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The 2024 Ontario Budget, recently unveiled by the Government of Ontario, has garnered mixed reactions from stakeholders, particularly within the real estate industry. Tim Hudak, CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), commends the province's commitment to investing $190 billion over the next decade in critical infrastructure such as highways, transit, homes, and high-speed internet. This investment is seen as vital for supporting new communities and fostering economic growth. However, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) highlights the pressing issue of housing affordability, stressing the need for bold policy changes to accelerate the construction of thousands of new homes. TRREB President Jennifer Pearce emphasizes that the current affordability crisis risks leaving many individuals and families unable to achieve the Canadian dream of homeownership.

OREA acknowledges some progress in addressing realtor-led solutions outlined in its recent analysis, particularly in measures directly related to housing. The budget also reflects advancements in long-standing infrastructure priorities critical for the province's economic prosperity, including support for projects like Ontario's Ring of Fire region and the Port Lands Flood Protection Project in Toronto. Meanwhile, TRREB underscores the collaborative efforts with the government in introducing legislation aimed at reducing red tape and expediting approvals to meet housing supply targets. Pearce stresses the importance of continued action to ensure affordability for future generations, emphasizing the significance of infrastructure funding to unlock new housing developments.

The budget signals a strong commitment to exploring innovative solutions to the housing affordability crisis, such as modular housing. TRREB applauds the province's endorsement of modular homes as a cost-effective and rapid construction option to meet housing targets. However, concerns linger regarding the effectiveness of certain tax policies in stimulating supply. While initiatives like property tax reductions for new multi-residential rental properties are welcomed, the expansion of municipal powers to impose vacant home and speculation taxes may not significantly impact supply, according to industry experts like Royal LePage. Overall, stakeholders express gratitude for the government's efforts outlined in the budget but stress the necessity of sustained action to achieve housing affordability goals and preserve the Canadian dream of homeownership.

Read the full article on: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE