SIMCOE NORTH CANDIDATES WEIGH IN ON HOUSING CRISIS

PRICE SPIKE DURING PANDEMIC PUT HOME OWNERSHIP OUT OF REACH FOR MANY

ISSUE: Ontario is facing a housing affordability crisis.

Prices have nearly tripled in the last 10 years, growing much faster than income, according to a provincial housing affordability task force report.

This has put home ownership beyond the reach of most first-time buyers, even those with well-paying jobs. Rental units have also become extremely expensive, especially in rural communities and small towns.

BACKGROUND: In January 2021, the price for a singlefamily home in southern Georgian Bay was $546,000. By March, it had risen to $617,900. In March 2022, it reached $757,200, according to the Lakeland Association of Realtors, which covers an area that spans Collingwood, Midland, Orillia and Muskoka.

WHERE DO THE LOCAL CANDIDATES STAND ON THE ISSUE?

Jill Dunlop, Progressive Conservative

"Doug Ford and the Ontario PCs have introduced a suite of changes to help build more homes in Ontario, and it's working. Last year, we had more than 100,000 new homes start construction, the highest in more than 30 years.

There's more work to do. That's why we have a plan to get it done and build 1.5 million new homes over the next 10 years."

Krystal Brooks, Green Party

"As someone who has experienced homelessness and the impacts of the housing crisis, I feel strongly about this issue. Unfortunately, housing is not seen as a problem for the government. It's a significant profit that boosts the economy. The 'profit over people' mindset is what needs addressing, as well."

Aaron Cayden Hiltz, Liberal

"The housing crisis has been devastating for those who have worked hard to buy a house. Housing is essential for all of us, and the provincial government has a role to play in ensuring that housing affordability

is possible. Ontario needs to work in partnership with other levels of government to create more affordable housing projects so that everyone can have a quality place to live."

Elizabeth Van Houtte, NDP

"Everyone deserves a good, secure place to call home — a place they can afford within existing economic conditions. The NDP's HOP [Home in Ontario Program] will invest 10 per cent in the down payment for young adults and first-time buyers who qualify so they can have a chance to put down roots and provide for their families. The NDP will reassign existing government funds to fund housing."

Aaron MacDonald, Ontario Party

"The issue we face in the housing market today is supply. Demand is being driven by: 1) municipal regulations and fees slowing construction; 2) foreign investment and fraud, and; 3) the amount of first-time homebuyers within the market. The Ontario Party will reduce regulations, ban foreign investment and work to curb the influx of people being settled into Ontario. Quebec has this ability today."

New Blue Party candidate Mark Douris did not respond to a request for comment by press deadline.