Toronto mayoral candidates debate solutions as census data indicate spiralling costs are forcing young families out of the city
affordability crisis at the heart of the mayoral campaign is becoming an existential threat to the city’s future.prices and rents have soared, construction of new homes has lagged population growth, and development approvals can take years.
“I think what has won the day is the recognition that the housing crisis is so broad and it affects so many different people. It could be somebody’s children, it could be their extended family, it could be colleagues, it could be people in their community that they know and see around.” At the same time, people unable to find suitable housing in Toronto have spread out across southwestern Ontario, leading to an exodus of young people the city would like to retain. Among the people voting with their feet were young families. According to census information, 18.3 per cent of families in Toronto had at least one child under 5 in 2011. By 2021 that had dropped to 15.7 per cent, a 14-per-cent decline.
And last month the city eliminated zoning that had long preserved most of Toronto’s residential land for single-family detached houses. As a result, fourplex apartments will be allowed in all neighbourhoods. This idea, which was central to Mr. Tory’s plan, was politically toxic even a few years ago. Councillor Josh Matlow has promised a new municipal agency to oversee building on city-owned land and a support program for tenants that he says would improve rental affordability. And Ana Bailão, a former councillor, has pledged incentives for densification and says she will ensure 20 per cent of homes built through 2031 are affordable.
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