Latest news with #CarolynParrish
Toronto Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Sun
BILD: Peel's move to reduce development charges is a game-changer
In late June, Peel Regional Council voted to reduce residential development charges by 50 per cent, a move that will significantly improve the viability of new home construction in the region. Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Region of Peel's action tackles head-on the affordability issues that have paralyzed new home construction across the GTA This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account In a bold and commendable move, the Region of Peel has taken decisive action to address one of the most pressing challenges facing Ontario's housing market: the cost to build crisis. In late June, Peel Regional Council voted to reduce residential development charges (DCs) by 50%, a decision that will significantly improve the financial viability of new home construction in the region. The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) applauds the leadership of Peel Regional Chair Nando Iannicca, Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish, and the entire Peel Regional Council. This reduction, effective from January 29, 2025 through to November 13, 2026, is a significant and material shift. It tackles head-on the affordability issues that have paralyzed new home construction across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. For too long, soaring development charges, escalating construction and financing costs, and inflationary pressures have made new projects financially unfeasible. Sales have slumped, housing starts have dwindled, and the long-term pipeline of homes has come under threat. Everyone needs to do their part to address this challenge, and we are seeing price adjustment by industry to reflect the new market reality. Peel's action represents another critical step to tackle the current cost to build challenges that are limiting the ability of those seeking to live in the GTA to buy new homes. Credit is due to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honourable Rob Flack, for his which made this reduction possible. The extension of the program beyond October 2025 will depend on a further financial agreement with the province – and one we strongly hope to see realized. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Additionally, Peel's decision to consult with the Ministry on a proposed utility model for water and wastewater reinforces their commitment to systemic, long-term solutions for infrastructure and housing. Importantly, this decision by Peel mirrors the leadership demonstrated by the City of Mississauga earlier this year. In January, Mayor Parrish and Mississauga Council made a firm commitment to significantly lower municipally added costs on new homes. That decision will help spark momentum across the region and has clearly demonstrated what municipal leadership in a housing crisis looks like. Coordinated actions such as these will spur the construction of not only more homes but also much-needed purpose-built rentals and commercial buildings in the region. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This will benefit families, workers, and businesses looking to call Peel home – a win-win for economic growth and community development. We now call on other municipalities across the GTA to take similar action. The challenges are well understood. New home owners need bold action to lower the cost to build, to facilitate the building of new homes and to deliver the housing the communities in the GTA so urgently need. Dave Wilkes is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), the voice of the home building, land development and professional renovation industry in the GTA. For the latest industry news and new home data, visit Columnists Sunshine Girls Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA News
National Post
5 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Region of Peel cuts development charges by 50 per cent
Co-ordinated actions such as those from the Region of Peel will spur the construction of not only more homes but also much-needed purpose-built rentals and commercial buildings in the region. Photo by Supplied Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. In a bold and commendable move, the Region of Peel has taken decisive action to address one of the most pressing challenges facing Ontario's housing market: the cost to build crisis. In late June, Peel Regional Council voted to reduce residential development charges (DCs) by 50 per cent, a decision that will significantly improve the financial viability of new home construction in the region. The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) applauds the leadership of Peel Regional Chair Nando Iannicca, Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish, and the entire Peel Regional Council. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Enjoy the latest local, national and international news. Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events. Unlimited online access to National Post. National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ARTICLES Enjoy the latest local, national and international news. Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events. Unlimited online access to National Post. National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors This reduction, effective from Jan. 29, 2025 through to Nov. 13, 2026, is a significant and material shift. It tackles head-on the affordability issues that have paralyzed new home construction across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). For too long, soaring development charges, escalating construction and financing costs, and inflationary pressures have made new projects financially unfeasible. Sales have slumped, housing starts have dwindled, and the long-term pipeline of homes has come under threat. Everyone needs to do their part to address this challenge, and we are seeing price adjustment by industry to reflect the new market reality. Peel's action represents another critical step to tackle the current cost to build challenges that are limiting the ability of those seeking to live in the GTA to buy new homes. Credit is due to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honourable Rob Flack, for his which made this reduction possible. The extension of the program beyond October 2025 will depend on a further financial agreement with the province – and one we strongly hope to see realized. Additionally, Peel's decision to consult with the Ministry on a proposed utility model for water and wastewater reinforces their commitment to systemic, long-term solutions for infrastructure and housing. Importantly, this decision by Peel mirrors the leadership demonstrated by the City of Mississauga earlier this year. In January, Mayor Parrish and Mississauga Council made a firm commitment to significantly lower municipally added costs on new homes. That decision will help spark momentum across the region and has clearly demonstrated what municipal leadership in a housing crisis looks like. Coordinated actions such as these will spur the construction of not only more homes but also much-needed purpose-built rentals and commercial buildings in the region. This will benefit families, workers, and businesses looking to call Peel home – a win-win for economic growth and community development. We now call on other municipalities across the GTA to take similar action. The challenges are well understood. New home owners need bold action to lower the cost to build, to facilitate the building of new homes and to deliver the housing the communities in the GTA so urgently need. Dave Wilkes is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), the voice of the home building, land development and professional renovation industry in the GTA. For the latest industry news and new home data, visit .
