The Ontario Real Estate Association sees growth potential in rural and northern Ontario.
The agency is making 15 recommendations it says can help smaller communities make a comeback.
Chief Executive Officer Tim Hudak is calling for greater expansion of broadband and natural gas services to under-serviced areas.
Another suggestion is the designation of so-called opportunity zones that would receive preferential treatment from the government to help spur growth.
“And then when they’re declared they would have a lower tax rate for business, they would speed up the approvals process and cut more ‘red tape’ to encourage more investment locally and new businesses to move in and more affordable housing choices for local residents,” says Hudak.
Hudak feels there are many looking to our area as a place to live.
“There has been a remarkable shift in preferences of Ontario home buyers as they are saying, ‘Hey you know what? Let’s look maybe to more space, some fresh air, a backyard, more outdoor living.’ We think that bodes well for northwestern Ontario and smaller towns across our province.”
Hudak says more people can work from home, giving opportunity to live in the north and still report to their business in the south.
The OREA is now speaking to all political parties for their support in moving the report’s recommendations forward.
