The problem of affordable housing is particularly acute in Canada, where a significant number of people are priced out of the housing market – across ownership and rental.

Housing ownership is out of reach for many potential first-time home buyers. Specific populations are also bringing new housing needs that local housing providers must respond to, including Ontario’s aging population and new arrivals to Canada.

Given the recent price increases in housing in Canada, particularly in Toronto and Vancouver, the demand for affordable housing has never been greater. In Ontario: more than 171,000 people are on wait lists for social housing (ONPHA waitlist Survey 2016); and this number has significantly increased in recent years, especially as housing affordability is also becoming a larger issue for those higher up on the income scale. Rising housing prices are pushing more people into a crowded (and more expensive) rental market with little hope of owning their own homes.