1. Dedicated Housing Envelope for People with a Developmental Disability
   Ask: Expand and make permanent a targeted funding stream within all NHS and CMHC-administered programs for housing for people with a developmental disability.
   Why: People with a developmental disability are persistently underserved by mainstream housing initiatives.

1a.Developmental Service Agency Partnerships
    Ask: Develop housing programs that welcome the partnership and support role that developmental service provider agencies play in housing provision for vulnerable citizens.
    Why: Some vulnerable individuals lack the ability to engage in their own housing agreements or require specialized housing. Developmental service agencies are vital partners in supporting their needs.

2. Public Land Allocation for Inclusive Housing
   Ask: Mandate the release of federal surplus lands for non-profit and supportive housing, with priority for housing for people with a developmental disability.
   Why: Land is the most significant barrier to affordable housing; this population requires prioritized access.
3. National Building Standards Reform
   Ask: Encourage the adoption of B3 Fire Code and Care Occupancy Code standards through incentivized programs (e.g., tax credits or cash equivalents) for publicly funded housing that meets these accessibility and safety benchmarks.
   Why: These standards ensure the safety and appropriateness of housing for residents requiring support. While the issue is national in scope, it is especially onerous in Ontario, requiring federal leadership and harmonization.
4. National Disability Housing Data Strategy
   Ask: Fund and implement a national housing needs assessment focused on people with a developmental disability.
   Why: Current data gaps hinder planning, targeting, and evaluation. A national strategy must be evidence-driven.
5. Participation in Roundtables and ICC Engagement
   Ask: Commit to joining ICC-led housing roundtables and contribute federal perspectives.
   Why: These platforms help build cross-sector solutions and ensure federal voices are part of a national movement.
6. Ensure ICC Representation in Federal Housing Policy Development
   Ask: Formally include ICC in consultations, advisory panels, and funding framework design processes related to non-profit, affordable, or non-market housing.
   Why: ICC represents a national coalition addressing one of Canada’s most underserved populations in housing. Their lived experience, policy insights, and developmental disability focus are essential to equitable and effective program design.

1. Long-Term Capital and Operating Agreements
   Ask: Provincial ministries (e.g., housing, social services) to fund both the construction and operating costs of inclusive housing projects for people with a developmental disability.
   Why: Capital alone is insufficient — operations, staffing, and supports need secure provincial funding.
2. Fast-Track Zoning and Approvals for Non-Profit Housing
   Ask: Introduce provincial-level directives requiring municipalities to fast-track projects serving people with disabilities.
   Why: Reducing red tape can accelerate builds and reduce project costs.
3. Accessibility and Inclusion Mandate in Building Codes
   Ask: Adopt or exceed national standards for accessibility and require care occupancy classification where appropriate.
   Why: Ensures new housing stock is appropriate for individuals needing long-term supports.
4. Dedicated Provincial Housing Trust for People with a Developmental Disability
   Ask: Create a dedicated funding envelope within provincial housing and capital programs for housing for people with a developmental disability.
   Why: Without ring-fenced funding, inclusive housing projects are rarely competitive in open intakes.
5. Align Health and Housing for Integrated Supports
   Ask: Formalize agreements between ministries of health and housing to co-fund supports within housing for people with complex needs.
   Why: Many residents need daily living supports; integrated care models save money and improve outcomes.
6. Participation in Roundtables and ICC Engagement
   Ask: Commit to joining ICC-led housing roundtables and contribute provincial perspectives.
   Why: Helps build cross-sector solutions and ensures local voices are part of a national movement.
7. Recognize ICC as a Stakeholder in Housing and Disability Policy Integration
   Ask: Mandate ICC participation in provincial-level housing policy consultations and cross-ministerial working groups where affordable, supportive, or housing for people with a developmental disability is discussed.
   Why: Provinces control major funding and regulatory levers. ICC can help shape inclusive, scalable models that meet care occupancy and accessibility standards from the start.

1. Prioritize Housing for People with a Developmental Disability in Municipal Plans
   Ask: Include targets for housing for people with a developmental disability in Municipal Housing Strategies and Official Plans.
   Why: Strategic alignment ensures local land use and funding is directed where it’s needed most.
2. Municipal Land Contributions and Incentives
   Ask: Dedicate municipal land and waive fees (e.g., development charges, permitting) for projects serving people with a developmental disability.
   Why: Reduces upfront costs and makes projects financially viable for non-profits.
3. Inclusive Zoning and Density Bonuses
   Ask: Allow increased density or expedited approvals for projects offering supportive housing or accessibility commitments.
   Why: Incentivizes inclusive development and leverages private investment.
4. Public Education and Inclusion Campaigns
   Ask: Fund and implement public awareness campaigns that promote inclusive communities and fight NIMBYism.
   Why: Local opposition is a barrier; municipalities can be leaders in fostering acceptance and inclusion.
5. Participation in Roundtables and ICC Engagement
   Ask: Commit to joining ICC-led housing roundtables and contribute municipal perspectives.
   Why: Helps build cross-sector solutions and ensures local voices are part of a national movement.