Build, protect, and support community housing in Ontario

Election advocacy for non-profit housing providers is more important than ever. The upcoming provincial election is a critical opportunity to put community housing at the forefront. As non-profit housing providers, your voice is key in shaping policies that will build, protect, and support Ontario’s community housing sector.

ONPHA is committed to working with all parties to advance solutions for safe, stable, and affordable housing. We invite you to join us in advocating for the future of community housing this election.

This hub provides the resources you need to engage with candidates and decision-makers effectively. Together, we can ensure that, regardless of the election outcome, community housing remains a priority.

Key advocacy resources

Materials to support direct engagement with candidates and policymakers.

Provincial Election: A Housing Platform

Help amplify our recommendations to build a stronger housing system in Ontario.

Download

Your Guide to Election Engagement

FAQs, recommendations and best practices for housing providers.

Download

Candidate Outreach: Letter Template

Customize this letter to engage with your local candidates or MPPs.

Download

Learn and stay informed

Explore deeper insights and ongoing updates.

Opening Doors Podcast

February 12, 2025

The provincial election is a crucial moment for affordable housing advocacy, but the work continues after the votes are counted. In this episode, find inspiration and discover practical ways to advocate at the local level, influence housing policy, and build lasting momentum beyond the election. Listen now.

2025 ONPHA Sector Summit

April 9, 2025 | Member-exclusive virtual event

With two key elections this year, evolving policies, and emerging opportunities, staying informed is more important than ever. Join us for the Sector Summit, an essential event for Ontario’s non-profit housing providers to stay engaged in the latest advocacy and policy discussions. Learn more.

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🏡 A Platform for Community Housing 🏡 We’re calling on all parties to support real solutions to Ontario’s housing crisis through the Build, Protect & Support strategy: 

✔️ Build more community housing 
✔️ Protect existing community housing  
✔️ Support housing providers 

📢 Share this message, read @ONPHA’s full housing platform and get advocacy resources: onpha.on.ca/elections

Build community housing

🏡 Build More Community Housing: Fund Non-Profit Acquisitions 🏡 Ontario needs an Acquisition Fund to help non-profits buy rental units and keep housing affordable. We’re calling on all parties to take action.  

Expand affordable housing faster 
Ensure stable, low-end market rents 
Strengthen non-profits & reduce reliance on government funding 

The private market keeps growing—community housing must, too. 

📢 Tell your candidates: Ontario needs an Acquisition Fund. Read @ONPHA’s full housing platform and get advocacy resources: onpha.on.ca/elections

Protect community housing

🏡 Protect Community Housing: Fund Critical Repairs 🏡 Ontario’s community housing is aging, and without urgent capital repairs, homes will be lost. Many buildings from the 1960s–1980s are in poor condition, impacting tenants and limiting providers’ ability to grow. We’re calling on all parties to take action.  

Improve living conditions for tenants 
Help providers secure financing for expansion 
Protect and sustain existing community housing 

📢 Tell your candidates: Ontario must invest in capital repairs. Read @ONPHA’s full housing platform and get advocacy resources: onpha.on.ca/elections

Support housing providers

🏡 Support Tenants & Housing Providers: Fix LTB Delays 🏡 

Severe delays at Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) hurt both tenants and community housing providers. Months-long wait times lead to housing instability for tenants and financial strain for providers operating on thin margins. 

Ensure timely rulings for tenants 
Prevent extended periods without rent payments 
Protect providers’ ability to maintain & grow housing 

We urge the province to prioritize LTB hearings and introduce emergency hearings for severe cases. Timely decisions matter. 

📢 Tell your candidates: Fix LTB delays. Read @ONPHA’s full housing platform and get advocacy resources: onpha.on.ca/elections

Support Indigenous Housing providers

🏡 Support Indigenous Housing: Establish an Advisory Table 🏡 

Ontario’s Indigenous communities need culturally appropriate housing solutions, and that requires ongoing dialogue with the Indigenous non-profit housing sector. We urge the Ontario government to create a formal Indigenous Housing Advisory Table to: 

Ensure Indigenous voices shape housing policy 
Facilitate collaboration & informed decision-making 
Develop inclusive strategies to address housing challenges 

A real commitment to Indigenous housing starts with listening.

📢 Tell your candidates: Support an Indigenous Housing Advisory Table. Read @ONPHA’s full housing platform and get advocacy resources: onpha.on.ca/elections

 

Learn more about our advocacy initiatives and get in touch with us at policy@onpha.org