The hybrid event, titled "A Path Toward Equitable Housing: Reimagining Ontario's Rental Housing," was hosted on September 17th, 2024, at the World Urban Pavilion (WUP). This session was part of the WUP's Canada Frontrunner of Urban SDGs program and was selected as part of UN-Habitat's Urban Thinkers Campus, with this years major theme was Housing Matters. 

The session brought together key organizations and urban experts including UN-Habitat, Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament of Parkdale-High Park, the Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations, High Park Tenants' Association, and several international housing experts. Alex Venuto, Deputy Director of the World Urban Pavilion, moderated the event, facilitating a critical discussion on the current state of Ontario's rental market and the urgent need for reforms. The event aimed to address rent control, housing policy, and urban Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), bringing a wide range of perspectives to the table. It also aimed to strengthen a regional network to advocate for housing rights in Ontario.

The first major topic discussed was rent control models from around the world. UN-Habitatis' Nanor Karageozian, Data Specialist, SDG Localization and Local Governments, UN-Habitat presented various approaches to rent control, comparing Ontario’s policies with models that have proven effective in other regions. Speakers also emphasized the benefits of stronger regulations to ensure fair rent pricing, while addressing concerns about market distortions and landlord practices. These comparisons helped to outline potential paths for Ontario to reform its current rent control system in a way that balances tenant protection with market sustainability.

The second key topic focused on challenges with Ontario's current rental experience. Geordie Dent, Executive Director, Federation of Metro Tenants’ Association highlighted issues such as rising rent prices, limited affordable housing, and precarious conditions for renters, particularly in urban areas. The discussion covered the negative impacts of recent changes to rent control regulations and the ways in which vulnerable populations, including low-income families and newcomers, are disproportionately affected by these market conditions. There was a consensus that Ontario’s rental market requires urgent intervention to create more equitable access to housing.

Strengthening renters' rights emerged as another critical theme, presented first by Bhutila Karpoche, Member of Provincial Parliament, Parkdale-High Park, advocating for stronger legal protections for tenants. Discussions centered on the need for improved mechanisms for renters to challenge unfair practices, enforceable standards for housing quality, and greater accountability for landlords. The conversation also explored the notion of reinstating rent control, which was removed back in 2018, which has adversly affected many people living in rental units build after November 15, 2018.

Throughout the event, speakers offered recommendations that were aimed at guiding future policy development. These recommendations included reforming Ontario’s rent control laws, increasing the supply of affordable housing, and creating a framework for tenant advocacy. The insights gathered from the discussion were consolidated into a final report, which was shared with the UN-Habitat’s World Urban Campaign to contribute to broader global discussions on sustainable and equitable urban development.

You can view the video here.