Latest news with #GregorRobertson
Globe and Mail
10 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Robertson not ruling out government aid for residential real-estate sector
The federal Housing Minister says the government is considering some form of intervention to deal with turmoil in the residential real estate sector, which has led to slumping sales across Canada, the cancellation of new housing projects and layoffs in the land development industry. Gregor Robertson said Ottawa is trying to decide what to do about the situation, which is raising alarm in the industry. 'We're looking at what tools and actions we can take federally to kickstart the market,' the former Vancouver mayor told The Globe and Mail. 'We've got to look at how to best support and intervene where needed.' A downturn in the real estate market has prompted developers to delay and cancel projects, which has raised concerns about the impact on new home construction as governments look for ways to address a housing shortage. In Calgary, condos become a hard sell Opinion: Buyers walk away from presale purchases in Vancouver's hurting condo market In a report this week, Bank of Montreal noted that Toronto condo sales have 'melted' to more than 30-year lows, which is halting new projects. The same report said condo starts across Canada's largest cities have fallen sharply and are now down about 30 per cent from peak levels on a rolling 12-month basis. In Toronto, they are down about 60 per cent. The Toronto-area Building Industry and Land Development Association has said home sales remained at historic lows in May and the month marked the eighth consecutive one of record all-time lows. In a statement issued in June, the organization said the current 'cost-to-build crisis' is real and could have a very negative effects on the economy and municipalities of the Greater Toronto Area. Justin Sherwood, a spokesperson for the group, called for all three levels of government to take urgent action to lower housing costs through such measures as lowering taxation on new homes as well as development charges and other added costs. Asked about tools the government has at hand, Mr. Robertson cited the Liberal commitment to eliminate the GST for first-time homebuyers for homes at or under $1-million. Announcing the plan in March, Mr. Carney said the measure could save homebuyers up to $50,000. Mr. Robertson said the GST measure is one market housing incentive. 'The question on the table is do we need to go further and faster to help get the market going,' he said. 'We're looking at those tools and talking with my colleagues about next steps and making sure we don't get behind the eight ball on the market side.' Buyers have the power as lower prices drive sales in Toronto real estate Mr. Robertson said the Build Canada Homes program that his department is developing to oversee the construction of affordable homes in the country will be focused on below-market and affordable homes. Beyond that, however, he said that his department and the government have to monitor the market side of housing as well, 'and make sure we're doing everything we can to support it.' During the spring federal election campaign, Mr. Carney made a commitment to launch the standalone Build Canada Homes program to oversee the construction of affordable homes. On the campaign trail, the federal Liberal Leader positioned Build Canada as part of an effort to double the number of homes built annually in Canada to nearly 500,000 units. Asked about Mr. Robertson's comments, the president of real estate industry research firm Urbanation Inc. said condo prices will have to be lowered to help the market and spur projects. 'To help, the federal government could fund the complete removal of municipal development charges and taxes and also provide credits to new home buyers under a certain price level,' Shaun Hildebrand said in a statement. 'There is also a record amount of unsold supply the government could purchase to provide as affordable housing.'
Toronto Star
12 hours ago
- Business
- Toronto Star
Everyone wants the new TTC subway cars to be made in Canada. So why are Ottawa and city hall butting heads over them?
All three levels of government agree that the badly needed new subway cars for Line 2 should be made in Canada, but the project to replace the TTC trains has been stalled for weeks over an apparent misunderstanding between city hall and Ottawa. A letter obtained by the Star dated June 23, written by federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson to Mayor Olivia Chow, notes that it had become 'apparent' that both Toronto and the Ontario government were seeking to ensure the contract for the project would allow the cars to be built within the country, leaving the TTC to change its procurement plans.
