Carney promises $2.7 billion to build rental homes in Toronto

Advertisement

Advertise with us

OTTAWA - The federal government is investing at least $2.7 billion to build more than 18 housing projects across Toronto.

Read this article for free:


or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Subscribe and receive a limited-edition Free Press branded hat or tote.

Digital Subscription

One year of digital access for only $205*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.

OTTAWA – The federal government is investing at least $2.7 billion to build more than 18 housing projects across Toronto.

At a media event with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow on Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney said the federal government will be investing the funds over the next three years.

He said more than 5,600 new rental homes will be built with the money and that at least 1,800 of them will be affordable or rent-controlled.

Prime Minister Mark Carney talks to reporters as he takes part in an event at a new housing development in Orleans, Ont., on Monday, May 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Prime Minister Mark Carney talks to reporters as he takes part in an event at a new housing development in Orleans, Ont., on Monday, May 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

The prime minister said construction will begin on roughly 4,500 new homes by the end of the year.

“For decades, the simple fact is Toronto didn’t build enough housing and too much of what was built was unaffordable for most Torontonians,” said Carney. “Prices driven up by development charges, by taxes, by rising construction costs, and then lack of availability of land. And the best way to meet the challenge that is created is to build more supply and to build it faster.”

Conservative MP and housing critic Scott Aitchison said in a statement Wednesday that Carney’s latest press conference is “just another repackaging of projects already announced or already under construction, and will do nothing to build the millions of homes needed to restore the promise of homeownership for future generations.”

Carney was set to tour a public transit site in Toronto with Ontario Premier Doug Ford later Wednesday.

The federal government earlier this month rejected a proposal to expand Toronto’s city airport to allow jets to land and take off. That led Ford’s government to reconsider its support for Alto, the federal government’s proposed high-speed rail project.

While speaking at the event Wednesday, the prime minister noted that his TelePrompTer had stopped working.

“Unlike a certain world leader, I do not view this as a conspiracy,” he said to general laughter.

Chow said Wednesday that Toronto needs housing “right now.”

“We’re moving with urgency because people running out of rent money at the end of the month cannot wait,” she said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 5, 2026. 

— With files from Liam Casey in Toronto

Report Error Submit a Tip

Business

LOAD BUSINESS ARTICLES