TF VitalSigns2023 Tagged Nov14

Toronto's Vital Signs: 2023 SPECIAL REPORT
Toronto’s
2023 SPECIAL REPORT
The
Power of Us
Toronto Foundation is situated on the traditional
territories of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishinabek
Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. While
Indigenous communities in Toronto remain
strong, vibrant and resilient, they need consistent,
active and long-term support to address and
overcome the impact of colonialism and systemic
inequalities. Furthering Indigenous reconciliation
and sovereignty are integral to achieving a more
fair and just society, where everyone can thrive.
ABOUT TORONTO FOUNDATION
Purpose
We aim to create a more fair and just society, where
everyone can thrive by mobilizing those with resources
and the will to partner with others. The new philanthropy
focuses on co-creating a society that fights exclusion
and marginalization, creates a sense of wellbeing and
belonging, and promotes trust.
Mission
To connect philanthropy to community needs
and opportunities.
Vision
A city of informed, engaged philanthropists
accelerating meaningful change for all.
Values
Brave, thoughtful action. Humility in our
relationships. Public trust above all.
CONTENTS
3 Table of Contents
4 Acknowledgements
6 Your City Needs You
8 Research Report Meets Campaign
10 Executive Summary:
The Findings and Our Future
20 Civic Engagement 80 Work
32 State of the Sector:

90 Getting Around
Toronto Nonprofits
100 Safety
34 Health
112 Housing
46 Learning
122 Income and Wealth

58 Arts, Culture and Recreation
70 Environment
132 Appendix
137 Endnotes
TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are grateful to the numerous individuals whose
contributions and support have been instrumental
in the development of this report.
All opinions and interpretations in this report are LEAD RESEARCHER
solely those of the author and editorial team and AND AUTHOR
do not necessarily reflect the perspectives of any Steven Ayer
organizations or people we acknowledge here. LEAD QUALITATIVE
RESEARCHER
We are also grateful to the founders of Toronto’s
Jo-Anne Liburd
Vital Signs Report, Maytree and Laidlaw Foundation,
and, in particular, Alan Broadbent and Nathan Gilbert, RESEARCH CONTRIBUTOR
who created the model in 2001 to monitor quality of Paul Anderson
life in Toronto. The report found its home at Toronto COPY EDITOR AND
Foundation in 2003 to allow for long-term stewardship PROOFREADER
and to catalyze the findings. Since 2006, Community Jennifer D. Foster
Foundations of Canada has coordinated the national
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
and international replication of Vital Signs, which is AND PRODUCER
now being used by 32 Canadian communities and Toronto Foundation staff
80 globally.
DESIGN
Gravity

QUOTED IN THIS REPORT
The following people provided their valuable perspectives in this report:
Akosua Alagaratnam Cara Eaton Deena Ladd Jay Pitter, MES

First Work Volunteer Toronto Workers’ Action Centre Jay Pitter Placemaking
Sabina Ali Zahra Ebrahim Kelly Langgard Shelagh Pizey-Allen

Thorncliffe Park Monumental Toronto Arts Council/ TTCriders
Women’s Committee Toronto Arts Foundation
Maureen Fair Rosemary Powell
Shaneeza Nazseer Ally West Neighbourhood Amanda Leo Toronto Community
For Youth Initiative House South Riverdale Benefits Network
Community
Jen Angel Annie Hodgins Mary Rowe
Health Centre
Evergreen Canadian Centre Canadian Urban Institute
for Housing Rights Emmay Mah
Paul Bailey Devika Shah
Toronto Environmental
Black Health Alliance Leah Houston Environment Funders
Alliance
MABELLEarts Canada
Pete Bombaci
Keith McCrady
GenWell Project Rob Howarth Jamison Steeve
2-Spirited People
Toronto Neighbourhood YMCA of Greater
Marva Burnett of the 1st Nations
Centres Toronto
ACORN Canada
Elizabeth McIsaac
Jin Huh Nzinga Walker
Karen Chapple Maytree
Social Planning Toronto Stella’s Place
School of Cities,
Kwame McKenzie
University of Toronto Rabia Khedr Leslie Woo
Wellesley Institute
Disability Without CivicAction
Kearie Daniel
Poverty Kizito Musabimana
Parents of Black Daniele Zanotti
Rwandan Canadian
Children Lindsay Kretschmer United Way Greater
Healing Centre
Toronto Aboriginal Toronto
Sabreena Delhon
Support Services Sree Nallamothu
Samara Centre
Council Toronto Neighbourhood
for Democracy
Centres
ADDITIONAL INDIVIDUALS CONSULTED
To the many individuals who provided data, feedback, edits, perspectives and
opinions, and helped us access research, thank you, as well. Your input was crucial.
Siri Agrell Wendy Komiotis Christopher McGarrell Pamela Uppal
Lanrick Bennett Jr. William Krueger Sevaun Palvetzian Marika Warner
Michael Cooper Alissa Latiff Andrew Parkin Dane Williams
Shannon Craig Shae London Brittany Saab Miru Yogarajah
Tai Huynh Shauna Major Garima Talwar

YOUR CITY NEEDS YOU
Crisis is the new normal. Unaffordability, homelessness, hunger, climate
change, safety. The list of pressing issues is long and overwhelming,
giving rise to new terms such as “the polycrisis.” What can possibly be
done when there is so much in front of us that needs our attention?
In creating this year’s Toronto’s Vital Signs Report, This is the stuff of social infrastructure. It’s the work
we knew we had to take a fresh approach. of the thousands of community groups in the city,
Continuing to simply raise the alarm bells on what both formal and informal, that are in service to others.
ails us is no longer working. And, frankly, there’s not What they do is sometimes hidden, most certainly
much new to say that hasn’t already been said. On undervalued, and yet, here, and only here, will we
the bright side, though, in some ways, progress has find the solutions to the challenges that vex us.
certainly been made. Our collective consciousness
has never been more attuned to the realities of
Grassroots groups rose up at the height of
inequality and all its injustices and to the immediate
the pandemic, nimbly organizing to meet basic
and future perils of a society that has lost touch with
needs for PPE, food and shelter. Coordination
its relationship to the natural world.
across community organizations and city hall,
What’s missing is a clear way out too, was never stronger. This kind of mutual
of this mess. Where do we go next? support has deep roots, particularly in
communities we often consider in-need,
We’ve been tracking the big picture on the state
rather than being part of the solution.
of the city for close to 20 years, monitoring quality
Their combined energy and expertise are
of life across 10 different issue areas. But, we are
a resource to be nurtured, not ignored.
increasingly interested in the commonalities and
intersections across topics such as housing, health,
the environment, the arts, and sports and recreation.
The connective tissue across issues is all of us —
the relationships we have with one another and our
institutions. When weak, it undermines progress
on just about everything.
The connective tissue across issues is all of us — the

relationships we have with one another and our institutions.
When weak, it undermines progress on just about everything.
Sharon Avery, President and CEO, Toronto Foundation and Fundholder, Avery Family Foundation

