Continued AMO Action on Trade and Tariffs

Investments in Community Housing as a Response to Tariffs

The US tariffs introduced last week, and the uncertainty caused by them have already begun disrupting Ontario’s economy. While we all remain hopeful for a resolution that avoids a negative impact on our communities, residents and industries, we must consider how to best to weather a potentially extended economic downturn.  

Last week, AMO wrote to the Premier highlighting how investments in municipal infrastructure could protect vital construction jobs while driving future productivity. Today, AMO wrote a follow-up letter to share a new report that builds the business case for investments in community housing as a response to tariffs.  

Investments in community housing have been an important element to past responses to economic downturns. These investments can both provide a secure pipeline of projects for the residential construction sector and contribute to Ontario’s long-term productivity.  

AMO is calling for an immediate new investment of $1.5 billion over 2025/26 and 2026/27 for new capital development, capital repairs to existing stock, and acquisition and rehabilitation of existing buildings to protect Ontario. These investments would protect jobs in the residential construction sector while supporting increased productivity and economic growth. This would help Ontario’s residents, communities, and industry leave this time of uncertainty even stronger and more economically resilient.  

In addition to this report, AMO is developing other resources to help municipalities chart an informed path through these uncertain times. We have released a number of data requests in the past weeks to support these efforts and would like to thank every municipality for their contributions to this united effort.