Explore the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA) in Canadian law — what it governs, how it applies to real estate, and why it matters to creditors and debtors.
The Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA) is a federal law in Canada that governs the legal process for personal and business bankruptcies, insolvencies, and restructuring options.
Why the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act Matters in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate and business law, the BIA establishes how creditors are repaid when a debtor can no longer meet financial obligations.
Key functions of the BIA:
Provides frameworks for bankruptcy and consumer proposals
Establishes priorities for creditor repayment
Enables court-appointed trustees to administer bankruptcies
Net operating income (NOI) is the total income generated by a property after operating expenses are deducted but before taxes and financing costs.. more
iPro Realty Ltd., a Mississauga-based brokerage that operates across 17 branches in southern Ontario and employs around 2,400 agents, is being shut down by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO).
In a press release shared by RECO on Thursday, the regulator tasked with protecting consumers and enforcing the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA) stated that iPro and its branches would all be shuttered no later than August 19, 2025 — in just five days.
The reason?
"At the time of a scheduled inspection, a significant shortfall was identified in iPro’s accounts," reads the release. "This is a serious breach of iPro’s responsibilities under the law and to its consumers and agents."
RECO shares with STOREYS that a total shortfall of more than $10 million was identified in iPro’s consumer deposit and commission trust accounts at the time of the inspection, although the amount has declined to less than $8 million as of now.
In the aftermath of the inspection, RECO and iPro's owners have reportedly completed an agreement to coordinate the brokerage's closure and to allow for the conclusion of current transactions with consumers. The closure is being overseen by a chartered public accountant and an "independent and qualified" stand-in broker of record for iPro.
The news will likely come as a shock to many buyers, sellers, and agents who have engaged with the company, and as such, RECO has provided next steps and FAQs for these parties. According to the release, transactions will "continue to close in the normal course of business," but if an agreement of purchase and sale has not yet been signed, your representation agreement with iPro is null and you will have to sign a new representation agreement with a different brokerage.
"Once the brokerage closes, any agreements of purchase and sale will be concluded through iPro with your agent, but no new deals will be concluded through iPro," states the release, adding that many iPro agents will likely move to a new brokerage and buyers and sellers have the option to resign with their agent there.
Consumers are being encouraged to firstly reach out to their agents if they have questions, and to seek further assistance from the new manager of the brokerage, if needed, and to reach out to insurance@reco.on.ca if they have questions about insurance claims.
For agents owed commission from iPro, they are advised to complete a Commission Protection claim form and submit it to the insurance claims adjuster, ClaimsPro LP. As for agents wanting to remain at their iPro location, iCloud Realty Ltd. has agreed to assume all 17 branch locations and agents can transfer to iCloud Realty and keep their RECO registration as long as they notify iPro by 12 pm on August 18, 2025.
As far as the nature of iCloud's role in the matter, RECO's Registrar Joseph Richer tells STOREYS the brokerage has taken over certain aspects of iPro's operations.
"We can confirm that iCloud is registered as a brokerage with RECO, with different owners from iPro, and has purchased some of iPro’s assets and assumed some of its leases," says Richer. "There has been no transfer of ownership from iPro to iCloud."
Prime Minister Mark Carney promised to "get the government back in the business of building" during the election. / Mark Carney, Facebook
Earlier this week, the Government of Canada quietly launched public engagement on Build Canada Homes (BCH), the new federal housing entity that Mark Carney and the Liberals pledged to create during the election campaign as a way to "get the government back in the business of building."
From what was announced at the time, Build Canada Homes has drawn mixed reactions, with some saying it is long overdue for the feds to get back into homebuilding and others arguing that the federal government should support private developers rather than compete with them.
This week, the Government of Canada published a "Market Sounding Guide" for Build Canada Homes, which provides many more details about the government's vision for the new entity. All details are currently subject to change and the Government of Canada is holding public engagement until August 29.
Build Canada Homes
"Build Canada Homes will be Canada's new federal entity responsible for building affordable homes, providing financing to affordable home builders, and catalyzing a more productive homebuilding industry," the guide begins. "It will bring together key partners from across the housing ecosystem to get homes built by addressing barriers, reducing risk and helping to navigate the process of building non-market housing."
Build Canada Homes will have two major objectives, the first of which is to "Build affordable housing at scale."
"We need to dramatically scale up affordable housing to create a mix of homes that respond to needs of a diverse range of households, including low-income, while building strong, resilient communities, following the clear example of those countries that have been successful," says the Government of Canada in the guide.