Herein lies the power of us. Don’t you want to believe
At Toronto Foundation, we are increasingly in Toronto again?
concerned about the social fabric of the city: New ideas. New perspectives. More hope. That’s
advancing inequality, persistent post-COVID what it will take. In other words: your city needs you.
social isolation, growing class divides between
If you’re like me, sitting back and waiting for
white-collar workers and others, poor mental
something to change is just not an option. Giving
health, deterioration of the public realm,
up on this place we call home is also a non-starter.
apparent indifference even to the suffering
It’s time to get involved, take a stand, reignite your
of others. Some people are choosing to leave;
love for Toronto.
too many young people don’t feel they have a
future here. Yes, this is another dire long list, yet So, I ask you, fellow Torontonian:
with a common thread: all of this is connected
Are you with us?
to the long-standing downward trends in civic
engagement. People are simply not as involved
in community life as they once were. The cultural
value of the collective over the individual has
somehow lost steam. And yet, we know that
greater participation is linked to better individual
mental health and life satisfaction, not to mention Sharon Avery
stronger cooperation, social harmony and overall President and CEO,
improved community outcomes. Toronto Foundation
Fundholder, Avery
Those of us who have been in this city a long time Family Foundation
remember better days. Previous Toronto’s Vital
Signs Reports have bragged about our status on
the world stage as tops in livability. We can and
must get back there, but there’s no singular
solution. It depends on each and every one of us.
We’ve moved as a city into that thing that happens

when you have high population, high stress and to some
extent low trust where you say: ‘I am going to survive
by not interacting with my environment in a normal way.’
But we told people during the pandemic to be fearful
of others and to be selfish, so people were. But there
is a whole host of power within government and civil
society that can influence other kinds of behaviours
that will help bring back the idea of the commons.
Kwame McKenzie, CEO, Wellesley Institute
and Director of Health Equity, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

RESEARCH REPORT
MEETS CAMPAIGN
The conversation around Toronto’s Vital Signs Report has always served
as a key monitor for the city’s heartbeat, but this year is different.
What we learned from last year’s second-ever As with past reports, we continue to rely
Social Capital Study is that strong social on disaggregated data to demonstrate the
connections and trust go hand-in-hand role of inequity in our understanding of the
with people’s wellbeing. So we narrowed 10 issue areas we track. This is coupled with
our scope of data to focus on our shared perspectives from a diversity of city leaders
predicament and put social connections, who helped inform our analysis and whose
mental health and the state of our public voices are featured throughout the report.
realm at the core of every chapter. It’s a However, by approaching this report through
departure from the norm, but we feel it’s the lens of social capital, you’ll find some
an essential one for the times. We’re also historical metrics that are quintessential
doubling down on action. While we can’t to Vital Signs are absent. Rest assured,
change what the data reveals, we want to many of the traditional indicators will be
use this report to influence a better future reincorporated in future editions, ensuring
through a collective campaign rooted in that our portrayal of the state of Toronto
action. We know that a shared commitment remains holistic and nuanced over time.
to our collective wellbeing is the only
way forward.
Giving up on this place we call home is also a

non-starter. It’s time to get involved, take a stand,
reignite your love for Toronto.
Sharon Avery, President and CEO, Toronto Foundation
and Fundholder, Avery Family Foundation

INTRODUCTION
By some estimates, more than 70,000 In this distinct edition, we’ve delved into
Indigenous people call Toronto home a vast data pool, while also relying heavily
although there has long been systemic on the 2018 and the 2022 Toronto Social
barriers to accurate data collection, Capital Study. These data sets, conducted
including the “lack of culturally-based, pre- and post-pandemic, include some
Indigenous-led and specific measures critical metrics on the most important
and health information systems that facets of life in the city. Together, they
prevent and exclude Indigenous people illuminate the shifting experiences of
from governing, managing, and leading Torontonians related to relationships, trust,
their own research and data processes,” wellbeing and more. As we offer insights
as described in Well Living House’s into late 2023, we’ve taken great care to
Our Health Counts Toronto study. As a incorporate the most current data from
result, we acknowledge this report leaves dozens of partners, providing clarity on
crucial gaps in our understanding of that Toronto’s current state, while offering
community and look to organizations like glimpses into its potential futures.
the Toronto Aboriginal Support Services
Council and its research to further ground
our findings.
Join our campaign

Start by reading the findings.
Rethink how you engage with
your neighbours and your city.
Then, let’s take action together.
torontofoundation.ca
#PowerOfUs

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Findings and Our Future
Civic Engagement
Since the pandemic, Toronto residents interact and volunteer less,
continuing at least a decade-long decline in donations and social ties,
putting increasing strain on our social fabric and nonprofit sector.
• The percentage of people with six or more
close friends declined by 20 percentage points Nothing defines our city more than the collection
from 2013 to 2018 and a further nine points from of its 158 neighbourhoods. Each one has its own
2018 to 2022. identity formed by the people who live there. The
• Similarly, the percentage of Toronto residents strength of our local relationships plays a big part
with six or more close relatives dropped by in our sense of belonging. Let’s deepen the ties
11 percentage points from 2013 to 2018 and that connect us to our neighbours.
another 10 points from 2018 to 2022.
• Lend a hand to someone nearby who needs it.
• The volunteer rate fell from 37% to 25% between • Join a neighbourhood group or start one up.
2018 and 2022, while the donation rate slipped
• Reconnect with a friend or neighbour.
from 75% to 63%, leading to a loss of about
300,000 donors and 300,0000 volunteers.
More than a city of neighbourhoods,
• Confidence levels in most local institutions
has remained mostly unchanged since before
let’s become a city of neighbours.
the pandemic, with neighbourhood centres
becoming the most trusted institution,
as trust in the police declined.
GOALS
The Power of Us
Donation rates to nonprofits
Volunteering across
neighbourhoods
Size of social networks

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Health
The mental health of Toronto residents, many of whom feel socially isolated,
has not improved over the past couple of years, after rapid deterioration
during the pandemic, despite the lifting of pandemic restrictions.
• A full 23% of Toronto’s adult population,
about 575,000 people, reported symptoms For many groups, loneliness is a daily reality and
consistent with a major depressive disorder in social isolation is a factor in the acute declines in
the second quarter of 2023, showing next to mental health in the population at large too.
no improvement versus earlier in the pandemic.
• Check in on a work colleague who may
And this prevalence is especially pronounced
be absent.
among young women, those who are socially
isolated and financially vulnerable groups. • Send a meal to a friend going through
a tough time.
• By mid-2023, about 19% of the adult population,
roughly 475,000 people, showed symptoms • Support organizations serving the disability
consistent with generalized anxiety disorder. community, which forms a growing part
of our society and faces some of the
• Toronto is one of the loneliest places in the
steepest challenges.
country. About 925,000 adults in Toronto (37%)
felt lonely on at least three or four days in the last
week in 2023 — higher than the rest of the country
We are all in this together.
(28%), other major regions and other major cities.
Loneliness is increasingly recognized as one of
the most serious risk factors of many negative
GOALS
health outcomes.
The Power of Us
• More than a third of the city’s population, Rates of loneliness

