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Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) Statement on the Launch of the Federal Government’s Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF)

Ontario Big City Mayors

*Please see below a statement from the Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) caucus. As well, as a related a related statement from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

March 17, 2023

Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) would like to thank the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion for today’s launch of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF).

OBCM supports the federal governments’ goal to fast track the creation of at least 100,000 new homes across Canada. Municipalities play an important role in facilitating and servicing new housing, and funding programs such as this $4 billion initiative are crucial for us to continue to do our part in creating communities that will thrive for years to come.

In today’s announcement Minister Hussen recognized the importance of “partnering with local governments…to create long-term systemic changes in our housing system and make a tangible impact in increasing housing supply.” This is a partnership OBCM has been calling for at all levels of government, and to include all partners involved in the home building process.

“As we explore the details of the Housing Accelerator Fund and its application process, I am pleased to see that the uses for this investment will include prioritizing affordable, inclusive, and diverse communities. Ontario’s big cities have already developed housing action plans to build thousands of new homes over the next ten years, and look forward to utilizing this fund to support these goals.” — Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, OBCM Chair

OBCM is encouraged to see the Housing Accelerator Fund also include investments in infrastructure to support these new communities. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction towards a longer term approach to address municipal infrastructure deficits by all levels of government.

About Ontario’s Big City Mayors

Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM), formerly known as the Large Urban Mayors’ Caucus of Ontario, includes mayors of 29 single and lower-tier cities with a population of 100,000 or more, who collectively represent nearly 70 percent of Ontario’s population. OBCM advocates for issues and policies important to Ontario’s largest cities.

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A Better Burlington began in 2006 after my neighbours said they felt left out of city decisions, learning about them only after they’d been made. As journalist for 22 years, I thought “I can do something about that” and a website and newsletter were born. They’ve taken various forms and names over the years, but the intent remains: To let you know what’s happening at City Hall before decisions are made, so you can influence outcomes for A Better Burlington. The best decisions are made when elected representatives tap the wisdom of our community members, and welcome many different perspectives.This site allows residents to comment and debate with each other; our Commenting Guidelines established in 2016 aim to keep debate respectful. Got an idea or comment you want to share privately? Please, get in touch:

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