The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's overarching mission is to work with local governments and partners across Ontario to build safe and strong urban and rural communities with dynamic local economies, a high quality of life and affordable and suitable homes for everyone. Its stated main goal is to build at least 1.5 million new homes by 2031. The Ministry plays a crucial role in new housing development in Toronto for several reasons:
1. Policy and Regulation: The Ministry establishes provincial policies and regulations that direct municipal planning and housing development. Key documents include the Provincial Policy Statement and the A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. These policies outline where development should occur, how land should be used, and how housing needs should be met throughout Ontario, including in Toronto. These frameworks ensure that development aligns with provincial priorities such as efficient land use, protecting the environment, and promoting economic growth.
2. Approval Authority: The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has authority over certain types of developments or amendments to official plans. For example, large-scale housing projects or significant changes to Toronto's official plan may require approval from the Ministry if they impact broader provincial interests or regional significance. The Ministry’s role in the approval process helps ensure that municipal decisions align with provincial goals and policies.
3. Funding and Incentives: The Ministry provides various funding programs and incentives to support affordable housing development. Programs like the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) and the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) help municipalities, including Toronto, access critical funding for building new affordable housing units. These programs aim to increase the supply of affordable housing and improve housing affordability across the province. You can learn here about programs to help you have a safe and affordable place to call home.
4. Legislative Oversight: It oversees and enforces important legislation that affects housing development, such as the Planning Act, the Building Code Act, and the Housing Services Act. These laws govern how municipalities like Toronto plan and execute housing projects, ensuring compliance with provincial standards for safety, accessibility, and environmental protection. For example, the Ontario Building Code establishes construction standards to promote health and safety in buildings, including new housing developments.
5. Coordination with Municipalities: The Ministry collaborates closely with municipalities, including Toronto, to align local housing strategies with provincial objectives. This coordination ensures that local initiatives support broader provincial goals, such as increasing the overall housing supply and improving affordability. Resources like the Municipal Guides and Programs provide municipalities with guidelines and tools to effectively manage growth and development within their jurisdictions.
6. Intervention Powers: The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has the authority to intervene in local planning decisions under certain circumstances, particularly if those decisions contradict provincial interests or if there are disputes between different levels of government or stakeholders. This power allows the Ministry to directly influence housing development projects in Toronto to ensure they align with provincial priorities. For example, the The Ontario Land Tribunal has jurisdiction and power in relation to municipal affairs to approve any by-law or proposed by-law of a municipality, as per the Municipal Act.
Overall, the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is a key player in shaping the housing landscape in Toronto. Through its regulatory framework, funding programs, and collaborative efforts, the Ministry's decisions and policies directly impact the availability, type, and affordability of new housing developments in the City of Toronto.