Hamilton-Halton Home Builders’ Association Supports Affordable Housing at Halton Region Council

HAMILTON, Ont. — The Hamilton-Halton Home Builders’ Association (HHHBA) was the only group to make a presentation at the Halton Region Council meeting on April 18th in defence of housing affordability. HHHBA recommended an alternate method of calculation that would have reduced the increase in Development Charge (DC) fees for smaller unit types of up to $8,400 per home. HHHBA’s proposition was rejected by the Region Council.
As we know, smaller homes are usually more affordable and respond to market demand from first time homebuyers and seniors, who are often very price-conscious.
“I am disappointed to see that all the hard work done by the Halton Region and staff in this process came so close to reach a lasting solution where everyone wins,” said HHHBA President Carla Agostino. “Unfortunately, it fell short of protecting the most vulnerable consumers: the first time homebuyers.”
Halton Region opted to proceed with the amalgamation of unit types in their new calculations. This effectively reduces DC’s on larger units and increases it for the smaller homes.