Ontario may soon count student residences as homes in order to reach its housing goal, according to a recent proposal.
The provincial government has set a goal to create 30,000 new housing units per year for the next decade. However, with the rising cost of housing and limited availability, this goal has proven to be a challenge.
In an effort to meet this target, the government is considering counting student residences as homes. This would include both on-campus and off-campus housing for post-secondary students.
Currently, student residences are not included in the official housing count, as they are considered temporary accommodations. However, with the growing number of students in Ontario and the demand for affordable housing, this proposal could potentially provide a significant boost to the housing supply.
According to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, there are approximately 600,000 students enrolled in post-secondary institutions across the province. By counting student residences as homes, it is estimated that an additional 40,000 units could be added to the housing supply each year.
This proposal has received mixed reactions from housing experts and stakeholders. Some argue that including student residences in the housing count would inflate the numbers and not accurately reflect the true housing needs of the province. Others believe that it is a necessary step to address the housing crisis and provide more affordable options for students.
The government has not yet made a final decision on whether to count student residences as homes. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing stated that they are still in the process of reviewing the proposal and consulting with stakeholders.
In the meantime, the government is also exploring other solutions to increase the housing supply, such as promoting the development of secondary suites and encouraging the construction of more affordable housing units.
The issue of affordable housing in Ontario is a complex and pressing one. While the proposal to count student residences as homes may be met with some skepticism, it is clear that action needs to be taken to address the housing crisis. The government’s decision on this matter will have a significant impact on the future of housing in the province.
