Premier Doug Ford announced an additional $1.6 billion in infrastructure spending to help build more houses at the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference on Monday.
The money will go toward the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, which helps municipalities build roads, bridges, and water systems to unlock new housing lands.
“We’re making record investments in housing and infrastructure so we can keep workers on the job and help families across the province find a home that meets their needs and their budgets,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Working with our municipal partners, we’re going to keep lowering costs, investing in infrastructure, and cutting red tape so we can keep the dream of homeownership alive in Ontario.”
During his speech to the province's mayors and councillors, Ford encouraged municipalities to do all they can to remove barriers to home building.
He also spoke with Prime Minister Mark Carney about removing HST for first-time home buyers.
“For far too long, too many families, first-time home buyers, and seniors have been priced out of the market,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our government recognizes that this must change. Today’s investment is part of our plan to use every tool in our toolbox to bring costs down and builds upon recent initiatives such as the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act.”