The Hammer Episode #55: Getting on the Same Page

Podcast: The Hammer, by Canadian Contractor

In this episode of The Hammer, Arash Shahi of One Ontario discusses one of the biggest barriers to housing delivery in Ontario: the difficulty, cost, and delay involved in getting projects approved.

The conversation highlights how fragmented municipal zoning bylaws, regulations, and approval processes can make it hard for builders, applicants, and communities to understand where housing can be built and whether a project qualifies. Arash explains how One Ontario is working to address this challenge by bringing zoning and regulatory information together through data and software tools that can support clearer, faster, and more coordinated decision-making.

The episode also points to the broader need for provincial support and regional alignment, so that modern planning and permitting tools can be used more consistently across Ontario. This conversation reflects the importance of reliable zoning data, digital tools, and shared infrastructure in helping move housing projects from possibility to approval.