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Amid a housing affordability crisis, the Town of Milton is analyzing local data to develop a strategy that supports more affordable housing options.

The Town of Milton has completed a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) to meet federal reporting requirements tied to the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) and other funding programs, including the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF).

“The Town of Milton shares responsibility when it comes to housing,” said Jill Hogan Commissioner, Development Services, Town of Milton. “To address the housing affordability challenge with our partners, we need to understand our local needs, gaps, and conditions. Thank you to everyone who is engaging on this critical issue.”

Now available online, the HNA identifies housing issues and gaps using data analysis, interviews, focus groups, and public survey feedback. It represents phase one of the Town’s housing affordability strategy.

Future phases will identify a vision, goals, and objectives; outline targets and actions; and finalize a strategy and implementation roadmap. A public open house is also being planned.

Milton’s HNA identifies five key issues to address local housing challenges:

  • Supporting housing affordability: Establishing an approach to guide decision-making on land-use planning.
  • Diverse housing options: Increasing housing forms and tenure types to support residents throughout their lifecycle.
  • More rental supply: Expanding purpose-built primary market rental units.
  • Affordable ownership and rental options: Addressing the financial realities of middle-income earners.
  • Collaboration: Partnering with other levels of government, non-profits, and private developers to align housing services with growth.

The Town does not build or administer housing but plays a role in enabling housing development through long-term planning, facilitating approvals, and issuing permits. This involves teamwork with a range of partners.

Staff presented the HNA findings to Council in February 2025. Before posting online, it required review by the federal department Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada.

On March 25, the Town of Milton received notice that its Housing Needs Assessment was complete and met the requirements of applicable federal infrastructure programs. Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada requires municipalities to update HNAs every five years.

Learn more about Housing in Milton and Milton’s Housing Strategy.

Watch for engagement opportunities on Let’s Talk Milton.