High rents in Toronto and Vancouver have forced some of their residents on more modest incomes into “deplorable” living conditions. For many, the escalating cost of living in big cities has made it difficult to survive, let alone thrive.
Rents for Toronto rental units have risen almost 5 percent as of the end of 2018. In Vancouver, rents rose 4.2 percent over the same period.
For many low-income earners, the rising costs are leaving them desperate and unable to access affordable housing. Some are having to stay in shelters, while others face overcrowded and unsafe situations, such as having to sleep in cramped basements or overcrowded apartments.
The government of Ontario is working to ease the burden of housing costs by increasing the minimum wage and providing rent subsidies to certain groups.
In Vancouver, the city has taken measures to provide more affordable housing options.
Despite these measures, people on modest incomes are still struggling to make ends meet. Local advocates and associations are calling for increased supports and investments in housing initiatives.
But, ultimately, the challenge of soaring rental costs needs to be addressed with meaningful government action. Providing more rent subsidies and investments in more affordable housing options would be a step in the right direction — ensuring that everyone can access safe and secure housing.
