Will Carney and Ford’s plan to cut development charges boost housing construction? Star readers weigh in
As Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Doug Ford announce a massive $8.8-billion plan to jumpstart homebuilding, Star readers are debating who wins in the deal.
The aim is to slash development charges by 50 per cent to make new homes cheaper to build, with the governments arguing it will break the housing slump and reduce taxes and fees for a new home in Ontario by up to $200,000.
But some worry the money will benefit developers while leaving taxpayers with a massive bill.
The news has sparked skepticism and debate among Star readers. Here’s the conversation so far:
A simpler way forward
“Rather than focusing primarily on large-scale developers, I would love to see our policies cater more to the aspiring homeowner. Let’s allow Canadians the freedom to buy land and construct homes at their own pace, we can move toward a housing market that prioritizes people and families.” — Kem
A better solution
“I understand that different levels of government want to kick start the building industry. But it seems that it is taxpayers who are kickstarting the industry. If taxpayers are going to fix the problem, the better solution might be to create a Crown corporation that builds the type of homes people on lower incomes need and can afford.” — Charles
The municipal shortfall
“By reducing these charges, the federal (and) provincial governments are effectively downloading all these costs to the municipal level. This announcement is just more grandstanding and pretending to do something about the housing situation, but really all they’re doing is moving pieces about on the chessboard.” — Moses
Building what we don’t need
“I feel that a massive part of the affordability issue is a lack of family sized condos. The market is full of one bedroom 500 square-foot places. We need better units to be built.” — Alicia
Doubts over savings
“Do the politicians really believe they will pass the savings onto the home buyer? That new housing prices will go down? Our tax money (would be) paying for this and developers are laughing all the way to the bank.” — Lynda
What do you think? Is this a good plan to get the market moving? Or should the cash be used towards something else?
Written by Paige Oldfield, Digital Producer