The second objective is to "Build faster, better and smarter."
"We need to build housing using advanced materials with manufacturing and construction methods that improve productivity and scalability to reduce the cost, time, and environmental impacts of building," the guide states.
Structurally, Build Canada Homes is currently envisioned as "a single window for proponents at every phase of the development process, working in close partnership with developers, investors, manufacturers, other orders of government and Indigenous partners to get housing financed and built."
How Build Canada Homes Will Work
Build Canada Homes will partner with builders and housing providers "focused on long-term affordability," accelerate timelines to bring federal lands to market, reduce project costs and support the delivery of affordable housing, speed up the modernization of construction methods (such as standardized designs, Building Information Modelling, and offsite manufacturing), and "filling market gaps in financial product offerings."
How BCH will operate can generally be split into two branches: financing and development.
Under the financing branch, BCH could provide a mix of flexible low-interest loans and contributions to get pre-construction projects off the ground. It could also provide long-term commitments towards multiple projects to affordable housing providers to help them grow their portfolios, or provide financing towards other financing programs such as the Canada Rental Protection Fund.
Other financing approaches could be more sector-focused, such as financing to support technology acquisition, incentivizing the use of modern methods of construction, and more unique financing options that may not currently exist.
A summary of the current vision for Build Canada Homes. / Government of Canada
On the development side, the guide notes that "A range of development approaches could be available to Build Canada Homes, from directly contracting builders to construct housing and leasing it to affordable housing providers, to acting as a facilitator by bringing together land, financing, project proponents, and other orders of government to move projects forward."
The BCH could also inject equity investments in development partnerships and leverage market intelligence to drive efficiencies (such as bulk procuring for its own projects), on top of showcasing construction methods with its own projects.
Other financial tools BCH may utilize include loans at below-market interest rates and with more flexible terms, such as with greater risk shares or longer amortizations. It may also provide loan guarantees, contingent liabilities, contracts for differences, and offtake agreements that reduce investment risk and provide federal assurance.
The Build Canada Homes Approach
"Build Canada Homes' investments may depend on the needs, risk profile, and potential to achieve Build Canada Homes' policy objectives," the guide says. The investment approach has four underpinning principles:
Investment funding reflects housing outcomes;
Sharing risk-taking to drive sector change;
Sharing rewards in successful projects; and
Leveraging sector expertise and convening partners.
BCH's investment selection criteria will also have four major pillars: scale (the number of affordable units or number of projects), affordability/community sector growth (such as co-ops, non-profits, and Indigenous housing providers), innovation in homebuilding (such as prioritizing Canadian-made materials and modern construction methods), and efficient use of public dollars (such as ensuring that private investors do not disproportionately benefit from public investment).
Finally, the federal government emphasizes partnerships.
"Build Canada Homes will not be able to drive results alone," the guide concludes. "The housing sector must be ready to respond to the opportunities Build Canada Homes presents. Strong partnerships with provinces, territories, municipalities and Indigenous partners are necessary to coordinate action to deliver key outcomes in the investment strategy."
During this public engagement period, the government says it is hoping to receive feedback from developers, community housing providers, governments, Indigenous governments, and financial institutions, as well as academics, research groups, and even institutional investors. The public engagement period ends on Friday, August 29.
The 16-storey hotel proposed for 888 W 8th Avenue in Vancouver. / Formosis Architecture, Value Property Group
As Vancouver continues to push for more hotels, developers are answering the call. The City continues to receive a steady stream of rezoning applications for new hotels, the latest of which was published this week.
The subject site of the proposal is 888 W 8th Avenue, about midway between Laurel Street and Willow Street, and two blocks north of Vancouver General Hospital. The property is currently occupied by a low-rise office building originally constructed in 1973.
BC Assessment values the property, in an assessment dated to July 1, 2024, at $16,836,100 and the property is beneficially owned by Value Property Group through A.L. Sott (Laurel Medical) Inc.
The site falls within Uptown/Cambie North - Area A of the Broadway Plan and Value Property Group is seeking to rezone the site from C-3A (Commercial) to CD-1 (Comprehensive Development).
The 888 W 8th Avenue site, one block away from W Broadway and two blocks away from Vancouver General Hospital. / Formosis Architecture, Value Property Group
For the site, the developer is proposing a 16-storey tower with a maximum height of 167 ft and a density of 8.14 FSR. The project includes 62,742 sq. ft of hotel room space for 152 suites, plus 1,393 sq. ft of hotel support space. The suite mix is expected to include a combination of sizes with all units including a kitchen and appliances to support mid-to-long-term stays.
