Residential Builders Pleased With Budget Housing Pledges

VAUGHAN: The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) is pleased that the provincial government has reiterated its commitment to tackling the housing supply problem, and also intends to continue making investments in skilled trades training initiatives.

“Housing supply is a major issue in Ontario and escalating prices threaten to derail our economic recovery,” says RESCON president Richard Lyall. “We applaud the government for taking forward-thinking action and pledging to deliver a housing supply action plan every year for the next four years, with policies and tools that support multigenerational homes and missing middle housing.”

The budget, dubbed Ontario’s Plan to Build, repeats many of the housing initiatives that were announced earlier in the More Homes for Everyone plan and proposes implementing a longterm strategy to address the housing crisis, informed by recommendations of the Housing Affordability Task Force, and increase housing supply by building 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years.

RESCON applauds additional funds that have been announced for skilled trades training, including $114.4 million over three years in the Skilled Trades Strategy to simplify the system and communities across the country to help ensure that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.

Trudeau said: “Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. By reimagining the iconic Hudson’s Bay Company building in Winnipeg’s downtown core, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization is helping preserve this historic building, while creating almost 300 much-needed housing units for members of the Southern First Nations in Manitoba.”

Heather Stefanson, Premier of Manitoba, said: “The Manitoba government is proud to support this act of historic reconbreak the stigma associated with the skilled trades, $15.8 million to the Skills Development Fund for 2022-23 to expand training facilities, and $6.9 million over three years to enhance the Investing in Women’s Futures Program.

RESCON echoes Ontario’s call for the federal government to expand Canada-Ontario Labour Market Transfer Agreements, which gives the province additional funds and flexibility to address labour market needs, as domestic recruitment and retention alone will not sustain the construction industry’s labour needs. RESCON is also pleased the province is investing another $15.1 million over three years in the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.

The budget also sets aside more than $204 million to improve access to mental health and addiction services. This builds on the 2020 Roadmap to Wellness aimed at addressing longstanding mental health and addictions needs. This funding is important as RESCON works to reduce the stigma in construction around mental health and addictions challenges amongst workers.

Background on RESCON: RESCON is the province’s leading association of residential builders committed to providing leadership and fostering innovation in the industry. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) ciliation, by partnering with SCO and Canada on this landmark, Indigenous-led housing and social opportunity for Indigenous Peoples. This unique partnership will see the iconic Hudson’s Bay building transform into a new, vibrant space that will provide Indigenous Peoples with a range of services, including affordable housing for families, Elders, and post-secondary students. This project will also have a positive impact on downtown Winnipeg and supports our commitment to build a brighter future for all Manitobans.”

Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, Southern Chiefs’ Organization, added: “Today can be another step forward to a brighter future, one that reflects what our ancestors dreamed of. This project is an act of reconciliation and is our vision to revitalize the heart of Winnipeg’s downtown, for the benefit of all, in line with our traditional, holistic approach to sustainable economic development.”

Richard Baker, Governor and Executive Chairman, Hudson’s Bay Company, said: “As we considered the future for the Winnipeg building, it was important to ensure a sustainable plan for the site that also had meaningful purpose for the City of Winnipeg. HBC’s Truth and Reconciliation journey requires actions that demonstrate our commitment to moving forward together with Indigenous communities. We believe SCO is the right steward for this location and can create a new community landmark that will help advance reconciliation.”

• The converted HBC building will feature aAffordable rental units and market units, including a number of fully accessible ones;

◦ A health and healing centre including a pharmacy embracing both traditional and western medical practices;

◦ A First Nations museum, an art gallery, two restaurants, and stores;

◦ Energy-efficient features that will reduce the building’s energy consumption by 35 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 81 per cent.The HBC conversion project is receiving $35 million from the Government of Manitoba to support two initiatives. $10 million to support the affordable housing components of the redevelopment project. $25 million is being made available through The Bay Building Fund, administered by The Winnipeg Foundation, to support the preservation of the heritage elements of the HBC building.

• The federal contribution is being provided through the National Housing Strategy.