Together we can Make Rental Happen
Building a complete community in York Region starts with building a healthy housing market. It should have a full mix of housing options as the core of our economic competitiveness, social well-being, and community health.
Our population and urban structure are growing and changing, and our housing options need to do the same. We need a suitable mix of housing that offers options for all income levels and gives all residents a place to call home and a foundation to thrive.
Learn more about the following initiatives and plans that will help make rental happen over the next decade:
Rental Housing Incentives Research by Ryerson University
In 2015, the Human Services Planning Board partnered with Ryerson University to research the type and amount of incentives needed to re-engage the private sector in building rental housing. A graduate student planning studio asked students to explore new ideas and consider innovative solutions to the housing challenge currently facing York Region. This project had two phases:
- Identify the most effective type and amount of incentives that regional and municipal governments can implement to make building rental housing achievable for the private sector in York Region.
- Identify the corporate structure needed within York Region to effectively implement a rental housing incentives program.
Encouraging Rental Housing in York Region - Executive Summary
Encouraging Rental Housing in York Region - Final Report
Make Rental Happen for Seniors
The Human Services Planning Board of York Region hosted the Make Rental Happen for Seniors Breakfast Discussion on September 17, 2014 at the M.L. McConaghy Seniors’ Centre in the Town of Richmond Hill.
The event brought together local leaders, human services organizations, seniors groups, developers, government, and industry experts to re-think housing for seniors.
The discussion was sponsored by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and The Regional Municipality of York, with Community and Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS) helping plan the discussion.
Lack of rental housing affects everyone. The challenge is even more critical for seniors who want to live in the community they know and where they are comfortable. The challenge to find adequate housing for seniors is real and is happening now.
Presentations
The story of need and opportunities
Arlene Etchen, Senior Research Consultant, CMHC
The story of building solutions for seniors
Christine Pacini, Founding Partner, SHS Consulting
The Abbeyfield story
Jim Galloway, Director of Development, Abbeyfield Canada
Make Rental Happen for Jobs
Make Rental Happen for Jobs
The Human Services Planning Board of York Region hosted the Make Rental Happen for Jobs Breakfast Discussion on February 27, 2015 at the Markham Convergence Centre in the City of Markham.
The event brought together corporate leaders, business owners, human services agencies, the building industry and government to discuss how more housing options will help grow the York Region economy and build stronger businesses.
The discussion was sponsored by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and The Regional Municipality of York.
A shortage of rental housing affects everyone. Not being able to live and work within the same community has a big impact on the bottom line for business. Creating a full mix of housing options, including rental housing, ensures our communities remain healthy and economically competitive.
The Housing Reality
In the last decade in York Region, house prices have increased an average of 87 per cent, while hourly wages have only risen 26 per cent. Many people are being forced to live beyond their means or move outside the region. Through the work of the Human Services Planning Board, we are trying to change this.
A big reason for the lack of housing affordability in York Region is because there is a very limited supply of rental housing. York Region's housing market has the lowest percentage of rental housing in the GTA.
Essentially no new private rental housing has been built in the last decade, which means little to no choice for those who cannot afford to buy a home such as new graduates, young families, newcomers and seniors. The impacts of this are wide ranging with increased gridlock, lack of young, professional workers, inability to afford basic needs and difficulty attracting new business.
Continue to follow our efforts to make rental happen on Twitter using #MakeRentalHappen.
Make Rental Happen Story Map
Rental housing is a vital component of the housing market. However, the reality is that it is under supplied in York Region. Rental housing traditionally provides housing options to young people and seniors who do not wish to own and to low and moderate income residents unable to purchase a home. To learn more about where some rental housing is located and what it looks like in York Region, check out our interactive Make Rental Happen story map.
The Reality of the Rental and Ownership Market in York Region
Check out the infographic The Reality of the Rental and Ownership Market in York Region and Did You Know section for more facts about housing in York Region and find out how you can get involved.
We have more than 20 videos! Here are three ways to view them:
- Select "PLAY ALL" to view all of the videos.
- Select “PLAYLIST” in the top left-hand corner and select a video from the playlist on the right.
- View the videos on YouTube. The playlist is available on the right.
"Make Rental Happen" is an initiative of the Human Services Planning Board of York Region. Find out more about the Human Services Planning Board of York Region (HSPB-YR).