The hotel will also include 5,796 sq. ft of amenity space. Amenities are expected to include a bar with kitchen, a multi-purpose meeting room, workspaces, a fitness facility, and an outdoor amenity deck. The amenities will be located on the sixth floor and also on the roof of the building podium.
"Providing a hotel program in this location supports the Broadway plan's emphasis on Central Broadway as Vancouver's 'second downtown', entertainment & nightlife to the East, and the VGH healthcare hub to the South," said the developer in its rezoning application. "Proximity to Broadway will bring added tourism & activity to local retail that will benefit the broader community."
The 16-storey hotel proposed for 888 W 8th Avenue in Vancouver. / Formosis Architecture, Value Property Group
The 16-storey hotel proposed for 888 W 8th Avenue in Vancouver. / Formosis Architecture, Value Property Group
The proposal also includes 53 vehicle parking spaces in a single-level underground parkade, which will notably utilize vertical vehicle stacker systems accessible by car elevators at the rear lane.
"The proposal provides an opportunity to create a more complete and connected neighbourhood by enhancing the streetscape, increasing heights and densities, and maintaining Uptown as a prime supplier of job space," said the developer in its rezoning application. "Its location offers convenience to visitors and tourists, with direct access to the other districts."
"The preliminary design of the bar provides approximately 1,393 sf of interior space, and 240 SF of covered outdoor patio space," the application also said. "The location of the bar patio along W. 8th Avenue creates a reprieve and break from the heavy traffic on Broadway; it will provide opportunities for socializing and conversation outdoors, activating the ground-level experience while providing opportunities to access commercial uses at the street level."
The 16-storey hotel proposed for 888 W 8th Avenue in Vancouver. / Formosis Architecture, Value Property Group
The 16-storey hotel proposed for 888 W 8th Avenue in Vancouver. / Formosis Architecture, Value Property Group
"With a substantial lack of supply and variety of hotel availability, particularly in this area, this proposal continues the conversation of the Broadway Corridor’s significance, in this instance the densification of commercial and employment uses within the Uptown/Cambie North Area-A, with the intent of contributing to a more complete, walkable, and connected neighbourhood.'
The City of Vancouver received the rezoning application in May and will be hosting a Q&A period for the project from Wednesday, September 10 to Tuesday, September 23.
Other rezoning applications for new hotels in Vancouver include what would become the first mass timber hotel in Vancouver, as well as a 35-storey hotel and condo tower right next to Robson Square. The area around Vancouver General Hospital has also been a bit of a hotspot for hotel proposals, including a dual-brand project at 888 W Broadway and a 12-storey proposal at 901 W Broadway.
In one of its latest affordable housing ventures, CreateTO has filed plans for a 41- and six-storey rental development that would transform a City-owned parking lot in Toronto's Fairbank neighbourhood, at 9 Shortt Street. The project would deliver at-grade commercial space and 458 rental units, including around 140 affordable homes, within walking distance of an Eglinton Crosstown LRT station.
Under CreateTO — City of Toronto's dedicated housing agency — the City aims to deliver over 19,500 rental units and 6,445 affordable units across 39 City-owned sites, with the goal being to increase housing options and affordability amid the housing crisis.
Plans for the Shortt Street project were filed in early August and support a Zoning Bylaw Amendment application to rezone the lands to allow for the proposed development. City Council first identified the lands for affordable housing development back in 2021, and CreateTO began working with architectural services in 2023 to develop the building concept.
Located on the east side of Shortt St., the 54,131-sq.-ft site sits just northwest of the Eglinton Avenue West and Dufferin Street intersection. Currently, the nearest higher-order transit station is Eglinton West Station on Line 1, roughly a 12-minute transit ride away, but the site is located steps from Fairbank Station on the forthcoming Eglinton Crosstown LRT, which is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
For the buildings' design, CreateTO has teamed up with architecture firm Montgomery Sisam. Renderings on CreateTO's website depict a colourful exterior featuring blue, red, orange, and green elements and a vibrant mid-block connection offering seating areas, plantings, and public art.
A detailed planning rationale has yet to be filed, but architectural plans reveal a two-building complex with the 41-storey Building A located in the centre of the site and the six-storey Building B to the east. Building A would feature a four-storey base element that would extend from the north side of the structure and front onto Ramsden Road, while an eight-storey segment would extend west from the south end of the building.
