A housing revolution is needed not just in Ontario, but across Canada

BY STEVEN KASZAB

The availability of apartments and units that can be rented is staggeringly low, and because vacancy is so tight, competition in the open market has intensified, raising rental prices along the way. In Canada, rent for a two-bedroom unit rose 5.6% in 2022. Some of the highest rental prices were recorded in: Ottawa-Gatineau at 9.1%, Toronto at 6.5%, and Calgary at 6%.

Less housing stocks, higher prices. The marketplace and our elected officials all knew this would happen. Real estate agencies and land developers all but jumped for joy at the prospect of selling homes that sold for $350,000 a few years ago and are now selling for 3 times the amount. Developers who make a home at $195,000 cost sell these homes at $650,000 – $1 million.

What about apartment buildings? Are they being built? In Quebec they are, but not in the numbers needed. Europeans have been comfortable with renting an apartment for decades, but not so in the rest of Canada. First time homebuyers will spend decades gathering enough funds to make an initial deposit if the bank allows it.

Why do developers not build rental units/apartments? Well developers would need to look upon such builds as long-term investments, waiting some time to get back their costs and make some profit. Building other types of homes guarantee them immediate compensation, gratifying their profiteering.

Why do regional, city and provincial governments prefer housing builds of larger houses? The revenue they make of course. Even Premier Ford pushed to have 50,000 houses built in a few years centred upon individual homes being sold, not rented (aftermarket).

Has our economic system forgotten the small fry, the average Canadian who does not make a salary over $100,000 annually? Yes it has, and the reason for this forgetfulness is that the wealthy and mid-level middle class holds greater influence upon these elected officials.

They are the same people, while the dirty unwashed working stiff has very little in common with real estate agents, developers and elected officials too. A true class system with regards to housing exists in Ontario and Canada. Are the New Democrats crying out loud for reforming this system? No they are not. They want to represent the higher ups; those with excess revenue and economic purchasing power.

A housing revolution is needed not just in Ontario but across this land. Why won’t the government put its hands into the direct building of these units? They have the funds; the regulations to make sure these units are made appropriately and in a timely manner.

The very power of the elite, real estate and developers lobby will always sway our elected officials away from competing with these financial aggressors. In 2016, 548 former members of a government in Canada registered as lobbyists, often representing the wishes of those who once were their suppliers (developers).

What am I saying?

Perhaps many of our elected representatives have been padding their pocket books, and ensuring their future careers in well paid jobs.

Corruption?

Find out how much a MPP, or MP was worth when they started their position, and then check in with them after four – five years to see what they are worth?

Only the average Canadian: worker, student or elderly who care about their children’s future, can force this issue before the politicians in Ottawa, Toronto and throughout Canada.

Housing and shelter are human rights. So, get off your couch and gather with like minded neighbours to demand real affordable housing.