While housing starts are declining in many parts of Ontario, Pickering is making strides with a solid $5.2 million reward from the province for surpassing its housing goals.
In 2024, Pickering initiated construction on 1,880 new homes, achieving 174 per cent of its housing target for the year. This allowed the city to receive funding from the Building Faster Fund, which supports municipalities that meet at least 80 per cent of their designated housing goals.
This funding will aid Pickering in developing additional homes and community facilities while aligning with the province’s strategy to foster economic growth and maintain employment opportunities.
“For the second year in a row, Pickering has shown strong leadership by exceeding it’s housing targets,” said Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, who is also the MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “This $5.2 million investment from the Building Faster Fund will further accelerate vital housing projects underway in Pickering.”
The program, which started in August 2023, is a three-year plan worth $1.2 billion aimed at helping municipalities expedite approval processes and increase home construction rates. It rewards those making significant headway toward their targets by providing funds for essential housing and community infrastructure.
Moreover, the Building Faster Fund works alongside an investment of nearly $81 million directed to municipalities across Durham Region through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure program, which aims to facilitate over 200,000 new homes being built. This includes more than $5.1 million allocated specifically for the City of Pickering.
“As one of Ontario’s fastest growing cities, Pickering is proud to answer the call by increasing housing supply and providing more choice for new and existing residents at every stage of life,” said Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe. “We thank the Ontario government for its partnership through the Building Faster Fund, which is enabling more Ontarians to achieve the dream of home ownership and helping us shape a vibrant, inclusive future for Pickering.”
The Ontario government is also focused on speeding up new home construction and infrastructure development by simplifying development processes and cutting costs while closely collaborating with municipalities.
“I commend Mayor Ashe for taking bold and decisive action to get homes built faster in Pickering,” said Housing Minister Rob Flack. “Through the Building Faster Fund … our government is equipping municipalities across Ontario with every tool in our toolbox to get shovels in the ground so families can find a place to call home.”
From January to September 2025 Ontario saw 17,202 rental starts-an increase of 38 per cent compared to last year during this same period. This marks a record high level of rental starts for this time frame.
To create more housing opportunities and support expanding communities, the government is also granting municipalities extra time until 2028 to utilize funds received through the Building Faster Fund.
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“As one of Ontario’s fastest growing cities, Pickering is proud to answer the call by increasing housing supply and providing more choice for new and existing residents at every stage of life,” said Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe. “We thank the Ontario government for its partnership through the Building Faster Fund, which is enabling more Ontarians to achieve the dream of home ownership and helping us shape a vibrant, inclusive future for Pickering.”
The Ontario government is also focused on speeding up new home construction and infrastructure development by simplifying development processes and cutting costs while closely collaborating with municipalities.
“I commend Mayor Ashe for taking bold and decisive action to get homes built faster in Pickering,” said Housing Minister Rob Flack. “Through the Building Faster Fund … our government is equipping municipalities across Ontario with every tool in our toolbox to get shovels in the ground so families can find a place to call home.”
From January to September 2025 Ontario saw 17,202 rental starts-an increase of 38 per cent compared to last year during this same period. This marks a record high level of rental starts for this time frame.
To create more housing opportunities and support expanding communities, the government is also granting municipalities extra time until 2028 to utilize funds received through the Building Faster Fund.
Last 30 Days: 63,824 Votes
All Time: 1,142,275 Votes
1182 VOTES
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