New Municipal Election Poll Shows Strong Voter Support For Action on Housing Affordability in GTA and Barrie

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire New Municipal Election Poll Shows Strong Voter Support For Action on Housing Affordability in GTA and BarrieAuthor of the article:85% of GTA and Barrie residents are concerned about housing affordability and 69% say housing will impact their vote in the upcoming municipal electionTHIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountTORONTO, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Barrie residents are signalling strong intentions to vote in the upcoming municipal election, and housing affordability is a defining issue at the ballot box, according to new Ipsos polling commissioned by the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. 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Please try again√ 90% are considering voting in the October 26 municipal election√ 85% are concerned about housing affordability√ 76% are frustrated by the lack of progress on housing√ 69% say housing will influence their vote√ 82% believe municipalities are not doing enough to address affordability√ 60% are more likely to support housing-focused mayoral candidates√ Strong majorities support lower housing-related taxes, fees, and development chargesPolling results are consistent across Toronto, the rest of the GTA and Barrie.“With nine in ten residents saying they are considering voting, residents are clearly engaged,” said TRREB President Daniel Steinfeld. “People are concerned about affordability, frustrated by the lack of progress and looking for action on housing.”Strong Public Support for Reducing Municipal Housing CostsThe polling shows residents are looking not only for action, but for specific policies that can reduce housing costs and increase housing supply. (Summary of Results) Development charges can add up to 20% to the price of a new home, significantly affecting both homebuyers and renters.“Residents understand that the taxes, fees, and barriers imposed by municipalities ultimately affect the cost of housing,” said Steinfeld.Municipal Costs and Taxes Under ScrutinyResidents also expressed concern about how municipalities raise revenue. (Summary of Results)The combined Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT) and provincial Land Transfer Tax now totals approximately $33,000 on an average-priced Toronto home. TRREB is calling on municipal candidates to oppose the expansion of MLTTs to other municipalities.“This is an opportunity for mayoral candidates to address one of the significant upfront costs facing homebuyers, including modernizing the outdated first-time homebuyer MLTT rebate. Housing affordability affects everyone, so when candidates come to the door asking for your vote, make sure housing is part of the conversation,” added Steinfeld.TRREB Launches Remove Housing Roadblocks Election CampaignThe strong polling results underscore a clear message from voters: they want municipal leaders to tackle the costs, delays, and barriers that make housing less affordable.This advertisement has not loaded yet.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.In response, TRREB is launching Remove Housing Roadblocks, a new election campaign calling on candidates across the GTA and Simcoe County to commit to removing local government barriers that increase housing costs and stand in the way of building more homes.With housing affordability poised to influence voting decisions across the GTA and Barrie, TRREB is urging municipal candidates to clearly outline how they will lower housing-related costs, speed up approvals and support the construction of more homes.TRREB is encouraging voters to ask candidates:How will you reduce housing-related taxes and fees?How will you speed up housing approvals?How will you support more housing choice?Will you oppose new taxes on homebuyers?As residents head to the polls on October 26, they have an opportunity to make housing affordability a central election issue and support candidates committed to removing barriers to housing supply and affordability.For all media inquiries, please email media@trreb.caThe Toronto Regional Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board, with almost 70,000 residential and commercial professionals connecting people, property, and communities.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. 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