around 36%, about 900,000 adults, have and depression
a mental or physical health condition that
occasionally impacts their daily activities Disability supports
and those with a disability are twice as
likely to score high on our discrimination Resources for mental health
index as the general population.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Learning
Despite the increased mental health challenges and social isolation among
teenaged students, graduation rates have increased, and more students
are attending post-secondary institutions, even as learning loss lingers
as a major issue.
• In 2021, 38% of teenaged students in Ontario
reported fair or poor mental health, up from Schools are places of academic and vocational
27% in 2019. advancement and they are also communities of
• Female students in grades 7 to 12 were significantly young people under the guidance of caring adults.
more likely than their male counterparts to report Young people need to know there is a larger support
poor mental health, elevated stress and serious system out there that cares about them. That they
psychological distress. The rate of psychiatric are not alone.
emergency department visits for young girls
• Donate to local nonprofits that offer
aged 13 to 17 in Ontario increased by 125% peer-to-peer programs and those that bridge
between 2009–2017. the divide between school and work.
• Loneliness among Toronto District School Board • Advocate for greater access to free mental
(TDSB) secondary students has doubled, with health supports for children and youth.
44% feeling frequently lonely in 2021, mirroring
• If you’re a caregiver to a school-aged kid,
a global trend of high school student loneliness
befriend fellow caregivers you don’t yet know.
that’s been escalating even pre-pandemic.
• The pandemic has resulted in learning loss, By investing in young people, we invest
particularly in younger TDSB students and in
mathematics. But graduation rates are higher,
in our collective future.
and more students are going on to post-secondary
education, with the biggest improvements among
Black and Indigenous students.
GOALS
Psychiatric emergency
The Power of Us
department visits for teens
In-school mental
health supports
Investments in career
mentorship programs

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Arts, Culture and Recreation

Participation in arts, culture and recreation has dropped significantly
since the pandemic, and data suggests that lower rates of participation
have continued at critical institutions well into 2023.
• Participation in cultural, educational and hobby

organizations was down 39% between 2018 and Arts, culture and recreation are often the bridge
2022, and sports and recreational organizations to bring communities together. But participation
saw a 30% decline over the same time period, remains down overall and inaccessible for many.
but several outdoor arts events showed better than
• Support sports and cultural organizations
pre-pandemic attendance during summer 2023.
that offer free or subsidized opportunities
• The reduction in participation has been particularly for low-income and otherwise marginalized
notable among residents aged 55 years and older, communities.
women (for sports and recreational activities) and
• Advocate for local and culturally relevant
those with high household incomes. Racial disparities
programming, especially in underserved areas.
have also been observed, with the greatest decline
among white and Black Torontonians. • Check out a new local event or performance.
• Frequent usage of community assets and public

spaces correlates strongly with better mental
This is how we share and celebrate
health, stronger social connections, a higher our stories and experiences, and test
sense of belonging and increased rates of and challenge the boundaries of what
donations and volunteering.
it means to be human.
• Parts of Toronto, particularly outlying areas, have
significantly lower access to recreational facilities
and community services. GOALS
Youth participation in sports

The Power of Us
and recreation
Audiences for indoor

arts events
Rates of life satisfaction

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Environment
Access to Toronto parks and their related infrastructure remains unequal,
meaning that not all residents benefit from the city’s natural air-filtering
and cooling system and the relief that parks provide on the increasing
number of sweltering summer days.
• Toronto boasts more than 1,500 parks and
a 28% tree canopy, but 43% of residents, primarily Toronto is rich in natural assets with a Great Lake,
in lower-income and racialized areas, grapple with a rare urban tree canopy and a diverse ravine
scarce greenery. ecosystem that runs across the entire city.
• Most residents (92%) can walk to parks, Yet how green your neighbourhood is, the safety
but park usage varies across the city, due to the of your park, or how much time you spend outside
functionality, facilities and programming offered shouldn’t come down to where you can afford to
in these spaces. live. Urban nature is part of the public realm; it is
all of ours to enjoy and benefit from.
• Residents of Emerging Neighbourhoods* were
particularly less likely than other neighbourhoods • Realize your citizen power and organize
to feel their neighbourhoods had safe places for nature.
for children to play and were less likely to visit • Join a park friends group or start up one.
local parks.
• Advocate for more Bike Share stations.
• Cycling’s popularity surged due to enhanced
infrastructure, but suburban areas are still lagging. We have the citizen power to organize
Bike Share Toronto trips notably jumped from
2.5 million in 2019 to 4.5 million in 2022.
for nature.
GOALS
Note: *”Emerging Neighbourhoods” is an official designation
by the City of Toronto to identify neighbourhoods that previously
had high levels of inequality but not listed as a “Neighbourhood
Improvement Area.”
Investments in park
The Power of Us
facilities and tree coverage

in low-income, racialized
neighbourhoods
Bike infrastructure projects

beyond downtown to suburbs
Rates of mental health benefits

from park usage

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Work
Employment has rebounded post-pandemic but Torontonians are
feeling burnt out and precarious in their work while increased hybrid
arrangements have led to the hollowing out of downtown offices.
• In June 2023, Toronto’s unemployment rate
had dropped to 5.7%, employment was up 16% The rise in remote work has led to the workplace
and average hourly wages had risen by 19%, being in a state of flux. The social implications of
compared to February 2020. these shifts are huge with growing job precarity,
• Despite near historically low unemployment, loneliness and high stress.
financial struggles persist, with 33% of city of • If you’re an employer consider what you can do
Toronto residents stating their household income to bring workers together for mutual support.
was insufficient in 2023 (up from 21% in 2018).
• If you’re a hybrid worker, consider showing up
At the same time, more than half of Toronto
at the office more often.
CMA* residents fear for their or their family
member’s ability to keep or find a stable full-time • Advocate for better work conditions by
job (15 points higher than the rest of country). supporting local organizing for fair salaries,
Additionally, 33% worry their job may be job security and benefits.
automated in the future.
• Hybrid work arrangements doubled from

How we work is a demonstration
14% in 2021 to 28% in 2023 across the Toronto of our shared values.
CMA, contributing to downtown Toronto offices
having only 52% of pre-pandemic occupancy
levels by July 2023. GOALS
• More than one in five (22%) of workers in the
city of Toronto often feel exhausted or burnt
The Power of Us
out, with an additional 42% experiencing these

Number of employers
feelings occasionally. offering a living wage
Note: *Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) is formed by adjacent Rates of burnout

municipalities connected to a population centre. Toronto’s
CMA extends from Oakville to Ajax and up to Bradford West
Gwillimbury to the north. In-person connections at work

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Getting Around
Public transit, a critical link that connects Torontonians, faces
dwindling ridership and service cuts while fewer people are returning
to downtown than most other major North American cities.
• The pandemic has significantly reduced

