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Below Toronto's skyline of cranes and steel, a housing crisis grips the city. Alongside the glassy totems of progress and prosperity, over 80,000 Toronto households remain on the wait list for affordable housing, while the TCHC repair backlog stands at over $2.5 billion. Across Ontario, there are over 170,000 households waiting, and the number is growing. Across Canada, an estimated one in five renters struggle to afford housing, spending over half of their household's pre-tax income on shelter.
The socio-economic and geographic makeup of the country is diverse, yet a lack of affordable, livable, and inclusive housing supply acutely impacts communities throughout Canada. From the harms facing northern—and, in particular aboriginal—communities to Vancouver and Toronto's skyrocketing prices, affordable housing is a pressing issue. Acting through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Government of Canada is developing a National Housing Strategy, with public input sought to guide the initiative's priorities.
Until October 21st, Canadians can share their ideas to help shape the program. The Government's "Let's Talk Housing" campaign invites public participation to help shape the National Housing Strategy's scope. Alongside a brief online survey, participants can upload a written statement and send in their ideas. Meanwhile, the #letstalkhousing hashtag spreads the campaign to social media, encouraging open public discourse about housing.
With consultations ongoing, the National Housing Strategy's parameters have yet to fully take shape. Nonetheless, a number of crucial 'principles' and 'themes,' including sustainability, affordability, and inclusivity, have been identified. The results of the online consultations will be revealed on November 22nd, with Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jean-Yves Duclos indicating in June that the strategy could be set by the end of the year.
For the City of Toronto, meanwhile, Municipal policies like the Open Door Housing Program, Section 37, and—potentially—and Inclusionary Zoning policy can have a significant impact on local housing supply. However, a centralized national strategy could be a transformative initiative, complementing Municipal and Provincial efforts with critical Federal investment.
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We will keep you updated as more information becomes available, and the National Housing Strategy begins to take shape. The online survey is available here, together with a link to upload a personal written statement. Alongside the public consultations, a series of 'expert roundtables' will be held in September, along with a 'national roundtable' to discuss new approaches to housing. What do you think about the developing National Housing Strategy? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
