Inside Storey and feeling of independence. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced in my life. And that’s the same feeling I bring as Minister. There are so many young couples who don’t feel they will ever realize the dream of homeownership. And whether you’re a single or couple or a senior—whoever you are—I want to make sure you have that opportunity to realize homeownership just like I was able to. For too many Ontarians, it’s out of reach, and I think the government needs to re-adjust its policies. And that’s what I’ve tried to do from the day I was sworn in as Minister.” WHAT STRUCK YOU DURING EARLY MEETINGS WITH OHBA?
MINISTER OF HOME Putting action into the Housing Supply Action Plan BY TED McINTYRE WITH HON. STEVE CLARK, MINISTER OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING
IN HIS OPENING address during a virtual fireside chat with OHBA members in late November, the Hon. Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing since 2018, sounded alarm bells over what a change in government could mean for recent strides made in Ontario housing development. “It’s very unfortunate that the opposition has raised a housing platform that I think promises in my heart of hearts to reverse the progress,” Minister Clark observed. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw vacancy control added to their platform, meaning that landlords aren’t going to be able to deal with the rents that they charge. I looked at the gains that we’ve made going back to 1992 housing starts, and this will destroy the rental market in Ontario, making investing in, building and maintaining rental housing less attractive. Given the progress we’ve seen, we cannot allow that to happen if we’re going to succeed ohba.ca
@onhomebuilder
in building the housing supply Ontario desperately needs.” Clark knows how to send a message. He first announced his presence on the political stage in 1982 when, at the age of 22 and fresh out of university, he was elected Mayor of the City of Brockville, making him the youngest person in Canada to hold the mayoral post. He was elected MPP for Leeds-Grenville in a March 4, 2010 by-election, crushing his opponent by a 66% margin, and has guided the renamed riding of LeedsGrenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes ever since. OHB: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST HOME PURCHASE. MINISTER CLARK: “Twenty-one
Amy Street in Brockville. A nice little powder blue two-storey with a garage that could barely fit my car. There was a patch of grass that I could cut and a driveway and walkway I could shovel. “It was a wonderful feeling to be a homeowner, to experience that power
“There was an appreciation for the size of the organization. They have over 4,000 member companies. Yes, it includes builders and developers, but there are also trade contractors, suppliers—there are so many involved. I think a lot of people don’t realize the depth and breadth of the organization. And the fact that it’s a voluntary group that advocates for the industry. I’ve dealt with Joe (CEO Joe Vaccaro) both as part of the opposition and since in government. And Bob (President Bob Schickedanz) has also been a tremendous advocate for OHBA. “I want to thank all the members for the #HomeBeliever campaign. I think they’ve made the difference, and in a very non-partisan way. To look at the strides they’ve made with all the parties is really a testament to the work that the members and the association are doing.” CAN YOU DISCUSS THE MOTIVATION OF THE MORE HOMES, MORE CHOICE ACT?
“Our Housing Supply Action Plan started with More Homes, More Choice. It was part of a concerted effort from our government to ensure that people had affordable homes in every corner of the province. It was something previous governments neglected for many years. And let’s face it, the status quo wasn’t working, and we had to take definitive action ONTARIO HOME BUILDER WINTER 2021
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