Toronto’s transit ridership, with the Toronto Efficient, reliable public transit is essential. In
Transit Commission (TTC) weekday ridership a city of three million no one debates that. But
at 72% and GO Transit at 69% of pre-pandemic getting there remains elusive. As one of the most
levels by mid-2023. The shift to a hybrid work heavily user-supported systems in the world,
trend suggests this might persist. when ridership drops as it has, the financial
• Financial challenges and insufficient model completely breaks down. And community
government funding have prompted TTC cuts, safety depends on all of us showing up too.
especially affecting bus routes in lower-income • Support downtown businesses by attending
areas that are vital for essential workers and events and visiting shops.
marginalized groups.
• Advocate for shared, sustainable funding
• Offences against passengers on the TTC have across all levels of government.
soared, with rates rising from 1.3 offences
• Opt for transit a little more often than you
per million rides in 2019 to consistently above
do now.
3.2 offences per million rides since the beginning
of the pandemic.
High-quality public transportation
• Downtown Toronto’s foot traffic in early 2023
is below half of its pre-pandemic level, and
is the best way to keep us connected.
this recovery trails most other North American
cities, possibly due in part to the city’s long
work commutes.
GOALS
The Power of Us
Public transit ridership
Rates of transit safety
Downtown foot traffic

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Safety
Despite a recent uptick in the crime rate, Toronto remains one of the safest
cities in the country, and yet certain groups face regular discrimination
and feel less safe.
• Major crime in Toronto rose 4% in 2022,

compared to 2019, and an additional 20% in the We all deserve to feel safe. And yet no group
first half of 2023, compared to the first half of in the city feels less safe than those with
2022, with auto thefts driving the increase and mental health disabilities. What’s more,
assaults also increasing, even as homicide rates an alarming number of residents experience
are lower. multiple forms of discrimination every week.
• Despite this, Toronto CMA’s 2022 Crime Severity Community safety starts with empathy and
Index ranked second lowest among large CMAs shared accountability.
and it has decreased by about half since 1998. • Seek out moments to connect with strangers,
• 2SLGBTQ+, younger, racialized and economically especially those who are different than you.
disadvantaged residents often feel less safe due • Learn how to support those experiencing
to experiences of discrimination. a mental health crisis.
• A full 27% of Toronto adults, roughly • Support drop-ins and other front-line
675,000 people, experience high discrimination organizations serving the most vulnerable.
— roughly translating to experiencing multiple
forms of discrimination per week. People with
We all have a role to play in keeping
mental health–related disabilities are most
likely to experience at least moderate levels
this city safe.
of discrimination (68%) and they are also the
group who feels the least safe in the city.
GOALS
Levels of everyday
The Power of Us
discrimination
Feelings and experience

of safety
Rate of deaths from

drug toxicity

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Housing
Toronto’s escalating housing crisis not only threatens individual health
and wellbeing, but it also erodes the city’s social fabric.
• Houses in the Toronto CMA cost about 9.5 times
the median income, far surpassing the threshold of Housing is a human right. All three levels of
severe unaffordability. The hourly minimum wage government say so. And yet we continue to
would need to rise to $33.60 — more than double its tolerate people living amongst us without the
current level — for a single minimum wage worker to dignity and security of a permanent home.
afford an average one-bedroom apartment.
• Donate to organizations tackling this issue,
• Although Toronto’s population continues to grow, driven by people with lived experience
there has been a significant net increase in people of homelessness.
leaving the city for other Canadian provinces or
• Advocate for a return to investment in new
cities, especially among those aged 15 to 44 years
public housing.
of age.
• Support nonprofit housing solutions near you
• Overcrowding in Toronto is a growing concern,
so that decision-making and real estate wealth
with 17% of people in the Toronto CMA living in
creation can be in community hands.
overcrowded conditions, including almost a third
of newcomers (32%).
It’s time to be intolerant of
• Toronto has more multi-generational households
than anywhere else in the country, but the growth
inadequate housing.
rate of these households lags the Canadian
average and is well below nearby areas in Ontario
GOALS
such as Oshawa, Barrie, St. Catharines and the
Waterloo Region.
• In 2018, there was one formal eviction application Rate of evictions

The Power of Us
for every 20 renter households (5%) and in some

neighbourhoods, there was one eviction filing Development of non-market
for every five renter households. Areas with the and nonprofit housing units
highest number of Black home renters had twice
the eviction rates as areas with the lowest number Rates of overcrowded
of Black home renters, even after controlling for households
poverty and other factors.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Income and Wealth

The pandemic has intensified economic struggles, led to skyrocketed
food bank usage and highlighted the link between financial stability
and mental wellbeing.
• Amid the pandemic’s challenges, the city of
Toronto saw a steep rise in income insufficiency: When one in five people report that they don’t
from 21% in 2018 to 26% in 2022 to 33% in 2023. have enough to feed themselves sufficiently
• Visits to the Daily Break Food Bank surged we cannot turn away. Coupled with significant
by 295% between June 2019 and June 2023, growth in wealth at the top we are left with a
with 22% of Torontonians in a 2022 poll reporting system that is clearly not working. The solutions
eating less than they should due to a lack of funds. are complex but that doesn’t mean we have no
Food bank users are particularly likely to report power to bring about change.
no social supports versus other Torontonians. • Advocate for policies that encourage reliable,
• Financial strain heavily affects mental wellbeing: ongoing income supports for those living
54% of those who say their income was not enough below the poverty line.
for them and they were having a hard time • Donate to organizations that advance
reported fair or poor mental health, in stark worker rights, and programs for job access
contrast to only 14% of those who say their and training for those who are unemployed
income was enough that they can save from it. or underemployed.
• Financial health correlates with social trust, • Support independent, local businesses.
civic engagement and social connections;
the growing financial distress risks eroding Let’s move beyond a scarcity mindset;
Toronto’s social fabric.
we have abundance.
GOALS
Rate of food bank visits

The Power of Us
Rate of income sufficiency

to meet basic costs of living
Support networks for

food-insecure individuals

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
The evacuation of public spaces and therefore

the retreat into private spaces, be it your home,
apartment, club, whatever it happens to be, is a
detriment to social engagement and meeting
people who don’t look and talk and think like you.
Trying to find ways to increase public cohesion
amongst people who don’t otherwise see one
another is critical to fulfilling the promise of who
we are as a city.
Jamison Steeve, Chief Strategy Officer, YMCA of Greater Toronto

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
The pandemic has accelerated a long-standing

decline in friends and family networks, donations
and volunteering.
Civic engagement and connection are foundational elements to create
a healthy, happy and resilient community. However, people are seeing
friends less often, participating less in groups and in activities, while also
donating and volunteering at lower rates than before the pandemic, which,
in many cases, was already lower than in past decades. These shifts not
only compromise the quality of individual lives, but also pose a challenge
to the broader social fabric, threatening our collective ability to
collaborate, innovate and face adversities together.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Key insights
Toronto residents were already reporting fewer close friendships before
the pandemic and this trend has only continued. Between 2013 and 2022,
we observed a significant decrease in the number of close relationships
people maintain. Reports of having six or more close relatives dropped by
11 percentage points from 2013 to 2018 and another 10 points from 2018
to 2022. Similarly, the percentage of people with six or more close friends
declined by 20 percentage points from 2013 to 2018 and a further nine
points from 2018 to 2022.
Rates of participation in groups and activities, donating and volunteering

all declined significantly during the pandemic and have not yet improved
significantly. The volunteer rate fell from 37% to 25% between 2018 and
2022, while the donation rate slipped from 75% to 63%, leading to a loss
of about 300,000 donors and 300,000 volunteers.
Tightening social networks may be playing an important role in

declining donations and volunteers. Comparatively, those with the largest
social networks of close friends and relatives were found to be almost
32 percentage points more likely to donate, 20 points more likely to
volunteer and 19 points more likely to show interest in politics, while
also participating in twice as many groups, compared to those with
the smallest networks.
Despite the challenges, confidence levels in most local institutions

remained mostly unchanged. Neighbourhood centres emerged as the
most trusted institution, with 59% of residents expressing high confidence
as the police dropped to second. Toronto’s Black residents have the
highest confidence in neighbourhood centres at 63%, exceeding their
next most trusted institution by 10 percentage points.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
SOCIAL CAPITAL HAS DECLINED IN TORONTO,

