National Housing Week: Toronto Takes Bold Steps to Tackle Housing Crisis
Toronto, ON – As National Housing Week begins today, the City of Toronto is spotlighting its efforts to address the housing and homelessness crisis while urging action to create and preserve affordable housing for all.
Toronto faces a dire housing situation, with over 93,000 people on the waitlist for social housing and more than 12,000 residents currently experiencing homelessness. Rising rents and a shortage of affordable rental accommodations are intensifying challenges for low-income and middle-income earners alike.
In response, the City has launched a series of initiatives under its HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan to deliver 65,000 new rent-controlled homes, including 41,000 affordable rental units. These efforts include working with other levels of government to expand the supply of deeply affordable and supportive homes, regulating short-term rentals, and incentivizing the use of vacant properties through the Vacant Home Tax program.
Affordable Housing Projects Highlighted
Several housing-related events are planned across Toronto to mark National Housing Week. Among them is today’s groundbreaking at 150 Eighth Street in Etobicoke, where the City, alongside the Canadian Helen Keller Centre (CHKC) and federal representatives, is launching a project to build 52 affordable and accessible homes for people who are deafblind or living with other physical disabilities.
Deputy Mayor Amber Morley, MP James Maloney, and CHKC Executive Director Jennifer Robbins are set to attend the event, which exemplifies Toronto’s focus on inclusive housing solutions.
Later in the week, the City will celebrate the opening of 26 affordable homes operated by Riverdale Co-operative Houses in the city’s east end, with a ceremony on Friday, November 22, at 685 Queen Street East.
It’s #NationalHousingWeek & we’re recognizing the vital work done by housing partners to improve access to safe, adequate & affordable housing for everyone. pic.twitter.com/xAEv0bZZs8
— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) November 18, 2024
Tackling Homelessness and Housing Gaps
From January to October this year, over 3,200 individuals moved from Toronto’s shelter system into permanent housing. However, the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to rise, underscoring the need for systemic and sustained support.
To support tenants, the City is also hosting drop-in sessions across civic centres on Friday, November 22, to help homeowners declare their Vacant Home Tax status. The program is part of an ongoing effort to increase housing availability by encouraging property owners to rent or sell unused properties.
Conversations on Housing Solutions
National Housing Week also features events focused on critical issues like gender-based violence and housing. On Thursday, November 21, the YWCA Auditorium will host a panel discussion led by Mayor Olivia Chow and other housing advocates, addressing the challenges women and gender-diverse individuals face when accessing housing.
On Wednesday, November 20, Homeless Connect Toronto and the Toronto Public Library will present a screening of the documentary Charlotte’s Castle, which sheds light on housing inequities. A panel discussion with housing experts and community organizers will follow the screening at Beeton Hall in the Toronto Reference Library.
A Call for Bold Action
While Toronto is making strides with innovative programs and policies, the City is calling for increased funding from senior levels of government to sustain and expand its efforts. The HousingTO Plan’s ambitious goals require coordinated action to protect existing housing stock, build new units, and provide essential supports for those experiencing homelessness.
As National Housing Week unfolds, Toronto is highlighting not only the severity of the housing crisis but also the transformative potential of collective action and sustained investment.
