Expert: Priorities That Should Guide Ontario's Housing Reform

Housing affordability is a critical economic issue, yet Canada, especially Ontario, remains far from resolving its crisis. Home prices now exceed seven times annual income in many markets, making ownership unattainable for many. Rising taxes, fees, and regulatory barriers significantly increase costs, with development charges alone adding tens of thousands to home prices. Key reforms include making tax relief and charge reductions permanent, streamlining approvals, updating building codes, revising outdated policies, and eliminating land transfer taxes to improve affordability and supply.