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• Ministry Overview
• Ministry Key Strategies
• Ministry Organization Chart
• Legislation
• Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABC's)
• Ministry Financial Information
• Annual Report 2007-08

Ministry Overview

Ministry Vision

Our vision of Ontario is one of safe and strong communities with abundant greenspace, economies that are thriving and prosperous, and a range of housing choices.

Ministry Mandate

The Ministry’s major areas of responsibility, service and program delivery include:

• Develop and administer the policy and regulatory frameworks for local government, land use planning, residential tenancy, affordable and social housing, and building regulation.
• Deliver land use planning services under the Planning Act, Places to Grow Act along with the “Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe”, and Provincial Policy Statement.
• Develop, fund and administer programs in support of social and affordable housing, including administration of the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program.
• Work to ensure that Ontario Government policies and programs which impact municipalities are developed in accordance with provincial responsibilities under the Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and the cooperation and consultation agreement with the City of Toronto.
• Manage the provincial-municipal relationship including Ontario’s approach to an evolving federal-provincial-municipal relationship.
• Act as a centre of expertise and provide advice, education and training on a regional basis for municipalities and other stakeholders.
• Develop and administer disaster and emergency recovery and other transfer payment programs to assist communities and individuals, and other programs in support of community development, municipal governance and accountability.

Ministry Key Strategies

1) Maintain the government’s good relationship with municipalities by providing effective governance tools and structures

MMAH achieves the government result of Modern, Efficient Public Services and maintains the government’s good relationship with municipalities by delivering timely, cost-effective and accountable public services. The objective of this strategy is to provide effective tools and structures to municipalities that ensure their future health, and working with other levels of government to create a new deal for municipalities.

MMAH is working closely with the Ministry of Finance to ensure that the Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review is completed in Spring 2008.

MMAH continues to ensure that recent policy and legislative changes, such as the new City of Toronto Act, 2006, and the Municipal Statute Law Amendment Act, 2006, which came into effect on January 1, 2007, receive support during implementation through outreach, education and training. The Ministry also develops and provides ongoing training, tools and education on any new government policy, legislation and program related to municipal governance as well as providing ongoing operational advice and support to municipalities.

Table 1 shows the level of client satisfaction with the Ministry’s provision of municipal governance training, tools and advisory services provided to the municipal sector. Results are compiled through questionnaires/evaluations conducted at training sessions at the Ministry’s five regionally-based Municipal Service Offices conferences and other workshops. Typically, the conferences are attended by up to 500 councillors, staff and representatives from municipal organizations. The client satisfaction result for 2007-2008 will be available in May 2008.

In 2008-09, MMAH plans to:

• Finalize and implement the Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review with the Ministry of Finance, AMO and the City of Toronto.
• Develop approaches to “Duty to Consult” with First Nations and coordinate Ministry activities with regards to Aboriginal issues.
• Initiate review of the City of Toronto Act by the end of 2009, and related reviews of the Municipal Act, Municipal Elections Act, and implementation of OMERS governance.
• Review and propose enhancements to the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program and come forward with proposals for a disaster mitigation program.

2) Promote building safety, accessibility and energy efficiency by implementing a new, objective-based Building Code that will improve energy efficiency

MMAH supports efforts to deliver Reliable, Affordable Energy in the future by leading the strategy for increasing energy efficiency for buildings. The Ministry continues its work on implementing an objective-based Building Code that will improve energy efficiency in the future. The new Building Code was approved in June 2006, and contains provisions to significantly increase the energy efficiency of buildings. Most such changes came into force on December 31, 2006, with further enhancements being phased in at the end of 2008 and 2011. Changes that encourage the use of green technologies took effect in June 2006.

As part of MMAH’s ongoing work of anticipating and addressing policy and technical issues, the Ministry has a team of Building Code Advisors who answer questions from enforcement officials, designers, and builders on the technical and process aspects of the Code. The advisors also provide technical support to the Building Code Commission and the Building Materials Evaluation Commission, as well as to industry and enforcement associations.

