The province’s June 2 election day is just around the corner, and with housing being top of mind for many Ontarians, TRREB hosted a debate on the Ready to Real Estate Podcast between provincial candidates in GTA ridings.* Abhijeet Manay, the Green Party deputy leader and candidate for the riding of Beaches–East York, and Lisa Patel, TRREB Past President and candidate for the Liberal Party in the riding of Scarborough–Southwest, met with TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer for this spirited discussion about where their parties stand on housing policies and what they’ll do to improve housing in Ontario. Read on and get informed on housing issues that mean the most to you.

*TRREB note: invitations were also extended to candidates from the Progressive Conservative Party and the NDP, but they were unable to participate. 

Question: How will your party ensure that more homes are built, both in the GTA and the wider Golden Horseshoe?

Manay: The Greens will implement a public–private partnership, partnering with private organizations, including non-profits and co-ops, to increase the supply of affordable housing to the tune of 100,000 permanent units. They also aim to give homeowners the ability to more easily create supply within existing housing: converting properties into plexes, or developing nanny suites or laneway housing.

Patel: The Liberals are committed to building 1.5 million homes. Their plan incorporates the Ontario Mortgage and Housing Corporation to finance housing of all types, as well as alleviating the waitlists for social housing by building more affordable homes for first-time buyers. They intend to work with municipal governments to end exclusionary zoning practices.

Question: How will your party make it easier and more affordable to purchase homes in the GTA?

Patel: The Liberals will ban non-resident ownership, implement a vacancy tax, and impose a levy on speculation to try and curb runaway bidding on houses. They also intend to work with the federal and municipal governments to redefine the first-time buyer program to match present-day realities. 

Manay: Like the Liberals, the Greens intend to end speculation and implement a vacancy tax. In addition, people who own more than two homes would be subject to a progressive tax, and low- and middle-income buyers will be able to access a down payment support program, as well as alternative home ownership programs like rent-to-own.

Question: How does transit-oriented communities planning factor into your party’s stance on housing?

Manay: The Greens want to invest in transit to energize neglected urban and rural areas, improving commutes for essential workers. As well, they hope to develop missing middle housing on existing transit corridors and main streets to create “15-minute neighbourhoods.”

Patel: The Liberals propose a $1 transit fare to incentivize people to use transit and reduce overall carbon emissions by getting more cars off the road. They’ll also support new transit projects like the Durham Line, and continue to invest so that transit infrastructure doesn’t stagnate.

Of course, the candidates discussed much more in the podcast: catch the full episode to make sure you’re ready to cast your ballot on June 2.