Ontario Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes

Government’s measures now saving people and businesses 1.5 million hours and $1.2 billion every year

TORONTO — Today, the Ontario government introduced the Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024, as part of its ongoing commitment to cut red tape, speed up government processes and build at least 1.5 million homes by 2031.

This spring 2024 red tape reduction package includes a variety of measures that would improve service delivery while saving people and businesses time and money. These targeted steps would build on the actions Ontario has taken to cut red tape to date, which are expected to save people and businesses over 1.5 million hours and $1.2 billion every year.

These measures include a proposed regulation to require ministries to develop business service standards for permits and license services to help businesses understand how long they can expect to wait for a decision about a permit or license they need. In addition, this legislation would, if passed, help reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, delays and costs for utility projects.

The proposed legislation also contains a variety of measures focused on cutting red tape to help build more homes faster. Municipalities and homebuilders have been clear that red tape is one of the biggest barriers to getting shovels in the ground. The proposed legislation would, if passed, take significant steps toward streamlining approvals and increasing housing and infrastructure development across the province.