Given the release of the new Code, it is expected that a significant proportion of the questions asked of the code advisors will now involve technical and administrative changes in the Code, including those related to energy efficiency.

Table 2 shows the level of client satisfaction with the advice provided by the building code advisors to the public, as well as to clients and board members of the two commissions. Due to a re-thinking of the survey instrument in 2005-06, the survey was not conducted for that year. The results for the 2007-08 survey will be available in May 2008.

In 2008-09 MMAH plans to:

• Develop amendments to the Building Code for residential sprinkler systems.
• Develop amendments to the Building Code to enable maintenance inspections of existing sewage systems in support of the Clean Water Act.
• Develop proposals for the next cycle of amendments to the 2006 Building Code, 2008-11, and submit to Cabinet for approval in 2011.
• Review the 2005 Building Code certification process and implement changes as required.
• Lead the provincial role in the Accessible Built Environment Standards Development process (required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act).
• Continue to support the implementation of the recent and pending enhanced energy efficient provisions of the 2006 Building Code.

MMAH has two strategies to respond to the government result of More Affordable Housing. The first strategy is to increase/maintain the supply of affordable housing by achieving the government commitments to develop a long-term affordable housing strategy and support the government’s poverty-reduction related commitments.

Currently, Ministry activities that support this strategy include:

Support the construction of affordable housing and housing allowance programs for low-income families:

In April 2005, the federal and provincial governments signed a new Affordable Housing Program Agreement (AHP). Under this commitment, the federal, provincial and municipal governments are investing at least $734M over the life of the program. AHP funding will support the development or rehabilitation of 15,000 affordable housing units, and will provide 5,000 housing allowance/rent supplements to support households in need across Ontario. As of February 28, 2008, more than 10,953 units have been built, are under construction, or are at the planning development stage. The Homeownership component of the Affordable Housing Program is an initiative that provides down payment assistance to renter households to purchase their first home. As of March 3, 2008; approximately 900 households have received assistance to move into their first home. In 2008-09, it is anticipated there will be strong program take-up as Service Managers provide enhanced focus on this component of the Affordable Housing Program.

The Strong Communities Rent Supplement Program is an existing $50M program that provides rent supplements to low income households in private rental, non-profit and co-operative buildings based on agreements with landlords. Based on municipal service manager take-up plans, the program is expected to assist about 6,000 households in 2007-08.

The Provincial Rent Bank Program is an $18.8M program delivered by agreement through the municipal service managers, and provides tenants who are experiencing short-term arrears in their rent with loans or grants so that they can remain in their homes. It is estimated that approximately 13,000 tenants will have been assisted through this program by 2007-08.

The new Rental Opportunity for Ontario Families (ROOF) is a $185 million, five-year program that began in January 2008 and provides low-income working families with a housing allowance of up to $100 per month. It is estimated the ROOF will assist 27,000 families by 2012-2013.

MMAH has established the Ontario Mortgage and Housing Initiative (OMHI) that will provide low cost, longer term financing for Affordable Housing Program proponents through a Roster of Qualified Lenders. MCAP Financial Corporation and the Toronto-Dominion Bank have been selected for inclusion on the Roster of Qualified Lenders. The Special Provincial Mortgage Correspondent has been established to help developers of affordable housing secure construction and mortgage loan insurance through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The online Ontario Mortgage and Housing Initiative Resource Centre have also been established to provide developers, financial institutions and municipalities with expert knowledge and information on creating affordable housing.

Other Initiatives:

• MMAH is supporting the Ministry of Community and Social Services and the Ontario Women’s Directorate under the government’s Domestic Violence Action Plan to improve access to second stage housing for victims of domestic violence under the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000. MMAH held consultations in 2005-2006 with key stakeholders to build consensus on improvements to the regulations under the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000.
• MMAH continues to work with the Ontario Realty Corporation in implementing the Government Lands for Affordable Housing initiative to increase the supply of affordable housing.

