We don’t need to build more homes.
We need to build more AFFORDABLE homes.
The way things work in Canada, subdividing a property and building more homes will just drive property values up.
this post was submitted on 15 Sep 2023
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The construction of rental housing has stalled for a while now. This is due to builders preferring to build either office space or condos. So, there is a need to boost the construction of rental housing.
Poilievre's ideas seem to be of the carrot and stick mentality, with an emphasis on the stick. I don't see that as being a solution to getting more rental housing built. Instead, it likely would end up further frustrating the construction of rental housing.
Yes, it seems all that gets built these days are 5000 SQ ft detached homes with 2-3 levels and quartz/marble kitchen counters, glass shower doors, etc.
Why would a developer build a home they can sell for $100,000 profit when they can build a home they can sell for $300,000 profit?
There needs to be incentives for building cheaper houses, or disincentives for building expensive homes.
So... okay. I'm not super well versed in the logistics of city budgets. But if I understand this, his plan is essentially to set a housing increase target. If a municipality fails to meet it, their federal funding (generally 30-40% of the cost infrastructure and development projects), will be reduced by the some amount. And vice versa (although the implementation of that is less clear).
So... how does this get anything done, is the question? Housing is a complex issue that requires action accross levels of government, but this would seem to shift the onus towards the municipal level, and then handicap said municipality's ability to meet demand if they do not immediately succeed. I feel like the only scenario in which this doesn't result in widespread austerity with minimal results is one where municipalities have been hoarding money they could've spent on housing. Which, I mean maybe? Municipalities definitely can and should be doing more to grow housing, but I'm skeptical that this is the case. (And even if it is, it seems to harm struggling and rural communities while only really benefitting the most well-off.)
I will admit bias though, as I am also skeptical that this, if implemented, would be anything but an excuse to cut funding.
Housing is a complex issue that requires action accross levels of government, but this would seem to shift the onus towards the municipal level, and then handicap said municipality’s ability to meet demand if they do not immediately succeed. [..] if implemented, would be anything but an excuse to cut funding.
Agreed. It just seems to be setting up obstacles rather than helping. Currently, builders prefer to build condos or office towers, rather than rental housing. I don't see these proposals as doing anything other than further frustrating the construction of rental housing.