Ontario Construction News staff writer
PICKERING – At their annual general meeting and conference last week, Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) focused on new housing laws and funding for infrastructure.
Hosted by Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe, this two-day event brought together mayors from the largest cities in Ontario along with provincial ministers, federal housing representatives, and local leaders to discuss common goals and find ways to work together.
A major topic was how municipalities can provide early input on upcoming provincial projects, including the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build program. Mayors also urged action on unresolved municipal matters like Bill 9, which is proposed Municipal Code of Conduct legislation still waiting for its third reading.
The conference included participation from Provincial Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack, Finance Minister and Pickering MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy, as well as Associate Attorney General Michael Tibollo.
Leaders from all levels of government consistently emphasized the need for better teamwork to speed up housing development while making sure policies meet the specific needs of different communities.
OBCM members noted that their talks with the province revolved around the framework of the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build program. They asked both provincial and federal governments to fully compensate municipalities for lost revenue due to lower development charges, ensuring that any savings benefit homebuyers.
The event also featured a presentation by Ana Bailão, CEO of Build Canada Homes. She shared insights about the federal housing initiative and pointed out opportunities for municipalities to enhance affordable and supportive housing delivery. Bailão also gave updates on ongoing projects across Canada.
Representing cities that make up about 70 percent of Ontario’s population and nearly 30 percent of Canada’s total population, OBCM members expressed their commitment to collaborating with federal and provincial partners to increase housing supply.
“We are encouraged by the commitment from provincial and federal governments to accelerate housing construction and invest in the infrastructure needed to support growing communities,” said Marianne Meed Ward, OBCM chair and mayor of Burlington.
“Municipalities are on the front lines delivering essential services – from water and wastewater to roads, policing and community spaces – funded largely through the property tax base. It is critical that we are included as full partners in designing programs that fund housing-enabling infrastructure so residents receive the services they need.”
OBCM is a non-partisan organization representing 29 single- and lower-tier cities with populations exceeding 100,000. The group advocates for Ontario’s largest municipalities regarding important policy issues and funding matters.
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