Milton, Ont. — The Ontario government is rewarding the Town of Milton with $8.4 million in funding after the municipality exceeded its housing targets for 2024. The investment, announced under the province’s Building Faster Fund, underscores the government’s push to accelerate housing development while supporting the infrastructure that growing communities need.
Milton broke ground on 2,260 new homes last year—equivalent to nearly 130 per cent of its provincial housing target. By surpassing the threshold of 80 per cent completion, the town qualified for a significant payout under the fund’s second round of allocations. The money will go toward community and housing-enabling infrastructure, including projects aimed at managing growth and supporting the local economy.
“Through the Building Faster Fund, we’re partnering with Mayor Krantz to get shovels in the ground in Milton,” said Graydon Smith, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This investment, along with our government’s latest legislation, is another step forward in our plan to streamline and speed up approvals to get more homes built faster in partnership with municipalities across Ontario.”
Driving Growth Through Incentives
The Building Faster Fund, first introduced in August 2023, is a three-year, $1.2 billion initiative designed to encourage municipalities to accelerate their development approvals processes. Municipalities that achieve at least 80 per cent of their housing targets are eligible for payouts, which they can apply toward local infrastructure such as roads, stormwater management systems, and community facilities.
The program is part of a broader government agenda to expand Ontario’s housing supply in response to population growth and affordability pressures. In Milton’s case, the $8.4 million reward will help address infrastructure needs as the town adapts to its rapid growth trajectory.
“On behalf of Milton Council, I want to thank the Ontario government for this investment through the Building Faster Fund,” said Gord Krantz, Mayor of Milton. “This funding will support critical infrastructure, such as stormwater management, road rehabilitation and active transportation routes that directly support housing throughout our growing community. As we continue to plan and build for the future, this funding strengthens our efforts to create complete, connected communities and helps ensure Milton remains A Place of Possibility.”
Regional and Provincial Investments
The province says Milton is not alone in benefiting from the initiative. Across Halton Region, Ontario is investing nearly $35 million through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program to support the construction of more than 29,000 new homes. Milton’s share under this program exceeds $10.5 million, complementing the $8.4 million Building Faster Fund award.
In tandem, the Ontario government is implementing legislation aimed at reducing red tape and lowering costs for builders. The Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act 2025 is intended to streamline development approvals, encourage investment, and ensure municipalities can keep pace with demand.
“Through the Building Faster Fund and our historic infrastructure investments, our government is working with local leadership to get more shovels in the ground to build the homes that Milton needs,” said Zee Hamid, Member of Provincial Parliament for Milton. “We’re working hard across the province to reduce delays, streamline approvals and build more homes faster.”
Rising Demand, Expanding Supply
Ontario’s housing challenge is particularly acute in fast-growing communities like Milton, which continues to attract residents due to its location, workforce, and quality of life. Provincial officials emphasize that expanding the housing supply requires coordinated investments in infrastructure, from roads and public transit to water systems.
According to government data, the province recorded 13,910 rental housing starts between January and August 2025, representing a 23.1 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Officials say this is the highest level of rental starts on record for this time of year, reflecting the impact of both government incentives and heightened demand.
To give municipalities more flexibility, the government has also extended the deadline for spending Building Faster Fund allocations to 2028. Officials argue this extension will allow communities more time to prioritize projects and ensure that investments align with long-term housing and infrastructure strategies.
Looking Ahead
With both provincial funding and new legislation in play, Milton is expected to continue outpacing housing targets in the years ahead. The town, long considered one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada, will lean on these provincial commitments to deliver the infrastructure needed to sustain its growth while ensuring livable and connected neighbourhoods.
For the Ontario government, Milton’s success serves as a case study of how incentives can accelerate progress toward housing goals. Officials are framing the latest round of funding as proof that municipalities willing to streamline processes and invest in growth will be rewarded with the resources to build for the future.
