Brampton could get 113,000 new homes built under Ontario’s latest housing act

Ontario wants to build 1.5 million homes in 10 years across the province, and that could bring more than 100,000 new residences to Brampton.

On Tuesday, the province introduced legislation called the More Homes Built Faster Act which aims to bring more housing to Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Niagara Region, Durham Region and communities across the province.

The province has laid out housing targets for 29 cities that it wants to reach by 2031, including some 113,000 new homes in Brampton.

To meet this goal, the province says it plans to reduce developer charges, allow more units on one residential lot, and pursue rent-to-own programs among a host of measures it says are aimed at tackling the housing crisis.

“Our government will never ignore the many Ontario families who want to place the call home,” Premier Doug Ford said in his speech on Tuesday.

“Everyone’s dream is to have a little white picket fence. You know, when they put the key in the door, they know they’re building equity into it, they can do the little tweaks to their house and increase the value of it. That’s our goal. We won’t let the ideology and politics stand in the way of doing what’s right for all Ontarians.”

The legislation would allow up to three residential units – like basement apartments and garden houses – on one lot without needing bylaw amendments. Those new units would also be exempt from development charges.

The province also proposes to freeze, reduce and exempt fees associated with new home construction in order to spur building. Affordable housing, non-profit housing and inclusionary zoning units – meaning affordable housing in new developments – as well as some “attainable” units would be exempt from various charges.

Rental builders would also see development charges reduced, with larger discounts on family-sized units.

Government officials in a technical briefing could not say what financial impact that would have on municipalities.

The new housing plan also includes introducing more housing density near transit stations, and using surplus government lands, modular homes and rent-to-own programs.

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark said the policies represent the boldest housing changes the government has made to date.

Clark also announced late Monday that the province was raising the non-resident speculation tax on homes purchased by foreign nationals from 20 per cent to 25 per cent, effective Tuesday.

With files from The Canadian Press