TREB President’s Column as it appears in the Toronto Star.

June 27, 2012 — As current President of The Toronto Real Estate Board, it was an honour to present, on behalf of all Greater Toronto REALTORS®, a family with the key to their new home at a Habitat for Humanity Toronto dedication ceremony held back in April.

I was touched to see close to 100 people including sponsors, local politicians and sponsor families at the ceremony, which took place at the development site located at 4572 Kingston Road near Morningside Avenue.

Not only did REALTORS® financially help sponsor the home through the REALTORS Care Foundation, TREB REALTOR® Members took part in the project’s construction in November and December of last year. Thanks to their efforts, the Matin family are now the proud owners of one of the 29 town home units built as part of the development.

I was so very proud to see what team work did to help bring the Matin family’s dream of homeownership to fruition, and I shared this with Habitat for Humanity Toronto Chief Executive Officer Neil Hetherington, who was also on hand at the dedication ceremony to thank the development’s sponsors and congratulate the sponsor families.

In exchange, the Families contribute 500 volunteer hours to Habitat for Humanity Toronto and repay a zero-down payment, interest free mortgage over an average of 25 years.

Habitat for Humanity Toronto has constructed more than 225 affordable homes with partner families throughout the city and has set a goal to build 50 new homes each year by 2015.

While the home marked TREB’s fourth Habitat for Humanity title sponsorship, Greater Toronto REALTORS® have since sponsored a fifth Habitat for Humanity home located in the Danforth Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue area.

I share with you a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that captures the true meaning behind these build projects.

“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.”

I encourage everyone to ask if there is anything you can do to bring others joy and happiness, and then go out and do it! Even if you can only help affect the life of one, it will be worth it!

Follow TREB on www.twitter.com/TREBhome, www.Facebook.com/TorontoRealEstateBoard and www.youtube.com/TREBChannel

Article source: http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/market_news/president_columns/pres_star_col/index.htm

KINGSTON, May 22, 2008 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the City of Kingston today celebrated more than $5.1 million in funding for affordable housing in Kingston. This funding will help create 73 new affordable rental units in two Kingston projects.

Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds – Grenville, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada; John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Harvey Rosen, Mayor of the City of Kingston attended the ceremony. Also participating in today’s announcement were Sara Meers, Chair of the Kingston Frontenac Housing Corporation and Francyne Givogue, General Manager.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Brown. “Here in Kingston, these new apartments will help low and moderate income families, single and seniors with special needs, access safe, affordable and quality housing, helping them to build a stronger future.”

“Our government is committed to increasing the quality and availability of affordable housing across the province,” said Minister Gerretsen. “We are pleased to work with our federal and municipal partners to create new affordable housing opportunities for low-income families and seniors in the City of Kingston.”

Today’s announcement recognized two affordable housing projects in Kingston, totalling over $10 million in capital costs:

• A 49-unit project, now officially open. The $8.7 million project is sponsored by Kingston Frontenac Housing Corporation and will receive $3.4 million under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The suites are occupied by seniors. The federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by more than $290,000 in municipal financial incentives.

• A 24-unit project at 41 Joseph St., now under construction. The $2.6 million project is sponsored by Kingston Home Base Non-Profit Housing Inc. and will receive $1.6 million under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The units will be occupied by low-income individuals who have struggled with homelessness. The federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by $144,000 in municipal financial incentives.

“Kingston Frontenac Housing Corporation is to be congratulated on the successful completion of their affordable housing development which provides 49 units for low and moderate income seniors and the Corporation’s business office,” said Mayor Rosen. “Home Base Housing will begin construction of their second building on Joseph Street which will provide 24 supportive and affordable housing units for individuals struggling with homelessness.“

“The Kingston Frontenac Housing Corporation Board of Directors and staff members have had an amazing experience working together with various partners which has resulted in the creation of a seniors’ affordable housing complex that includes modified units and features for seniors to enable them to ‘Age in Place’ which are greatly needed in our community,” said Ms. Meers.

“The concerted efforts of all three levels of government and the Board of Home Base Housing will enable 24 of our community’s most vulnerable individuals to gain a ‘Fresh Start’ through safe, healthy, supportive, affordable housing,” said Mr. Metcalfe.

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for 20,000 households in Ontario.

