The Domino Effect: Property Tax Hikes and Housing Developments
From car purchases to grocery runs, Ontarians feel the pinch of rising costs at every turn, and property tax is no exception. Across the province, cities and municipalities are unveiling their 2025 budgets, and the proposed property tax increases are causing quite the stir. In Hamilton, residents are bracing for a proposed 6.3% property tax hike, in Woolwich Township, it is even steeper at 10%. But perhaps the most jaw dropping of them all comes from Wilmot Township, where a 50% property tax increase is on the table.
Municipal Official Plans and The Effects Of Overly Prescriptive Policies
Building homes is about more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about shaping communities by delivering attainable housing solutions for present and future generations. However, achieving this vision is increasingly challenging due to the growing complexity and rigidity of municipal Official Plans.
A City’s Official Plan (OP) is the guiding document for development and community building. Setting the growth trajectory for municipalities, the OP’s high-level, goal-oriented contents provide inspiration and guidance for developers and the projects they pursue.
The Power of Collaboration: RESCON Housing Summit 4.0, Accelerating Change: Tackling the Housing Crisis.
The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) recently hosted Housing Summit 4.0, Accelerating Change: Tackling the Housing Crisis. The event brought together an impressive roster of speakers sharing their ideas and insights into how to tackle the housing crisis.
Amongst the diverse perspectives and open dialogue, a few key themes emerged. Industry representatives want reduced fees and expedited application processes to drive growth. Municipal leaders shared their commitment to effectively managing resources, stressing the need for funding to ensure that infrastructure is in place before new projects can be built.