Some Ontario cities want power to slap 'use it or lose it' penalties on stalled housing projects. At least 20 Ontario municipalities are so far away from reaching their provincially-mandated targets for new home construction starts that they have virtually no chance of hitting the mark, and will face stiff financial consequences in 2024.

Under current rules set by Premier Doug Ford's government, cities that fall short of the 2023 target for housing starts will not get any money next year from the province's $1.2 billion fund to help cover the costs of housing-related infrastructure.

One suggestion is for a sunset clause on housing projects, allowing municipalities to revoke planning approvals if construction hasn't begun within a specified time period. Another involves development charges, the fees that cities levy on projects to cover infrastructure costs.

There are various legitimate reasons why construction may be delayed after approvals, such as financing falling through, market demand shifting or construction costs rising.