Ontario is in the middle of a housing affordability crisis, and the government’s ambitious promise to deliver 1.5 million homes by 2031 is facing sharp criticism. At a recent summit hosted by the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON), experts warned that outdated regulations, high development charges, red tape, and slow approvals make this target nearly impossible.
With condo sales at historic lows and construction jobs at risk, industry leaders stressed the need for bold reforms. This article explores the highlights of the RESCON housing summit and why experts believe Ontario’s housing plan is far from reality.
1. Background: Ontario’s 1.5M Homes Promise
The Ontario government pledged to build 1.5 million homes between 2023 and 2031. However, critics argue the target is unrealistic given the financial, political, and regulatory hurdles currently stalling housing projects.
2. The RESCON Housing Summit Overview
Held online on September 24, the RESCON housing summit drew more than 800 participants. Builders, policymakers, and stakeholders gathered to discuss solutions to Ontario’s housing supply crisis.
3. Richard Lyall’s Opening Remarks
Richard Lyall, president of RESCON, emphasized that many of the same issues that slowed housing years ago remain unresolved today:
- Outdated regulations
- Slow approval processes
- Heavy tax burdens
- Rising building costs
He stressed that safe, affordable housing is the foundation of community well-being.
4. Why the Housing Supply is Drying Up
Ontario’s residential construction activity is slowing drastically:
- Condo sales in the GTA are near zero in 2025.
- Apartment construction is down nearly 50% compared to 2022.
This decline signals fewer housing starts in 2025–2027, leading to a housing drought from 2028–2030.
5. Marlon Bray’s Warning on Housing Drought
Marlon Bray, executive vice-president of Clark Construction Management, bluntly stated:
“There’s not a chance in hell we are building 1.5 million homes. It basically defies logic.”
He argued that the government’s promise is “a made-up number” that does not align with market realities.
6. The Cost Problem: Taxes and Development Charges
One of the major barriers is development charges (DCs), which add enormous costs to new projects. Bray explained that in many cases, the cost of building exceeds the potential revenue from sales, making projects financially unfeasible.
7. Economic Risks and Job Losses
Ontario is at risk of losing 41,000 construction jobs, resulting in a potential $10 billion economic hit. Young people and skilled trades may leave the industry if construction continues to decline.
8. Government Response: Bill 17 and Reforms
Ontario Housing Minister Rob Flack highlighted recent reforms:
- Bill 17 defers DCs until occupancy, improving builder cash flow.
- Eliminates DCs on long-term care homes.
- Updates to the Ontario Building Code to prevent municipalities from enforcing inconsistent standards.
9. The Building Permit Challenge
One of the most pressing issues remains approval timelines.
- In Ontario, building permits can take years.
- In British Columbia and the U.S., permits are often approved within weeks or months.
Experts say reducing delays is critical for meeting housing demand.
10. A Path Forward for Ontario Housing
While challenges remain, Richard Lyall pointed out that solutions exist. Taxes, fees, and outdated processes can be fixed if governments and industry leaders commit to bold reforms.