9 Shortt/CreateTO
Between the two main buildings would be a privately-owned publicly-accessible mid-block connection and plaza that would travel from Ramsden to Shortt and would run parallel to commercial frontage located at grade within both buildings. In total, Building A would offer 2,292 sq. ft of commercial space and Building B would offer 1,987 sq. ft.
Also at grade would be around 6,759 sq. ft of outdoor amenity areas and 1,765 sq. ft of indoor amenity spaces across the two buildings. The remaining amenity space would be located on level nine where a 6,092-sq. -ft indoor area would connect to a 5,532-sq.-ft amenity rooftop atop the eight-storey podium.
Finally, the 458 rental units would be divided into 245 one-bedrooms, 164 two-bedrooms, and 49 three-bedrooms and those future residents would have access to 42 parking spaces and 421 bicycle parking spaces.
If approved and completed, the proposed development would add a substantial amount of new rental and affordable housing to CreateTO's growing portfolio and to the Fairbank neighbourhood. And with a fun design and transit-oriented nature, if successful, the project should greatly enhance the existing streetscape and community.
In addition, 9 Shortt Street is one of around 40 sites that will be rolled out under the new Toronto Builds framework, which consolidates the policy guidelines of all City-led initiatives to get housing built on public land, including Housing Now, ModernTO, and the “parking-to-homes” initiative.
Less than a week after releasing its second-quarter earnings, which showed that revenues from its appraisals and development advisory services are down, Toronto-based provider of real estate analytics Altus Group has revealed that it is in a period of review that could culminate in a sale.
“Altus Group periodically undertakes a strategic review to maximize stakeholder value. The Company is in the process of a review, which includes but is not limited to acquisitions, divestitures, and a sale or merger of the Company,” a Wednesday morning statement said. “The Company’s board of directors is committed to acting in the best interests of the Company and its stakeholders.”
“It is important to note that a review process may not result in any particular course of action,” the statement went on to say. “The Company does not intend to issue or disclose developments with respect to any of the above matters except as required under its regulatory obligations.”
Altus’ statement follows reports from Reuters on Tuesday that investment bankers are interested in taking the company private, according to two inside sources.
The company’s latest financial statements, released last Thursday, show a marginal 0.8% slip in overall revenues, a 30.3% drop in net cash provided by operating activities, and a 30.5% decline in free cash flow, quarter over quarter. They also show that revenues from Altus’ appraisals and development advisory services came in at $25,810,000 in the second quarter, which marks a 7.2% drop over the second quarter of 2024. Year to date revenues, at $50,618,000, are down 7.0%.
Reportable segment performance/Altus Group Q2-2025 earnings presentation
In addition, it appears that Altus is forecasting “flat-to-low single-digit revenue decline” in appraisals and development advisory through 2025. On the whole, the statements show that the company is now forecasting 2- 4% revenue growth for the year, which is down from its previously forecasted 3-5%.
On the flip side, the analytics portion of Altus’ operations observed a 3.0% gain to $105,894,000 quarter over quarter, as well as a 4.3% rise to $ 210,447,000 year over year. Recurring revenue from analytics also presented strong, growing 5.9% in the quarter to $100,800,000. Even so, the company is forecasting revenue in the segment to grow 3-6% through 2025, which is down from its pervious forecast of 4-7%. For recurring revenue, the projected growth this year is 5-7%, down from a previous forecast of 6-9%.
Altus Group is an authority in commercial real estate intelligence, and has been in the space for upwards of 30 years. The company puts out weekly and quarterly updates on industry conditions and a yearly cost guide, and they also work with entities like the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) to produce insights on the residential sector. According to the company’s website, Altus currently has more than 2,000 employees and serves in 85 countries.
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TRENDING: Altus Group In “Strategic Review” That Could Result In Sale
From the street, 310 Palmerston Boulevard will pull you in with intrigue. But what waits behind its front doors will leave you awestruck.
There's no question that the address boasts heritage charm, but few would guess that beyond the industrial steel and glass doors lies nearly 9,000 sq. ft of creatively curated living space — it's a home that is, according to its listing, regarded as Toronto’s finest historical restoration.
Originally constructed in 1889, the property was reimagined by JF Brennan Design into four freehold townhouses, each with its own unique identity. This particular residence represents the pinnacle of that vision: a grand four-level home where 19th-century craftsmanship meets contemporary sophistication.