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Happiest city to live in Canada is in Ontario but it's not Toronto, survey finds
Nearly 40,000 Canadians took a survey on happiness, revealing where the happiest people live across the country. These results come from a recently released Leger poll, the 2025 edition of Happy Cities. It was based on data from 39,841 Canadian adults, 18 and over, who took an online survey between March 31 and April 13. The City of Mississauga ranked highest out of Canada's 10 largest cities, with a happiness index of 70.3 out of 100. The happiness index calculates how a person perceives their own happiness, using a scale from 0 to 100. It is based on 25 factors that participants are surveyed on, including how they feel about their community, society as a whole, the environment, their health, finances, relationships and work. Mississauga ranked above Canada's average of 68.7. The only other city that also had above average happiness was Montreal, which followed Mississauga closely, at 69.4. Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish said it was 'wonderful' to see the city getting recognition. 'This reflects the quality of life our residents enjoy — from green spaces and strong public services to a resilient economy and inclusive community programs,' she said, in a news release on Tuesday. 'While these survey results are encouraging, we remain committed to listening to our residents.' Following Mississauga and Montreal in terms of happiness in Canada's 10 largest cities are Hamilton, Ontario (67.5), Calgary, Alberta (67.4), Brampton, Ontario (66.7), Ottawa, Ontario (66.4), Edmonton, Alberta (66.3), Vancouver, B.C. (66.3), Winnipeg, Manitoba (65.9) and, coming in last, Toronto, Ontario (65.8). Which Canadian provinces are the happiest in the country? Although Ontario had the most cities in the top 10, it ranked low on the list of happiest provinces. Coming in first was Quebec, followed by New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Those three provinces were above average for happiness. 'Quebecers have a really like positive mindset in a way,' one Montreal resident told CityNews. 'We see things a lot more optimistically.' 'We are French and English so we have both worlds, languages and vibes,' another resident told CityNews. However, one person was shocked by the results. 'I'm a little surprised honestly,' the Montrealer told CityNews, citing the economy as an issue. 'It surprises me that like one of the happiest — happy, yes — but one of the happiest… I'm a little surprised not gonna lie.' Saskatchewan came in fourth, followed by Nova Scotia, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island. Has the happiness of Canadian improved or deteriorated over the years? Among the findings, the survey revealed what it referred to as a 'concerning reality' when Canadians were asked about whether their happiness had improved, stayed the same or had deteriorated over the past year. There were 28 per cent who said they were less happy. Almost half said their happiness remained stable and 23 per cent said they saw improvement. Young Canadians were more likely to report improvements in their happiness over the past year than older age groups. There were 36 per cent of Canadians aged 25 to 34 years old who said their happiness grew, compared to only 20 per cent of Canadians aged 55 and over. The survey found a 'sense of well-being emerging among younger age groups.' However, it said this also 'highlights the importance of supporting adults in mid-life, who are more vulnerable to the pressures of working life.' Overall, women were slightly happier than men. Women rated their happiness at 69.4, while men rated it at 68. According to a Leger news release about the survey, its results show a 'resilient and tested' population that is 'affected by everyday uncertainty and challenges.' 'Happiness, while holding its ground overall, shows signs of fragility,' it said. Canada ranked 18 out of 147 countries included in the latest World Happiness Report. Young Canadians' happiness plummets in latest global survey, to 58th place New immigrants less happy than longer-term Canadians, poll finds Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Happiest city to live in Canada is in Ontario but it's not Toronto, survey finds
Nearly 40,000 Canadians took a survey on happiness, revealing where the happiest people live across the country. These results come from a recently released Leger poll, the 2025 edition of Happy Cities. It was based on data from 39,841 Canadian adults, 18 and over, who took an online survey between March 31 and April 13. The City of Mississauga ranked highest out of Canada's 10 largest cities, with a happiness index of 70.3 out of 100. The happiness index calculates how a person perceives their own happiness, using a scale from 0 to 100. It is based on 25 factors that participants are surveyed on, including how they feel about their community, society as a whole, the environment, their health, finances, relationships and work. Mississauga ranked above Canada's average of 68.7. The only other city that also had above average happiness was Montreal, which followed Mississauga closely, at 69.4. Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish said it was 'wonderful' to see the city getting recognition. 'This reflects the quality of life our residents enjoy — from green spaces and strong public services to a resilient economy and inclusive community programs,' she said, in a news release on Tuesday. 'While these survey results are encouraging, we remain committed to listening to our residents.' Following Mississauga and Montreal in terms of happiness in Canada's 10 largest cities are Hamilton, Ontario (67.5), Calgary, Alberta (67.4), Brampton, Ontario (66.7), Ottawa, Ontario (66.4), Edmonton, Alberta (66.3), Vancouver, B.C. (66.3), Winnipeg, Manitoba (65.9) and, coming in last, Toronto, Ontario (65.8). Which Canadian provinces are the happiest in the country? Although Ontario had the most cities in the top 10, it ranked low on the list of happiest provinces. Coming in first was Quebec, followed by New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Those three provinces were above average for happiness. 'Quebecers have a really like positive mindset in a way,' one Montreal resident told CityNews. 