Statement from OREA President, David Reid, on Proposed Amendment to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2017

"Thousands of families across Ontario are struggling to afford the Canadian Dream of home ownership. REALTORS^® believe that Ontario’s housing affordability crisis calls for bold action.

We are pleased to see that the Ford Government is proposing amendments to the Growth Plan that would establish different minimum intensification targets for municipalities. The Government understands that ‘one-size does not fit all’, and that it’s best for local municipalities to reflect local market demand. This amendment would allow municipalities to accommodate ‘missing middle’ housing types like townhouses, stacked flats or mid-rise buildings, creating more affordable choices for first-time buyers, young families and down-sizers.

Over the last two years, Ontario REALTORS^® have brought forth a number of ideas to the government to ensure the dream of home ownership stays within reach for Ontarians, including fixing the Province’s one-size-fits-all approach to planning.

We look forward to these proposed amendments being approved, so that communities throughout the province can finally get the housing they need, and young families and first-time buyers can finally have more choice on types of housing."

- OREA President, David Reid