Province awards $5.4 million bonus to Whitby after housing target recount

On the same day Ajax learned it was receiving more than $4 million from the province for achieving its housing targets, the Town of Whitby is going to benefit from a recount by the Ontario government to the tune of $5.4 million.

“This funding will help the town continue investing in infrastructure that enables housing and supports community growth,” said Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy, who thanked Housing Minister Paul Callandra and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) for “working with the town” to confirm the eligibility.

A fresh look at the numbers by the Province declared Whitby recorded 1,159 new housing units in 2023, 88 per cent of the target of 1,320 units assigned by the province and more than enough to qualify for a cash reward.

Queen’s Park said earlier this year Whitby hit just 60 per cent of its target in 2023, far from the 80 per cent required to qualify for bonuses.

Housing units refers to new home construction starts, additional residential units added to existing homes, and new and upgraded beds in long-term care homes, as defined by the CMHC, which is where the discrepancy lies between the provincial government and Whitby and Ajax – as well as Clarington, which is also disputing the numbers.

Whitby Council pledged to build 18,000 new housing units by 2031 and Roy said the town remains “committed” to that goal.

“Housing affordability and accessibility are essential to maintaining a healthy, inclusive community where people of all backgrounds and income levels can find a home that meets their needs.”

The provincial government set a goal of building at least 1.5 million homes by 2031 and assigned Ontario’s 50 largest municipalities with housing targets to help meet the goal. Meet the target and win a prize, courtesy of the $1.2 billion Building Faster Fund, which rewards cities that reach at least 80 per cent of their annual target with funding bonuses.

Pickering was initially the only municipality in Durham to qualify last year, earning a $5.2 million bonus, and had already qualified this year with six months to spare.

It is unknown which housing starts in Whitby were missed by the CHMC and the Province.