News release: October 27, 2023
Peel is calling on all levels of government to take concerted action now to end the affordable housing crisis
Peel is introducing the HOME advocacy framework to support all levels of government in guiding actions to end the affordable housing crisis.
HOME is built on sector best practices and Peel’s expertise as service manager overseeing the affordable housing and homelessness system. The four HOME principles encourage all levels of government to consider the following when shaping housing policies and programs to end the affordable housing crisis:
- Homes are for living so ensure the use of housing for homes by eliminating speculation and hoarding through policy tools.
- Offer more funding for wraparound supports because housing stability is not just about supply.
- Maximize affordable supply by maintaining existing and building new community and supportive housing because for-profit market supply alone will not solve the housing affordability crisis.
- Expand income and social supports because individuals shouldn’t have to choose between their home and other basic necessities.
HOME is a direct response to the housing pressures Peel is experiencing and is aligned with the Peel Housing and Homelessness Plan. These housing pressures include:
- 91,000 households in core housing need in Peel; and almost half of these require additional supports to remain stably housed
- Regional services cannot meet the needs of 4 out of 5 households needing housing help. Unfortunately, these figures are expected to grow
- Demand for emergency housing (shelters) is nearly 300% of capacity
- Less than 25 cents of every dollar spent on housing supports come from Provincial and Federal governments and Peel's ability to help households in need will shrink without further funding assistance
- Even with the Province of Ontario’s essential new housing targets, there is no for-profit supply-only trickle-down response to the housing affordability crisis that will address the needs of all low- and most moderate-income households
- Ernst & Young estimates that there are approximately 3,000 vacant homes in Peel Region. At a time with limited supply and unprecedented housing costs, every unit matters
There is unprecedented, dire, widespread need for help. Now is the time for action that can have a meaningful impact on the lives of people before the next federal and provincial elections scheduled for 2025 and 2026 respectively.
In the coming weeks and months, Peel’s leadership team will share and discuss the HOME principles with representatives from all levels of government, sector advocates, community partners, and media to raise awareness and guide effective interventions by other levels of government to bring about an end to this affordable housing crisis.
I'm excited to share Peel's HOME principles with our government partners, to initiate conversations that spur critically needed action. I commend Peel Region staff not only for all the families they have helped and lives they have saved through their housing programs, but in shaping these principles with the ideal balance of innovation and practicality to help decision-makers navigate the choices in front of them. These principles were designed with sound research and expertise and position us as leaders in addressing, and ending, the affordable housing crisis.
Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair, Peel Region
Addressing the affordable housing crisis requires a broader systems-levels approach built on recognizing Peel residents' holistic needs that will help them get and keep housing. The HOME Principles recognize the need for all levels of government to work together to meet these needs and I am confident that the principles, if used by decision-makers, will lead to much-needed, effective, interventions that will bring about the end to the affordable housing crisis.
Sean Baird, Commissioner of Human Services, Peel Region
Media contact
Stewart Lazarus
Communications Specialist
Region of Peel
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
