Ontario Rewards Haldimand County with Nearly $1 Million Through the Building Faster Fund

As part of its record-breaking investments in housing-enabling infrastructure, the Ontario government is awarding Haldimand County $991,984 through the second round of the Building Faster Fund, which provides funding to municipalities that achieve at least 80 per cent of their provincially designated housing targets. Haldimand County broke ground on 310 new homes in 2024, which works out to 89 per cent of its 2024 housing target. This funding will help Haldimand County build more homes and community infrastructure and supports the province’s plan to protect Ontario by investing in infrastructure to support economic growth and keep workers on the job.

“Our government has a plan to protect Ontario by reducing delays and streamlining approvals to build more homes in partnership with Haldimand County and municipalities across Ontario,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Through the Building Faster Fund and our historic infrastructure investments, we’re partnering with Mayor Bentley and mayors across our province to get more shovels in the ground and deliver the homes Ontario needs.”

Announced in August 2023, the Building Faster Fund is a three-year, $1.2 billion program that is designed to encourage municipalities to speed up approval processes and get more homes built faster. The fund rewards municipalities that make significant progress against their targets by providing funding for housing-enabling and community-enabling infrastructure.

“This investment will directly support us in delivering housing and housing-enabling infrastructure that is desperately needed in our community,” said Shelley Ann Bentley, Mayor of Haldimand County. “Not only will this funding help us get units constructed faster, but it will also lessen the financial impact on local taxpayers. We’re grateful for the Ontario government’s support as we work to tackle the housing crisis and build a stronger future for residents of all ages and abilities.”

The Ontario government is also helping to speed up the construction of new homes and infrastructure, including by streamlining development processes and reducing costs in close partnership with municipalities, through the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act 2025.

Quick facts

• From January to May 2025, Ontario saw 6,977 rental starts, an increase of 25 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. This is the second-highest level of rental starts on record for this time of the year, after 2023.
• To help make way for more housing opportunities and support growing communities, the government is also extending the deadline for municipalities to spend funds awarded through the Building Faster Fund to 2028.

Additional resources

• Ontario Launches Building Faster Fund and Expands Strong Mayor Powers
• Background: Municipal Housing Targets and Building Faster Fund