THUNDER BAY – “Thunder Bay beat its target. You hammered your target, achieving 143 per cent of its housing target in 2024,” said Premier Doug Ford at city hall on Thursday.
Ford visited Thunder Bay to announce that the city will receive $880,000 in new funding through the Building Faster Fund, a provincial program designed to accelerate housing approvals and development across Ontario.
In 2024, Thunder Bay achieved 143 per cent of its housing target, with construction starting on 262 new homes. This progress made the city eligible for the funding.
“You’ll receive $880,000 through the Building Faster Fund, and I want to congratulate the mayor, the council, the staff, and the community for their leadership in helping get more homes built,” Ford said.
He emphasized the importance of continued investment in infrastructure and housing across the province.
“I hope this money will help build even more homes so I can come back next year with an even bigger check,” Ford added.
The fund rewards municipalities that meet or exceed at least 80 per cent of their housing targets. Thunder Bay surpassed this benchmark significantly.
Rob Flack, minister of municipal affairs and housing, praised the city’s performance and leadership.
“We introduced the $1.2 billion Building Faster Fund in 2023 to reward municipalities that lead by example, like Thunder Bay, when it comes to cutting red tape and creating the conditions to get homes built,” Flack said. “The government doesn’t build homes; home builders do. We're creating the conditions to get it done.”
Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan, echoed this optimism:
"Thunder Bay is showing what is possible when we all work together towards a common goal and this investment is about more than just bricks and mortar, it’s about strengthening communities, supporting local jobs, and helping more people achieve the dream of home ownership," said Holland.
“We've exceeded our provincial housing targets thanks to a unified, focused council and a building community that supports the province’s initiatives,” said Mayor Ken Boshcoff. He acknowledged the importance of provincial support, adding, “This success wouldn’t be possible without a focused province setting clear goals and enabling municipalities to collaborate effectively.”
“And who benefits? Not only Ontario, not only Thunder Bay, but all of Canada,” Boshcoff added.
The funding is part of the province’s broader commitment to addressing Ontario’s housing crisis and building stronger communities across the north.
This story has been updated to include statements from Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Kevin Holland, AMPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan and Mayor Boshcoff.
