Ontario’s Community Housing Renewal Strategy is aligned with the National Housing Strategy principles which are set out under three themes of People, Communities and Partnership. Ontario and the federal government have agreed to outcomes and targets for our shared investments that focus on eliminating or reducing housing need for many Ontario families and individuals, repairing and sustaining the existing social housing stock, and increasing the supply of community housing over time.

Table 1: Principles of the National Housing Strategy

People

  • Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable home
  • Housing investments must prioritize those most in need, including: women and children fleeing family violence; seniors; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities; people with disabilities; those dealing with mental health and addiction issues; veterans; and young adults
  • Housing policy should be grounded in the principles of inclusion, participation, accountability and non-discrimination

Communities

  • Housing programs should align with public investments in job creation, skills training, transit, early learning, healthcare, and cultural and recreational infrastructure
  • Housing investments should support Canada’s climate change agenda and commitment to accessible communities
  • Communities should be empowered to develop and implement local solutions to housing challenges

Partnership

  • Good housing policy requires transparent and accountable partnership between the federal government, provinces, territories, municipalities, the social and private sectors, and people with lived experience of housing need
  • The community housing sector must be prioritized, protected and grown

Alignment

  • Ontario’s vision is that all Ontarians can find a home that meets their needs and budget
  • Ontario’s planning and program approaches support Service Managers and Indigenous Program Administrators to address local needs, prioritizing those in greatest need

Alignment

  • Ontario’s local Service Manager planning system supports community-oriented solutions and integration of housing and homelessness services with other local planning
  • Program approaches support energy-efficient and accessible construction and repair

Alignment

  • Ontario’s system is partnership based with transparency and accountability
  • The Community Housing Renewal Strategy and program approaches support prioritizing the stability and growth of the community housing sector

Ontario’s Community Housing Renewal Strategy complements the National Housing Strategy goal of helping advance the progressive realization of Canada’s obligations in relation to housing under the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. The Strategy is grounded in the principles of participation and inclusion, equality and non-discrimination, and accountability.