On National Housing Day, advocates gathered in person and online to spotlight Ontario’s housing crisis, demanding systemic change to ensure access to affordable and supportive housing.

Fred Alvarado – Local Journalism Initiative

At Queen’s Park, over 100 housing advocates, professionals, and community members rallied to address homelessness and encampments. Speakers called for Premier Doug Ford’s government to implement a clear housing strategy, emphasizing investments in deeply affordable housing for vulnerable populations, particularly women. This plea carries significant weight in communities like Regent Park and Downtown East, where access to affordable housing remains a critical issue.

Meanwhile, a virtual event hosted by the New Democratic Youth focused on the housing challenges faced by students and young people. Moderated by James Adair, Young People and the Housing Crisis featured a panel with Nathi Zamisa of HOUSE Canada, Chiara Padovani from the York-South Weston Tenant Union, and NDP MPP Jessica Bell. Discussions centered on solutions such as vacancy control, building affordable housing near universities, and supporting student tenant unions. The panel also highlighted the responsibility of educational institutions to address student housing insecurity.

Both events highlighted the urgent need for action, whether through direct policy changes or community advocacy. For neighborhoods like Regent Park, these discussions reinforce the importance of collective efforts to create equitable housing opportunities for all.

National Housing Day serves as a reminder of the growing call for bold solutions to address housing affordability across Ontario.

In this episode we present the following news:

0:00 intro;
0:59 TCHC Unveils New Affordable Housing at 175 Oak Street;
05:41 Councillor Chris Moise Addresses Key Issues Impacting Toronto Centre;
14:34 National Housing Day: Advocates Demand Action on Ontario's Housing Crisis;
21:17 Youth-Led Discussion Highlights Student Housing Crisis;
25:54 Toronto City Council Divided Over Christian Heritage Month Debate;
29:19 Book Launch of Niizh by Joelle Peters Celebrates Indigenous Storytelling in Regent Park; 32:30 Events and Jobs in the community.