On October 26, voters across Ontario will elect the municipal leaders who will make some of the most important decisions affecting housing affordability and supply in their communities.

This is a housing election, and voters want solutions.

New Ipsos polling that TRREB commissioned shows that 90 per cent of residents across the GTA and Barrie are considering voting in the municipal election, 85 per cent are concerned about housing affordability in their community, and 69 per cent say housing will influence how they vote. For TRREB and our Members, the stakes are significant.

Municipal governments make decisions every day that directly affect whether builders can construct housing, how quickly they can complete it, and how much it ultimately costs.

At a time when Ontario is already falling behind on its housing goals and home prices remain out of reach for too many families, we need municipalities to focus on removing these roadblocks, not creating new ones.

That is why TRREB is taking our Remove Housing Roadblocks campaign directly into municipal elections across the GTA and Simcoe County.

WHAT TRREB IS FIGHTING FOR

TRREB has put forward a six-point plan calling on municipal candidates to take practical action on housing supply and affordability by building more homes faster and at a lower cost.

1. Create more housing options
2. Speed up housing approvals
3. Say no to new municipal land transfer taxes (MLTT) and reduce existing MLTT
4. Lower development costs
5. Support growing communities
6. Keep housing affordable

Municipalities can implement these practical solutions. Throughout this election, TRREB will continue advocating with candidates across the region to make housing affordability and supply a priority.

WHEN A CANDIDATE KNOCKS ON YOUR DOOR, ASK THREE QUESTIONS

As REALTORS®, you have a unique perspective on the housing challenges facing our communities. You see the impact of affordability every day through the buyers, sellers, renters, and families you serve.

That’s why we’re asking every TRREB Member to put three questions to candidates seeking your vote:

1. If elected, will you oppose new municipal land transfer taxes that make buying a home even less affordable?
2. If elected, will you support lowering development charges and speeding up development approvals?
3. If elected, will you support zoning changes that make it easier to build townhomes, multiplexes, and other missing-middle housing?

Whether a candidate knocks on your door, you meet them at a community event, or you have an opportunity to speak with them during the campaign, ask where they stand on housing.

Together, we can keep housing affordability at the centre of the municipal election conversation and continue pushing governments to Remove the Housing Roadblocks.

Stay tuned for more updates about our campaign.