#ONpoli Election 2025 Major Issues: Housing & Affordability
Feb 18 2025
With only 9 days left until Election Day, lets spend the next few days looking at major issues that are of concern to many residents who call Etobicoke home.
Housing is a major issue across all levels of government today and this provincial election is highlighting the crisis we see across Ontario today. Etobicoke is not able to hide from this problem and many families are struggling to keep up with rising rents, while home ownership feels out of reach for many, and tenants face renovictions with a lack of affordable options. The decisions made in this election will shape the future of our neighborhoods—who can afford to stay, who is forced to leave, and what kind of community we build together.
The Housing Crisis in Etobicoke
Rents are skyrocketing – The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto has climbed well past $2,500/month. In Etobicoke, once considered a more affordable option, rental prices have surged, pushing lower-income families, students, and seniors out of the area.
Affordable housing is in short supply – Waiting lists for subsidized and supportive housing stretch for years, while new developments are often luxury condos with few affordable units.
Renovictions & Demovictions are on the rise – Many long-time tenants are being pushed out under the guise of renovations or redevelopment. The lack of strong renter protections means tenants are often left fighting to stay in their homes.
Home Ownership is out of reach – With high prices and rising interest rates, younger generations and middle-income families are struggling to buy homes, even in areas that were once considered attainable.
What Can Be Done?
This election, candidates must answer tough questions about housing. Some of the key policy solutions on the table include:
Stronger Rent Control & Tenant Protections – Should all rental units, including those built after 2018, be covered under rent control laws? Will candidates commit to ending renovictions and enforcing stronger protections for tenants?
Building More Affordable & Non-Market Housing – Governments have historically relied on private developers to meet housing demand, but it hasn’t worked. Will candidates push for more deeply affordable, purpose-built rental housing? Will they support investments in co-ops, community land trusts, and non-profit housing solutions?
Zoning & Housing Supply – Will Etobicoke neighborhoods embrace more mid-rise and missing middle housing (duplexes, triplexes, and low-rise apartments) to increase affordability? How will candidates balance intensification with adding to the community the much needed infrastructure and services required for this type of update ?
Speculation & Vacancy Taxes – How will candidates address housing speculation and empty homes? Should we follow other jurisdictions in implementing stricter vacancy taxes to curb real estate speculation?
What This Means for Etobicoke Voters
Housing is not just a policy issue—it affects the daily lives of thousands of residents. Whether you’re a renter, a homeowner, or someone trying to break into the market, this election is your chance to demand real solutions.
*Ask your candidates: What’s the plan to make housing more affordable?
*Share your story: How has the housing crisis impacted you?
*Vote for the future you want to see!
Housing is on the ballot. Will our next representatives take bold action, or will the crisis continue? That choice is up to us!
Remember that advance polls are open Feb 20 - 22 and that Election Day is next week, Feb 27. There is still plenty of time to connect with your riding candidates to have an open conversation on the issues that affect our communities.
If you are a candidate who is running in this provincial election, reach out at TheEtobicokeVoice@gmail.com and let me know who you are, why you are running, and your vision for Etobicoke and I may be able to introduce you to the our loyal Etobicoke Voice readers!
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