Ontario expanding strong mayor powers to more cities, offering funding to those that meet housing targets

Ontario is expanding its strong mayor powers to 21 more cities while providing municipalities financial “rewards” if they are able to meet housing targets.

Ontario is expanding its strong mayor powers to 21 more cities while providing municipalities financial “rewards” if they are able to meet housing targets.

The announcement was made at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) annual conference on Monday morning.

Speaking in London, Ont., Premier Doug Ford said he hopes to achieve at least 110,000 new housing starts in 2023.

“It would be the first time in over three decades that Ontario surpassed the 100,000 threshold,” he said.

“From there, we’ll ramp up over time until we’re on track to build at least 1.5 million homes.”

The government will be setting up a three-year, $1.2 billion fund that will provide up to $400 million per year to municipalities that have committed in writing to achieving certain housing targets set by the province.

Each city’s progress will be evaluated by comparing housing starts and residential units created that calendar year with the annual assigned targets.