Kingston Awarded $3.2 Million by Ontario for Surpassing Housing Targets

City broke ground on 145% of its 2024 goal, earns second-round Building Faster Fund reward

KINGSTON, ON — The Ontario government is rewarding the City of Kingston with $3.2 million in funding through the second round of its Building Faster Fund, following the city’s strong performance in advancing housing starts in 2024. Kingston exceeded its provincial housing target by 45 per cent, breaking ground on 966 new homes last year.

The funding comes as part of Ontario’s $1.2 billion, three-year Building Faster Fund, which provides municipalities with financial rewards for achieving at least 80 per cent of their designated housing targets. Kingston’s 145 per cent success rate not only qualifies for the funding but showcases its leadership among Ontario cities in addressing the province’s housing crisis.

“I applaud Mayor Paterson for stepping up to deliver the homes that Kingston needs,” said Rob Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our government has a plan to protect Ontario by creating good-paying jobs and building the homes that communities need to be competitive.”

The $3.2 million in funding is earmarked to support housing-enabling and community infrastructure, helping Kingston continue to grow in line with the government’s Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025, which includes streamlining development and reducing construction delays.

Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson welcomed the investment and highlighted the importance of provincial partnership in helping cities meet housing demand.

“Kingston has once again surpassed its annual provincial housing target,” said Paterson. “Investments like the one announced today help us stay focused on facilitating housing construction that is both affordable and accessible.”

The Building Faster Fund is designed to incentivize speed, innovation, and municipal efficiency, and Kingston is among the standout municipalities recognized for its housing progress. The government also announced an extension for municipalities to spend awarded funds until 2028, giving cities more time to complete critical infrastructure projects.

Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston MPP John Jordan praised the investment:

“This $3.2 million reward will ensure we can keep up with growing demand. Affordable and sustainable development is key to our long-term resilience.”

Ontario reported 6,977 rental starts between January and May 2025, a 25% year-over-year increase—marking the second-highest level on record for that period.

As municipalities across Ontario work to accelerate home construction, Kingston’s leadership stands out as a model for how collaboration and efficiency can translate into real progress on the ground.