Stepping into the grand entrance, visitors are greeted by soaring ceilings — some reaching up to 14 feet — and floors clad in travertine stone. The scale is cinematic, the detail unmatched.
Every room is a masterclass in contrast, blending antique, vintage, bespoke, and modern elements into a seamless whole. The main floor flows effortlessly from formal to casual spaces, with an open-concept family room and kitchen forming the heart of the home.
The second floor holds a primary suite that can only be described as a retreat-within-a-retreat: a sitting room with double-height focal windows and a fireplace leads to the bedroom via pocket doors, while the marble-wrapped ensuite and custom walk-in closet speak to a level of luxury that’s rare even in Toronto’s high-end market. Two additional bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, ensure comfort and privacy for family or guests.
The third floor’s showpiece is a metal-framed skylight that pours daylight deep into the home — more on this in a moment. Meanwhile, the lower level offers ample flexibility, including a guest suite with its own kitchen and full bath.
While the property’s architectural grandeur is undeniable, the metal-framed skylight on the third floor feels like pure magic. It’s an inspired design move that floods the home with natural light, subtly shifting its character from formal and stately to warm and welcoming.
The property’s private courtyard is an entertainer’s dream, and the two-car garage complete with EV charging adds a thoroughly modern convenience to this historic setting.
Set within one of the city’s most storied neighbourhoods, the home is mere steps from the cultural energy of Little Italy, Kensington Market, and College Street’s beloved lineup of restaurants and independent shops. Trinity Bellwoods park, U of T, and the best of Queen Street are also within easy reach, making this an address that combines architectural pedigree with a truly unmatched lifestyle.
A rendering of the two towers proposed for 49 Ontario Street in Toronto. / B+H Architects
The Toronto-based duo of Dream Unlimited (TSX: DRM) and CentreCourt Developments are renewing their long-running relationship, forming a new joint venture to embark on a project that is expected to begin construction as early as this year.
The project is set for 49 Ontario Street, which is currently occupied by a seven-storey office building between Adelaide Street East and Berkeley Street. An application for the site was submitted in 2021 by Dream Impact Trust (TSX: MPCT.UN) through MPCT 49 Ontario Street Toronto Inc. before a new application was submitted earlier this year after adjacent properties along Berkeley Street were acquired and folded in to the project.
The application for 49 Ontario Street and 72-94 Berkeley Street now calls for a 45-storey tower and a 49-storey tower with a total of 1,227 residential units (including 245 affordable units), a bit under 7,000 sq. ft of retail space, the retention of the heritage row houses at 72-78 Berkeley Street, and a public park along Berkeley Street.
In its Q1 2025 report, Dream Impact Trust said that it had entered into an agreement to sell a 10% minority stake in the 49 Ontario project, but did not disclose the partner other than to say that the company is "an experienced condominium developer which will work with the Trust to attract further investors to reduce the Trust's ownership stake." It also said that it had secured a development charges waiver from the City of Toronto in 2024 as well as $647.6 million in construction financing for the project. The loan was obtained through the CMHC's Apartment Construction Loan Program, as the CMHC and City of Toronto announced in March.
In the Q1 2025 report of Dream Unlimited, the company — which owns a 37% stake in Dream Impact Trust — said that Dream Impact Trust had also entered into a development agreement with Dream Unlimited and the new partner who will manage the project, which was revealed this week to be CentreCourt. CentreCourt will be serving as co-developer and construction manager of the 49 Ontario project and is also working with Dream on the Golden Mile master-planned community in Scarborough.
"Dream and CentreCourt have a 14-year history of successfully delivering landmark condominium communities together," said the two companies in a joint press release. "While both organizations have deep expertise across the real estate spectrum, this joint venture represents a significant step in expanding their collaboration into purpose-built rental."
"CentreCourt is recognized for its industry-leading ability to finance, design, and self-perform construction at unmatched speed and efficiency, delivering high build-quality along with exceptional returns on 19 projects totalling over 10,000 homes and $5.6 billion in development value," they added. "Dream brings a deep track record in purpose-built rental and unparalleled expertise in structuring and executing public-private partnerships, having developed or currently developing over 4,500 rental units worth over $2 billion upon full build-out."
In its Q2 2025 report, Dream Impact Trust said that it expects construction on the 49 Ontario project to commence by the end of the year and that the project will have 1,226 units, split between 960 market rental units and 266 affordable rental units (totals slightly different from the City of Toronto application). Initial occupancy is expected in 2028.
