Housing affordability remains one of the most pressing issues facing communities across Ontario—and Aurora is no exception. We continue to hear from residents, especially young adults, seniors, and essential workers, that finding attainable housing, particularly rental options, is becoming increasingly difficult in our Town.
That’s why it’s so important that we seize real opportunities to expand our housing options—especially when those opportunities come with long-term benefits for our community.
At this week’s Committee meeting, Council reviewed a staff report recommending participation in York Region’s Rental Housing Incentive Program for two developments: 120 Metcalfe Street and 26–38 Berczy Street. These projects would bring 1150 units of purpose-built rental housing to Aurora—right across from the GO Station in a location ideally suited for smart, transit-oriented growth.
Unfortunately, the motion failed at Committee. But I want to be clear: this initiative is not about handing out subsidies or losing revenue. It’s a development charge deferral—meaning the Town would still collect 100% of its development charges, just over a 20-year, interest-free period. In exchange, the community benefits from urgently needed rental units, with approximately 25 precent of the total proposed units at rental rates consistent with the Town’s definition of affordability.
The benefit to Aurora is significant:
- We get new housing supply in a high-demand category—rental, not condos.
- We see development move forward quickly, with shovels in the ground in the near term.
- We help create a more complete, inclusive housing market, giving more people the opportunity to live and work in our town.
There’s also a real concern that if we don’t move forward, the developer may choose to delay construction until market conditions are more favourable—or pivot to building condominiums instead of rentals. That outcome would be a missed opportunity, both in terms of housing diversity and community impact.
This is a chance to make a measurable difference in the housing landscape of Aurora—one that aligns with our long-term vision of building a more accessible, balanced, and sustainable community.
We can continue to talk about the need for more attainable housing, or we can take action that moves us forward. I’m hopeful that when this comes to Council for final ratification, we will choose action. #LeadershipThatGetsThingsDone
7 Responses
what about people with disabilities and limited income??
What was the rationale for not supporting this motion?
I would like to know the answer to that as well. I suspect the neighborhood is resisting high density but, given the location, they really should not be at all surprised that this type of development would occur near them. Last I heard we had a housing crisis, our politicians need to stand up and resist nimbyism.
Whats wrong with condos or townhomes? Single homes? Many condos are being rented out now anyways. We want property value to go up, not down.
There is a big difference between having Community Works government housing (which will bring crime, drugs and drop property values fast as witnessed a few years ago in Scarborough and North York) vs apartments for seniors and people with disabilities.
What is affordable to the town? $2500-$3000 per month? Rents are going to be very high.
What may be an ‘affordable unit’ is advertised now. However; how quickly does it become a condo buy / force out… any guarantees to remain rental units over time?
Could there be a town accountability ensuring rental apartments for fixed income Disability Diagnosed residents who may earn <$1100 per month. Where should they be ‘housed’ which costs the tax payer way more $$$. Or should ‘they’ be able to afford to live independently ; a cost reduction to the town overall.
Aurora is a community and we should look forward to seeing a little spine in decisions around the ‘low class’ citizens.
Developers are simply not interested in building affordable housing because ultimately there is more money for their pockets building condos. Maybe even townhomes too?
Town of Aurora should step it up and remember that we are not all buying newly built mansions or tearing down old Aurora homes to build new ‘ North Toronto ‘ style houses.
Aurora once was a community that nurtured ‘neighbourly’
What consideration has been made to ensure that this property is mixed use? If I’m not mistaken, this area is currently occupied by commercial properties that could be providing gainful employment to residents of Aurora. If the new development were mixed use, than we would not lose these employment opportunities as the population increases.
The location is close to bus transportation and the train station so they wouldn’t all necessarily need to have access to expensive cars, which would make the units more “affordable” and reduce the contribution to the current congestion already existing in the area.
I agree that the concept of “affordable” is a moving target but I also expect that the laws of supply and demand apply so increasing the supply reduces the demand and therefore the cost for this and other “affordable” rental opportunities in Aurora.
In conclusion, I hope this opportunity is not completely lost and once more details are worked out to the best of everyone’s benefit, we’ll see further development in this area.