The people who make our cities work have run out of affordable places to live.
To our government leaders and civil society:
I was not born here, but I have lived in Canada’s most populous urban region, the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, for almost four decades and like so many, I have grown to love this place.
As an architect and urban planner, I’ve marveled as we transformed into a world-class region, generating 20% of Canada’s GDP, with vibrant diverse neighbourhoods, exciting sports, a thriving arts and culture scene, and a hub for tech innovation.
Most importantly I’ve been inspired by the many individuals and groups whose passion for city-building has shaped not just a city, but a true home — a place where so many of us feel a deep sense of belonging.
But the people who make this place work — who make it so unique — are rapidly being squeezed out, unable to afford housing here.
That’s not an opinion — it’s fact.
50% of middle-income households earn between $40,000 and $125,000 a year. And most can’t afford current rents, much less the downpayment needed to own a home.
What happens when our teachers, nurses, servers, clerks, transit operators, artists, writers, tradespeople, and social workers can’t afford to stay?
They leave. And we all pay the price. Because our region can’t prosper without them. CivicAction’s founder, the late David Pecaut, believed in our region’s unique capacity for collective leadership — that diverse leaders, working together, could solve complex problems.
He was right then. He’s even more right now. It’s time to act.
CivicAction has recruited leaders from across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to join our Housing Affordability Collaborative.
This group is united in our commitment to practical solutions that when implemented simultaneously, will speed and scale housing affordability for key workers.
Our priority actions are pragmatic and achievable if we act fast and work together.
We’re calling on all governments to work together with the private and nonprofit sectors to commit to these actions. We’ve got no time to wait.
Join us at missionaffordable.ca
Sincerely,
Leslie Woo CEO, Civic Action
THREE PRIORITY AREAS FOR ACTION
Effective Financial Incentives
MODERNIZE FEDERAL HOUSING PROGRAMS.
Strengthen existing federal Canadian Housing & Mortgage Corporation (CMHC) and Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) programs by adding middle-income households as an eligible category for preferential financing.
Unlock private investment.
Reform lending policies to loosen restrictions on debt service coverage ratios, reduce levies, add tax incentives, launch loan guarantees that all target housing for middle-income workers, making it easier for private and not for profit developers to borrow and build affordable homes.
Regional Policy Alignment
Fast-track what matters most.
The Government of Ontario, establish a standardized, fast-tracked approval process with all GTHA municipalities for those housing developments that prioritize affordability for middle income households.
Use public land for public good.
Prioritize the use of federal, provincial, and municipal public lands for affordable middle-income homes creating complete, connected communities and neighbourhoods.
Housing Innovation
Embrace next-generation construction.
Launch an improved version of CMHC's Rapid Housing Initiative that aligns planning and financing to supercharge off-site housing construction methods, increasing the completion of affordable housing projects that serve middle-income workers.
Grow the skilled workforce.
Accelerate training and certification programs for skilled trades as a path for viable employment and economic stability for newcomers, youth, women, and other priority communities in the GTHA.
ENDORSED BY THE MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS OF CIVICACTION’S HOUSING AFFORDABILITY COLLABORATIVE
“Due to rising rent, we had to move. Given the lack of affordable housing and accessibility restrictions for aging family members, we’ve relocated far away from our previous home.
It’s made maintaining friendships and serving the community much more difficult, both personally and professionally, especially with the increased cost and complexity of longer commutes and limited transit options.”