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Toronto sixplex policy ‘disappointing,' Federal Housing Minister says
Federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson says he's unhappy with Toronto's move to limit sixplexes, and that the policy falls short of the housing commitment he expects from Canada's most-populous city. But in an interview with The Globe and Mail, the former Vancouver mayor declined to get into specifics about how his department will respond to Toronto's action beyond saying talks are under way on the issue. 'The decision on sixplexes is disappointing and not in line with the ambition that we expect from Toronto,' Mr. Robertson said on Wednesday. 'My focus is working with partners at every level of government and using every tool we have available to tackle the housing crisis, and we need to see that from our biggest city.' Mr. Robertson declined to say whether he would follow the policy of former housing minister, Nate Erskine-Smith, who warned Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow that any deviation from a citywide policy permitting such buildings would result in 25 per cent less federal funding. On housing, Toronto fails a crucial test That would have meant about $30-million of $118-million that Ottawa has pledged annually to Toronto from its Housing Accelerator Fund, a multibillion-dollar program announced in the 2021 election by the Liberals under Justin Trudeau that's intended to create a greater supply of affordable housing. 'I won't share details,' Mr. Robertson said on the question of a punitive response against Toronto. 'We have some time before a decision has to be made regarding funding. That's the rest of the year to find solutions on this, but it's certainly disappointing.' In late June, Toronto City Council passed a motion allowing property owners in nine of the city's 25 wards to build up to six units on one lot without additional permission. The initial plan to allow sixplexes citywide was amended because of fears that it did not have majority support and would be shot down. The sixplex policy was one of eight 'milestones' in an agreement between Toronto and the federal government that promised the city $471-million over four years. Toronto Mayor confident city's compromise on sixplexes won't risk federal housing funding Ms. Chow had told a recent meeting with the editorial board of The Globe and Mail that, as a former mayor, Mr. Robertson understands the challenges raised by municipal politics. But Mr. Robertson was sharply critical of Toronto's move. He said there is a lot of misinformation about sixplexes or fourplexes that ignores the reality that neighborhoods already have multiunit homes that fit into their fabric. 'I think that this decision got made without the clarity that this is the gentle density we need in single family home neighbourhoods,' he said. He said there are many big homes with multiple units that would not be easily identified as sixplex units. The minister said fourplexes and sixplexes are becoming the norm in cities all over the world. He also noted that the the federal government has signed more than 240 agreements through its housing fund. 'We must see that leadership in Toronto. We're seeing it across the country in hundreds of other communities.' In response to Mr. Robertson, Ms. Chow's press secretary said the mayor has taken an energetic approach to dealing with housing. A statement issued by Zeus Eden said Ms. Chow has been a champion for middle and affordable housing by supporting such housing options as fourplexes, under certain conditions, laneway and garden suites and mid-rise apartment buildings on major avenues. 'We are working closely with Minister Gregor and city councillors to advance ambitious housing policy,' he said.
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
PacifiCan investment to boost trade and export success for B.C. businesses
Minister Robertson announces $2.5M investment for companies across B.C., highlighting PacifiCan's impact across the Southern Interior KELOWNA, BC, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ - As one of Canada's fastest-growing cities, Kelowna, a regional hub in B.C.'s interior, is powered by a diverse economy, a thriving tech sector, and a strong spirit of entrepreneurship. PacifiCan has offices across the province, including Kelowna, supporting the entrepreneurs and innovators driving B.C.'s future. Since 2021, PacifiCan has invested over $47M in 156 projects across the Southern Interior, with over $28M in 65 projects specifically in Kelowna and nearby communities in the Thompson-Okanagan. These investments are fueling key sectors like tech, tourism, and manufacturing – creating well-paying jobs, and helping the region remain a hub of innovation and opportunity. Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of $2.5M to help businesses in Kelowna and throughout B.C. find opportunities for growth in new markets and manage the impacts of tariffs. Through this investment, $1.2 million will allow Community Futures British Columbia (CFBC) to continue delivering the Export Navigator program, which helps B.C. businesses become export-ready. Export Navigator pairs businesses with expert advisors in regions across the province who provide personalized guidance to help them achieve their export goals. To date, Export Navigator has helped more than 1,200 businesses begin their export journey, including 280 businesses in the Thompson-Okanagan alone. This initiative also received $1.2 million from the Province of B.C. The remaining $1.3 million of PacifiCan investment will help CFBC and the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT) support B.C. businesses as they adjust to a changing economy and meet requirements of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) through two specialized initiatives: $900,000 for CFBC to launch the CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative (CCASI), delivered through Export Navigator. This initiative will provide expert advisory services and up to $5,000 to help businesses cover the costs of becoming CUSMA compliant. $380,500 for GVBOT to deliver a series of webinars and in-person workshops in six B.C. communities. These sessions will connect businesses with experts, including customs brokers, lawyers and other professionals, who will provide valuable guidance on CUSMA compliance. As the Government of Canada works towards building one Canadian economy, PacifiCan will continue helping businesses across B.C. remove barriers and unlock new trade opportunities. Quotes "British Columbia is home to a powerful ecosystem of innovators and entrepreneurs, including right here in Kelowna. As the global economy evolves, it is essential that British Columbians have the tools they need to succeed. With this investment, PacifiCan is empowering local businesses to tap into new markets, adapt to a changing economy, and thrive in one Canadian economy." -The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "Our Export Navigator program is boosting regional economies and creating new jobs by helping B.C. businesses to expand into markets across Canada and around the world. Together with PacifiCan's timely and far-reaching investments across B.C., we are helping to grow the number and diversity of exporters in the province – key goals in B.C.'s Trade Diversification Strategy – as we navigate the current geopolitical challenges." -The Honourable Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, Province of BC "We're grateful for the meaningful support offered by PacifiCan, which allows Export Navigator to continue helping B.C. businesses succeed in new markets. This important funding to CFBC ensures Export Navigator's ability to provide support for businesses throughout communities in urban and rural British Columbia. CUSMA compliance is a key factor for businesses navigating trade with our US partners. Additional funding for the CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative will assist businesses to access trade consultants and specialists, helping guide them through the complex world of trade." -Kath Britton, Director of Program Operations, Export Navigator "Trade rules and compliance requirements can be a major hurdle for small and medium-sized businesses. With this support from PacifiCan, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and World Trade Centre Vancouver are proud to help businesses across B.C. build the knowledge and confidence they need to preserve market access, reduce risk, and protect sales and revenue." -Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Quick Facts The U.S. is B.C.'s primary export market and represented 57.3% of exports in 2022. For a product to qualify under CUSMA, it must meet certain rules about where and how it was made. Exporters must get a Certificate of Origin to show their product meets these rules. This certificate allows them to get reduced tariffs when trading with the U.S. and Mexico. Since 2019, PacifiCan (and its predecessor, Western Economic Diversification Canada) has provided $4.8M to Export Navigator through two additional projects to help companies across B.C. become export ready and take advantage of international market opportunities. In March 2025, PacifiCan announced $500,000 to help the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade launch their Trade Accelerator Program, which helps companies unleash their export potential. Community Futures British Columbia and its 34 independent member offices are non-profit organizations that support economic growth in rural communities across the province. They are part of PacifiCan's Pacific Business Services Network (PBSN). Associated Links PacifiCan Community Futures British Columbia Export Navigator Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Stay connected Follow PacifiCan on X and LinkedIn Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Oxford breaks ground on $750 million rental development to deliver first major purpose-built housing project in Scarborough in over a generation
TORONTO, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Oxford Properties Group ("Oxford"), a leading global real estate investor, developer and manager, today broke ground on Scarborough's first major purpose-built rental ("PBR") development in over a generation. Situated on a 3.4-acre parcel of land on the west side of Oxford's Scarborough Town Centre shopping mall ("STC"), the development will consist of three residential towers made up of 1,285 purpose-built rental units, 268 of which are affordable, with the aim of delivering critically needed housing in a historically undersupplied area for people at a variety of different price points. The project is the largest single-phase rental development currently under construction in Toronto. In support of this transit-oriented rental development, Oxford, the global real estate arm of OMERS, is proud to announce it has secured a $650 million rental housing construction loan through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's ("CMHC") Apartment Construction Loan Program ("ACLP"). This