BUT REMAINS A STRENGTH TO BUILD FROM
To understand the consequences of the pandemic, Notwithstanding the challenges associated with
Toronto Foundation and numerous partners the pandemic, the 2022 Toronto Social Capital
undertook the 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study Study offers some reassurance. The vast majority
of more than 4,000 Torontonians, comparing the of Torontonians have people in their lives with whom
situation in the city four years after the original study. they feel at ease, can talk to or can call on for help.
Most Toronto residents also find their city to be safe
This includes the study of Torontonians’ wellbeing
and their neighbours to be helpful. Most Torontonians
based on their social networks, social trust, civic
are members of at least one organization in their
engagement and neighbourhood support.
community and make donations to charity. Levels
Over the four years, Torontonians’ social capital of confidence in most local institutions — including
has certainly declined. People are connected to the school system, city hall, local businesses and
fewer friends and family than before the pandemic, neighbourhood centres — remain unchanged,
are less likely to donate, volunteer or participate despite the pandemic.
in community activities and are less likely to trust
others than before the pandemic. Mental health
declined substantially and is showing few signs
of improving (see a discussion on page 37), while
people felt increasingly unable to make ends meet,
rising to 33% of residents in the city of Toronto from
21% in 2018 (see page 125).
Being civically engaged within community is too

often a luxury for those just trying to make ends
meet. It is vital that we integrate new ways and
different places for all voices to sound out. These
are the bridges and pathways to be strengthened.
Leslie Woo, CEO, CivicAction

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
SOCIAL CIRCLES HAVE BEEN SHRINKING FOR SOME TIME
Close relationships declined both before and during the pandemic

Close relationships have been declining sharply over the last decade, with the size of close networks
and the level of support that people feel declining both before and during the pandemic.
Percent with six or Percent with six or Percent who have someone
more close relatives more close friends to depend on (always/often)
75% 70%
57% 59%
53%
42%
32% 37%
28%
2013 2018 2022 2013 2018 2022 2014 2018 2022
City of Toronto
Note: Caution should be used when comparing sources over time due to differences in the method and approaches to data collection
(see endnote 1 for more details). Similar comparisons done from 2013 to 2022 on a national level using data from Community Foundations
of Canada found somewhat smaller but still very significant declines in the number of close friends and close relatives across Canada.
For more details, see the report Connection, Engagement, and Well-being: A Report from the 2022 Social Capital in Canada Study.
Sources: The 2013 General Social Survey, the 2014 Canadian Community Health Survey and the 2018 and 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study.
One of the most striking findings of our research One of the hints as to the cause of these rapid shifts
is the decline in close relationships in Toronto comes from the American Time Use survey, which
(see note for comparisons of methods over time). 1
found that the average time people spent per day
with friends in-person was relatively consistent
Between 2013 and 2022, we observed a significant
between 2003 and 2013, but dropped from about
decrease in the number of close relationships people
55 minutes a day in 2013 to about 35 minutes
maintain. Reports of having six or more close relatives
a day in 2019 and to 20 minutes during the first
dropped by 11 percentage points from 2013 to 2018
year of the pandemic, 2 likely replaced with more
and another 10 points from 2018 to 2022.
time spent online.
Similarly, the percentage of people with six or more
In 2022, about one in 12 Torontonians reported
close friends declined by 20 percentage points
having no close family members they can call for
from 2013 to 2018 and a further nine points from
help or talk to about what’s on their mind, and a
2018 to 2022.
similar proportion say they have no close friends.
Due to changes in methodology, the exact
In each case, this represents more than 300,000
magnitudes of the declines should be interpreted
people in the city who lack these forms of social
with caution, even as the broad trend is clear.
support. Both numbers have also increased over
time, from 4% with no close relatives in 2013 to
8% in 2022, and 5% with no close friends in 2013
to 8% in 2022.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
These shifting social patterns saw the number The role of social networks on health, including on
of people who report they always or often have mental health and loneliness, is explored on page 41,
someone to depend on decreased from 75% in 2014 while increasing loneliness among students is
to 59% in 2022, leaving 41% of adults in Toronto — discussed on page 51.
just over a million people — unsure of whether they
have someone to depend on.
People are now less involved in their communities

Participation in groups, donating and volunteering have all declined sharply during the pandemic.
Average number of Donated in past year Volunteered in past year

groups participated in
1.6
75%
63%
37%
25%
2018 2022 2018 2022 2018 2022
City of Toronto, adults 18+

Sources: The 2018 and 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study.
There’s a spectrum of civic engagement that

includes more than just formal volunteerism.
This is important to recognize as traditional ways
have declined while mutual aid networks are
strong. The future of volunteering is culture and
relationship-based. It’s reciprocal and it involves
advocating for systems change not just band-aid
supports or volunteer roles that should be filled
by paid staff.
Cara Eaton, Interim Executive Director, Volunteer Toronto

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
DECLINES IN GIVING AND VOLUNTEERING ARE ALSO LONG-STANDING

The volunteer rate fell from 37% to 25% between Data from tax returns suggests that declining
2018 and 2022, while the donation rate slipped donations are a long-term pattern that accelerated
from 75% to 63%. during the pandemic but was already a major
challenge. While numbers in the following paragraph
These declines translate to a decrease of
are not directly comparable to the donation rate
approximately 300,000 donors and 300,000
above because only larger donors tend to report
volunteers aged 18 and above between 2018
their donations on their tax return, the comparisons
and 2022. 3 Considering average donation and
are illuminating.
volunteering levels for Ontarians, this could
equate to a loss exceeding $180 million in In 2004, 26.3% of tax filers in the CMA reported
Toronto’s donations over the previous year making charitable donations on their tax return.4
and approximately 36 million volunteer hours By 2021, that had declined to 17.8%. Even as the
if each person volunteered and donated at rates number of tax filers in the Toronto CMA has soared
similar to the average. The latter is equivalent by more than 1.3 million people from 2004 to 2021,
to about 20,000 full-time positions. almost 90,000 fewer people claimed charitable
donations on their tax returns (from 933,000
Looking specifically at donations, financial struggles
to 845,000).
don’t seem to be the primary driver of the decline.
Rather, donations have dipped by a similar rate One worrying trend in the 2022 Toronto Social
across all income categories between 2018 and 2022. Capital Study versus the 2018 version is that
younger Torontonians decreased their donations
However, civic engagement behaviours are
the most, which could shape their approach
interconnected. For example, donation rates
to donations throughout their lives. In contrast,
only slipped from 89% in 2018 to 87% in 2022
younger Torontonians were more likely to continue
among those participating in three or more
volunteering, while older Torontonians were more
group types, whereas for those involved in no
likely to stop volunteering during the pandemic.
groups, the donation rate fell from 63% to 52%.
You can’t claim you’re part of a community

if we don’t see you in community. We need
your physical presence. Walk beside us.
Keith McCrady, Executive Director, 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
A continually shrinking donor base