On August 12, Dream Impact Trust also published a general business update on its liquidity, development, and strategic initiatives, saying that it started the year with almost $350 million in land loans and that it expects to reduce that total by $140 million because the loans have "put a strain on our cash flow and liquidity."
"In 2026, we will continue to seek opportunities to reduce the land loans further, said the Trust. "As part of our plan to continue to increase liquidity for the Trust, over the next five-year planning period, the Trust intends to sell most of its commercial assets, realize cash from its passive investments and sell select apartment buildings as we improve the value and quality of the portfolio concentrated on the best new purpose-built rental buildings."
"Consistent with this goal, the Trust is in advanced discussions with a number of parties to provide a loan facility which will help with liquidity during this period," they added. "Our plan does not include starting any new condominium buildings other than the ones we currently have underway with pre-sales – Forma and Bridge House at Brightwater, which is set to commence construction shortly. If the condo market becomes more favourable and we can start new buildings at attractive returns, that will be an improvement to our plan."
British statesman Winston Churchill once said, “We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.”
In many ways, that characterizes what we are doing with development charges (DCs) on new housing. Municipalities are unilaterally imposing the levies on new development to foot the bill for capital costs of infrastructure like roads, water, sewage and power services to support growth.
In the end, it is self-defeating as new homeowners end up paying exorbitant fees that raise the cost of housing.
Over the years, there’s been tremendous mission creep with these charges. The funds are being used to pay for everything from subways to animal shelters and, in one instance, a cricket pitch.
In some municipal jurisdictions, such as in central Ontario, the GTA and Ottawa, DCs have become a runaway train. In Toronto, DCs on a two-bedroom condo increased to $88,000 from $8,000 over a 10-year period. Hikes like this put housing out of reach of most homebuyers.
And make no mistake. It is homebuyers that are footing the bill. While developers are the ones who initially pay the DCs when they obtain building permits, they are passed on to the buyers of new homes as part of the purchase price.
DCs are traditionally adjusted annually by municipalities to cover inflation and the increasing costs of infrastructure projects. However, these fees account for a large chunk of the tax burden on new housing.
A report for RESCON done by the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis found that taxes, fees and levies on new housing has jumped to almost 36% in Ontario, up from 31% three years ago.
DCs are a main reason housing has become unaffordable. They are discretionary fees that municipalities can apply to developments to help pay for infrastructure to support new growth. However, there aren’t enough guardrails to stop municipalities from using DCs to fund items not related to housing.
The original idea behind DCs was noble, but they’ve have ballooned out of control. Municipal governments are adding items to the wish list. The levies have become a way of raising money without increasing taxes.
The result?
Prices for new homes and for renters in new properties have risen. It’s a form of hidden taxation.
As mentioned, a big problem has been that builders have had to pay for development charges upfront rather than on closing, which means they must finance the charges while projects are being built. Projects can take years, so it can be a hefty bill. The cost is then added to the price tag.
The math is simple. The higher the development charges are, the harder it is for people to buy housing. This results in fewer projects being started, which restricts housing and pushes up prices.
We’re now seeing that scenario play out in housing starts and sales figures. We are at the point where builders can’t build homes that people can afford to buy.
The provincial government recently introduced legislation called Bill 17, or the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025, that enables developers and builders to defer the payment of DCs until the property has been transferred to the ultimate buyer. This will save developers money both on payments and financing charges as well as reduce red tape.
It’s certainly a good start, but to really spur the market DCs ultimately need to be reduced. To fix the problem, the Province must get DCs under control and stop the abuse by municipal governments.
A few municipalities have stepped up and done the right thing. DCs in the City of Vaughan, for example, were cut in half because Mayor Steven Del Duca took action as nothing was being sold. The City of Mississauga followed suit, substantially cutting its DCs in January of this year.
Presently, Ontario’s municipalities are sitting on substantial DC reserve funds. Data shared by the provincial government indicates that the municipalities have $10 billion in the bank. Toronto has $2.8 billion of that figure, Durham Region has $1.1 billion and Ottawa has $800 million.
The Ford government has recommended that the money be used quickly to reduce the cost of building homes. Meanwhile, we are waiting to see what the federal government will do on DCs.
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Ottawa will be supporting municipalities that reduce DCs and we are hopeful significant measures will be introduced to support homebuilding in the budget this fall.
To alleviate the housing crunch, we must get DCs under control. The Province got the ball rolling with Bill 17. The Feds must now answer the bell.