Frequently Asked Questions

Affordable Housing has different definitions depending on the context. In the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement, Affordable Housing is defined as follows:

• For rental housing, the least expensive of:
  • a unit for which the rent does not exceed 30 percent of gross annual household income for low- and moderate-income households; or
  • a unit for which the rent is at or below the average market rent of a unit in the municipality.
• For ownership housing, the least expensive of:
  • housing for which the purchase price results in annual accommodation costs which do not exceed 30 percent of gross annual household income for low- and moderate-income households; or
  • housing for which the purchase price is at least 10 percent below the average purchase price of a resale unit in the municipality;

The definition of affordability is further defined in the Development Charges Act. 

• For an affordable residential unit which is rented:
  • A residential unit intended for use as a rented residential premises shall be considered to be an affordable residential unit if it meets the following criteria:
    • The rent is no greater than the lesser of,
      • the income-based affordable rent for the residential unit set out in the Affordable Residential Units bulletin, as identified by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and
      •  the average market rent identified for the residential unit set out in the Affordable Residential Units bulletin.
        
        
• For an affordable residential unit which is owned:
  • A residential unit not intended for use as a rented residential premises shall be considered to be an affordable residential unit if it meets the following criteria:
    • The price of the residential unit is no greater than the lesser of,
      • the income-based affordable purchase price for the residential unit set out in the Affordable Residential Units bulletin, as identified by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and
      • 0 per cent of the average purchase price identified for the residential unit set out in the Affordable Residential Units bulletin.

The Development Charges Act, 1997, sets out the criteria for an attainable residential unit. 

A residential unit is considered an attainable residential unit if it meets the following criteria:

1. The residential unit is not an affordable residential unit.
2. The residential unit is not intended for use as a rented residential premises.
3. The residential unit was developed as part of a prescribed development or class of developments.
4. The residential unit is sold to a person who is dealing at arm’s length with the seller.
5. Such other criteria as may be prescribed.

A Housing Action Plan outlines a community’s approach to improving housing affordability, diversity, and accessibility. It sets clear goals, policies, and implementation strategies to guide decision-making and investment, ensuring that housing needs are met for residents across all income levels. The Housing Action Plan will, among other matters:

• Make recommendations in addressing the housing gaps identified in the Housing Needs Assessment;
• Develop housing policies and targets for the Town’s new Official Plan;
• Explore financial incentives and implementation tools to deepen housing affordability

PMTSAs are areas surrounding major transit stations that are designated for higher-density development. These zones are protected under provincial legislation to support transit-oriented communities and are ideal locations for implementing policies like Inclusionary Zoning to ensure a mix of housing options, including affordable units.

Major Transit Station Areas means the area including and around any existing or planned higher order transit station or stop within a settlement area; or the area including and around a major bus depot in an urban core. Major transit station areas generally are defined as the area within an approximate 500 to 800-metre radius of a transit station.