Caledon takes bold step to address the housing crisis

March 26, 2024 (CALEDON, ON) – Today, Mayor Annette Groves advanced rezoning of 12 development applications to expedite almost 35,000 housing units in Caledon. This bold and unprecedented direction demonstrates Caledon's commitment to proactively tackling the local housing crisis and fostering sustainable growth in the community. 

This groundbreaking and innovative initiative follows the adoption of the new Official Plan at Council today, and the Province's award of $2.8 million to Caledon under the Building Faster Fund for its progress on its Housing Pledge earlier this month.  

Mayor Groves emphasized the importance of this move, stating, "Caledon is poised for transformation, and to ensure our competitiveness in the GTA, we must take bold steps to address the housing shortage. This step positions our community for success in the years ahead while meeting planning requirements. Prioritizing zoned land for a range of housing choices is essential for fostering inclusive communities and promoting equitable growth. We are demonstrating that Caledon is open for business, there is certainty in investment here and that we are ready to build complete communities in a timely manner.”  

Highlighting the significance of diverse development, CAO Nathan Hyde emphasized the pivotal stage of growth Caledon is experiencing. "Caledon is ready and open for business. This unparalleled direction signals Caledon’s readiness and ambitions for growth and the commitment to expedite the creation of complete, sustainable communities, as envisioned in the Town’s Strategic Plan,” he commented.  

This move ensures an ample supply of development sites for all types of housing, both to meet demand and to encourage housing affordability. The 12 applications will support the supply of around 35,000 housing units over time. This approach to zoning will also have the flexibility to meet future changes in housing demand, thereby supporting the new communities as they evolve over time. 

The direction by Mayor Groves enables staff to advance the development applications through the remaining municipal planning process, thereby expediting the overall development timelines. It is expected to streamline procedures by approximately one to two years for the applications (see attached map).   

A public meeting for the applications is expected to be held on April 25. This will be followed by a Council meeting on April 30 for the approval of the zoning by-laws. Notices for the meetings will be posted on our website and in print media. 

Caledon is required to build 13,000 residential units as part of the Province’s objective to build 1.5 million new residences by 2031. In March 2023, Caledon endorsed a Housing Pledge that outlines how the Town will meet its housing target. Council approval of the Official Plan and the anticipated approval of the 12 rezoning applications from the Mayor’s direction marks a major step towards the target and Caledon’s commitment to sustainable growth.   

For further details, please visit our Housing Pledge webpage and stay tuned for regular updates on Caledon’s housing progress. 

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Media contact:  

Lavina Dixit 
Manager, Communications 
905.584.2272 x. 4076 | lavina.dixit@caledon.ca   
www.caledon.ca | @TownofCaledon