Ontario’s 2026 Budget: Community Housing Is Ready to Deliver
As the government prepares its next set of housing investments through Ontario’s 2026 Budget, ONPHA has shared recommendations that highlight a clear message:
Ontario’s community housing sector is ready to help build, protect, and operate more affordable homes, and with the right supports and partnerships, we can do even more.
Housing is foundational to strong communities, shaping outcomes across health, employment, education, and local economies. For decades, ONPHA members have developed, operated, and maintained affordable housing across the province and now serve close to half a million Ontarians. With the right supports, the sector is well positioned to expand and help address Ontario’s housing crisis.
Our pre-budget submission focuses on six practical steps the province can take to strengthen the sector and unlock more affordable housing.
Protect long-term affordability with stronger operating support
Building new housing is essential, and keeping homes affordable over the long term is just as important. Community housing providers operate on extremely tight margins while managing complex buildings and supporting diverse tenant communities. As operating costs continue to rise, providers need stable funding to maintain affordability.
ONPHA is recommending that the province increase operational funding alongside capital investments, ensuring new and existing community housing remains affordable for the long-term.
Help non-profits build and acquire more housing
Community housing providers are eager to expand, but many face challenges competing with private developers for land and rental buildings.
ONPHA recommends that Ontario match federal capital investments through Build Canada Homes to accelerate the development of new affordable housing.
With stronger capital support, non-profit providers can develop new housing and acquire existing rental buildings, ensuring those homes remain affordable for future generations.
Reduce operating costs so providers can reinvest in housing
Rising operating costs are putting increasing pressure on community housing providers. ONPHA is recommending measures that would reduce costs that can be reinvested into housing maintenance and tenant supports, including:
- Preferred utility rates for community housing
- Land transfer tax exemptions
- Capital gains tax exemptions when housing is transferred into the non-profit sector
Remove barriers that slow down housing development
Ontario’s community housing sector is ready to grow, but administrative barriers and regulatory delays can slow projects down.
ONPHA is calling on the province to work with the sector to identify and remove unnecessary red tape that delays development and increases costs.
Many of these barriers can be addressed without new spending and would significantly help providers move projects forward more quickly.
Invest in repairs to protect existing homes
Ontario is home to nearly half of Canada’s community housing stock, but many buildings were constructed between the 1960s and 1980s and now require major repairs.
Investing in capital repairs helps protect existing homes while also allowing providers to leverage their assets to build more housing.
ONPHA is recommending increased funding for capital repairs to ensure the long-term sustainability of Ontario’s community housing system.
Partner with experts to design housing policy
ONPHA’s members bring decades of experience in community and Indigenous housing, as well as a deep understanding of how housing connects to other government services. By engaging directly with providers and sector experts, the provincial government can ensure that new policies, programs, and regulations are practical, implementable, and have the greatest impact for tenants and communities
As we look forward to Ontario’s 2026 Budget, ONPHA and our members are continuing to partner with government to build more homes, protect existing housing, and strengthen communities across the province.
Be part of the solution. Join ONPHA to stay informed on policy, access resources, and help shape the future of community housing in Ontario.