Five Housing Policy Priorities for Ontario

Ontario needs to build at least 10,000 new rental units each year to meet the demand of a growing population. However, we’ve seen an average of only 5,500 rental completions annually over the period from 1990 to 20201–approximately half of what we need. Further, the new rental units that are being built are overwhelmingly luxury units.

The CMHC Rental market report for 2021 found that the average rent for new supplies entering the market was 43% higher than the average market rent for all units. These newer units had an average rent of $2,222 and would only be affordable to higher-income renter households in the fourth- and fifth-income quintile. The greatest housing need in Ontario is for purpose-built rental housing that is affordable over the long term. The new rental supply has not responded to this need.

Across the province, we have seen a rising number of no-fault evictions, such as landlord’s own use and renovictions. The government must better protect existing rental housing across Ontario by adopting increased compensation for demolition or renovation evictions, increased notice periods, and an effective right-of-first-refusal housing policy.

Also Read: Housing Policy Under The Conditions of Financialization