You probably know someone who can’t afford a home. And you’ve probably heard lots of politicians and experts explain why and then tell you what they will do to solve the housing crisis.
Who do you believe? Who has the best plan? Is it even possible to solve this crisis?
This website provides you with clear information and hope. We did our homework by reading reports, talking to experts and comparing plans. We landed on Five Action Areas that best explain what needs to happen to solve the housing crisis. For each Action Area we explain why it’s important and what actions governments can take. Then, we provide you with actions you can take so that together we can solve the housing crisis.
Read the full report “Taking Action Together: Five Ways to Make Homes Affordable in Ontario". It was created and endorsed by a diverse group of community and civil society leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds who care about solving the housing crisis. Read the full press release here.
We need to build lots of homes fast. But before we put shovels in the ground, we have to choose the locations where it makes sense financially, where people want to live, and where we can preserve our precious farmland, natural assets, and water resources. We can do all of this if we build housing in our towns and cities.
Not all Ontarians want to live in the same type of home or neighbourhood. As we age and grow, our preferences often change. We need housing choices to reflect the wide range of needs and wants. That’s why we must ensure new housing construction provides a healthy variety of housing types and sizes.
Imagine if instead of ordering a dresser from IKEA, you hired carpenters to buy the wood and build it at your home. Dressers would take much longer to build and cost much more. Today, too many homes are built this way. We need to start building smarter and faster and there are lots of ways to do that, right now.
Until the 1990s, governments were heavily involved in financing the construction and operation of non-market, affordable housing. Then, governments stopped investing and relied on the private sector. This hasn’t worked. Governments need to invest heavily, again. The good news is there are plenty of successful examples of governments supplying non-market housing, from our own past to countries around the world.
Implementing the first four Action Areas will make housing more affordable. But we also need to keep existing homes affordable, both to renters and buyers. And our homes need to be part of liveable neighbourhoods, with enough schools, shops, grocery stores, cultural activities, green spaces and community and social services close by.
Governments need to create the right laws and tax policies for developers and other housing providers to build and maintain the housing we need. Our Five Action Areas set out what they need to do.
Now we need your help. We know governments will act if enough people demand it. Help us build this public demand:
Your voice is important. And if you join with many others, together our voices will have a powerful impact.
How you communicate with your elected officials is up to you. Talking is usually best. Emails and letters are fine.
I want you to read a new report called “Taking Action Together: Five Ways to Make Homes Affordable in Ontario.” It offers 5 practical actions to make homes affordable. It’s endorsed by a wide variety of prominent people and organizations. I want you to read it and follow the recommendations in the report.
Big thanks to the following talented people and organizations for making images available via Creative Commons or other means:
Queen’s Printer for Ontario; Ontario Growth Secretariat, Ministry of Municipal Affairs; Dan Brekke; Province of BC; Dylan Passmore; Can Pac Swire; Sightline Middle Housing;
Safe Work Australia; TEDTalent Search; Feina Studio; Active Towns; StructureCraft; Matthew Kelly Co; The Korea Times; Summers Pictures; Toronto Walks; Darren Voros; Elite Media; SBEnrc; Copyright Free Video Footage
Pexels.com; Vecteezy.com; Mixkit.com; Pixabay.com; Envato.com; Mahogany Management; Vectonauta on Freepik; Wikimedia.com; TookeTree Passsive Homes; Prelinger Archive; Newpapers.com Archives; Franz Hartmann; Jim Diorio
