstone Meets with Haldimand County’s Planning Services and Economic Development Teams
On May 26 and June 2, Cornerstone representatives met with Haldimand County Planning Services staff and members of the Economic Development team to share insights from public opinion research conducted by Abacus Data on behalf of Cornerstone.
The discussion highlighted Haldimand County’s strong quality-of-life ratings, residents’ top municipal priorities, including infrastructure and growth management, as well as concerns around housing attainability and availability. We also shared findings showing that residents identified small detached and semi-detached homes with two or three bedrooms as the housing types most needed in the community.
The meetings provided a valuable opportunity to discuss local housing needs and priorities as Haldimand County advances its Affordable Housing Strategy and Community Improvement Plan review.
Affordable Housing Strategy Open House
Haldimand County is currently developing an Affordable Housing Strategy to build on the findings of the Housing Needs Assessment completed in 2025.
As part of the process, the County is hosting a public engagement open house on June 17 at 6:00 PM to gather community input and feedback.
Halton Region
City of Burlington
Burlington Awarded Housing Accelerator Funding
The City of Burlington recently received just over $2 million from CMHC’s Housing Accelerator Fund for supporting the CMHC housing catalogue and approving a new residential zoning bylaw. Cornerstone delegated in support of the new bylaw, which expands permissions for missing middle housing, including Additional Residential Units and townhouses.
Cornerstone Attends Bay Area Economic Summit
Cornerstone was pleased to attend the Bay Area Economic Summit on June 4, joining business, government, and community leaders for important discussions on housing, economic development, and the future of the Hamilton-Burlington region.
We heard from Minister Stephen Crawford, MP John-Paul Danko, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, and Councillor Tammy Hwang on key issues impacting our communities.
Cornerstone Board Chair Julie Sergi had the opportunity to thank Minister Crawford both on stage and in person for his remarks, his work on reforming RECO, and the province's recent housing announcements. Their discussion also focused on progress being made and opportunities for continued collaboration to support housing across Ontario.
Hamilton
City of Hamilton
Cornerstone Presents to Hamilton Planning Committee
On May 26, Sandra Longden, Cornerstone Director and Local Advocacy Chair, addressed Hamilton’s Planning Committee to share local findings from a Cornerstone-commissioned Abacus Data poll, along with insights from our latest report with Dr. Mike Moffatt, From Cornerstone to Capstone: Building Canada’s Missing Middle Gentle-Density Housing.
Longden highlighted Hamilton’s progress in supporting gentle density through measures such as permitting four units as-of-right, reducing parking minimums, and providing incentives for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and multiplex housing.
She also shared additional recommendations to help expand housing affordability and missing middle housing opportunities, including exploring down payment assistance programs for first-time homebuyers and implementing zoning reforms that support infill development.
Cornerstone Joins Community Partners in Support of Development Charge Reduction Program Application
On June 4, Cornerstone joined the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, West End Home Builders’ Association, and Hamilton-Halton Construction Association in submitting a joint letter to Hamilton’s Planning Committee encouraging the city to apply for the newly announced Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP).
The DCRP provides funding for growth-related infrastructure projects by incentivizing municipalities to reduce development charges over a three-year period. Through a partnership with senior levels of government, the program is designed to support increased housing supply, strengthen the labour market, and promote long-term economic growth.
Cornerstone supports Hamilton's participation in the program as an opportunity to improve housing affordability, encourage new housing development, and secure critical infrastructure investments for the community.
Niagara Region
Town of Grimsby
Cornerstone Presents to Grimsby’s Planning Committee
Sandra Longden, Cornerstone Director and Local Advocacy Chair, presented to Grimsby’s Planning Committee on May 20 to share local findings from a recent Abacus Data survey conducted on behalf of Cornerstone, along with insights and municipal recommendations from our report with Dr. Mike Moffatt, From Cornerstone to Capstone: Building Canada’s Missing Middle Gentle-Density Housing.
Longden highlighted Niagara Region’s down payment assistance program as a positive initiative that helps more first-time buyers and renters achieve homeownership. She also emphasized the importance of reducing barriers to development and shared practical recommendations to support gentle density and expand attainable housing options within the community.
Norfolk County
Development Charge Study Open House
On June 16, Norfolk County is hosting a public open house to share information with the development community and residents about infrastructure growth and funding.
The open house will take place from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the County Administration Building, located at 50 Colborne Street South in Simcoe.
Cornerstone Discusses Housing Priorities with Norfolk County Planning & Realty Services
On May 28, Cornerstone’s Chair-Elect, Drew Hemsley, and staff, met with Norfolk County’s Planning & Realty Services teams to share local insights from the public opinion research conducted by Abacus Data on behalf of Cornerstone.