'We see things a lot more optimistically.' 'We are French and English so we have both worlds, languages and vibes,' another resident told CityNews. However, one person was shocked by the results. 'I'm a little surprised honestly,' the Montrealer told CityNews, citing the economy as an issue. 'It surprises me that like one of the happiest — happy, yes — but one of the happiest… I'm a little surprised not gonna lie.' Saskatchewan came in fourth, followed by Nova Scotia, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island. Has the happiness of Canadian improved or deteriorated over the years? Among the findings, the survey revealed what it referred to as a 'concerning reality' when Canadians were asked about whether their happiness had improved, stayed the same or had deteriorated over the past year. There were 28 per cent who said they were less happy. Almost half said their happiness remained stable and 23 per cent said they saw improvement. Young Canadians were more likely to report improvements in their happiness over the past year than older age groups. There were 36 per cent of Canadians aged 25 to 34 years old who said their happiness grew, compared to only 20 per cent of Canadians aged 55 and over. The survey found a 'sense of well-being emerging among younger age groups.' However, it said this also 'highlights the importance of supporting adults in mid-life, who are more vulnerable to the pressures of working life.' Overall, women were slightly happier than men. Women rated their happiness at 69.4, while men rated it at 68. According to a Leger news release about the survey, its results show a 'resilient and tested' population that is 'affected by everyday uncertainty and challenges.' 'Happiness, while holding its ground overall, shows signs of fragility,' it said. Canada ranked 18 out of 147 countries included in the latest World Happiness Report. Young Canadians' happiness plummets in latest global survey, to 58th place New immigrants less happy than longer-term Canadians, poll finds Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Happiest city to live in Canada is in Ontario but it's not Toronto, survey finds
Nearly 40,000 Canadians took a survey on happiness, revealing where the happiest people live across the country. These results come from a recently released Leger poll, the 2025 edition of Happy Cities. It was based on data from 39,841 Canadian adults, 18 and over, who took an online survey between March 31 and April 13. The City of Mississauga ranked highest out of Canada's 10 largest cities, with a happiness index of 70.3 out of 100. The happiness index calculates how a person perceives their own happiness, using a scale from 0 to 100. It is based on 25 factors that participants are surveyed on, including how they feel about their community, society as a whole, the environment, their health, finances, relationships and work. Mississauga ranked above Canada's average of 68.7. The only other city that also had above average happiness was Montreal, which followed Mississauga closely, at 69.4. Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish said it was 'wonderful' to see the city getting recognition. 'This reflects the quality of life our residents enjoy — from green spaces and strong public services to a resilient economy and inclusive community programs,' she said, in a news release on Tuesday. 'While these survey results are encouraging, we remain committed to listening to our residents.' Following Mississauga and Montreal in terms of happiness in Canada's 10 largest cities are Hamilton, Ontario (67.5), Calgary, Alberta (67.4), Brampton, Ontario (66.7), Ottawa, Ontario (66.4), Edmonton, Alberta (66.3), Vancouver, B.C. (66.3), Winnipeg, Manitoba (65.9) and, coming in last, Toronto, Ontario (65.8). Which Canadian provinces are the happiest in the country? Although Ontario had the most cities in the top 10, it ranked low on the list of happiest provinces. Coming in first was Quebec, followed by New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Those three provinces were above average for happiness. 'Quebecers have a really like positive mindset in a way,' one Montreal resident told CityNews. 'We see things a lot more optimistically.' 'We are French and English so we have both worlds, languages and vibes,' another resident told CityNews. However, one person was shocked by the results. 'I'm a little surprised honestly,' the Montrealer told CityNews, citing the economy as an issue. 'It surprises me that like one of the happiest — happy, yes — but one of the happiest… I'm a little surprised not gonna lie.' Saskatchewan came in fourth, followed by Nova Scotia, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island. Has the happiness of Canadian improved or deteriorated over the years? Among the findings, the survey revealed what it referred to as a 'concerning reality' when Canadians were asked about whether their happiness had improved, stayed the same or had deteriorated over the past year. There were 28 per cent who said they were less happy. Almost half said their happiness remained stable and 23 per cent said they saw improvement. Young Canadians were more likely to report improvements in their happiness over the past year than older age groups. There were 36 per cent of Canadians aged 25 to 34 years old who said their happiness grew, compared to only 20 per cent of Canadians aged 55 and over. The survey found a 'sense of well-being emerging among younger age groups.' However, it said this also 'highlights the importance of supporting adults in mid-life, who are more vulnerable to the pressures of working life.' Overall, women were slightly happier than men. Women rated their happiness at 69.4, while men rated it at 68. According to a Leger news release about the survey, its results show a 'resilient and tested' population that is 'affected by everyday uncertainty and challenges.' 'Happiness, while holding its ground overall, shows signs of fragility,' it said. Canada ranked 18 out of 147 countries included in the latest World Happiness Report. Young Canadians' happiness plummets in latest global survey, to 58th place New immigrants less happy than longer-term Canadians, poll finds Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
