Speaking at the Canadian Urban Institute’s breakfast seminar on January 13, Dr. J. David Hulchanski, one of Toronto Neighbourhoods Research Network’s conveners and professor in the Faculty of Social Work, spoke on the issue of Toronto’s growing income gap.

Hulchanski’s research, posits three “cities” that make up Toronto based on income level. The middle income “city” is getting smaller with every census count, the top is predominantly “white” as self-identified in the census, and the low income “city” comprises 40 per cent of the city’s population and is composed of:

• 34 per cent self-identifying as “white”
• 12 per cent “black”
• 15 per cent “Chinese”
• 20 per cent “Asian”
• And 19 per cent “other”

Hulchanski noted that these figures continue to point towards growing inequality by geography and he recommends all levels of government should continue to emphasize the importance of putting neightbourhoods on the public policy agenda. His specific recommendations included inclusionary zoning, rental housing rehabilitation, and redirecting the provincial share of land transfer tax to municipalities.

There are other reports that support Hulchanski’s findings as well, including Poverty By Postal Code, a report prepared jointly by United Way of Greater Toronto and the Canadian Council on Social Development. This report also illustrates the income gap is widening in Toronto and neighbourhood poverty has intensified. Their recommendations include creating employment and retraining opportunities and making housing affordable in all areas of the city.

You can download more detailed information about Hulchanski’s research from the Centre for Urban & Community Studies website.