Toronto’s troubling housing crisis presents numerous challenges for graduates
A ground-breaking number of 37,000 residents move out of Ontario to escape high-living costs.
Recent reports from Statistics Canada show that over 37,000 people moved out of the Ontario region between April to July this year. These alarming numbers can be attributed to Canada’s housing market and the increase of housing prices, making it difficult for Ontarians to find a forever home.
More specifically, British Columbia has attracted over 85,000 residents from Ontario, 16,849 from Québec, and 16,496 from Alberta.
Consequently, many Canadians in Ontario are moving to Maritime provinces, not only because of the lower housing prices, but also to avoid large crowds like those found in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Ontario currently holds a population of 14 million, with approximately three million residing in Toronto.
With a fast-paced city and growing number of crowds, many are seeking a quieter lifestyle, prompting the spike in relocation.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, remote work has become a common routine for both workers and students. This is one of the many factors that has provoked the move to smaller cities for numerous individuals.
A 2021 U of T study from the Dalla Lana Public Health suggests that Toronto must look into a more sustainable housing framework. This study emphasizes the importance of sustainability while also arguing that affordable housing is crucial to addressing the climate crisis in the City of Toronto.
With U of T’s virtual convocation ceremony last week, more than 5,700 students have received their degrees—raising concerns for the upcoming future of graduates. Many students have revealed they will be staying at their current home with their families, as purchasing or renting a home can be a major financial burden to them.
School of Cities at U of T has taken on a major initiative to start their Affordable Housing Project to help graduates and students find affordable housing. The project looks at ways to promote sustainable housing and how to help graduates thrive amid a troubling housing crisis.
The organization hosted a panel discussion earlier last week on November 17 called Implications of Covid-19: Providing Affordable Housing in a Post-Pandemic World, where panelists highlighted the growing problem of housing affordability within the GTA.
This discussion will be posted on their YouTube channel, School of Cities, for anyone seeking further support and insight.
U of T also offers housing emergency support for those who are unable to find temporary housing. More information can be found on U of T’s Student Life website, with numbers to dial and specific services for different needs.
In a post-pandemic world, searching for a living space will remain a challenge for many, especially first-time homebuyers living in the GTA. U of T will continue to provide several means of support to graduates not only in finding a career but a home as well.
Staff Writer (Volume 49); Associate News Editor (Volume 48) — Razia Saleh is currently completing a Biology degree at UTM. She has been involved with The Medium since 2020 as a contributor and continued to write for The Medium as an Associate News Editor during Volume 48. She hopes that her experience as a writer with The Medium will help her contribute to society's efforts to provide authentic and factual journalistic media to educate her readers. She hopes to take her interest in ongoing research within the scientific field and explore ways to share it with others through this platform. In her spare time, she paints natural landscapes inspired by her travels and enjoy a few live concerts throughout the year. You can connect with her on Linkedin.