The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) is flagging housing as a ballot-box issue in the Greater Toronto Area’s upcoming municipal elections.

BILD recently kicked off a campaign, called Build for Growth, which features a four-point plan highlighting tools available to local governments to address worsening housing affordability and availability in the region. The plan calls for fair government fees, taxes and charges on new homes; critical infrastructure funding and delivery; less red tape in the planning approval process; and service standards for building permits and inspections.

“Housing will be a key election issue in the Greater Toronto Area,” said Dave Wilkes, president and CEO of BILD. “Providing housing for the next generation is a challenge that needs to be solved in a partnership between residents, the building industry, and municipal governments across the region.”

BILD is also inviting municipal candidates to sign a Housing Pledge promising to participate in discussions with the development community and government partners with a view to increasing housing supply, recognizing action is required on the housing file. Early signatories include Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Ana Bailao, deputy mayor of Toronto.