Brian Crombie Radio Hour - Epi 1576 - Is Ontario’s Housing Market Dislocated? Economics, Jobs & Policy at Risk with Richard Lyall

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Thursday’s show takes a hard look at Ontario’s housing market — and why what’s being called a “slowdown” may actually be a full-scale dislocation. Brian is joined by Richard Lyall, President of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON), to examine the economic consequences of inaction:

• 400,000 Ontarians could be left without homes by 2035
• $40 billion in GDP and $20 billion in social value are at risk
• 96,000+ jobs across industries are wiped out annually when housing stalls
• 21,000 apprentices are losing hours
• 9,000 experienced site supervisors are exiting early

This conversation goes beyond construction, exploring why builder viability math is failing, how inclusionary zoning may be stalling supply, the risk of a permanent skills drain in the trades, and a proposed three-year “circuit breaker” to restart housing without a permanent bailout. Brian closes the show with his six-point plan to address Ontario’s housing crisis, tackling policy, jobs, tax reform, and long-term capacity to build. If housing is Ontario’s economic engine, what happens when the pipeline freezes? This episode is essential listening for anyone concerned about the province’s economy, jobs, and future affordability.