Representatives of the development, commercial real estate and non-profit housing sectors have been tasked with advising the Ontario government on its strategies to stimulate construction of 1.5 million new homes by 2031. The seven new appointees join Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor, and Cheryl Fort, Mayor of Hornepayne, who were earlier named chair and co-chair of the Housing Supply Action Plan Implementation Team.

New team members with insight on the private sector’s contribution include: Tony Irwin, president and chief executive officer of the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO); Richard Lyall, president of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON); and Paul Tenuta, senior vice president, policy and advocacy, with the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD). As well, Marlene Coffey, chief executive officer of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA); Simone Swail, senior manager, government relations, with the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada); planning and development lawyer Adam Brown; and urban planning consultant, Jim Harnum, bring their expertise and experiences to the discussion.

“Legislation enacted by the government challenges stakeholders and municipalities to think outside the box to reduce costs that are ultimately passed on to homebuyers. The Implementation Team will continue this approach by embracing change and questioning the status quo,” Dilkens promises.

“This diverse and talented team has the skills, expertise and know-how to get the job done for Ontario,” Fort concurs. “We have a tremendous challenge set before us and through a consistent, measured and results-driven approach we will provide invaluable advice to the Ministry.”