Housing and construction news covering home building, real estate development, construction industry, and housing market trends.
A CMHC report by chief economist Mathieu Laberge finds that reducing development charges has limited impact on housing affordability. Cutting fees by 90-100% would increase viable projects by over 10% in Toronto but only 3% in Ottawa, despite federal spending to encourage fee reductions.
The Building Ontario Fund is investing $178 million in the stalled Scarborough Junction housing project in Toronto, kickstarting 1,700 new rental homes including 340 affordable units. Construction is expected to start next year, with completion around 2030.
The commentary argues that the House-amended 21st Century Road to Housing Act, while not perfect, represents meaningful progress by increasing housing supply across the country. It contends that the bill's positive effects outweigh its imperfections.
Delhi Police had flagged illegal construction on the building that collapsed near Saket Metro station to MCD in March 2026, but no action was taken. Six people, including five graduates, died in the collapse on Saturday. Two MCD engineers were suspended, and police are searching for the owner and contractor.
This commentary argues that proposed amendments to Chandigarh's Master Plan, which increase population density and construction, lack adequate assessment of infrastructure capacity. It contends that the city's water supply, roads, and social amenities are already strained, and the plan fails to demonstrate how these will be augmented to support the anticipated growth.