The percentage of tax filers claiming charitable donations on their taxes in the Toronto CMA has declined almost
every single year since 2005, with the relative decline accelerating only slightly during the pandemic.
Percentage of tax filers claiming charitable donations
30%
26.3%
25%
20% 17.8%
15%
10%
5%
0%
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Year-over-year percent change in donation rate
5.3%
1.1%
0.6%
-0.7%
-1.0%
-1.5%
-1.9% -1.9%
-2.4% -2.6% -2.4% -2.3% -2.2% -2.3% -2.5%
-3.2%
-4.2% -4.4%
-5.7%
Toronto CMA
Sources: Tax filer data. Statistics Canada. Table 11-10-0130-01, Summary of charitable donors.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Beyond friendship: Close relationships are also associated with more community involvement
The higher the number of close relationships someone has, the more likely they are to donate, volunteer, participate
in groups or be interested in politics, signalling some of the long-term risks of declining social networks.
Select community engagement activities
Few close friends or family Many close friends and family

Some close friends or family Very many close friends and family
Percent that donated Percent that volunteered
77%
70%
59%
45%
30% 33%
24%
13%
Percent interested in politics Average groups participated in
72% 69% 1.4

61%
1.1
50%
0.9
0.6

Sources: The 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Digital platforms amplify harmful content in a way

that is out of proportion to its prevalence in the
real world. This distorts our public sphere and our
social norms. In this period of transformation is an
opportunity to reset our local democracies to be
better equipped for the digital age. Addressing
the interconnectedness of social problems is key
to supporting a civically engaged society.
Sabreena Delhon, Executive Director, Samara Centre for Democracy
NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRES NOW TORONTO’S

MOST TRUSTED INSTITUTION
The city of Toronto is a diverse metropolis Between 2018 and 2022, Toronto residents have
with an array of distinct neighbourhoods, become most confident in neighbourhood centres
each with its own unique character, challenges (with 59% expressing high confidence). Confidence
and resources. Central to the lifeblood of many remained unchanged between 2018 and 2022,
of these communities are neighbourhood centres, but confidence in the police declined substantially,
often synonymous and interchangeable with causing neighbourhood centres to take the top spot.
community centres. They play a crucial role in
Neighbourhood centres are among the most
fostering cohesion, providing essential services
trusted institutions across all demographics and
and nurturing a sense of community.
neighbourhoods, a testament to their accessibility
and inclusivity.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Critically, neighbourhood centres are the In our Arts, Culture and Recreation section, we
institution in which Black residents have the highest further discuss how frequent visits to a community
confidence, with a striking 63% expressing high centre among a broader set of community activities
confidence. The next highest institution — Toronto’s are associated with much higher levels of life
charities or nonprofits — trails by a substantial satisfaction, civic engagement, social connections
10 percentage points. and social trust (see page 66).
However, a gap emerges when we consider

the ease of access to these centres. Confidence
in neighbourhood centres drops significantly,
to only 39% among people who do not live
within walking distance of a community centre
or recreational facility, compared to 64% of those
who do. This underscores how important gaps
in access to community centres across the city
are and the potential benefits of bridging these
gaps (discussed on page 61).
The experience of COVID showed the power of

neighbourhood-based organizations and groups
to deeply listen to needs and act on what they
heard. Meaningful change starts at the hyper-local
level because staff know their communities, they
speak their language, they have deep roots and
relationships. It is so important that funders and
policymakers understand that these groups don’t
just identify problems in community, they have
the solutions too.
Jin Huh, Executive Director, Social Planning Toronto

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
The power of local community

Residents have more confidence in neighbourhood centres than any other institution.
High confidence by institution (%)
All Black Racialized White
59% 46%
Neighbourhood centres 63% 37%
The justice system
serving your
59% and courts 48%
local community
58% 44%
56% 39%
43% 35%
The police Your local city councilor
54% 40%
58% 39%
56% 39%
Local merchants 48% 34%
City hall
and business people 49% 42%
63% 35%
53% 37%
Charities or not-for-profit 33%
53%
organizations serving your Local media
local community 52% 38%
54% 37%
50%
45%
The school system
52%
47%

We need to reignite the duty to engage in residents

across the city. The challenges of our city are feeling
increasingly more daunting, and as a resident,
it’s hard to know how to impact these seemingly
insurmountable challenges of housing, affordability,
social inclusion, access to services. We need to
inspire the public to feel like that there are still entry
points for them to have an impact on our city’s
biggest challenges.
Zahra Ebrahim, Co-founder, Monumental

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
STATE OF THE SECTOR:

Toronto Nonprofits
INCREASED REVENUE FAILS RISING COSTS AND SURGE
TO OFFSET PANDEMIC LOSSES IN SERVICE DEMANDS
FOR MANY STRAIN NONPROFITS
The early stages of the pandemic severely Inflation has significantly affected nonprofits
affected nonprofit organizations. In a spring throughout 2023. While 53% of Toronto
2021 survey by the Ontario Nonprofit Network nonprofits reported revenue growth in 2023,
(ONN), 48% of Toronto’s nonprofits reported 90% experienced a rise in expenses over the
a decline in revenue since the pandemic began, same period. For many organizations, stagnant
while only 34% experienced an increase. Many or declining revenues combined with escalating
of these organizations reported revenue drops costs have reduced their ability to serve the public.
of at least 25%. However, subsequent surveys in Almost a third of charities needed to access their
2022 and 2023 by ONN showed improved revenue reserves to maintain operations.
trends for many Toronto nonprofits. Despite the
At the same time, demand for nonprofit services
increased revenue, it has not been enough to offset
has surged. In 2023, 74% of nonprofits reported
the extreme losses during the first two years of
a year-over-year increase in service demand, with
the pandemic, resulting in numerous organizations
half of those indicating that the rise was at least 25%.
with revenue below their pre-pandemic levels.
Notably, 62% of nonprofits reported being able to
Subsequently, 39% of nonprofits now report
only partially meet the increased demand and 16%
that achieving long-term financial sustainability
were unable to meet it at all.
is a significant problem for their organization.
STAFFING AND VOLUNTEER CHALLENGES PLAGUE THE SECTOR