represents the largest single loan issued out of Toronto that CMHC has approved and committed to through the ACLP. The financing provided by CMHC allows Oxford to accelerate its plan to intensify the lands around STC to help address the housing crisis faced by the City of Toronto by adding a significant source of new purpose-built rental supply, as well as a substantial delivery of affordable units, into the Scarborough community. "Breaking ground on this development is a true milestone for Oxford as we look to use our proven development expertise to deliver much-needed housing solutions for the people of Scarborough, while sustainably intensifying transit-connected land to create mixed-use communities of the future," said Daniel Fournier, Executive Chair at Oxford Properties. "This generational project signifies a model we hope to replicate across Canada in the years to come, and with CMHC as a funding partner, we're confident it will serve as a prime example of the power of public-private partnerships to work together to address the housing challenges in Canada's largest cities." "Our Government is committed to driving housing supply to bring housing costs down. This project will create more much-needed rental homes for the people living and working in Scarborough. It's an example of what's possible when government and the private sector work together. It's also another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong." – The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure "We are building more affordable homes to address the housing crisis. The project at 25 Borough Drive will create 1,285 new homes for Torontonians, including studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes. The City of Toronto is proud to support this project through the Rental Housing Supply Program. We are stronger together, working with the Government of Canada to create more affordable homes in Scarborough to meet the needs of our growing city." – Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto The 1,285 purpose-built rental homes, which will be named Alta, will feature three residential towers and sit atop two 7-storey podiums featuring both residential and retail space. Intentionally designed to accommodate a range of income levels, age groups, and family structures, Alta will offer a broad unit mix of 51 studios, 693 one-bedrooms, 411 two-bedrooms and 130 three-bedroom units, including 23 townhomes. The project will benefit from its close proximity to Scarborough Centre TTC station, which is also serviced by GO Transit, and the future Scarborough Subway Extension. The entire project is being designed to promote wellbeing and community building through the inclusion of extensive indoor and outdoor amenities. These include outdoor lounge areas, co-working spaces, a children's playroom, fitness facilities, and a new 22,000 square foot public park at the south end of the development. The completed project seeks to reduce its environmental impact by using a geothermal heating and cooling system that will reduce overall energy use by 55% and greenhouse gas emissions by 74%. "It is more important than ever that governments at all levels in Canada come together with the private sector to make bold choices that improve Canadian communities, and this project is the perfect example," said Blake Hutcheson, President and CEO of OMERS. "This development not only puts our members' dollars to work right here in Ontario, but it does so in a project that is being supported by federal funding which in turn will help maximize the Province and City of Toronto's substantial investment in rapid transit to Scarborough. It will help deliver returns for our members, while also improving housing choice in a community that so many of them proudly call home and serve." Alta marks the first development within Oxford's recently approved master plan for STC. The multi-decade plan envisions over 10,000 residential units built across 89 developable acres to support Scarborough in its evolution and growth as an urban hub, while optimizing STC's relationship to the new transit station. This master plan builds on Oxford's continued conviction to create premier mixed-use communities across Canada. This development is part of a series of recent major investments made by Oxford in Canada, where it has announced almost $2 billion of activity in the past six weeks, including an acquisition of a seven-asset Western Canada office portfolio, and a redevelopment of two office towers at Canada Square in Midtown Toronto. Construction on Alta is expected to be completed by Summer 2029. About Oxford Properties Group Oxford Properties Group ("Oxford") is a leading global real estate investor, developer and manager. Established in 1960, Oxford and its portfolio companies manage approximately C$80 billion of assets across four continents on behalf of their investment partners. Oxford's owned portfolio encompasses logistics, office, retail, multifamily residential, life sciences, credit and hotels in global gateway cities and high-growth hubs. A thematic investor with a committed source of capital, Oxford invests in properties, portfolios, development sites, debt, securities and real estate businesses across the risk-reward spectrum. Together with its portfolio companies, Oxford is one of the world's most active developers with 30 projects currently underway globally across all major asset classes. Oxford is owned by OMERS, the Canadian defined benefit pension plan for Ontario's municipal employees. For more information on Oxford, visit