For further information please contact:

Audrey Kim
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
416-218-3448

Mary McIntyre
City of Kingston
613-546-2695 Ext.4948

Adam Grachnik
Minister Jim Watson’s Office
416-585-6492

Keith Extance, Director, Housing Division
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
416-585-7021

For more information visit:  http://www.mah.gov.on.ca

Article source: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2008/2008-05-22-1000.cfm

TREB President’s Column as it appears every Friday in the Toronto Sun’s Resale Homes and Condos section.

June 22, 2012 — May was another active month for resale housing transactions throughout the Greater Toronto Area.  But, even more importantly, May will likely turn out to be the turning point for the listings situation (i.e. lack of thereof) that has been such a big story in the GTA housing market over the past year.

With 10,850 homes changing hands in May, sales were up 11 per cent over May 2011.  Sales growth was stronger in the ‘905’ regions compared to the ‘416’ – 14 per cent versus 11 per cent respectively.  The fact that sales have been growing at a quicker pace outside of the ‘416’ area code is not surprising in light of a recent Ipsos Reid poll suggesting the City of Toronto’s land transfer tax has prompted many buyers to search for their next home outside of the city.

Tight market conditions continued to result in strong average price growth in May.  The average selling price in the ‘905’ regions grew by over seven per cent year-over-year to $484,840.  In the City of Toronto, the average selling price was up by six per cent to $568,768.

It should be noted, however, that May statistics indicate that tight market conditions may start to ease in the second half of 2012 and even more so in 2013 because of stronger growth in listings.

The number of new listings, at 19,177, was 20 per cent greater than in May 2011.  This strong year-over-year growth rate for listings far outstripped annual growth in sales, which means the May market was better supplied this year compared to last.  Homeowners were reacting in greater numbers to the strong home price growth experienced in the GTA over the past year.  If growth in listings continues to outpace growth in sales moving forward, competition between home buyers will ease resulting in less upward pressure on selling prices.

The GTA housing market has received a lot of attention over the past year.  Some commentators have suggested that because home prices have grown at a quicker pace than income we should expect prices to fall considerably over the next few years.  Many of these analyses fail to consider the housing market from an affordability perspective.  What needs to be considered is whether or not a household earning an average income in the GTA can afford the mortgage payment, property taxes and utilities associated with the purchase of an average priced home.

When we look at the market in this way we find that over the better part of the last decade, including this year, the share of income going towards major recurring home ownership payments has been in line with underwriting guidelines followed by major lenders and CMHC.  Low borrowing costs have largely mitigated strong price increases over the past few years.

Looking forward, expectations for interest rate hikes have moderated considerably over the past month, with increased tumult in Europe.  Whereas a month ago the expectation was for the Bank of Canada to start raising rates in the fall of this year, it is now more likely that hikes will be on hold until sometime in 2013.

While the monthly cost of home ownership has remained affordable, home buyers looking to purchase in the City of Toronto continue to face a large financial hurdle: the upfront cost associated with the City of Toronto’s land transfer tax.  Greater Toronto REALTORS® see the repeal of the Toronto land transfer tax as another key factor that would benefit our local economy. A recent survey conducted by Ekos Research, which polled 9,500 City of Toronto residents, found that a majority in 86 per cent of City wards want to see the tax repealed.

To effect this change we have launched a new website where you can learn more about our efforts and take action by telling your City Councillor that you oppose the Toronto land transfer tax. I encourage you to visit www.LetsGetThisRightToronto.ca because helping Toronto reach its full potential is in the best interest of us all.

Follow TREB on www.twitter.com/TREBhome, www.Facebook.com/TorontoRealEstateBoard and www.youtube.com/TREBChannel

Article source: http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/market_news/president_columns/pres_sun_col/index.htm

GEORGINA, ONTARIO, June 25, 2012 — The official opening of DeafBlind Ontario Services’ Treffry and Hurtick residences was held today in the Town of Georgina. Combined, these projects received $720,000 in funding from the federal and provincial governments. The construction of Treffry and Hurtick residences has created up to 19 jobs in Ontario and helps to meet the housing needs of people with disabilities in York Region.

The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Member of Parliament for York – Simcoe, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs; along with Bill Fisch, York Region Chairman and CEO, made the announcement.

“Through Economic Action Plan 2012, our Government is taking concrete action to help ensure economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth,” said Minister Van Loan. “Funding projects like the Treffry and Hurtick residences will not only improve the overall housing conditions for people with disabilities in Georgina but also help stimulate the local economy and create jobs.”