The 2023 survey showed that 61% of Toronto Volunteer recruitment and retention also remain
nonprofits face staffing challenges, particularly problematic for most nonprofits after a mass exodus
in recruitment and retention. Among these of volunteers early in the pandemic. Specifically,
organizations, staff burnout and stress emerged 58% reported challenges around volunteers, with
as the most prevalent issues (59%), followed by issues including recruiting new volunteers (35%),
skills shortages (55%), and uncompetitive wages retaining current ones (31%) and difficulty in
compared to other sectors (50%). re-engaging former volunteers (22%).
All data in this section are from the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Ontario Nonprofit Network Sector surveys, conducted in the second quarter
of each year.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Toronto’s Charitable Sector
680
687 There are 7,737 charities in Toronto:
680 have revenues of more than $5M
687 have revenues of $1.5M–$5M

1,064
1,064 have revenues of $500K–$1.5M

5,306
5,306 have revenues under $500K
Source: Complete dataset of charities from CRA from 2021 at charitydata.ca
There’s a new focus on having healthy work

environments, because we have a greater
awareness of the impact that has on the programs
we design and deliver, and on the folks who come
in for services and programming. There’s a new
appreciation for enhancing the ways we relate
to each other in the workplace.
Sree Nallamothu, Co-executive Director, Toronto Neighbourhood Centres

HEALTH
Social capital is more than just an academic

concept. It’s about community knowledge
and power — and that saved lives during
the pandemic.
Jay Pitter, MES, Principal Placemaker, Jay Pitter Placemaking

HEALTH
Three and a half years into the pandemic, the mental

health crisis shows next to no signs of improving,
with almost a quarter (23%) of Torontonians reporting
symptoms consistent with a major depressive order
in 2023, while symptoms of at least moderate anxiety
are almost as prevalent (19%), with both measures
essentially unchanged from early 2021.
Simultaneously, the pandemic amplified an often-overlooked health determinant:
social isolation, as people report their friend and family networks have shrunk
during the pandemic, extending a decade-long decline. The growing loneliness
and shrinking social networks underscore the importance of fostering interpersonal
connections and community activities in Toronto’s recovery strategy.

HEALTH
Key insights
The number of people reporting poor mental health doubled during the
pandemic and has remained steady ever since. Almost a quarter (23%)
of Toronto’s adult population reported symptoms of depression that are
consistent with having a major depressive disorder in the second quarter
of 2023 — about 575,000 people — with young women, people who are
socially isolated and financially vulnerable groups experiencing some of
the worst outcomes.
About 19% of the adult population — about 475,000 people — reported

symptoms consistent with having generalized anxiety disorder in the second
quarter of 2023.
The pandemic has magnified the pre-existing crisis of social isolation,

and Toronto is one of the loneliest places in the country. An increase in
loneliness and a decrease in social networks have been observed, with
37% of those in the city of Toronto feeling lonely at least three or four
days in the last week in 2023 (statistically among the highest in the
country), which translates to about 925,000 people in the city of Toronto
feeling lonely at least three days of the week.
People with a mental or physical health condition that at least occasionally

impacts their day-to-day activities make up more than a third of the city (36%)
— about 900,000 adults — and 14% of people have significant activity
limitations. In addition, people with disabilities struggle with food insecurity,
poor mental health and low income and also face much higher levels of
discrimination than others. Almost one in seven (14%) in the Toronto CMA
said they had struggled with symptoms of long COVID in the previous
12 months in March/April 2023.

HEALTH
ONE IN FOUR TORONTONIANS REPORTS SYMPTOMS CONSISTENT

WITH A MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
In 2022, 26% of the adult population in Toronto The questions on the instrument ask people how
reported their mental health as fair or poor in often they experience issues such as having little
Toronto Foundation’s 2022 Toronto Social Capital interest or pleasure in doing things, to how often
Study, almost double the rate we found in our 2018 they are feeling down, depressed or hopeless, to
study (14%). As we cover in our Learning section difficulty concentrating, to thoughts of self-harm.
(see page 49), poor mental health appears to be
It is not just surveys about mental health that show
even higher among youth, with 38% of those in
persistent rates of depression. Data from the Survey
grades 7 to 12 in Ontario reporting fair or poor
on Employment and Skills in 2023 likewise showed
mental health in 2021, rising as high as 51% for
that 29% of adult residents of the Toronto CMA
those in grades 11 and 12.
reported they were depressed at least three days
While many anticipated that mental health would in the last week, with an additional 22% saying one
improve as pandemic restrictions eased, this has or two days a week.6
not been the case.
Just as consistently over the last two years, at least
Since the pandemic began, Mental Health Research 16% of Torontonians reported moderate or severe
Canada (MHRC) has been conducting polling that symptoms of anxiety, which would put them above
includes a sample of Toronto residents every the threshold to be classified as having generalized
quarter to track the mental health challenges anxiety disorder, including 19% in the second quarter
facing the country. of 2023. Questions on this standardized instrument
ask people about things such as how often they feel
Over the last two years, about a quarter of adult
nervous and how often they struggle to control
Torontonians have consistently reported moderate
worrying, as well as about trouble relaxing,
or severe symptoms of depression across many
irritableness and restlessness.
different surveys conducted by MHRC, which would
potentially screen them as having a major depressive It is remarkable how steady the symptoms of
disorder if this same instrument had been taken in depression and anxiety have remained despite
a clinical setting (see notes on chart). drastically changing circumstances during the
pandemic. While it is possible and perhaps likely
Most recently, 23% of Torontonians report
that the type of people wanting to complete
symptoms consistent with a major depressive
a survey about mental health may have shifted
disorder in the second quarter of 2023,
throughout the pandemic, it is still alarming
representing about 550,000 people.
that more than three years into the pandemic,
MHRC began surveying people using this measure we have seen no real signs of improvement
of depressive symptoms only during the pandemic. in mental health symptoms, as measured by
But it was used nationally before that so we can these standardized instruments.
get a sense of how much depressive symptoms
have increased. In 2015, other researchers found
that one in 10 (8.5%) working-age Canadians met
this same threshold for having a major depressive
disorder,5 which would imply symptoms of major
depression have almost tripled.

HEALTH
Stagnant progress: Recovering from the pandemic’s mental health crisis

Almost twice as many people reported their mental health as fair or poor in 2022 than in 2018.
Mental health (%)
2018 2022
33% 32%
27% 28%
23%
17%
15%
11%
8%
3%
Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor

Sources: The 2018 and 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study.7
About one in four Torontonians has symptoms of a major depressive disorder, and one in five has symptoms
of generalized anxiety disorder in 2023, mostly unchanged from early 2021.
Percentage with at least moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety
Depression: Percent with moderate or higher symptoms Anxiety: Percent with moderate or higher symptoms
26%
25% 25% 25%
24% 24% 24%
23%
19%
18%
17% 17% 17%
16% 16% 16%
Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2
2021 2022 2023

Notes: Anxiety and depression symptoms were scored using standard instruments for assessing anxiety and depression.
Data is only shown for people who would be designated as having symptoms consistent witth a major depressive disorder
or generalized anxiety disorder if these were taken in a clinical setting. 8 There are approximately 330 responses per quarter
in the city of Toronto, but data shown is on a two-quarter moving average.
Sources: Data provided by Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC). All analysis is by the author and does not necessarily
reflect the views of MHRC.

