Home / Housing policy news: January 2022

Housing policy news: January 2022

January 31, 2022

Federal government provides funding to support low-income renters in housing co-operatives The federal government will provide $118.2 million over seven years to reduce the monthly rent payments of low-income residents living in co-operative housing units.

New report proposes a surtax on homes worth over $1 million A new report from Generation Squeeze proposes a federal surtax be placed on homes valued over $1 million when they are either sold or inherited. The report proposes that the funds earned through this tax be invested into affordable housing initiatives, including providing benefits for renters and building new purpose-built rental units and co-operative housing.

Nova Scotia government seeks to overturn court ruling that its housing practices are discriminatory to people with disabilities On October 6, 2021, Nova Scotia’s top court ruled that the province has systematically discriminated against people with disabilities through unnecessary institutionalization, years-long wait lists for necessary supports, and requiring some to move to different communities to receive support. The Nova Scotia government is now appealing that decision with the Supreme Court, arguing that provincial human rights legislation should not have the power to determine the quality of social services provided.

Charlottetown City Council takes another step forward to regulate short-term rentals Charlottetown City Council has unanimously voted in the first reading of a proposed bylaw that would limit the types of housing units that are permitted to operate as short-term rentals in the city. The proposed rules would ban property owners from operating multiple short-term rental properties, and only permitted in principal residences. The Council’s Advisory Committee on Affordable Housing has recommended that a one-year grace period be given to owners who would no longer be eligible. The Council is set to vote again in February on amendments to the proposed bylaw.

Ontario government meets with municipalities to address the housing crisis On January 19 and 23, Premier Doug Ford and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark, met with municipal leaders from across the province to discuss the housing crisis, with a primary focus on increasing the supply of housing. Following the meeting, the Mayor of Barrie and the Chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors caucus, Jeff Lehman, called for additional measures from the province to address other issues, including the increasing cost of rent. People who work in the housing sector in rural, remote and Northern municipalities also called on the provincial government to address the unique challenges experienced in their regions.

Rights-based recommendations for the City of Toronto’s 2022 Operating and Capital Budgets On January 13, the City of Toronto launched its 2022 Staff Recommended Operating and Capital Budgets, which includes investments in shelters and housing, among other key services. CERA submitted recommendations for the City to better reflect its commitment to realize the right to housing by using a rights and equity-based lens when making financial commitments. Specifically, we called on the City to better enforce property standards by improving the efficacy of the RentSafeTO program, and to dedicate more resources to eviction prevention services and programs. We also encouraged the City to continue investing in maintaining its social housing stock.

Ottawa’s final proposal for a Residential Vacant Unit Tax expected to arrive this spring Ottawa City Council will vote on the final report of a proposed Residential Vacant Unit Tax this spring. If passed, the tax will take effect at the beginning of 2023. Under the proposed framework, homeowners will be taxed if their property is vacant for over 184 days in a calendar year, with some exemptions allowed. The tax aims to incentivize homeowners to occupy or rent their properties, and funds raised through the tax would be used toward affordable housing initiatives.

Region of Peel recommends developing a Vacant Home Tax proposal On January 27, staff at the Region of Peel presented the Regional Council with a detailed report assessing the feasibility of a Vacant Home Tax in the region. The report highlighted that the tax could help increase the supply of housing in the region, as well as generate funds to support affordable housing initiatives. Following the presentation, the Regional Council voted in favour of developing a proposal for a Vacant Home Tax, and asked staff to work on the details of that proposal.

BC Mayors call for urgent provincial investments to provide complex care housing for vulnerable residents The Mayors of 13 cities across British Columbia are calling on the provincial government to urgently provide complex care and wraparound supports in housing for people who are at risk of homelessness – people who experience overlapping challenges related to mental health issues, substance use, trauma and brain injuries.

First-ever BC Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy released The Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) has published the province’s first strategy aimed at filling gaps in the National Housing Strategy by protecting the housing rights of all Indigenous peoples residing in urban, rural and Northern communities in British Columbia. The strategy is based on an assessment of Indigenous housing needs for the next 10 years, and strategic actions focus on securing funding, increasing housing units and affordability, creating safe, supportive, and culturally appropriate environments, and cultivating Indigenous housing expertise. AHMA has indicated that implementation of the strategy is dependent on federal and provincial funding and resourcing.

Nunavut leaders calls for housing solutions to curb COVID-19 and Tuberculosis outbreaks Premier P.J. Akeeagok says that overcrowding and a lack of adequate housing are contributing to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in communities across Nunavut. Some areas of the territory are also battling a tuberculosis outbreak, which the Mayor of Pangnirtung, Eric Lawlor, also attributes to the lack of adequate housing. The Premier says that housing is the top priority for the territory, and calls for urgent action to find short-term and long-term solutions to address the housing crisis.