Changing Landscapes: Recent Immigrants Living in York Region

» For immigrants who had lived in Canada for six
to 10 years (those who arrived between 1996
to 2000), the proportion who spent 50 per cent
or more of their gross household income on
housing was closer to the percentage of nonimmigrant
households that spent 50 per cent
or more of their gross household income on
housing (24 per cent vs. 10 per cent).
Percentage of Recent Immigrants
» Compared to Ontario and the GTA, York Region
had the highest proportion of recent immigrant
households, regardless of housing tenure, who
spent 50 per cent or more of their household
income on housing costs.
Figure 12: Recent Immigrant Tenants and Owners Who Spent 50% or More on Housing, Ontario and GTA Municipalities, 2005
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
27.0%
25.1%
35.7% 34.8%
28.8%
29.6%
24.3%
22.4%
Ontario and GTA Municipality
26.6%
Tenants Owners
28.6%
20.8% 20.6%
Ontario York Toronto Peel Halton Durham
Notes: The year 2005 is the reference period for housing cost reported in 2006 Census.
Recent immigrants in this chart are defined as those who arrived in Canada during 2000 and 2006 due to data available.
Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census, Custom Tabulations.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN:
The relatively low supply of a full mix and range of housing including affordable housing
for low and moderate income families and special needs accommodation in York Region,
combined with the lower income of recent immigrants, makes them vulnerable to
financial crises especially in the earlier stages of settlement.
» Need to maximize regional, provincial and federal commitments to affordable housing.
» Need to promote and support policies in the York Region Official Plan which speak to a full mix
and range of housing options to meet the diverse needs of all of the Region’s residents.
Changing Landscapes: Recent Immigrants Living in York Region
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