Removing barriers to build more homes, faster in London, Ontario
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September 13, 2023
London, Ontario
Right now, in communities across the country, including London, Ontario, it is too hard to build the housing we need, especially affordable housing. That’s why the federal government is working together with municipalities to break down barriers and build more homes, more quickly, to help people – from young families, to seniors, to newcomers – find a good, affordable place to call home.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the federal government has reached an agreement with the City of London, Ontario, to fast-track the creation of over 2,000 additional housing units over the next three years alone, and build thousands more in the years to come. This is the first agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund, which was launched earlier this year to cut red tape, fix outdated local policies like zoning, and build more homes, faster.
This agreement will provide $74 million to increase the housing supply in London. With this new funding, London will allow for high-density development without the need for re-zoning – eliminating a major barrier to creating the types of homes we need. London will also move to allow up to four units to be built on a single property in low-density neighbourhoods, dispose of city-owned land for more development, and create partnerships with non-profit housing providers to build more affordable homes. Overall, this plan means more homes close to public transit, more rental units for students, and more housing, ranging from duplexes and triplexes to small apartment buildings.
The Housing Accelerator Fund helps cut red tape and fast track at least 100,000 new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across the country. It asks for innovative action plans from local governments, and once approved, provides upfront funding to ensure the timely building of new homes, as well as additional funds upon delivering results. Every agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund will require municipalities to end exclusionary zoning and encourage apartment building around public transit in order to help seniors, students, and families. Local governments are encouraged to think big and be bold in their approaches, which could include accelerating project timelines, allowing increased housing density, and encouraging affordable housing units.
The Government of Canada is making life more affordable for Canadians – and housing is key to our work. Our plan to double the rate of housing construction over the next decade will help build the housing supply we need. We will continue to work with provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, as well as Indigenous partners, to keep building more homes for Canadians, faster.
Quotes
“Everyone deserves a good place to call home. That’s why we’re cutting red tape and funding new ways to build more homes, faster – especially affordable homes. This landmark agreement with London will be the first of many, and we look forward to working with all orders of government to help everyone find a place to call their own.”
“We need to build more homes, and faster. The very first agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund announced today with the City of London will yield thousands of new housing units. To make housing more affordable, we need to boost the supply of homes. The City of London’s proposal does just that, and I am incredibly proud of this investment, which was made possible by the City of London’s willingness to streamline development. This is just one of many agreements we will be signing with municipalities across the country who have a similar appetite to get housing built for Canadians.”
“This is the most significant investment in housing and housing-related infrastructure in London’s history. And the need in our community could not be greater. London is the fastest growing city in Ontario, driven in large part by a thriving manufacturing expansion across our region. The Housing Accelerator Fund will help London meet the needs this growth demands, and that Londoners deserve. We believe housing is a human right, and together with the federal government, we will use this funding to drive overall housing supply with strong connectivity to transit networks, incentivize commercial conversions in our Core Area, bolster our Health and Homelessness System Response, and modernize our approvals processes to move even faster.”
Quick Facts
- Launched in March 2023, the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) is a $4 billion initiative from the Government of Canada that will run until 2026-27. It is designed to help cities, towns, and Indigenous governments unlock new housing supply through innovative approaches.
- The HAF is part of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS), an $82+ billion plan that has already committed to the creation and repair of over 400,000 units. Progress on programs and initiatives under the NHS are updated quarterly at www.placetocallhome.ca. The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed through the NHS.
- Since the creation of the NHS, the Government of Canada has supported the creation of over 113,000 units and the repair of over 126,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.
- Since 2015, the government has helped almost two million Canadians find a place to call home.
Associated Links
- Housing Accelerator Fund
- Housing Accelerator Fund – Building more homes, faster
- Building more homes, faster
- Making housing more affordable for Canadians
- National Housing Strategy
September 12, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following changes in the senior ranks of the public service:
Jean-François Tremblay, currently Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development, becomes Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, effective September 18, 2023.
Paul Thompson, currently Deputy Minister of Public Services and Procurement, becomes Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development, effective September 18, 2023.
Biographical Notes
September 12, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Nayrouz:
“Today, Coptic Christians in Canada and around the world will celebrate the Feast of Nayrouz and the beginning of the Coptic New Year.
“The Feast of Nayrouz commemorates the martyrdom of the Coptic Christians who were persecuted for their faith under the Roman Empire. Their bravery, resilience, and devotion serve as a source of inspiration for Coptic Christians around the world, many of whom continue to be targets of violence and discrimination for their beliefs.
“On this day, Coptic Christians also celebrate the Coptic New Year by coming together to engage in prayers, exchange presents, and enjoy cherished moments with loved ones.
“Coptic communities have long made Canada stronger, particularly through their engagement in charitable initiatives. Their values of openness, inclusivity, and tolerance help make Canada the country we love.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I send my best wishes to all those celebrating Nayrouz.”
September 11, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and the National Day of Service:
“Twenty-two years ago today, the world watched in horror as the worst terrorist attack in American history unfolded.
“Today, we remember the almost 3,000 people, including 24 Canadians, whose lives were senselessly taken that day. Our thoughts remain with those who lost loved ones, the thousands who were injured, and all those who continue to live with the trauma of this tragedy.
“Amid the chaos, the bravery of countless heroes shone through. Firefighters, paramedics, police officers, military personnel, and members of the community ran toward the devastation, risking their own lives in the hopes of saving others. Many paid the ultimate price.
“On this National Day of Service, we remember communities like Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, that exemplified the best of our country by taking in stranded passengers and providing them with comfort, hot meals, and a place to sleep.
“After 22 years, we haven’t forgotten those who were lost on 9/11 – and we will never forget. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to honour the selflessness of the many people who provided help when it was needed most, as we remember those who lost their lives that day.”
