Worsening State of Toronto Neighborhoods

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By Elli Davis, January 21, 2011

Photo by Colin

The state of Toronto neighborhoods seems to be worsening, a study released by United Way Toronto shows. The number of high-poverty neighborhoods in the city keeps on growing and over the last thirty years, it has actually more than quadrupled.

The report finds that poverty in Toronto is very concentrated geographically, as well as in particular types of buildings. Specifically, high-rise rental buildings in the inner suburbs of the city are the places where the poverty is concentrated the most. Currently, as the study points out, about 46 percent of all housing in our city is rented and 43 percent of low-income families stay in high-rise rental buildings.

Interestingly, about 75 percent of residents think their neighborhoods are good to live in. More than half of them believe they can really depend on the help (financial or help with kids) of their neighbours and friends. The possible explanation is that people simply get used to anything, and after some time what might seem terrible to some becomes quite natural for them.