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Closing the Gap: Understanding Canada’s Housing Crisis 2024

The housing market in Canada is currently grappling with a significant and unprecedented challenge – a widening gap between population growth and housing completions. This growing disparity has far-reaching implications, impacting economic, physical, and mental well-being, and posing a threat to Canada’s status as a prosperous and upwardly mobile society.

Understanding the Housing Disparity
Recent research, including a study by the Fraser Institute, has revealed the severity of the housing shortage in Canada. The study compared annual population growth with housing completions between 1972 and 2022, uncovering that the gap between the number of homes needed and the number being built has never been wider. For instance, from 2018 to 2022, Canada’s population grew by an average of 553,568 people annually, while only 205,762 new homes were built each year on average during the same period. This imbalance has led to soaring housing costs and affordability challenges for many Canadians, with the gap between the number of homes produced and the number needed at a 50-year high

Impact of Population Growth
The surge in population, largely driven by immigration, has significantly outpaced the rate of housing completions, further exacerbating the housing shortage. The study revealed that the influx of new residents has led to a surge in housing demand, making it increasingly difficult for the housing market to keep pace with the growing population. This imbalance has led to a situation where housing completions have equaled less than 40% of population growth over the last five years, underscoring the magnitude of the housing shortage

Policy Implications and Solutions
The widening gap between housing demand and supply has prompted calls for urgent policy interventions to address the housing crisis. The Fraser Institute’s research emphasizes that unless meaningful efforts are made to close this gap, affordable housing will remain out of reach for an ever-greater share of the population, with detrimental effects on living standards across the country. The study also highlights the need to streamline regulations and increase the supply of housing to bridge the widening gap between demand and supply. Easing zoning laws and facilitating new construction are cited as potential solutions to alleviate the acute shortage of housing in Canada

In conclusion, Canada’s growing housing gap poses a significant threat to the country’s economic and social well-being. The disparity between population growth and housing completions has reached unprecedented levels, leading to soaring housing costs and affordability challenges. Urgent policy measures and increased housing supply are essential to bridge this gap and ensure that affordable housing remains accessible to the population.

sources:
The Star
Yahoo
Fraser Institute
Fraser Institute
Fraser Institute
Story’s
Yahoo Finance
Real Economy
True North

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Understanding Landlord Rights in Ontario: Evictions, Court Claims, and Protecting Your Property

Introduction:

In Ontario, Canada, landlords have specific rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, and other relevant legislations. One of the main rights landlords have is the right to evict tenants under specific circumstances, which include the need for demolition or renovation, personal use of the property, illegal activities, nuisance, damage to premises, and disturbance to the quiet enjoyment of the landlord and other tenants. Landlords may apply to the Landlord and tenant board for relief. In addition, landlords have the right to proceed in Superior Court for matters involving more than $35,000 and can make claims for unpaid rent.

Eviction for Demolition or Renovation:

Landlords in Ontario have the right to evict tenants if they plan to demolish the property or perform extensive renovations that require the building to be vacant. However, landlords must provide proper notice and, in some cases, compensation to the tenants. If the landlord intends to renovate and then re-rent the property, the tenant has the right of first refusal to return to the renovated unit at the same rent.

Eviction for Personal Use

Landlords also have the right to evict tenants if they or their immediate family members wish to move into the property.
In this case, proper notice and compensation may be required, and the landlord or their family must occupy the property for at least one year.

Eviction for Illegal Activities:

Landlords can evict tenants who are involved in illegal activities on the property. This includes illegal drug production, trafficking, or any other illegal activities that are prohibited by law.

Eviction for Nuisance and Disturbance:

Landlords have the right to evict tenants who cause a nuisance or disturb the quiet enjoyment of the landlord or other tenants. This can include excessive noise, harassment, or any other actions that interfere with the rights of others.

Eviction for Damage to Premises:

Landlords can evict tenants who cause significant damage to the property. The landlord must prove that the damage was caused by the tenant or their guests, and that it is not the result of normal wear and tear.

Claims for Unpaid Rent:

Landlords have the right to make claims for unpaid rent. If a tenant fails to pay rent on time, the landlord can provide a notice to end the tenancy and, if the tenant does not pay within the specified time, can proceed with the eviction process.

Right to Proceed in Superior Court:

In Ontario, landlords have the right to proceed to the Landlord and Tenant Board for relief and to the Superior Court for matters involving more than $35,000. This can include claims for extensive property damage, unpaid rent, or other significant breaches of the lease agreement.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, landlords in Ontario have specific rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, and other relevant legislations. These rights include applications to Landlord & Tenant Board to evict tenants under specific circumstances, such as the need for demolition or renovation, personal use of the property, illegal activities, nuisance, damage to premises, and disturbance to the quiet enjoyment of the landlord and other tenants. In addition, landlords have the right to proceed in Superior Court for matters involving more than $35,000 and can make claims for unpaid rent. It is important for landlords to understand their rights and obligations and to consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with the law.

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