Premier Doug Ford has made bold promises to tackle Ontario’s housing crisis. One of the biggest challenges is the slow and complex housing approval system. Homebuyers, investors, and developers need change as Ontario’s housing approvals can take over 600 days. These delays drive up costs and limit housing supply. Can Ford’s government finally fix this broken system and speed up construction?

A Booming Market Held Back by Red Tape

Ontario’s housing demand has never been higher. Yet, one of the biggest obstacles isn’t a lack of land—it’s the long and complicated approval process.

Toronto’s housing projects should receive approval within 90 days. However, many take more than 600 days. In some municipalities, the process drags on for years. These delays add millions in financing costs, which ultimately increase home prices.

The Need for Change: What’s Broken in the System?

Several key issues slow down housing approvals in Ontario:

• Inconsistent Timelines: The province has set deadlines for municipalities to approve projects, yet these deadlines are rarely enforced.
• Cumbersome Regulations: Overlapping federal and provincial rules, outdated environmental assessments, and excessive studies create unnecessary hurdles.
• Expensive Development Fees: Municipalities impose hefty development charges, increasing home prices before construction even begins.
• Inefficient Municipal Processes: Some municipalities require pre-application consultations that drag on for months instead of streamlining approvals.

Doug Ford’s Plan to Speed Up Housing Approvals

The Doug Ford government plans to modernize and simplify development approvals, ensuring homes get built faster and at a lower cost. The proposed changes include:

✅ Enforcing Approval Deadlines: Municipalities must publicly report approval timelines. If they miss deadlines, a third-party regulatory review could follow.

✅ Reducing Unnecessary Regulations: The province will remove redundant processes and align federal and provincial approval standards to cut delays.

✅ Leveraging Technology for Faster Approvals: A province-wide digital tool will help standardize and accelerate permit approvals.

✅ Investing in Factory-Built Housing: The government is committing $50 million to expand modular and factory-built housing. These methods allow for quicker construction and lower costs.

✅ Reforming Development Charges: Development fees and housing-related taxes have increased by 33% in just two years. The government plans to rationalize and standardize these costs to make new housing projects more feasible.

What This Means for Homebuyers and Investors

For homebuyers, a more efficient approval system means more housing supply, lower costs, and faster construction. This could help slow Toronto’s rising home prices and create more opportunities for first-time buyers.

For investors and sellers, streamlined approvals mean faster project completions. Increased housing supply leads to a more balanced and competitive market. A healthier market benefits everyone—ensuring steady appreciation in home values while preventing unsustainable price surges..

The Road Ahead: Will Doug Ford Deliver on His Housing Promise?

Ontario’s housing crisis won’t be solved overnight. However, fixing the broken approval system is a crucial first step. If Doug Ford’s government follows through on its commitments, Ontario could see quicker home construction, reduced costs, and a more accessible housing market.

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