“Our government is committed to providing housing to those who need it most,” said Minister Wynne. “About 7,000 Ontarians live with deafblindness and projects like these help them increase their independence.”

“Investments and collaboration between multiple levels of government are critical to advancing affordable housing options,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. “These projects are great examples of how specialized services and affordable housing together can enhance the quality of life for residents and strengthen our communities.”

Treffry House, located at 1 Joel Avenue, received $480,000, and Hurtick House, located at 61 Alexander Boulevard received $240,000 in federal and provincial funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan — Housing for Persons with Disabilities and the 2009 extension of the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The Regional Municipality of York complemented the federal and provincial funding by covering $24,000 in development charges for Hurtick House.

Both residences are fully accessible, four-bedroom residential units. They provide specialized services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to support individuals who are deafblind live and thrive in the community. Treffry House is also equipped with a Snoezelen Multi-Sensory room designed to build communication, trust and relationships in a relaxing and stimulating environment.

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest more than $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Ontario, this represents some 237,750 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

Ontario continues to build new affordable housing and repair existing units for Ontarians with housing needs. Since 2009, the provincial government has provided nearly $183 million to build new rental housing units for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Ontario’s overall investment of over $2.5 billion has translated into the construction and repair of more than 270,000 housing units and the provision of 35,000 rent supplements for Ontario families on fixed incomes. The province’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy sets a strong foundation for a more efficient, accessible affordable housing system in Ontario.  

Affordable housing is a key component of Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. Download a copy of the Government of Ontario’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.ontario.ca/housing.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642

Media inquiries:

Jill Noble
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
416-250-2761

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Kelly Baker
Office of Minister Wynne
416-585-6842

Lisa Sposito
The Regional Municipality of York
905-830-4444, ext.: 4106

For more information visit: www.ontario.ca/housing, www.york.ca

See related speech

Article source: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2012/2012-06-25-1100.cfm

WOODSTOCK, June 17, 2008 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the County of Oxford today held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of 12 new units at Homestead Christian Care’s Blossom Park Supported Independent Living Apartments, an affordable housing project that provides rental units for lower-income families and individuals under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Dave Levac, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brant, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Oxford Warden Paul Holborough; Woodstock Mayor Michael Harding, and federal officials attended the ceremony.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Dave Mackenzie on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada. “Here in Woodstock, these new apartments will help lower-income families and individuals, access safe, affordable and quality housing, and build a stronger future.”

“Affordable housing is a key part of the McGuinty government’s strategy to build stronger communities and a stronger Ontario,” said MPP Levac. “This project will help lower-income individuals with special needs live with dignity and independence in their own communities.”

The $2 million project is sponsored by Homestead Christian Care and received a total of $1 million under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The addition will provide 12 new units of affordable housing for low-income individuals with special needs. The federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by more than $475,000 in municipal financial incentives.

“Homestead Christian Care and its commitment to Oxford County residents is to be applauded,” said Warden Holborough. “Affordable housing remains a priority with the County and on behalf of the citizens of Oxford, I would like to congratulate all who participated and will continue to participate in this successful venture.”

“On behalf of the city of Woodstock, I congratulate Homestead Christian Care on the development of this facility,” said Mayor Harding. “In cooperation with all levels of government, the faith community has come forward and provided a much needed service to our community.”

“Homestead Christian Care appreciates the help of our supporting community, the City of Woodstock and Oxford County, and both the federal and provincial governments for making this new facility possible financially,” said Grace Miedema, Community Support Coordinator for Homestead Christian Care. “These new ‘supported living’ units will help towards our goal of providing hope and homes to members of our community who are often marginalized by mental illness.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for 20,000 households in Ontario.

For further information please contact:

Audrey Kim
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Tel.: 416-218-3448

Paul Beaton
County of Oxford
Tel.: 519-539-9800 Ext. 3301

Adam Grachnik
Minister Jim Watson’s Office
Tel.: 416-585-6492

Keith Extance
Director, Housing Programs Branch
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Tel.: 416-585-7021

For more information visit:
http://www.mah.gov.on.ca

Article source: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2008/2008-06-17-1200.cfm

OWEN SOUND, July 11, 2008 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the County of Grey today celebrated the start of construction of Bluewater Ridge, an affordable housing project that will provide 37 rental units for low-income families and individuals under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce – Grey – Owen Sound, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; Carol Mitchell, Member of Provincial Parliament for Huron – Bruce, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Grey County Warden Kevin Eccles; and Owen Sound Mayor Ruth Lovell attended the sod-turning ceremony. 

