Private sector must lead Canada’s housing response, Carleton expert says

Housing affordability and supply are top of mind for many of us here in Canada, especially on the North Shore where I live and work. Right now, we’re seeing housing starts at around 250,000 a year, but experts say we need between 400,000 and 470,000 to keep up. With our population growing, that shortfall only feels more pressing. High development charges and long approval timelines are real barriers to increasing supply. From my perspective as a North Shore real estate agent, it’s clear that meaningful progress will require strong leadership from the private sector, working alongside communities to help close this gap. Every day, I see how these challenges play out locally—and why smart, timely solutions matter for buyers and sellers alike.