Canada's Housing Crisis: The Struggle for Affordable Living

Across Canada, soaring housing prices have turned once-ignored towns like Chilliwack into refuge spots for those forced out of major urban centers, a focus for voters as elections approach.

Chilliwack, British Columbia, is witnessing a significant influx of new residents fleeing the unaffordability of Vancouver, Canada’s priciest housing market. Among the newcomers is Janet Robertson, who faced eviction from her Vancouver apartment after two decades. Finding that even suburban listings were beyond her means, she relocated to Chilliwack, which is approximately 60 miles away.

"Coming to Chilliwack was my only option," Ms. Robertson explained. This formerly rural area has become a popular destination for city-dwellers seeking affordable housing, reversing its former reputation among city residents.

The overall housing crisis in Canada has escalated to alarming levels, leading to clear political ramifications. As homeownership becomes elusive for many, renting has also grown increasingly unaffordable, especially for first-time buyers. With national elections set for April 28, housing costs have emerged as a leading concern for voters.

Urban regions across Canada are now highlighted for their exorbitant housing prices, making them some of the costliest locations globally to purchase or rent a home. In Toronto, for instance, the average price of a single-family home has surged to around 1.4 million Canadian dollars (approximately $1 million), compared to 970,000 dollars (around $700,000) just a few years ago in 2020. This relentless increase in housing costs paints a stark picture of the growing issue, compelling many to advocate for immediate reforms and solutions as they approach the polls.