Thursday, April 23, 2026
New housing legislation and infrastructure funding were top priorities for Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM), who gathered in Pickering recently for their Annual General Meeting and Conference.
Hosted by Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe, the event brought together mayors from Ontario’s largest cities, along with provincial ministers, federal housing representatives, and municipal leaders, to discuss shared priorities and collaborative solutions.
Key discussions included early input into new provincial initiatives such as the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build program, as well as advocacy on critical municipal issues, including Bill 9 (Municipal Code of Conduct legislation), which has yet to be called for third reading.
“We are encouraged by the commitment from provincial and federal governments to accelerate housing construction and invest in the infrastructure needed to support growing communities. Municipalities are on the front lines delivering essential services—from water and wastewater to roads, policing, and community spaces—funded largely through the property tax base,” said Marianne Meed Ward, OBCM chair and Mayor of Burlington. “It is critical that we are included as full partners in designing programs that fund housing-enabling infrastructure, so residents receive the services they need.”
Throughout the two-day conference, attendees were joined by several provincial ministers, including:
- Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance and MPP for Pickering
- Michael Tibollo, Associate Attorney General
A consistent message emerged from all orders of government: strong collaboration is essential to deliver housing quickly while ensuring decisions reflect the unique needs of communities across Ontario.
OBCM welcomed the opportunity to engage with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on a range of priorities, including the development of the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build program. Mayors emphasized the need for a commitment from both provincial and federal governments to fully offset municipal revenue losses resulting from reduced development charges, and to ensure that any savings are passed on to homebuyers.
The mayors also welcomed Ana Bailão, CEO of Build Canada Homes, who outlined details of the federal housing program and highlighted opportunities for municipalities to accelerate the construction of affordable and supportive housing. She also provided updates on current projects across the country.
Representing municipalities that account for 70 per cent of Ontario’s population and nearly 30 per cent of Canada’s population, OBCM members provided valuable feedback and expressed their commitment to working with Build Canada Homes and community partners to expand affordable housing supply.
Featured image: (OBCM)
