Several policies and programs have been implemented in recent years with a focus on creating housing opportunities. The Affordable Housing Strategy and several Community Improvement Plans (CIP) provide grants and other financial incentives for residential developments that meet certain affordability and locational criteria.

The Nodes and Corridors Strategy prioritizes investment and intensification within the City’s strategic core areas and on its major corridors. Recent amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law help to create more mixed uses and housing options on Lasalle Boulevard, with additional areas to follow.

Recent amendments to the Zoning By-law encourage housing development through the introduction of secondary unit policies and changes to residential parking requirements. In addition, multi-residential buildings, retirement homes and long-term care facilities were added as permitted uses in the Shopping Centre Commercial Zone to increase opportunities for related development.

The Affordable Housing Strategy, adopted by Council in 2018, created a framework to increase the number and range of housing options for residents and newcomers to the community. Together with the development of the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan, these policy changes have contributed to an increase in new units created over the last five years.

The Employment Land Strategy considers future economic and labour force trends, demand for employment, employment land supply, the level of servicing within strategic employment areas and incentives to meet anticipated demand. The strategy examines opportunities and issues in more detail to ensure land use and financial policies, and infrastructure and services are aligned and consistent with best practices. Development of the strategy is ongoing with completion anticipated in early 2022.