Jump Beyond: Meeting with Member of Provincial Parliament

Jump Beyond: Meeting with Members of Provincial Parliament

Jump Realty’s Broker of Record and Co-Owner Damon Winney had the opportunity to sit down this week with Anthony Leardi, the Member of Provincial Parliament representing the Essex riding.

Sitting down on behalf of the Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS® he spoke specifically about the issue of Affordable Housing Supply for Windsor-Essex. He noted that affordability of housing in Ontario is at an all-time worse. As of March 2023, the average Ontario home cost over $880,000 and the average Windsor home just over $540,000. He went on to say that record-setting inflation, high interest rates, and wages not matching pace have priced out young Ontarians. While Ontario has committed to building 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years, housing starts are expected to drop over the same period due to a variety of issues, overall worsening the affordability crisis we currently face.

While there is some legislation aimed at helping, it is suggested that bolder action is needed. Three solutions were proposed during this meeting. First, urging the government to take their exclusionary zoning rollback measures a step further, eliminating them all together to allow for gentle density in existing neighbourhoods. Second, as rent costs skyrocket and many young Canadians are struggling to save for a downpayment, to prioritize Rent-To-Own programs. Letting homeowners and investors rent out the property to tenants and then having the option to purchase the home and using rent credit towards the down payment would help alleviate this burden. Finally, as many businesses transition to e-commerce, more brick and mortar commercial buildings sit underused or empty completely. It is recommended that the government work with businesses to repurpose existing commercial spaces into affordable housing.

Here at Jump Realty our agents will give you honest advice on what course of action is best for you in their professional opinion and will always put taking care of your best interests first! With offices in Windsor, Tecumseh, Kingsville, LaSalle, Harrow, Chatham, and Leamington, no matter where you are, a Jump agent is ready to help. Please contact us for any housing needs and let us give you a better real estate experience!