Why Should Joe Blow In Dog River Pay To Reduce The Cost Of Living In Toronto

Toronto the not-so Good ...

World class, maybe, but too pricey

By KEVIN CONNOR, SUN MEDIA

Toronto knocks it out of the park as a world-class city but is failing in many areas vital to continued success, a report says.

The city is innovative, prosperous, green and safe, but for most it is highly unaffordable, says Rahul Bhardwaj, president of the Toronto Community Foundation.

It's ranked 15th out of 215 global cities in a quality of living study, but it's 190th when it comes to affordable housing says a report by the foundation to be released today -- Toronto's Vital Signs 2009.

If there isn't an affordable housing initiative put in place Toronto won't be able to attract the best immigrants to replenish the workforce, Bhardwaj said yesterday.

"We will not be able to count on young families and immigrants to support our declining population and workforce because life here is getting just too hard for those just starting out," Bhardwaj said.

Many newcomers will decide to settle in other cities where the cost of living is lower.

"There is a gap between rich and poor which will reduce social cohesion increasing the risk of crime he said.

In 1970, 66% of Toronto's neighbourhoods were middle class and today that number is at 30% and is expected to be 20% by 2050.

The study shows that youth unemployment in Toronto is more than 20%, which is a 5% increase in just one year.

Canada ranks last among 14 western nations on how much is spent on early learning, childcare and kindergarten programs and 30% of children under five years of age are in low income families.

"Despite what the data suggests, demographics need not be Toronto's destiny.

"Toronto can still choose its future," Bhardwaj said.

"We believe that the knowledge and creativity that rank us so high internationally give us the tools to build a better city for the future."

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COST OF LIVING

THE PRICE OF BEING TORONTONIAN

- Congestion of Toronto roads costs each Torontonian $555 a year in lost time and vehicle operating costs.

- Fifty eight per cent say they are inactive during leisure time.

- Toronto diverted 44% of its residential waste in 2008, a 2% increase from the previous year.

- Only 39% of eligible voters turned out in the last two civic elections.

- Toronto's crime rate was 3,998 incidents per 100,000 people, well below the national average