Ontario municipal candidates urged to curb fees that inflate new-home prices

As the campaign for Ontario’s municipal councils heads into its final stretch before the Oct. 26 vote, the column highlights the impact of government-imposed fees, taxes and charges, which can increase new-home prices by as much as a quarter in parts of the GTA. It points to the enhanced HST rebate program, active since April 1 2026, that has enabled roughly 6,500 families to save up to $130,000 on homes under $1.5 million, making homeownership more attainable for young families and newcomers.

Testimonials from buyers in Whitby, Aurora, King and other GTA municipalities illustrate how the rebate has translated into lower mortgage burdens and better living conditions. The author calls on voters to demand that municipal candidates pursue lower added costs, faster approval timelines and pro-housing policies. The piece concludes that electing officials committed to these goals will help sustain housing affordability across the region.