Articles from Global News

In a recent announcement, the Canadian government unveiled five projects that its newly established Major Projects Office aims to expedite through the approval process. However, the Highway 401 tunnel project, considered by Ontario Premier Doug Ford as a potential nation-building initiative, was not included on this list. Ford expressed optimism that the tunnel will eventually be recognized for its national significance. Despite the omission, Ford remains hopeful about the project's future inclusion in the government's fast-tracking agenda.

The Canadian federal government has appointed Ana Bailão, a former Toronto city councillor, to lead efforts in scaling up the country's affordable housing stock. This move reflects the Liberals' focus on addressing the housing affordability crisis in Canada. Bailão's experience in municipal politics is intended to spearhead initiatives to increase housing availability for low-income Canadians.

The Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, is preparing to build a road to the Ring of Fire region. This initiative aims to boost mining activities as part of Canada's strategy in response to trade tensions with the United States. Prime Minister Mark Carney supports the project's role in ensuring a secure supply of critical minerals.

City of Toronto staff have recommended the approval of a redesigned development proposal to construct a 60-storey tower above a historically significant building that is over 130 years old. This proposal is part of an ongoing trend to integrate modern infrastructure with historical preservation in urban spaces. The development, if approved, will contribute to Toronto's skyline while respecting its architectural heritage.

A report by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reveals varying levels of construction activity across Canadian markets. Although some regions are experiencing increased construction, the overall building targets remain unmet. In particular, Toronto is witnessing a significant decline in residential construction activities. The report highlights continuing challenges in meeting housing demands across the nation.

Ontario has commenced the construction of the first station for the Scarborough Subway Extension. A groundbreaking ceremony is being held with the attendance of Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. This project marks a significant development in Toronto's transit infrastructure.

In August, home prices in the Greater Toronto Area faced downward pressure as the number of new listings exceeded the number of sales. This imbalance in the housing market has affected pricing trends. It highlights a trend where potential buyers have more options to choose from, impacting demand.

Provincial and city officials have announced that the renovation work on the Gardiner Expressway is progressing faster than originally planned. The project is now expected to take only 1.5 years to complete. This acceleration is due to the implementation of round-the-clock construction efforts.

A new analysis by the Royal Bank of Canada indicates that Ontario is the primary region responsible for the housing crisis in Canada due to its lag in housing construction. The data highlights that while Canada as a whole may not be experiencing a housing slump, Ontario's underperformance in building new homes is significant. The findings suggest focusing on boosting construction in Ontario could alleviate national housing issues.

The Ford government in Ontario is providing an additional $1.6 billion to a fund intended to assist towns and cities with increasing housing supplies. The funding will be used for the development of essential infrastructure such as roads and sewers. This initiative aims to support efforts in boosting housing numbers, addressing perceived housing shortages in various municipalities.

The Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, considered a proposed route change for Highway 413. This proposed alteration was put forth by a major developer and could potentially unlock development possibilities on lands owned by the developer. The briefing highlights potential implications both on existing infrastructure plans and the developers’ interests.

The recent update of Ontario's housing tracker after an eight-month hiatus reveals continued struggles in home building. Despite attempts to use new counting methods, the number of housing starts remains low. This indicates ongoing challenges in the housing sector, possibly influenced by broader market or regulatory issues. The report serves as a reminder of the difficulties faced in increasing housing supply in the province.