Actions Speak Louder Than Words': What Developers Expect From The Next Federal Government

As Canada approaches its federal election, housing developers are voicing a clear message: without significant policy changes, the country's housing crisis will persist. Despite campaign promises from both major parties, developers emphasize that real progress requires more than rhetoric. They are calling for concrete actions to address regulatory barriers and expedite the construction process.

Developers across the nation agree on key obstacles hindering housing development. High municipal taxes, stringent land-use restrictions, and prolonged building permit approvals are cited as major deterrents. Evan Allegretto, President of Vancouver-based Intracorp Homes, expressed skepticism about governmental commitment, stating, "There's rhetoric around it being a housing crisis, but... their actions speak louder than their words."

Both Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre have proposed measures to stimulate housing construction. Carney plans to enhance the existing Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), aiming for greater transparency in municipal progress. Poilievre, on the other hand, proposes replacing the HAF with a system that penalizes municipalities failing to meet housing targets, including potential salary reductions for officials.

Beyond federal initiatives, developers stress the need for collaboration across all levels of government. They advocate for streamlined zoning laws, reduced development charges, and faster approval processes at the municipal level. The Canadian Homebuilders' Association and the Building Industry and Land Development Association have long championed these reforms, emphasizing that such changes are crucial for increasing housing supply.

The federal government's role, while limited in direct municipal affairs, can influence change through funding incentives. Programs like the HAF aim to encourage municipalities to adopt pro-development policies. However, developers argue that without binding commitments and accountability measures, these programs may fall short of their objectives.

As the election nears, the consensus among developers is clear: meaningful policy reforms are essential to address Canada's housing shortage. They urge the incoming government to prioritize actionable strategies over promises, emphasizing that only through decisive measures can the housing crisis be effectively tackled.