gimme shelter! The housing crisis - why it exists and what can be done
COURSE FULL. PLEASE SEND US E-MAIL AT [email protected] TO GO ONTO THE WAITING LIST
Housing is one of the most basic human needs – and rights. In the developing world housing is an existential issue for many. In our developed world the housing problem may not be at that level, but it’s a crisis nevertheless. All kinds of people do not have affordable housing that meets the basic need to accommodate their families in dignity and reasonably close to where they earn a living. Less advantaged and even middle class people are being driven out of city cores by the wealthy who may acquire property solely as a place to park money, not to live in. Millennials are particularly affected. Many have precarious work and student debt, and cannot begin to afford decent, convenient accommodation.
Why is this the case? Simple. It’s a political decision. It’s another manifestation of the politics of neo-liberalism, where the idea of protecting valuable areas for affordable housing is a non-starter. Almost every country and city has allowed, even encouraged, gentrification and development for the rich. It’s about development fees and property taxes. It’s also about economic policies that have inflated asset prices way beyond what is logical. It’s really about who has political power at all levels of government. Toronto is no better than London, New York or almost any other “rich” city.
It IS possible to turn this around. It may not be easy and there would be resistance but it can be done. In this course we’ll look at the extent of the housing crisis globally; what policies have contributed to it and what policies could turn it around. We’ll look at jurisdictions that have done better than us and what lessons we can learn from them.
Moderator: John Simke
Date and Time: May 10 to 31 (4 weeks) from 2-4 PM
Location: OISE, 252 Bloor Street West, Room TBD
Cost: $24
Maximum Class Size: 30
Booking: Book below: See Terms and Conditions. Please note, maximum of two spots per person. When the course is full, to go onto the waiting list, please send us an e-mail at [email protected]
Why is this the case? Simple. It’s a political decision. It’s another manifestation of the politics of neo-liberalism, where the idea of protecting valuable areas for affordable housing is a non-starter. Almost every country and city has allowed, even encouraged, gentrification and development for the rich. It’s about development fees and property taxes. It’s also about economic policies that have inflated asset prices way beyond what is logical. It’s really about who has political power at all levels of government. Toronto is no better than London, New York or almost any other “rich” city.
It IS possible to turn this around. It may not be easy and there would be resistance but it can be done. In this course we’ll look at the extent of the housing crisis globally; what policies have contributed to it and what policies could turn it around. We’ll look at jurisdictions that have done better than us and what lessons we can learn from them.
Moderator: John Simke
Date and Time: May 10 to 31 (4 weeks) from 2-4 PM
Location: OISE, 252 Bloor Street West, Room TBD
Cost: $24
Maximum Class Size: 30
Booking: Book below: See Terms and Conditions. Please note, maximum of two spots per person. When the course is full, to go onto the waiting list, please send us an e-mail at [email protected]