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Miller. “Here in Owen Sound, these new rental units will help lower-income families and individuals access safe, affordable and quality housing, and build a stronger future.”

“Increasing the quality and availability of affordable housing across Ontario is a priority for the McGuinty government,” said MPP Mitchell. “This project will help lower-income households in Owen Sound live with dignity and independence, in a safe place they can call home.”

The $3.9 million project is sponsored by the Owen Sound Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation and received a total of $2.3 million under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The development will provide 37 new units of affordable housing for low-income families and individuals, some with special needs. Federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by more than $527,000 in municipal financial incentives.

“A strong community needs to address the many varied sectors of society with equal enthusiasm,” said Warden Eccles. “This project will continue in the spirit of Grey County’s vision, as a place where all are welcome and have the opportunity to prosper.”

“We are grateful that all levels of government have worked together to make this possible and at the same time, are mindful that much more needs to be done,” said Mayor Lovell. “We hope we can continue to work together as we deal with increasing demands for this type of affordable accommodation.”

“This Board feels it necessary not only to build quality accommodation, but also to build a strong sense of community in all our projects,” said Kenneth Thomson, Chair of the Owen Sound Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation. “We are very happy that our staff and volunteer Board have had so much direct input into the Bluewater Ridge buildings now being built on this historic prospect of the South Ordnance Reserve on Owen Sound.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for 20,000 households in Ontario.

For further information please contact:

Audrey Kim
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Tel.: 416-218-3448

Rod Wyatt
County of Grey
Tel.: 519-376-5744 ext. 209

Adam Grachnik
Minister Jim Watson’s Office
Tel.: 416-585-6492

Keith Extance
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Tel.: 416-585-7021

For more information visit:     
http://www.mah.gov.on.ca

See related speech

Article source: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2008/2008-07-11-0930.cfm

PORT COLBORNE, July 29, 2008 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, Niagara Region and the City of Port Colborne today celebrated the official opening of 15 new affordable housing apartments. The Community Living Port Colborne – Wainfleet project received over $1 million in funding under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

The ceremony was attended by Dean Allison, MP for Niagara West – Glanbrook, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada; Jim Bradley, Minister of Transportation and MPP for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Councillor Bob Saracino, on behalf of Peter Partington, Chair of Niagara Region; and Vance Badawey, Mayor of Port Colborne.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Allison. “With the opening of this project, seniors in Port Colborne will now have access to quality, affordable rental housing and services to meet their specific needs, while remaining close to their families and friends.”

“By investing in the Community Living project, the McGuinty government is making it easier for those in Niagara with disabilities to live independently and with dignity,” said Jim Bradley, MPP for St. Catharines.

The new affordable housing project is sponsored by Community Living Port Colborne-Wainfleet and includes apartments for people with disabilities. Federal and provincial funding for the project was complemented by more than $60,000 in municipal financial incentives.

“We’re pleased that this partnership between the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government can create further affordable housing opportunities for our residents,” said Regional Chair Peter Partington. “This is one of our priorities as a regional council, and while a small step forward, for the families who will benefit from this development, they are monumental steps.”

“I am proud of the continued efforts of the Community Living Port Colborne – Wainfleet team and pleased that their hard work is being recognized by upper levels of government,” said Mayor Badawey. “The clients that are being serviced by Community Living are fine residents of our community. I am extremely pleased that this program affords them the opportunity to enhance their quality of life.”

“Our Board of Directors is pleased that our vision for this project has become a reality. The apartment building will significantly enhance the capacity of services in Port Colborne for people with specialized needs, especially for those individuals requiring affordable housing with an enhanced model of support,” said Pat Davis, President of Community Living Port Colborne – Wainfleet.

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for 20,000 households in Ontario.

Media Inquiries:

Susan Monic
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
416-250-2745

Maryellen MacLellan
Niagara Regional Housing
905-682-9201, Ext. 3938

Adam Grachnik
Office of Minister Watson
416-585-6492

Keith Extance
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
416-585-7021

For more information visit:

http://www.mah.gov.on.ca
http://www.regional.niagara.on.ca
http://www.city.portcolborne.on.ca

See related speech

Article source: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2008/2008-07-29-1400.cfm

Polls Show 49 Percent Approval Rating for Mayor Ford and Overwhelming Support for Land Transfer Tax Repeal

TORONTO,
June 15, 2012 – With new polls showing the highest published public
approval rating for Mayor Rob Ford, this year, and overwhelming support for
repeal of the Toronto Land Transfer Tax, REALTORS® are indicating that they
believe that Mayor Ford is accurately representing the public’s views with
regard to the repeal of the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.

