Report declares public housing benefits both people and the Greater Toronto economy

A collaborative representing public housing providers from Durham Region to Hamilton has released a report showing that investing in public housing helps grow the economy and improves people’s health and quality of life.

The Public Housing Dividend Report explains how public housing creates stronger, more resilient communities, using Canadian data and modelling to show how different funding choices affect both economic and social outcomes.

The GTHA Community Housing Collaborative, which brings together the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area’s six largest public housing providers in Toronto, Peel, York, Durham, Halton and Hamilton, looked at five possible approaches in its report:

• Expected funding: Keep the current system as is
• Reduced funding: Spend less on public housing
• Renewal only: Maintain and repair existing housing
• New construction only: Build new housing but do not repair existing buildings
• Renewal and construction: Repair existing housing while also building more

The best results for the community and the economy come from renewing existing housing and building new homes at the same time, according to the report.

“This approach delivers the greatest benefits, including more jobs, stronger communities, better health outcomes, increased private investment, and higher tax revenue.”

The study declared that using this approach could add this approach could add nearly $50 billion to the economy by 2050, create up to 15,000 full-time jobs each year in sectors like construction, retail and transportation, provide homes for 86,000 more people, save $1.8 billion in health care and justice system costs and generate almost $3 in value for every $1 invested.

“Public housing is not just about support – it helps drive economic growth and healthier communities. By investing in both new and existing housing, we can build a stronger economy while making sure people have stable, affordable homes,” said Erin Valant, the Director of Housing Services for Durham Region and the CEO of Housing Durham.

Her words were echoed by Gary Muller, the Director of Affordable Housing Development and Renewal at the region, who said public housing brings “stability to individuals and strength to communities.”

“This report confirms the importance of building more housing to meet demand and support long-term, inclusive growth.

The GTHA Community Housing Collaborative members represent approximately 40 per cent of all public housing in Ontario, including more than 81,500 homes. The joint portfolio asset value of the Collaborative exceeds $20 billion, and together the members serve more than 150,000 tenants.

The study is among the most detailed economic analysis on public housing investment ever done in Canada.

“Having a safe and suitable place to live is the foundation of a strong community. I’m proud of the investments Regional Council has made,” said Durham Region Chair John Henry. “This report confirms that investing in public housing leads to better health, stronger local economies and a better future for residents.”

To learn more, visit the Public Housing Dividend Report.