Peel Regional council have received a report that outlined the approximate cost of providing water, wastewater and transportation infrastructure to meet the province’s plan to build 1.5 million homes by 2031. The report also highlights the need for commitments from developers as well as outlining the services and funding requirements needed from the province to ensure complete communities are built.
In order to support these housing targets, additional water, wastewater and transportation infrastructure will be required above what has been planned in Peel’s long term master servicing plans to 2031.
Master servicing plans help direct Peel Region’s 10-year capital infrastructure plan, which currently totals $8.9 billion. The infrastructure required to achieve the new housing targets for Peel’s municipalities is estimated to cost approximately $20.4 billion for that same period.
Municipalities anticipate challenges with providing the necessary infrastructure and other services that come with the accelerated timing to build these new complete communities including significant funding shortfalls.
Partnering to support housing pledges
The role of the Region of Peel is not to build homes but to ensure essential infrastructure is in place to allow for growth and must rely on partnerships to support housing pledges. Peel and the local municipalities are committed to working together to advance housing, however, the construction of new homes relies on the development industry. Peel requests that the development industry be required to sign pledges to demonstrate their commitment to building units after receiving planning and development approvals.
As well, a commitment from the province for funding support is needed in order for Peel and the local municipalities to successfully meet Bill 23 housing targets outlined in the housing pledges. Building complete and safe communities require a range of services, beyond water, wastewater and transportation. These include both local and regional services such as police and paramedics, affordable housing, early years and childcare, senior services, transit, fire services, libraries and recreation facilities. A commitment from the province to support funding for these services is essential.
Additional opportunities to build more homes faster
To moderate the challenges, Peel Region has developed preliminary recommendations to support the province’s plan to build more homes faster. In partnership with the cities of Brampton and Mississauga and the town of Caledon, Peel Region will:
- Align growth to available infrastructure: focus growth in areas where there is existing and planned infrastructure capacity by 2031.
- Update population growth allocations in Peel’s local municipalities: confirm the short-, medium- and long-term population and employment growth allocations across Peel to support the next phase of infrastructure master planning.
- Develop new master servicing plans and review options for advancing capital projects: explore the potential to advance infrastructure improvements that could be completed quicker to enable additional housing development.
With a clearer understanding of the potential costs of building more homes faster, the Region of Peel can continue working in partnership with local municipalities to develop and implement effective strategies. With additional commitments from the province, together we can make a positive impact on the significant need for housing in our community.”
Regional Chair, Nando Iannicca
The full Council Report can be viewed here.
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