American Case Studies Case Study: Chicago IL Chicago, with its population of 2.8 million, is now the largest jurisdiction with an inclusionary zoning program. Recently adopted after resistance from a powerful mayor, this program represents a political compromise that falls short of what was sought by the proponents of the program. Download a PDF Case Study: […]
Archives for March 2010
Video: A home for everyone everywhere in Toronto
Inclusionary housing / inclusionary planning is a simple and practical tool already in use in hundreds of US cities. Watch a five-minute video on health, equity and housing on Toronto’s 2010 municipal election agenda by Wellesley Institute’s Michael Shapcott.
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Letter to the Globe and Mail: What needs to be done about health-care costs
Tom Kent (Cure it, or lose it, bit by bit, March 1) has ½ of an excellent prescription for health reform. He rightly emphasizes the need for national coordinated leadership and for up-stream investment in health promotion and addressing the poverty, exclusion and other social factors that underlie health inequalities. He alludes to Tommy Douglas’ […]
Continue ReadingLetter to the Globe and Mail: What needs to be done about health-care costs
Federal budget 2010 and housing: Last year’s promises will be kept, but no new dollars
Today’s federal budget confirms the housing promises made last year (about $2 billion in new spending, mostly for new homes and repairs to existing housing), but adds nothing new (see page 236 of the main budget document).
Ontario Throne Speech: Non-profits are ‘unsung heroes’ of provincial economy
The new session of the Ontario Legislature was launched earlier this afternoon with the traditional Speech from the Throne which included a strong expression of support for the tens of thousands of non-profit groups that make a vital contribution to health, housing, social services, culture, recreation, faith and many other essential components of our community.
Continue ReadingOntario Throne Speech: Non-profits are ‘unsung heroes’ of provincial economy
Inclusionary rules turn new homes into affordable homes
Statistics Canada says that 196,700 new homes will start construction this year (using the seasonally-adjusted annual rate for February, 2010). The Wellesley Institute has launched an inclusionary housing micro-site with a number of our partners that includes research and policy materials on inclusionary housing practices in Canada and case studies from the United States.
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Don’t Forget Equity in Health Funding Reform
We need to ensure that equity is built into the provincial government’s plans to restructure the way funding is allocated to hospitals (see Ontario proposes radical overhaul of hospital funding by Karen Howlett in March 7 Globe and Mail). Adjusting to reflect population health needs is a significant advance over simply adjusting historical budgets or allocating […]
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Hundreds of US cities have rules to ensure inclusive, healthy communities: Why not here???
Hundreds of US cities, and a number of US states, have inclusionary housing planning policies that ensure that a fixed percentage of all new homes are affordable to low and moderate-income households. It’s no surprise that private developers in Toronto are upset at the thought that such a sensible idea would be imported to […]
Overall, health of Britons is increasing, but not everyone is benefitting
The UK Audit Commission has released a new 10-year review of health inequalities that begins with these words: “The health of people in England has improved over the past ten years. Life expectancy has increased, infant mortality has fallen. Government targets to cut death from heart disease and stroke by 2010 have already been met. […]
Continue ReadingOverall, health of Britons is increasing, but not everyone is benefitting
National housing act bill goes for HUMA review on Monday
Bill C-304, the private members’ bill from MP Libby Davies to create a much-needed national housing act for Canada, will get clause-by-clause review at the Commons’ HUMA committee on Monday afternoon. A number of groups, including the Wellesley Institute, have been pressing for amendments to strengthen the draft legislation – and the changes that are […]
Continue ReadingNational housing act bill goes for HUMA review on Monday