As we continue to face critical housing supply shortages across Canada, the federal government can help growing municipalities by investing in infrastructure that supports housing.
Infrastructure is one of the many fundamentals that must be in place before housing can be built, along with adequate land supply, appropriate zoning, reasonable approval timeframes, and access to capital and labour. Physical or hard infrastructure includes roads, water management systems and power networks, while soft infrastructure includes emergency services, schools and libraries.
In York Region here in the GTA, for example, the available land presents the opportunity for growth and additional housing supply. Unfortunately, sewer capacity is limited, particularly in the northern communities. Before York Region can add more housing, it will need to build a new wastewater treatment plant and make modifications to the existing sewage system—changes that have been mired in bureaucratic delays for a decade.
York Region is not unique. Many other municipalities in the GTA, including Brampton, Halton and municipalities in Simcoe, also face infrastructure constraints that limit their ability to add housing in a timely manner. This pattern is repeated across the province and the country. As Canada faces continuing population growth and a corresponding rise in housing demand, the federal government must play a role in addressing infrastructure deficits that limit new housing supply. Across the country and in the GTA in particular, municipalities would benefit tremendously from federal funding in this area, allowing them to close infrastructure gaps and build more homes for residents.
Dave Wilkes is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association , the voice of the home building, land development and professional renovation industry in the GTA. For the latest industry news and new home data, visit www.bildgta.ca.
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