Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is giving the City of Pickering $4.4 million through the third round of the Building Faster Fund, which offers funding to municipalities that meet at least 80 per cent of their assigned housing goals.
In 2025, Pickering began construction on 1,477 new homes, surpassing its yearly target by 14 per cent.
Launched in August 2023, this fund is a three-year program with up to $1.2 billion aimed at helping municipalities build homes more quickly. It rewards those making significant strides toward their housing goals by providing funds for infrastructure necessary to support new housing and expanding communities.
“As one of Ontario’s fastest-growing cities, Pickering is proud to continue answering the call by increasing housing supply and creating more options for residents at every stage of life,” said Kevin Ashe, Mayor of Pickering. “With strong momentum in new home construction and a continued focus on building complete communities, we are helping to meet demand for new housing while supporting a high quality of life for our residents.”
Ontario also aims to accelerate the building of new homes and infrastructure by streamlining development processes and cutting unnecessary costs, most recently through the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026 and the HST Relief Implementation Act (Residential Property Rebates), 2026.
“Across Ontario, there is a need for more homes across the continuum,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “That is why our government is working tirelessly through legislation and related measures to reduce the time and cost of building.”
In March 2026, the Government of Canada and the province of Ontario signed the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build, pledging $8.8 billion over ten years for projects that enable housing and transit infrastructure while prioritizing municipalities that lower development charges. The agreement also eliminates HST on new homes from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027 – a plan they say helps builders start work on new homes while keeping workers employed.
“This $4.4 million investment through the Building Faster Fund recognizes the City of Pickering’s leadership in getting homes built and keeping projects moving,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “By supporting essential infrastructure, we are increasing housing supply, improving affordability and helping bring the dream of homeownership back within reach – while supporting local jobs and long-term growth.”
Source link
Source link
