Housing for families in the Downtown East is a growing crisis

Elspeth Chalmers –

Toronto’s Downtown East has long been a vibrant and dynam­ic area. But finding affordable, family-sized housing is becom­ing increasingly tough. As rent­al prices soar and large units re­main scarce, many families find themselves squeezed into small and costly spaces.

The area’s housing market is filled with condominiums and apartments. According to a report by the city’s planning division, four-fifths of new res­idential developments are con­dos, primarily offering one- and two-bedroom units.

Although neighbourhoods such as Riverdale offer more houses, prices there are prohib­itive for many families. A 2023 survey by the Toronto Real Es­tate Board revealed that 70 per­cent of new housing develop­ments are geared towards single professionals or couples, with one- and two-bedroom units be­ing the most common.

For families, this often means making do with what’s avail­able, compromising on space, sharing cramped quarters, or moving to less convenient areas outside the downtown core. The Toronto Star interviewed sever­al families who reported living in two-bedroom units despite needing more space; some left to Scarborough or North York in search of affordable housing.

Three-bedroom units are a rarity, and when available come with a hefty price tag. Accord­ing to the federal Canada Mort­gage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the average cost of a two-bedroom apartment in the Downtown East is about $2,800 per month, while a three-bed­room unit can cost more than $3,500 per month.

Many families are spending well above the recommended 30 percent of their income on hous­ing. According to a 2022 report by Statistics Canada focused on Toronto, nearly 40 percent of households in this area income bracket are spending more than half their income on rent.

The City of Toronto’s Hous­ingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan aims to create more affordable housing options, including fam­ily-sized units. However, the plan has been slow to roll out.

A report by the Wellesley In­stitute indicates that, as of 2023, only 15 percent of its planned affordable units have been com­pleted. Community organiza­tions like the East Toronto Fam­ily Coalition and the Leslieville Residents Association continue to advocate development of larg­er rental units and preservation of existing affordable housing.

Without concerted efforts from both government and community stakeholders, the dream of living and thriving in the Downtown East will remain out of reach for many families.