SARNIA — The Ontario government is rewarding the City of Sarnia with $400,000 for exceeding its provincially set housing targets, the latest distribution from the province’s $1.2-billion Building Faster Fund.
The announcement, made Thursday, recognizes municipalities that achieve at least 80 per cent of their annual housing targets. Sarnia broke ground on 164 new homes in 2024, achieving nearly double its assigned goal — 198 per cent of its target.
“This funding will help the City of Sarnia build more homes and community infrastructure while advancing the province’s plan to protect Ontario by investing in infrastructure to support economic growth and keep workers on the job,” the government said in its release.
Provincial Push for Housing Growth
The Building Faster Fund was introduced in August 2023 as a three-year program aimed at speeding up the pace of housing approvals and construction. By providing direct funding to municipalities that meet or exceed their targets, the program supports infrastructure tied to housing growth, such as roads, water systems and community amenities.
Premier Doug Ford underscored the province’s emphasis on cooperation with municipalities to tackle the housing shortage.
“We’re working closely with Mayor Bradley and with local leadership in municipalities across Ontario to get more homes built faster,” Ford said. “Today’s investment is just the latest step we are taking to protect our workers and communities by supporting continued growth in Sarnia and across Ontario.”
The province has also committed record infrastructure spending to support its housing strategy, including a $4-billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program designed to help municipalities fund essential services needed to accommodate new developments.
Local Impact
For Sarnia, the recognition highlights the city’s growing role in Ontario’s broader housing strategy. The city, located in southwestern Ontario, has experienced population growth in recent years, driving demand for more housing options.
“Sarnia is home to a fast-growing, diverse population, and this funding will help to ensure that we can meet the housing needs of current and future generations,” said Mayor Mike Bradley. “We will continue working with our provincial partners to get shovels on the ground here and ensure every resident has a place they can proudly call home.”
Sarnia’s strong performance against its housing target was one of the highest in the province in 2024, signaling an acceleration in development activity after years of moderate growth.
Legislative Backing
Beyond financial incentives, the provincial government has also introduced new legislation to reduce development delays. The Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 aims to streamline municipal approval processes and lower costs for builders, part of the Ford government’s push to address affordability and housing supply shortages.
“Our government’s latest legislation is a key step forward in our plan to reduce delays, speed up approvals and build more homes — faster — in partnership with Mayor Bradley and municipalities across Ontario,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Through the Building Faster Fund and our historic infrastructure investments, we’re giving municipalities every tool in our toolbox to deliver the homes families in Sarnia and Ontario need.”
Housing Starts on the Rise
Recent provincial data shows an increase in construction activity across Ontario. Between January and July 2025, the province recorded 12,175 rental starts, a 21 per cent jump compared with the same period a year earlier. That figure represents the highest level of rental construction starts on record for the first seven months of a year.
The province also announced municipalities will now have until 2028 to spend funding received through the Building Faster Fund, providing more flexibility for local governments as they plan long-term housing and infrastructure projects.
Local Political Support
The provincial investment also drew praise from local representatives.
“The City of Sarnia’s dedication to increasing its housing supply is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for a stronger Ontario,” said Bob Bailey, MPP for Sarnia–Lambton. “I applaud Sarnia for doing its part to deliver housing for all its citizens. The Ontario government will continue to partner with municipalities, equipping them with the resources they need to meet the demands of our growing population.”
Broader Housing Challenge
Ontario continues to face mounting pressure to address housing affordability and supply shortages. The Ford government has pledged to facilitate the construction of 1.5 million new homes by 2031, an ambitious target aimed at tackling the province’s growing demand.
By exceeding its target and securing funding through the Building Faster Fund, Sarnia positions itself as an example of how municipalities can leverage provincial partnerships to accelerate development.
For residents and local leaders, the challenge will be to ensure that this rapid pace of growth is matched by infrastructure investment and community planning, ensuring not just more housing but livable, sustainable communities.
