ONPHA 2014 Waiting Lists Survey Report

More people are waiting for housing in Ontario than ever before.

In 2013, 165,069 families, seniors, and individuals were on local waiting lists for rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing. That means that 3.17 per cent of all households in the province were waiting for an affordable and secure home. The waiting list total rose by 4.2 per cent in 2013, the largest in year-over-year increase since 2010.

Local solutions have helped address the affordable housing crisis in our province. As service managers responsible for housing, municipalities, counties, and district services boards have developed innovative strategies to help residents in their community. From improving the way they operate their waiting list to building more affordable housing, service managers are alleviating pressure on the waiting lists. But, they cannot solve the problem alone.

In its tenth year, the Waiting Lists Survey Report reveals the reality of housing in Ontario. The Report tell us that:

• Affordability continues to be the largest challenge in securing and maintaining housing. As the price of homes rises faster than median income, people are priced out of their communities.
• The average wait for RGI housing in Ontario in 2013 was 3.89 years. In some areas, families spent almost 10 years on a waiting list before receiving an offer.
• People are staying in RGI housing for longer periods of time. Units turn over less quickly, meaning that less people can be housed from the waiting lists.
• Waiting lists across the province continue to reflect a 1:2:3 ratio. This means that for every household that secures housing from the waiting list, two applications are cancelled and three new applications are submitted.

An investment in housing is an investment in the future of Ontario. Sustained funding for affordable housing will not just reduce waiting list totals — it will also generate benefits to our economy, our workforce, our healthcare system, and our students’ success. Service managers are working hard to improve local opportunities and outcomes. It is now up to the federal and provincial governments to provide dedicated, long-term funding that strengthens communities and ensures everyone has a safe place to call home.