The Cornerstone team highlighted Norfolk’s solid quality-of-life ratings and discussed residents’ top municipal priorities, including housing affordability and availability, as well as the cost of living. The presentation also explored the types of housing residents identified as most needed in the community, including small detached and semi-detached homes with two or three bedrooms, seniors-oriented housing, and two- or three-bedroom townhomes.
We appreciated the opportunity for open dialogue and the thoughtful discussion with County staff on housing needs and opportunities within the community.
Cornerstone to Present to Council-in-Committee
On June 11, Cornerstone Chair-Elect, Drew Hemsley, will present to Norfolk County’s Council-in-Committee, sharing local insights from public opinion research conducted by Abacus Data on behalf of Cornerstone.
Members of the public are welcome to attend in person at Council Chambers beginning at 2:00 PM or watch the meeting live online.
Peel Region
City of Mississauga
Cornerstone Presents to Mississauga’s General Committee
On May 20, Sandra Longden, Cornerstone Director and Local Advocacy Chair, presented to Mississauga’s General Committee to share local findings from a recent Abacus Data poll conducted on behalf of Cornerstone, as well as insights from our recent report with Dr. Mike Moffatt, “From Cornerstone to Capstone: Building Canada’s Missing Middle Gentle-Density Housing.”
Chair Longden recognized the city’s progress on housing initiatives through the Mayor’s Housing Task Force, including reduced development charges, streamlined development approvals, and rebates on building permits for ARUs. She also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and practical housing solutions that support gentle density and expand attainable housing options across the community.
We appreciated the thoughtful questions and feedback from Mayor Carolyn Parrish and Council following our presentation, and we look forward to the continued dialogue and collaboration on the housing file.
Mississauga Board of Trade: Evening with the Commissioners
Cornerstone was pleased to attend MBOT’s Evening with the Commissioners on May 19, bringing together municipal leaders, businesses, and community stakeholders from across Mississauga.
During the event, we heard updates from Gary Kent, Peel Region’s CAO, and Geoff Wright, Mississauga’s City Manager & CAO, on regional priorities and the city’s future.
The evening also provided a valuable opportunity to connect with other commissioners, including Marisa Ghiu, Mississauga’s CFO, as well as other stakeholders to discuss housing, economic growth, and key issues impacting businesses and communities across the city.
Mississauga Major Transit Station Areas News
Mississauga is taking steps to increase housing density around existing and planned transit stations. Through a new pre-zoning initiative, the City will establish clear rules for what can be built in these areas, helping to streamline the development process, reduce planning barriers, and accelerate approvals for new housing projects. These changes are intended to make it faster and easier to build new homes near transit while supporting future growth and housing supply.
Waterloo Region
Waterloo Region Water Capacity Update
On June 3, Andrea Fedy, a Cornerstone Board Member, spoke at Waterloo Regional Council to express our concerns regarding the region's water capacity issues. She joined other members of the Reopen Waterloo coalition, including Chris Gerrits, who spoke on behalf of the coalition.
Andrea highlighted that, if we want to ensure homeownership does not become further out of reach, we must build more housing supply. Currently, the approval pause resulting from the Mannheim water capacity constraint is holding back thousands of much-needed homes.
Cornerstone believes there is a predictable and workable path forward. Together with Reopen Waterloo, we are calling on the Region to move beyond the extended pause and prioritize:
- Forward-looking servicing agreements aligned with future capacity, allowing builders to access water capacity that will be coming online in the near future.
- Innovative solutions to increase available water capacity.
- Staged or conditional pathways that allow already-approved projects to proceed responsibly.
- A phased and transparent allocation process to restore confidence in our local economy.
We know the Region is committed to building a thriving community, and we are ready to help. By implementing forward-looking servicing agreements and practical solutions to increase water capacity, we can protect our water system while getting much needed home construction moving again.
City of Kitchener
Cornerstone Attends Kitchener State of the City Address
On June 9, Cornerstone attended the 2026 State of the City Address at the Glovebox Building. During his remarks, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic highlighted progress on a number of key city initiatives, including housing, infrastructure, economic development, and community growth.
City of Waterloo
Cornerstone to Present to Waterloo City Council
On June 22, Cornerstone Government Relations Committee Member Brian Santos will present to Waterloo City Council, sharing local insights from public opinion research conducted by Abacus Data on behalf of Cornerstone.
Members of the public are welcome to attend in person at Council Chambers beginning at 3:30 PM or watch the meeting live online.