Ontario Housing Crisis: Doug Ford’s Stance on Fourplexes and Federal Funding Dilemma

On a notable Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford reaffirmed his refusal to mandate municipalities across Ontario to permit fourplexes on residential land. This decision has profound implications, potentially jeopardizing Ontario’s access to billions in federal housing funds aimed at alleviating the ongoing housing crisis.

The Debate Around Fourplexes

During a press conference in Vaughan, Ford emphasized, "It’s not up to the province to dictate where every single building is going to go." He expressed his belief that municipalities should have the autonomy to decide what is best for their communities without provincial interference.

This stance comes in the wake of a significant announcement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who revealed a commitment of $6 billion in new infrastructure funding designed to help provinces manage the national housing crisis. This funding, however, is contingent upon compliance with specific conditions, primarily the obligation for municipalities to permit the development of four-unit residential dwellings—known as fourplexes—"as of right." This designation means that construction or conversion would proceed without the need for additional bylaw amendments.

Ford’s Perspective and Pushback

Prior to this latest announcement, speculators at Queen’s Park had anticipated that the forthcoming housing bill, set to be introduced shortly, might include a mandate for fourplex implementation. However, Ford’s recent comments suggest the contrary. He described the prospect of a province-wide fourplex policy as "off the table," asserting that municipalities would be better suited to evaluate their specific housing needs.

In a pointed response to Ford’s resistance, federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser criticized Ontario for missing an opportunity to tackle the housing crisis head-on. He stated, "Ontario had an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to build more homes and take the housing crisis seriously," lamenting a preference for "red tape and the status quo."

Municipalities on the Front Lines

Despite the provincial government’s hesitance, some Ontario cities are stepping up. Both Toronto and Mississauga have already initiated measures to allow fourplexes within their jurisdictions. This action is part of a broader strategy to access funds from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, which facilitates direct agreements between Ottawa and municipalities, thereby bypassing the provincial government.

In a statement made in Toronto, Trudeau made it clear that the federal government would continue to collaborate directly with municipalities willing to meet the funding conditions. "We are going to continue to work with municipalities that want to work with us, with $6 billion in infrastructure investments to allow more housing to get built," he remarked. This indicates the federal government’s willingness to engage independently from provincial regulations.

Implications of the More Homes Built Faster Act

Ford’s government had previously enacted the 2022 More Homes Built Faster Act, which allowed for up to three units on most residential lots historically zoned for single-family homes. While he conveyed a readiness to collaborate with the federal government, Ford maintained that planning decisions regarding fourplexes lie solely within the jurisdiction of individual municipalities. He expressed confidence in local municipal leaders, stating, "I have all the confidence in the world in the mayors and councils to put homes where they belong."

This latest public discord emerges as the province sets an ambitious goal of constructing 1.5 million new homes by 2031. Though there are signs of increased housing construction, projections indicate that the current pace remains insufficient to meet the provincial target.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment

As the Ontario housing crisis intensifies, the clash between Premier Doug Ford’s vision for local autonomy and federal demands for housing solutions creates a complex landscape. With substantial funding at stake, municipalities are poised to play a crucial role in determining their housing futures. The outcome of this debate could significantly shape the trajectory of housing policy in Ontario, with ramifications for communities across the province.

In a time when demand for housing continues to rise, the decisions made today will impact not only the immediate availability of homes but also the long-term sustainability of Ontario’s urban spaces. As stakeholders continue to engage in this crucial conversation, the importance of collaborative solutions that prioritize both local needs and broader housing goals remains paramount.