The article emphasizes the importance of municipal approvals and streamlined processes in addressing housing shortages in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It argues that delays in planning approvals significantly increase development costs and reduce the number of homes completed, with some municipalities experiencing approval times among the longest in Canada. The author highlights how extended timelines add between $43,000 to $90,000 per unit in additional costs, depending on housing type and location. Examples like Vaughan’s 'three strikes and you’re in' policy and Mississauga’s similar approach are cited as models for reducing bureaucratic delays. The piece calls for candidates in municipal elections to prioritize expediting approvals to boost housing supply and affordability. It also mentions other municipalities exploring AI-driven solutions to speed up processes, underscoring the need for systemic reforms to overcome regulatory hurdles. Ultimately, the author stresses that effective planning approval systems are essential to ensuring viable housing projects and preventing price inflation due to delays.