Abby Russchen –
Affordable housing is the primary concern for four out of five Moss Park residents surveyed by the Moss Park Coalition, a community group.
The coalition went to multiple community gatherings in Moss Park over the last few months to talk to residents and non-residents.Respondents could choose from ten provided issues or add their own. Some participants picked more than one main option.
The survey received 87 responses, of which 43 were from Moss Park residents; 42 lived in Toronto Community Housing (TCH), and 33 were both Moss Park and TCH residents.
David Anderson, a prominent figure in the survey and data collection, said recent development near Moss Park, such as the Ontario Line construction, sparked the survey with hopes for a community benefits agreement. “The subway is also causing a lot of transit-oriented displacement, and it’s causing a lot of development pressure,” he said.
Moss Park is undergoing at least 10 redevelopment projects, with more pending approval. Some developments will bring more housing to the area, albeit not affordable.
The second most-pressing issue residents identified was community safety, with 56 percent of respondents naming it as top priority. Ahsen Bhatti, a local community organizer and volunteer who analyzed participants’ top five main concerns, said respondents who chose this option cited violence and fear of being alone.
Protection for tenants was the third concern, selected by 52 percent of respondents. “This really comes back to both affordable housing [and] bad landlords,” said David Roberts, coalition member and associate professor at the University of Toronto. “A lot of new tenants might not be that aware of the rights or legal protections they have,” Bhatti said.
Tied for third most-cited concern was the need for employment opportunities. Metrolinx indicated it would try to hire local residents for the Ontario Line construction, but has yet to make much progress, said Roberts.
Moss Park is home to many new Canadians who have difficulties getting their credentials recognized and finding jobs in their field, Roberts said. In addition, Canadian companies look for Canadian work experience.
Food access was the fifth top priority, selected by 46 percent of respondents. “With the concentration of poverty in the neighbourhood and a rise in costs of living, both from rent but also from everything else, it’s not that surprising that there are people experiencing food insecurity,” Roberts said.
Other major concerns for respondents were parks and green spaces, better community consultations, community spaces and resources, affordable commercial spaces and procurement opportunities.
Anderson said he hopes the survey will encourage prospective developers in Moss Park to first consult residents about their needs.
“We’re really hoping that this process is going to empower Moss Park residents … build their confidence, build their skills and make them want to get more involved.”
