Officials in Mississauga announced that over $401 million received on Thursday from the provincial and federal governments will support the creation of “important new transit projects” along with other infrastructure needed to accommodate more housing.
The funding, totaling $401.4 million, comes from the Development Charges Reduction Program, a collaborative effort by both the province and Ottawa designed to assist municipalities that have lowered development charges to invest in infrastructure necessary for growth.
City leaders mentioned that Mississauga was among the first cities in Ontario to significantly cut or even eliminate development charges to encourage more housing construction and make homes more affordable.
Mississauga will continue these reductions until March 31, 2029.
“Mississauga acted early to help get more homes built and make them more affordable for our residents,” Mayor Carolyn Parrish stated in a news release following Thursday’s unexpected announcement in Mississauga. She added that the funding highlights “the value of that leadership. This substantial investment from our government partners will enable us to deliver the infrastructure necessary to support new homes across every neighborhood. It will also enhance connections for residents and visitors heading into our downtown. Together with our government partners, we are creating the homes, transit links, and community facilities required for a growing city.”
Representatives from both provincial and federal governments joined city officials at the funding announcement event, which was not open to media coverage.
The higher levels of government noted on Thursday that this financial support for Mississauga acknowledges its “early leadership in reducing development charges.”
This funding is expected to aid in constructing additional homes and community infrastructure within Mississauga “while furthering the province’s strategy to protect Ontario by investing in projects that reduce costs for families, foster economic growth, and keep workers employed,” according to statements from the province.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford remarked that “in light of (U. S.) President (Donald) Trump’s recent tariffs, we’re collaborating with all levels of government to lower costs for families, maintain employment opportunities for workers, and expedite construction on new homes.”
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“Mayor Parrish and Mississauga council were early leaders in lowering development charges and with today’s announcement of new provincial and federal funding for housing-enabling infrastructure, we’re continuing our progress to make homes more affordable for families in Mississauga and across Ontario.”
Government representatives added that reducing development charges over a four-year period is estimated to save up to $36,140 per new home being built.
“When combined with up to $130,000 savings through expanded HST relief on eligible new homes, these initiatives could provide savings of up to $166,140 off the cost of a new home for families in Mississauga,” said officials from the province.
The $401-million infusion will assist several housing-related infrastructure projects in Mississauga including:
Constructing a new zero-emission transit maintenance facility located in northwest Mississauga. This includes bus storage areas along with maintenance garages and other related infrastructures. Delivering integrated transit improvements within downtown Mississauga such as a Transit Mobility Hub featuring transitway connections alongside bus platforms as well as pedestrian and cycling facilities while accommodating utility relocations plus supporting retail spaces along with office buildings surrounding residential developments.
The City of Mississauga stated that “These investments-long advocated by city officials-will help address the needs of our growing population while providing lasting benefits for local residents as well as businesses.”
In an email after Thursday’s announcement about funding allocation former mayor Bonnie Crombie-who aims at reclaiming her position during the upcoming Oct. 26 election-expressed her endorsement towards minimizing development fees aimed at facilitating increased housing construction.
Crombie did mention though she believes “the current mayor left money on the table.”
“Both Hamilton as well as Vaughan managed larger amounts per resident compared against what was granted here through this Development Charges Reduction Program,” she explained further noting how “Mississauga stands out being largest yet secured least assistance.” Adding pressure indicating it’s essential “for this mayor needing fight hard ensuring fair share rather than simply accepting offered amount.”
A couple weeks back shortly after returning from attending the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference held recently down Ottawa way; Parrish had hinted towards significant incoming funds but kept specific figures under wraps until now revealed publicly!
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