Housing Affordability

 

York Region is committed to providing complete communities with a full range of housing options to meet the needs of residents of all ages, abilities, income levels and stages of life. 

With input and support from the development industry, other levels of government, housing providers and other stakeholders, York Region continues to work toward innovative solutions to housing affordability.

A consolidated approach to addressing housing challenges with actions to increase affordable and community housing supply will be laid out in the next 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan.

York Region's 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan 

Monitoring Housing Affordability

Every year, York Region monitors affordability of new ownership housing and the supply of new purpose-built rental housing.

The 2023 Measuring and Monitoring analysis identifies a lack of new affordable housing options in York Region, which continues to be a challenge throughout the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA). There were no new ownership units deemed affordable in 2023 for moderate-income households. 

Previous annual measuring and monitoring reports:

Housing Affordability Task Force

In February 2021, York Regional Council declared an affordable housing crisis in York Region and established a Housing Affordability Task Force to help address affordability issues and initiate actionable change. Council reinforced building complete communities and addressing ongoing affordability challenges is only possible through partnerships, innovation and policy.

The Housing Affordability Task Force is  comprised of the Regional Chairman and the mayors of each local municipality, prioritizing addressing challenges in the housing market in York Region. 

Private Market Affordable Housing Incentives

An updated 2023 Housing Needs Analysis confirmed York Region has a lack of purpose built rental and affordable ownership housing options. It’s imperative to address the needs of renter households across a variety of incomes and characteristics. 

A Preliminary List of Options identifies considerations for York Region to improve housing affordability recognizing the findings of the Needs Analysis, existing tools, legislation and context.

Find out more about Land Development in York Region for information on current development incentives to encourage an increase in affordable housing options.

Subsidized Housing and Community Housing

Subsidized housing provides affordable housing for individuals, families and seniors with low-to moderate-incomes. York Region administers and funds subsidized housing in all nine cities and towns for eligible households who do not have enough income and/or assets to pay market rent.

York Region offers a number of housing programs through the centralized subsidized housing wait list, including: 

  • Subsidized units at community housing locations
  • Rent supplement units offered through participating private landlords
  • Portable housing benefits to help applicants pay rent in their market rental unit

To learn more about subsidized housing in York Region, visit york.ca/ApplyForHousing  

As the largest community housing provider in York Region, Housing York Inc. provides well maintained, affordable housing options including mixed income rental apartment buildings. 

More information on housing in York Region can be found at york.ca/Housing

Related Resources

External Resources