… Too many people are vying for too few homes. This has left newcomers desperate, while long-time residents flee to distant cities or other provinces. Almost everyone along the spectrum of housing is feeling the impact. For some it’s an inconvenience; for others, it means being pushed out of rooming houses and older affordable apartments as the rent goes up. The sea is rising, and only those with money can afford lifeboats.
The problem is simple: It is extremely difficult to build housing in Toronto. Apartment buildings of five stories or more are illegal on 90 per cent of land. And in house neighbourhoods full of wealthy people, large apartments are banned completely.
