This report reviews the affordable housing mandates that have been used by uppertier jurisdictions in the US and Canada. The mandates include those in the four states of New Jersey, California, Massachusetts and Connecticut; the two provinces of British Columbia and Ontario; and the two metropolitan areas of Portland, Oregon and Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota (also […]
Archives for 2010
A Guide to Developing an Inclusionary Housing Program
This guide identifies the main aspects of inclusionary housing that should be addressed in order to implement an effective program, and also the main principles and key practices that should be followed when addressing those aspects. It does not attempt to draft a model bylaw nor to set out specific regulations. In many cases, those […]
Continue ReadingA Guide to Developing an Inclusionary Housing Program
Gender inequity is at the heart of the HIV/AIDS crisis
Last week, I attended a talk by the always-wonderful Stephen Lewis on the Give a Day initiative, a grassroots response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Give A Day challenges each Canadian to recognize World AIDS Day – today – by giving one day’s pay to the Stephen Lewis Foundation in their fight against what Lewis describes […]
Continue ReadingGender inequity is at the heart of the HIV/AIDS crisis
World AIDS Day
HIV/AIDS is above all else shaped by the social determinants of health. Incidence — and inequitable access to vital treatment and support services — is worse among Aboriginal people, women, racialized communities, IV drug users and other poor and marginalized communities, and in poorer countries. But it has also been massive mobilization out of the communities […]
Ontario introduces draft legislation to replace Social Housing Reform Act, allow secondary suites
The Ontario government has moved quickly to introduce draft legislation to replace the Social Housing Reform Act yesterday, tabling Bill 140 in the Legislature on the same day that it announced its proposed new provincial affordable housing plan. The new legislation weighs in at more than 90 pages, so it will take some time to work […]
CHC's provide innovative programs to drive health equity
Last night, a couple of us from Wellesley went to a celebration of Ontario’s Community Health Centres (CHCs). The event featured displays from some of the 73 CHCs across Ontario and a video that highlighted the CHCs’ innovative practices and work to reach diverse populations in Ontario. Some of these practices include mobile units that […]
Continue ReadingCHC's provide innovative programs to drive health equity
Scaffolding up, but lots of work still needed before Ontario finishes building its housing plan
The Ontario government has put up the scaffolding for a long-term affordable housing strategy, but there’s plenty of unfinished business for Queen’s Park as it seeks to build a truly comprehensive plan to ensure everyone has access to a healthy, affordable home. There are no targets, timelines and no new housing investments. After six months […]
Housing Checklist – How does Ontario's LTAHS measure up?
As the provincial government releases their plan for affordable housing, we thought it might be helpful to share a checklist to track whether or not the Long Term Affordable Housing Strategy measures up.
Continue ReadingHousing Checklist – How does Ontario's LTAHS measure up?
Home ownership slightly more affordable, but not affordable enough: RBC Economics
Home ownership is slightly more affordable, according to the latest home ownership affordability survey released by RBC Economics this morning, but ownership is still not very affordable for tenant households. For instance, RBC Economics reports that a Canadian homeowner would have to pay 39% of their average weekly earnings for a typical bungalow – a drop […]
Continue ReadingHome ownership slightly more affordable, but not affordable enough: RBC Economics
Minister of Housing needs to deliver provincial housing plan: Housing Network of Ontario
Housing and homeless advocates across Ontario have begun counting down the final days of fall, eagerly awaiting the promised release of Ontario’s first long-term affordable housing strategy. “We are holding the Minister of Housing to his promise that low-income Ontarians can expect a plan before the cold days of winter, after the government missed their […]