In a move to tackle Ontario's housing crisis, the provincial government has released a new set of land-use planning rules designed to increase municipalities autonomy and expedite the construction of new homes. The province says the new Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) is a step forward, building on efforts to cut red tape through the Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act (Bill 185, 2024).
The PPS aims to simplify and streamline the complex web of planning rules that municipalities currently navigate. By consolidating previous policies and reducing over 100 pages and 30,000 words of administrative burden, according to the province, the new PPS will allow municipal staff to save an estimated 6,600 hours in processing time—hours that can now be redirected towards getting homes built faster.
But that’s not all. The PPS introduces new tools and flexibility that aim to help municipalities meet their housing targets in a way that aligns with local challenges and priorities. It encourages the construction of homes near major transit stations and on underused lands like shopping plazas, making it easier for developers to utilize these prime locations. The policy also mentions a broader range of housing options, including affordable housing for students and seniors, working towards inclusive and diverse future growth.
Additionally, the new PPS encourages better coordination between municipalities and school boards, promoting integrated planning that maximizes public investments. The province notes that this policy isn’t just the result of top-down decision-making; it’s informed by two years of consultations, including input from Indigenous communities and organizations.
As Ontario continues to experience unprecedented population growth—with more than 500,000 new residents in 2022 alone and projections showing an additional two million by 2031—the importance of efficient, effective land-use planning cannot be overstated. The new PPS, which comes into effect on October 20, 2024, is a key part of the government’s strategy to meet this demand head-on. Moreover, upcoming changes to the Building Code will further support the construction of modular homes and the use of innovative building methods, aiming to lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and adaptable housing future.
The province says it’s backing up these policy changes with financial support. Through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, Ontario is investing $1.2 billion to develop, repair, and expand critical infrastructure like drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. These investments are expected to facilitate the construction of over 500,000 new homes across the province.
To further strengthen the connection between provincial policy and local implementation, Ministers and municipal leaders held 700 meetings at the 2024 AMO conference, discussing key priorities such as housing, infrastructure, and public health. These conversations underscore the collaborative approach needed to meet Ontario’s housing challenges.
This is What We Think
While these new measures are undoubtedly a win for streamlining processes and accelerating housing development for some student populations, questions remain about affordability. A 2022 survey of Canadian post-secondary students found that 94 per cent encountered multiple difficulties when trying to find off-campus housing, and 12 per cent were still unable to secure housing just weeks before the start of classes that September. These figures underscore the pressing need for affordable housing options specifically designed for students. Cutting red tape might make it easier to build, but will it also ensure that the homes being built are within reach for those who need them most?
The focus on areas near transit hubs and underused commercial spaces like shopping plazas is promising, but CSA will be watching closely to see who truly benefits from these changes. Will these homes be accessible to students and low-income residents, or will they cater primarily to higher-income buyers? Certain student populations, such as those from northern regions or international students, face unique challenges in securing affordable housing. These plans do not necessarily ensure that municipalities will consider the diverse needs of these groups, making it essential to focus on equitable access to housing for all students.
As the Ontario government grants more control to municipalities, the success of these new policies will largely depend on how well municipalities and post-secondary institutions can collaborate to ensure that affordable housing is a priority. While CSA is encouraged to see students are mentioned in the PPS, we believe the provincial government must commit to building a more comprehensive student housing plan, rather than solely leaving it to municipalities to decide whether or not to include student housing in their future housing strategies. Ensuring that students, in particular, can afford to live in these new developments will be critical. CSA continues to call on all levels of government and post-secondary institutions to collaborate on an integrated solution to the student housing crisis.
Conclusion
As the College Student Alliance (CSA), we are committed to closely monitoring the impact of these new policies. Our team has been working tirelessly to conduct independent research, and we look forward to sharing our findings with you this fall. Stay tuned for our upcoming reports, where we’ll dive deeper into how these changes are affecting Ontario’s housing landscape for students.
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