Wellesley Institute works in research and policy to improve health and health equity in the GTA through action on the social determinants of health.
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 […]
Last month, Wellesley Institute released our Healthy Budget Builder Toronto simulation. It allows users to create their own fully-funded City of Toronto budget, and make decisions over which city services to fund and how to pay for them. Since then over 800 people have used the website, and many chose to submit their balanced budgets. […]
By Nazeefah Laher and Anjana Aery In a competitive rental market, there are barriers that go beyond high housing costs and limited supply. People in racialized groups, with disabilities, or on social assistance are particularly vulnerable to discrimination. The Ontario Human Rights Code provides legal protection for people seeking housing, protecting people on 14 identified […]
Continue ReadingTight rental markets in the GTA and low incomes set people up for discrimination
Housing is an important factor in health and well-being. People with low incomes or other disadvantages face large problems of housing affordability and quality, which is bad for health. Inclusionary zoning is a tool that can help provide affordable options, reduce housing problems, and build mixed communities. This brief suggests some modifications to the proposed […]
Continue ReadingSubmission on Proposed Inclusionary Zoning Regulations Download PublicationSubmission on Inclusionary Zoning Regulation
Across Canada, people are examining what the National Housing Strategy (NHS) will mean. Our last two blogs summarized what’s in the Strategy and considered its strengths and soft areas. This one considers its implications for Ontario and the Toronto area. Sustaining and modernizing social housing Ontario’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy (LTAHS, 2016) includes social housing […]
Continue ReadingCanada’s National Housing Strategy – Implications for Ontario and the Toronto area
Our last blog summarized the content of the new National Housing Strategy, noting its many positives. This blog looks more closely at its strengths and soft spots, and how much difference it could make. Strategic turning point: The Strategy marks a turning point in Canadian housing policy, its significance akin to the shift to non-profit […]
Continue ReadingCanada’s National Housing Strategy – The Strong, the Soft, and the Splashy
The National Housing Strategy is the most keenly awaited housing news in years. It sets out goals and puts details on the broad strokes that were in the March 2017 federal budget, while adding a couple of new pieces. This blog summarizes what’s in the Strategy. Our next two blogs will assess the strengths and […]
Continue ReadingCanada’s National Housing Strategy – The Basic Facts
Housing that is affordable and in good condition is important for health and well-being. Non-profit, public, and co-operative housing provides this for disadvantaged people who cannot afford market rental. A first step is to preserve our existing affordable housing. Ontario needs an action plan, with ongoing provincial funding, to keep this housing affordable and in […]
Continue ReadingSustaining Ontario Social Housing Download PublicationOntario Social Housing Policy Brief
The number of Ontario households with significant repair issues is growing and Wellesley Institute is concerned about the impact of housing disrepair on tenants’ health and well-being. The province can mitigate the increasing state of disrepair in private rental housing through a comprehensive policy approach that invests in repair and prevents further deterioration. By clarifying […]
Continue ReadingHealthy Rental Housing Download PublicationHealthy Rental Housing Policy Brief
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.