Affordable Housing

Mass timber is increasingly being used in housing construction, not just for its environmental benefits but as smart business. A recent article in Sustainable Biz Canada, copied in the Real Estate News Exchange, noted 140 projects under construction or planned. Wood absorbs carbon dioxide that contributes to climate warming, while traditional materials like concrete or … Read more

A third of Canadians rent their homes, and they should have the same security as homeowners. But they don’t. Except in Prince Edward Island, landlords across Canada can raise the rent by any amount when a unit becomes vacant. It’s called “vacancy decontrol”—the rent isn’t controlled when a unit becomes vacant or the tenancy of … Read more

Tenant unions have had success at individual buildings and in specific areas of cities. Now, tenants in Toronto have come together to form a city-wide organization to build their bargaining power with landlords. One of the leaders is Sharlene Henry, who spoke at our Affordable Housing Team’s tenant forum in November 2024. Learn more here: … Read more

On Sunday, Prime Minister Mark Carney gave an update on his government’s initiatives that included the following statement about housing: “On housing, we’re taking a solution from the past, modernizing it, and creating a new housing agency to build affordable homes faster and transform the housing sector in the process. It’s already up and running. … Read more

There were 2,247 individuals known to be homeless in Hamilton in March. That’s up 13 per cent since December and a new record, topping the records set in January and then again in February. There were twice as many people experiencing homelessness in March this year than there were in March five years ago.  A … Read more