“REALTORS® commend Mayor
Ford for clearly articulating his commitment to repeal the Toronto Land
Transfer Tax and for not wavering from this promise.  It is clear that the vast majority of the
public agrees with his views on this issue.  We all want to build a great City, but the public understands that the
Land Transfer Tax is stopping Toronto from reaching its full potential,” said
Richard Silver, President of the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB).

A recent poll conducted by Ipsos Reid, from June 1 to June
6, 2012, found that 49%, of Torontonians approve of the overall performance of
Mayor Rob Ford. This is the highest published approval rating for Mayor Rob
Ford in recent months.

TREB recently launched a new website, www.LetsGetThisRightToronto.ca,
to help the public have their say with their City Councillor and to learn more
about the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.

“Mayor Ford has been
consistent in his commitment to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax and the
public’s support of this position has been consistent also,” said Von Palmer,
TREB’s Chief Government and Public Affairs Officer.

Two separate polls
recently showed overwhelming public support for repeal of the Toronto Land
Transfer Tax:

·     

A poll conducted by Ipsos Reid, from April 30 to May 7,
2012 found that 66% of Torontonians support the Mayor’s commitment to repeal
the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.

·     

A massive ward-by-ward poll of almost 9,500 Toronto residents,
conducted by Ekos Research in May 2012, found that in 36 of 44 City wards, at
least half of residents support repeal of the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.  Even in most wards represented by councillors
who have publicly opposed repeal of the Toronto Land Transfer Tax, a majority
of residents support the repeal of this tax.  Detailed ward-by-ward results of the poll, conducted by Ekos Research,
are provided in the attached tables and maps (Map 1) (Map 2) (Table
1) (Table 2).

“TREB REALTORS® work with clients in Toronto and across the
GTA and we are seeing some concerning market trends and changes in buyer
behaviour, which we believe are being influenced by the Toronto Land Transfer
Tax.  This will affect the long-term
growth of the City of Toronto.  The GTA
is one economic region, so we need to think about fair and long-term solutions
that advance the interests of all of us,” said Silver.

TREB’s concerns about the impact of the tax on the City’s
long-term growth are substantiated by the Ipsos Reid poll, which found that 25
percent of Torontonians expecting to move in the next two years are planning to
leave Toronto for the 905 regions. In contrast, only three percent of 905
residents expecting to move in the next two years are planning to come to
Toronto.  Looking at the cause of this
trend, the poll found important links to the Toronto Land Transfer Tax, with
75% of people in Toronto and the 905 regions who are expecting to move in the
next two years saying that they are more likely to move outside of Toronto
specifically because of the Toronto Land Transfer Tax. 

“The Toronto Land Transfer Tax is holding our City
back.  Together, we’re building a great
City, but we need to get this right.  The
Toronto Land Transfer Tax is no way to build a great City. It makes our City
less affordable, less fair, and less competitive,” said Palmer. “We understand
the importance of quality services to building a great city, but we believe
that those services should be funded fairly and reliably.”

The poll conducted by
Ipsos Reid, from June 1 to June 6, 2012 was an on-line survey of of 506
residents in Toronto and has a margin of error of +/- 4.4 percentage points, 19
times out of 20.

The poll conducted by
Ipsos Reid, from April 30 to May 7, 2012, was an on-line survey of 1,257
adults, of which 653 live in the City of Toronto, and 604 live in the
surrounding 905 region, with a margin of error of +/-2.8 percentage points, 19
times out of 20.  Questions were posed to
only Toronto residents, or only 905 region residents, or both, as appropriate,
depending on the question.

The poll conducted by
Ekos Research Associates, in May 2012,  was an Interactive Voice Response
survey of 9,459 residents of Toronto, divided among the City’s 44 municipal
wards.

For information about Buyer Representation Agreements
(BRA) visit www.BRAFirst.ca

For Media/Public Inquiries: Mary Gallagher, Senior
Manager Media Relations.