A summary of the number of housing units that have been made available to low-income households by the province is shown in Table 3. The data below reflect Affordable Housing Program commitments to date. Results for 2007-08 will be available in May 2008.

In 2008-09, MMAH plans to:

• Develop a long-term affordable housing strategy with stakeholders to affect social housing renewal and a new federal-provincial relationship.
• Finalize and implement housing directions under the Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review.
• Develop a proposal regarding the transfer of the Rural and Native Housing Program assets to the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Support Services Corporation.
• Engage the Aboriginal community on the design and implementation of the $80 million off-reserve Aboriginal Housing Trust Program.
• Administer the Affordable Housing Program which has a target of 20,000 units.
• Continue implementation of the Rental Opportunity for Ontario Families (ROOF) program.
• Work with Social Housing Services Corporation (SHSC) on the development of the program design and business plan for the new Social Housing Asset Management Centre.
• Work with Infrastructure Ontario on the expansion of the OSIFA loan program to undertake repairs to social housing.

4) Protect tenants by providing real protection, ensuring adequate maintenance of rental properties and promoting a healthy rental market

The second strategy to respond to the government result of More Affordable Housing is to provide real protection for tenants by ensuring adequate maintenance and promoting a healthy rental market.

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) was proclaimed and came into effect on January 31, 2007, replacing the Tenant Protection Act, 1997 (TPA). The new legislation gives tenants more protection while keeping Ontario’s rental housing market strong.

The RTA affects approximately 1.35 million renter households in Ontario, representing 32 per cent of Ontario’s population.

In 2008-09 MMAH plans to:

• Continue to provide educational services to landlords and tenants about their rights and responsibilities under the RTA.
• Continue to administer the RTA.
• Develop and implement a new caseload management system in 2008-09.
• Continue to investigate complaints about offences under the RTA.

5) Ensure well-planned and healthy communities while protecting greenspace by developing and implementing planning policy and legislation, promoting sustainable growth and brownfield redevelopment, and maintaining and growing the Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt

MMAH achieves the result of Reduced Sprawl by reforming Ontario’s land use planning system to ensure sustainable growth and reduce sprawl. The Ministry is meeting government commitments on significant planning reform, preventing developers from forcing unwanted municipal expansion and giving municipalities more time to consider development applications.

MMAH continues to implement the policy and legislative approvals obtained in relation to this strategy. Most recently, the review of the Planning Act has been completed, including the role of the Ontario Municipal Board and implementation tools, with legislation passed on October 12, 2006.

In 2008-09, MMAH plans to:

• Maintain and implement the Greenbelt Plan, including growing the Greenbelt.
• Develop and manage the Seaton community in the City of Pickering.
• Support municipalities to conform with provincial planning legislation through the development and approval of update official plans.
• In partnership with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal (PIR), implement the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, and provide support for the creation of a Northern Growth Plan.
• Continue facilitating and promoting brownfield development, in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment (MOE).

Support MOE on the development of the proposed Lake Simcoe Protection Act.

Ministry Organization Chart

Legislation

MMAH is responsible for the following pieces of legislation:

