Affordable Housing Boosted By New Legislation

Families in need of affordable housing will get access to better and more flexible housing support.

The Strong Communities through Affordable Housing Act, 2011, was passed by the legislature today with the support of all parties.  When the legislation comes into effect, it will reduce barriers to affordable housing, eliminate complicated rules and provide more opportunities for Ontarians to build a better future.

The legislation, a key part of Ontario's Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy, will help fix the housing system by:

• Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of municipalities and the province to create stronger partnerships and greater accountability

• Expanding affordable housing options by requiring municipalities to establish policies that would allow second units

• Requiring the province and municipalities to measure and report on the progress being made, to ensure the new strategy is helping those with housing needs.

The strategy will also consolidate Ontario's housing and homelessness programs to give municipalities the flexibility to use funding to better address local needs.

The majority of the legislation will take effect on proclamation.