Toronto board of trade urges Ontario to amend zoning and building code rules to spur housing growth

Ontario’s ambitious plan for 1.5 million new homes by 2031 is under threat, with projections suggesting we could fall short by more than 550,000 homes if outdated zoning and building code regulations remain unchanged. As someone who’s overseen over 450 real estate transactions and actively participated in industry committees, I see firsthand how streamlined zoning and modernized codes can make a real difference—reducing costs, minimizing delays, and most importantly, making housing more affordable and accessible to buyers. Addressing these regulatory challenges isn’t just about hitting targets; it’s about creating viable paths to homeownership for more Ontarians and strengthening the future of our communities.