Toronto
Real Estate Board 1400 Don Mills Road Toronto, ON M3B 3N1, Office: (416)
443-8158, Email:maryg@trebnet.com

Greater Toronto REALTORS are passionate about their work.
They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple
Listing Service. Serving over 34,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area,
the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canadas largest real estate board. Greater
Toronto Area open house listings are available on www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com

Article source: http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/market_news/release_market_updates/news2012/nr_treb_LTT_campaign_poll_mayor_0612.htm

LONDON, August 14, 2008 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of London today celebrated the start of construction for 78 new affordable rental units in two London projects. These projects are supported by over $5 million in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton – Kent Middlesex, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; Khalil Ramal, MPP for London – Fanshawe, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, on behalf of the City of London; and affordable housing sponsors Robert Sexsmith of Huron Pines Housing Co-op Inc. and Greg Playford of Homes Unlimited Inc. attended the ceremony.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Shipley. “Here in London, these new rental units will help low and moderate income families, singles and individuals with special needs access safe, affordable and quality housing, helping them to build a stronger future.”

“Our government knows we can better serve Ontario’s most vulnerable by combining our resources and experience,” said MPP Ramal. “We are pleased to work with our federal and municipal partners to increase the quality and availability of affordable housing in London.”

Today’s announcement recognized two affordable housing projects in London, with a combined total project cost of $10.6 million:

• A 26-unit project soon to be under construction. The $3.9 million project, sponsored by Huron Pines Housing Co-Op Inc., received $1.8 million under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The units will be occupied by individuals, families and people with special needs.
• A 52-unit project soon to be under construction. The $6.8 million project, sponsored by Homes Unlimited Inc., received $3.6 million under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The units will be occupied by families and individuals with special needs.

The federal and provincial allocations to the projects were complemented by over $1.3 million in municipal financial incentives.

“This is an extremely important day for London, as we celebrate another important step in our community’s fight against homelessness,” said Mayor DeCicco-Best. “By working together with all levels of government to address the growing national need for more affordable housing, we will be able to positively change the lives of those most vulnerable in our community, and across the country.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for 20,000 households in Ontario.

For further information please contact:

See related speech.

Article source: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2008/2008-08-14-1300.cfm

TREB President’s Column as it appears every Friday in the Toronto Sun’s Resale Homes and Condos section.

June 15, 2012 — A new and concerning public opinion poll shows a significant number of Toronto residents planning to leave the City when they move.

This concerns us, and it is why we launched a new website www.LetsGetThisRightToronto.ca, to help Torontonians understand the issue and to tell City Council that they want the Toronto Land Transfer Tax repealed, so that Toronto can reach its full potential as a world class City.

Most of us agree that Toronto’s greatest strength is the people who choose to make this City their home.  We can’t make Toronto a world class City by pushing people away, but that’s exactly what the Toronto Land Transfer Tax is doing. Together, we can build a great city, but we need to get this right.

As I mentioned, a recent poll conducted by Ipsos Reid, found that 25 percent of Torontonians expecting to move in the next two years are planning to leave Toronto for the 905 regions. In contrast, only three percent of 905 residents expecting to move in the next two years are planning to come to Toronto. 

Looking at the cause of this trend, the poll also found important links to the Toronto Land Transfer Tax, with 75% of people in Toronto and the 905 regions who are expecting to move in the next two years saying that they are more likely to move outside of Toronto specifically because of the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.  Among the other findings of the poll were:

• 66% of Torontonians support plans to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax;
• 77% of Torontonians who recently purchased a home in Toronto feel that they received little or no added value in City services for the amount of Land Transfer Tax paid;
• A third of first-time buyers indicated that they had to pay some Land Transfer Tax to the City, notwithstanding City rebates.

The Toronto Land Transfer Tax is no way to build a great City. It creates inequality among our residents; it perpetuates irresponsible City budgeting; it threatens jobs; it makes our City less affordable; it makes City Hall less accountable; it hurts our environment; and it makes our roads even busier.

We are committed and willing to do what it takes to ensure that City Council hears the public’s voice on this issue. 

The website www.LetsGetThisRightToronto.ca gives the public numerous ways to have their say.  The web site allows the public to easily send in their views directly to their City Councillor, become more informed on this issue, and encourage others to speak out also. 

We launched this campaign for one simple reason: we want Toronto to succeed.

Putting our voices together, we can build a great City and it’s important, for all of us, that we get this right. We understand the importance of quality services to building a great city, but we believe that those services should be funded fairly and reliably.

So I encourage you to check out the website www.LetsGetThisRightToronto.ca, become more informed and have your say!

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Article source: http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/market_news/president_columns/pres_sun_col/index.htm