Mayor Del Duca welcomes the Province’s continued investment in Vaughan’s housing future

Mayor Steven Del Duca issued the following statement today after the Province of Ontario announced a $20-million investment to help build new homes in Vaughan:

“I welcome today’s announcement that the Province of Ontario is investing $20 million in Vaughan from the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Stream under the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program. This funding will help build more than 14,000 new homes in our city to support Vaughan’s growing population and meet housing demands. 

“I am pleased to share that the Province of Ontario’s $20 million investment will directly support a vital City of Vaughan project, to which the City is contributing $22 million. This funding will be used for a road widening initiative from Applewood Crescent to Jane Street, which will unlock more housing opportunities and support economic growth in Vaughan. This project is crucial as we work to expand the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) and meet our housing targets for the city and this area in particular. Working together to make housing more affordable is a critical priority. We are in the midst of a housing affordability crisis, and this is an all-hands-on-deck moment for all leaders.”

“Attainable home ownership can’t remain just a topic of discussion or something we leave for someone in the future to solve. We must work together with industry leaders and other levels of government to deliver on this shared goal.

“As the Mayor of one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, I'm proud to lead our collective efforts in building a community that accommodates our growing population today, while laying the groundwork for success for the needs of tomorrow. 

“I want to thank Premier Doug Ford and Member of Provincial Parliament for Thornhill Laura Smith for their continued support and advocacy as we move forward to create more affordable housing options for young families looking to build their life in Vaughan.” 

QUICK FACTS 

• In September 2024, Mayor Del Duca introduced a Member’s Resolution (PDF) requesting City staff to report back with options to amend Vaughan’s current Development Charges By-Law in order to help make housing more affordable and accessible for homebuyers. 
• On Nov. 19, 2024, Vaughan Council approved reductions to the City’s development charges, which were among the highest in the Greater Toronto Area. 
• Development charges are fees charged by a municipality to developers to help fund the initial capital costs required to support growth, such as new housing developments. This can include costs related to roads, water and sewer infrastructure and community centres, among others. 
• The City of Vaughan agreed to the provincial housing pledge that committed Vaughan to enable the building of 42,000 units of housing by 2032. 
• The City of Vaughan is scheduled to begin the next update of its Development Charges Background Study and Development Charges By-Law in 2027.

LEARN MORE 

• Mayor Del Duca’s Member’s Resolution: Making Housing More Affordable in Vaughan (PDF) – Sept. 17, 2024
• Staff report: Development Charges Reduction Options – Response to Member’s Resolution (PDF) – Nov. 12, 2024
• Staff communication: C33 - Development Charges Reduction Options – Response to Member’s Resolution (PDF) – Nov 19, 2024
• City of Vaughan’s Development Charges By-law (PDF)