Government Relations Updates
January 2025
Federal News
Capital Gains Changes
With news of Justin Trudeau’s resignation and the prorogation of Parliament to March 24, the Canada Revenue Agency says they will continue to administer capital gains tax changes, even though it hasn’t passed in Parliament. The CRA will issue taxpayer forms by January 31. For more information, click here.
Bank of Canada Rate Announcement
Provincial News
Home Renovation Savings Program
On January 7, the Ontario Government unveiled the Home Renovation Savings Program to offer homeowners and businesses rebates of up to 30 per cent on energy efficiency renovations and improvements. The program, set to launch on January 28, is aimed to help reduce energy costs and promote sustainability. Eligible upgrades include new windows and doors, insulation and air sealing, smart thermostats, heat pumps, rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems. Later this year, the program will expand to include rebates for energy-efficient appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers. For details, click here.
Ontario Big City Mayor’s Solve the Crisis Campaign
Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM), a group of mayors representing cities in Ontario with populations of 100,000 or larger, launched a campaign called “Solve the Crisis”. The campaign is an effort to call on the provincial and federal government to take immediate action on homelessness and mental health issues in cities across Ontario. In response, the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® sent a letter of support for the campaign. To view the letter, click here.
City of Hamilton
Municipal Land Transfer Tax
We expect a municipal report exploring alternative revenue streams, including a potential Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT), before council on January 15. An MLTT would further exacerbate housing affordability. Should the City of Hamilton pursue and receive provincial approval to implement an MLTT, we’re concerned additional municipalities within the Cornerstone market area would follow suit. As such, Cornerstone’s GR team has a complete advocacy strategy locked and loaded to oppose a potential MLTT. Including a Public Opinion Polling presentation to Hamilton council on the day by Abacus Data and a homebuyer’s impact presentation by Cornerstone Chair Julie Sergi. Add this date to your calendars! We want Cornerstone members to fill the Council Chambers to show our opposition to the MLTT! More details to come.
Vacant Unit Tax Update
Staff at the City of Hamilton will report to council in January on a revised timeline for the 2025 rollout of the vacant unit tax due to the recent postal disruption. Joining other municipalities such as Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver, the tax was approved by Hamilton council as a measure to address the housing crisis by disincentivizing homeowners to have units remain vacant. The new schedule calls for vacant unit charges to be due by June 30. For details, click here.
City of Burlington
Mayor’s State of the City Address
On Friday, January 24, Cornerstone is thrilled to sponsor the 2025 Mayor’s State of the City Address in partnership with the Burlington Chamber of Commerce. Join us for breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Burlington Convention Centre as Mayor Marianne Meed Ward highlights the City’s goals and opportunities for the year ahead. Tickets are available here.
On our radar… Short-term Rental Licensing.
City of Mississauga
Neighbourhood Zoning in Mississauga
Mississauga is introducing zoning changes and other initiatives to increase neighbourhood housing options. These changes include allowing semi-detached homes in more areas, reducing lot size requirements, and simplifying zoning rules to encourage redevelopment. The city aims to resolve issues of declining population in some places, lack of new land to build on, and the need for more diverse housing options, supported by policies such as the federal Housing Accelerator Fund and Ontario’s “More Homes Built Faster Act.” A draft of these zoning changes will limit lot sizes, widths, and building heights while ensuring that existing homes won’t be affected. For details, click here.
Official Plan Amendment
The City of Mississauga staff are hosting a virtual community meeting to share their new draft official plan on Thursday, January 23 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Official Plan addresses housing, services, growth and development. To register for the meeting, click here.
Development Planned in Mississauga
Erin Mills Town Centre in Mississauga will soon undergo significant residential development. The project, which will include nine residential buildings ranging from 20 to 44 storeys and totaling 3,162 units, primarily focuses on creating a sustainable, mixed-use development featuring green spaces and energy-efficient buildings.
The City of Mississauga has received the plans for this project alongside six other redevelopment plans, including Meadowvale Town Centre, South Common Mall, Sheridan Centre, Rockwood Mall, Westwood Square, and Dixie Outlet Mall. For details, click here.
Mississauga Asks Province to Cover Annual LRT Operating Costs
Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish has formally requested that the Ontario government cover the estimated $65 million annual operating costs for the Hurontario LRT. In her letter to Premier Doug Ford, Parrish emphasized the financial strain these expenses could impose on the city and taxpayers, potentially leading to a 3.6 per cent property tax increase. She pointed out that the province has helped cover the transit operating costs in Toronto and Ottawa and asked for similar support for Mississauga. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Transportation confirmed that the province is considering the mayor’s request.
Region of Waterloo
Cambridge Housing Needs Assessment
The City of Cambridge is seeking feedback to determine the near and long-term demand for all housing types across the continuum as part of a Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Strategy. To access the Housing Needs Assessment Survey, which is open until January 16, click here.
On our radar… Rental Housing Licensing Review (Waterloo), and Short-term Rental Licensing (Kitchener).
Check last month’s government relations updates by clicking the link below