Wellesley Institute works in research and policy to improve health and health equity in the GTA through action on the social determinants of health.
The pandemic and the associated recession provide an opportunity for us to reconsider the ‘normal’ state of affairs. Now is the time to envision a bold new normal and learn from the failures of the previous status quo. The Old Normal In the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, the estimated number of Canadians […]
Continue ReadingA new normal for ending homelessness: Collective action towards adequate support
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto had been facing a crisis in housing affordability. Furthermore, during the pandemic many renters have lost their employment. Following the lifting of the provincial moratorium, this has put many at risk of arrears debt, and evictions. Rent increases can exacerbate affordability and arrears challenges, and so understanding them is […]
Continue ReadingHiking the rent when doing repairs: Above Guideline Increases in Toronto Download PublicationBrief 3 – AGIs
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the urgency to understand and address residential evictions. In Ontario, eviction hearings have resumed digitally and at a fast pace. Many renters have been unable to pay their rent in full, which has increased the possibility of mass arrears (accumulation of rent owed), and related evictions. Evictions have the potential […]
Continue ReadingWhere eviction applications are filed: Ward distribution of eviction applications in Toronto Download PublicationBrief 1 – Ward Distribution of Evictions
Wellesley Institute was awarded funding by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Solution Lab Program to work collaboratively with building owners, tenants and stakeholders to improve healthy housing quality in the private rental problem. Beginning in 2019, Wellesley worked with SHS Consulting ,experts in housing development policy and research, to understand the current state of apartment […]
Continue ReadingHealthy Affordable Housing : Solutions to the Private Rental Problem
Many factors contribute to keeping Canadians healthy. Just as crucial as access to healthcare, social supports and good working conditions, is housing. Currently, we are facing a housing crisis due to lack of affordability, disrepair, crowding, short supply, and the list goes on. If Canada is going to solve the housing problem, we need to […]
The evidence in Toronto is clear: overcrowded housing is associated with increased COVID-19 infection rate. When people have insufficient space to socially distance or self-isolate if they are sick, it makes people more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19. In the City of Toronto, overcrowded housing conditions have left 12 per cent of private households more vulnerable […]
Continue ReadingCrowded housing and COVID-19: Impacts and solutions
Decent, safe, and affordable housing is an absolute foundation for healthy lives. Research has shown the critical links between housing and health. Without appropriate and secure housing, our health suffers, our mental health deteriorates, we are more stressed. Without affordable housing we may need to skip on food or medications in order to pay the […]
Continue ReadingBuilding Health: Canada’s opportunity to improve housing affordability
Recently, there has been talk of possible policy changes that could affect tenant protections in Ontario. These include shortening eviction timelines, allowing private bailiffs to enforce evictions, and perhaps removing Landlord Tenant Board hearings altogether for certain evictions. While up-to-date information on evictions – both formal and informal – are difficult to acquire, we know […]
Continue ReadingCutting tenant protections will harm our health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 18, 2019 OTTAWA, ON — Finding solutions to housing challenges such as affordability, social inclusion, Northern and remote supports, Indigenous housing provision, and environmental sustainability is key to ensuring that more Canadians have access housing that meets their needs and that they can afford. Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of […]
We wish to acknowledge this land on which the Wellesley Institute operates. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land.
Revised by the Ceremonial Committee at the University of Toronto Office of Indigenous Initiatives in April 2021.
