Before the 1960s and until 1990, university residences were constructed to support multiple chance encounters with students on the same floor or building through shared space. Dorm life in Washburn Hall, San Jose State College, early 1970s.
(San José State University Special Collections & Archives)
Student residences built in recent decades prioritize privacy, yet research shows a lack of student socialization spaces negatively affects students’ academic performance and well-being.
Image courtesy of the Housing for the Aged Action Group
An ageing population is caught in a perfect storm of rising house prices and rents, falling home ownership rates, mortgage debt carried into retirement, insecure rentals and a lack of social housing.
People on the general waiting list can wait a decade to be housed. Even those on the priority list may wait years. Asked how the wait affects them, their responses reveal devastating impacts.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a visit to an apartment complex under construction in Hamilton, Ont., on July 31, 2023.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s comments about housing not being the primary responsibility of the federal government miss the mark.
Homelessness charity Shelter stages a protest in Westminster, highlighting the slow progress of the Renters (Reform) Bill, which promised to abolish Section 21 eviction notices.
Imageplotter/Alamy
Without state investment, strategic consideration and political support, the lessons learned since the start of the pandemic on the importance to society of a place to call home will be lost.
YIMBYs and NIMBYs agree on one thing – they both want to live in desirable heritage neighbourhoods. And despite heritage being blamed for lack of new housing in these areas, it’s not the real issue.
A ferry serving the Outer Hebrides, in the harbour at Uig.
Lukassek/Shutterstock
While it was hoped that having an AFL team at last would bring Tasmanians together, some believe it has split them politically.
Thick plumes of heavy smoke fill the Halifax sky as an out-of-control fire in a suburban community quickly spreads, engulfing multiple homes and forcing the evacuation of local residents on May 28, 2023.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kelly Clark
Though accessory dwelling units have been around for centuries, a recent survey found that 71% of Americans were unfamiliar with the concept.
To address the growing urban population, along with the joint affordability and environmental crises, Canada needs to build more affordable, energy-efficient buildings.
(Shutterstock)
In order to ensure new multi-unit housing prioritizes comfort and health, future residents and building owners should know what design choices to advocate for.
There are no ‘silver bullet’ solutions to a crisis that has left both renters and owners struggling. Only a comprehensive package of bold policies can ensure all Australians are securely housed.
Many international students face abuse and struggle to find decent and affordable housing.
(Shutterstock)
Canadian universities host thousands of international students, many of whom come from India. While all these students need housing, many face discrimination in the rental market.
Cities across Canada are rapidly losing affordable housing. Provincial and federal governments aren’t helping, so it’s up to cities to start taking action themselves.
The housing crisis coupled with climate change could see more people living in the kinds of shanty towns and tent cities seen around the time of the Great Depression.