• Building Code Act, 1992
• City of Greater Sudbury Act, 1999
• City of Hamilton Act, 1999
• City of Kawartha Lakes Act, 2000
• City of Ottawa Act, 1999
• City of Toronto Act, 2006
• Commercial Tenancies Act
• Development Charges Act, 1997
• Elderly Persons’ Housing Aid Act
• Geographic Township of Creighton-Davies Act, 1997
• Geographic Township of Hansen Act, 1986
• Greenbelt Act, 2005
• Housing Development Act
• Line Fences Act
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Act
• Municipal Act, 2001
• Municipal Affairs Act
• Municipal Arbitrations Act
• Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
• Municipal Corporations Quieting Orders Act
• Municipal Elections Act, 1996
• Municipal Extra-Territorial Tax Act
• Municipal Franchises Act
• Municipal Tax Assistance Act
• Municipality of Shuniah Act, 1936
• North Pickering Development Corporation Act, 1974
• Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001
• Oak Ridges Moraine Protection Act, 2001
• OC Transpo Payments Act, 2000
• Ontario Mortgage and Housing Corporation Act
• Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) Act, 2006
• Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) Review Act, 2006
• Ontario Planning and Development Act, 1994
• Planning Act
• Public Utilities Act
• Regional Municipality of Peel Act, 2005
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• Road Access Act
• Shoreline Property Assistance Act
• Social Housing Reform Act, 2000
• Statute Labour Act
• Tax Sales Confirmation Act, 1974
• Tenant Protection Act, 1997 (repealed on January 31, 2007)
• Territorial Division Act, 2002
• Toronto Islands Residential Community Stewardship Act, 1993
• Town of Haldimand Act, 1999
• Town of Moosonee Act, 2000
• Town of Norfolk Act, 1999
  

Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABC's)

Agencies, Boards and Commissions reporting to MMAH are summarized below with financial data indicating 2008-09 expense and revenue estimates, and 2007-08 expense and revenue interim actuals.

Building Code Commission

• An adjudicative agency that resolves disputes regarding the technical requirements of the Ontario Building Code;
• Operating expenses for the Building Code Commission are paid out of Land Use Planning and Building Regulation Program (1903-07).

Table 6: Building Code Commission Financial Data

* The Building Code Commission does not charge a fee.

Building Materials Evaluation Commission

• A regulatory agency that evaluates and authorizes materials, techniques and building design where no criteria are set out in the Ontario Building Code;
• Operating expenses for the Building Materials Evaluation Commission are paid out of Land Use Planning and Building Regulation Program (1903-07).

Table 7: Building Materials Evaluation Commission Financial Data

Landlord and Tenant Board (formerly Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal)

• An adjudicative agency responsible for resolving disputes between landlords and tenants and to give information about the RTA; it is a quasi-judicial Tribunal that holds hearings and conducts mediation.
• Operational expenses are paid out of Affordable Housing – Residential Tenancy (1904-03).

Table 8: Landlord and Tenant Board Financial Data

* Excludes Rent

Ontario Mortgage Corporation (OMC)

• An operational enterprise agency that administers the non-marketable mortgages under housing incentive programs such as the Low-Rise Rehabilitation and Permanent Homes for the Homeless and Project 3600.
• Activities of the Corporation are carried out by Ministry staff.
• Operating expenses for the Corporation are paid out of Affordable Housing - Social and Market Housing (1904-02).

Ontario Mortgage and Housing Corporation (OMHC)

• An operational enterprise agency responsible for public housing debt servicing; administration of loans for social housing and student residence programs; sponsoring the Dr. Albert Rose Bursary program; addressing legal matters pertaining to previously owned public housing properties and any potential environmental liability issues should they arise; facilitating the development of affordable housing projects under the Affordable Housing Program through the Ontario Mortgage and Housing Initiative; and administering the Homeownership component of the Affordable Housing Program where it is not taken up by Municipal Service Managers

Table 9: OMHC Financial Data – Operating

Table 10: OMHC Financial Data - Capital

• All support for the Corporation is provided by MMAH staff. Capital expenses are funded through Affordable Housing Capital (1904-04).

Other Agencies, Boards and Commissions

The following additional boards and commissions report to MMAH, however they have no financial reporting relationship with the Ministry: the Greenbelt Council, the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement Board (OMERS), Planning Boards (in Northern Ontario), and the Toronto Islands Residential Community Trust Corporation.

Ministry Financial Information

Ministry Investment by Vote, 2008-09

Table 11: Ministry Planned Expenditures 2008-09 ($M)

Total Operating and Capital Expense includes Statutory Appropriation, Assets and total operating/capital expense to be voted. Does not include Consolidation Adjustments – Ontario Housing Corporation.