HEALTH
In Toronto, poor mental health is significantly associated with financial strain, isolation, age and
membership in certain equity-deserving groups. Income, employment status, age, isolation and
disability, as well as sexual orientation and gender identity, significantly influence mental health
across groups. For additional comparisons based on income and financial status, see page 130.
Certain groups have more mental health struggles

Youth, financial strain, disability, discrimination and isolation are all implicated in poorer mental health.
Mental health: fair or poor (%)
Factor related to income Factor related to connection Other key impacts
Unemployed 47%
2SLGBTQ+ 45%
No close friends 44%
Financially stretched/having a hard time 44%
Struggled to pay for food in previous 12 months 44%
Disabilities that often or always limit activities 42%
No close family 41%
Aged 25 to 40 living alone 41%
Report frequent discrimination 41%
Know none of their neighbours 40%
Aged 18 to 24 38%
Aged 25 to 29 38%
Less than $30,000 in household income 37%
Average 26%

Source: The 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study.
We see higher rates of chronic disease and

mental health distress among Black folks, which
dramatically affect life expectancy and quality.
Without a focus on early childhood development,
income, housing and food security, these issues
will become further entrenched, making it harder
to build an equitable city.
Paul Bailey, Executive Director, Black Health Alliance

HEALTH
Young women have significantly worse mental health than young men
At least 42% of young women report fair or poor mental health, at least 10 percentage points higher than
other groups. These trends may be even more challenging for young women in grades 11 and 12, with more
than 50% of students in those grades reporting fair or poor mental health in 2021 (see page 49).
Mental health: fair or poor
Women Men
42% 43%
32% 31% 30%

28% 29%
23%
18% 18%
12%
9%
18-24 25-29 30-39 40-54 55-64 65+
Age Group

The city’s youth, a large and vital part of our lower than among young men in the same age
community, are enduring some of the most categories. Similar trends are shown for students,
substantial mental health issues. Young women in where young women are showing much higher rates
particular face an even greater challenge, with more of depression. This topic and some of the other key
than 40% of women aged 18-29 reporting fair or differences are explored further on page 49.
poor mental health. This is 10 to 15 percentage points

HEALTH
GROWING LONELINESS A SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUE

In recent years, it has become clear that social According to data from the Survey on Employment
isolation is incredibly dangerous for society. and Skills, in spring 2023, Toronto was among the
A 2017 study published in the journal American loneliest parts of Canada, with 37% of those in the
Psychology found that lacking social connection city of Toronto and 35% of those in the Toronto
was as dangerous for mortality as smoking up CMA reporting feeling lonely at least three days
to 15 cigarettes a day and considerably more in the last week, considerably higher than the
dangerous than alcohol, physical inactivity, national average (28%), and as high as any other
obesity and air pollution.9 region in the country for which we had data
(see the chart on the following page).10
In 2018, the majority of Torontonians (55%) reported
they had many close family or friends (30%) or very The 37% who feel lonely in the city of Toronto at
many close family and friends (25%). By 2022, this least a moderate amount of the time translates to
number had dropped by 11 percentage points to 44%. about 925,000 adult residents feeling lonely on at
The connection to mental health is notable: 43% of least three days in the last week in spring 2023. Only
those with few close friends or family report fair or 39% reported never or rarely feeling lonely across
poor mental health, compared to 17% of those with the Toronto CMA and 33% in the city of Toronto.
very many close friends or family.
Research suggests that a lack of social connection

can lead to an increased risk of: heart disease by
30% and early onset dementia by 50%, as well
as addiction, suicide and obesity. As a society,
we tend to take a crisis lens on illness, so we fund
more hospital beds, more psychologists, more
crisis lines — the things that help people when
they get sick. But these are just bandages, not
solutions. With this research11, we can educate
people on the importance of social connection,
like we have with physical activity, balanced
eating and proper sleep, so they can prioritize
their social health as well.
Pete Bombaci, Founder & Executive Director, GenWell Project

HEALTH
While the Toronto CMA, and particularly the city 44% of those aged 18 to 24 reported feeling lonely
of Toronto, both show higher levels of loneliness at least three days of the last week, as did 52% of
than the rest of the country, factors beyond adult students, 42% of those who said their income
geography are even stronger predictors of loneliness. was not enough for them, 41% of those with a
For example, looking at the national data, disability and 38% of those who are unemployed.
Toronto is one of the loneliest places in the country

More than a third of people in the city of Toronto and the Toronto CMA reported feeling lonely at least three days
in the last week, higher than nearly any other geography.
Percent feeling lonely at least three days in the past week
Canada 28%
Toronto CMA Toronto CMA 35%
City of Toronto 37%
Rest of Toronto CMA 31%
Rest of Ontario (outside Toronto CMA) 28%
Other Metropolitain Areas Calgary/Edmonton CMA 28%
Vancouver CMA 23%
Montreal CMA 17%
Region Maritimes 35%
Atlantic 33%
Ontario 31%
Prairies 29%
West 28%
Quebec 23%
March/April 2023
Note: The 2023 data for the city of Toronto represents only 379 respondents and should be interpreted with caution.
Sources: The Survey on Employment and Skills, conducted by the Environics Institute in partnership with the Future Skills Centre
and the Diversity Institute.12

HEALTH
Our Civic Engagement section further highlights Our Learning section highlights how this may
how social networks were already contracting be playing a role in the youth mental health crisis,
before the pandemic, with numbers of close friends, highlighting how rates of school-based loneliness
close family and having people to depend on all more than doubled between 2013 and 2018 (from
declining between 2013 and 2018, and then again 17% to 35%) in Canada, and TDSB students saying
between 2018 and 2022 (see page 24). People with they were always or often lonely doubled in Toronto
smaller friend networks were also less likely to during the pandemic to 44% between 2017 and 2021
donate, volunteer, participate in groups or be (see page 51).
interested in politics, emphasizing how some of
the declines in these categories could be intertwined
with our increasing isolation both before and during
the pandemic.
The isolation epidemic: Friend networks are contracting
People report fewer close friends and family than The fewer the number of close friends and
before the pandemic. relatives, the worse people’s mental health.
Size of close friends and family networks Percentage with fair or poor mental
health by size of social network
2018 2022
43% 43%
34%
30% 29% 29%
25%
20%
17%
15%
11.4%
7.7%
Few close Some close Many close Very many Few close Some close Many close Very many
friends or family or family or close family or friends or family or family or close family or
family friends friends friends family friends friends friends

Note: See Appendix for detailed definitions of the size of these friend networks.
Reconnection needs to form part of the core of To tackle the mental health crisis effectively,
any mental health strategy. The extensive scope we must first address the pre-existing crisis of
of the issue necessitates rekindling interpersonal disconnection, a problem significantly magnified by
connections, fostering activity participation and the pandemic. We explore this topic further and the
nurturing deeper relationships. role that civil society can play on page 66.

HEALTH
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ARE A GROWING

AND STRUGGLING PART OF SOCIETY
In the 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study, 14% of Looking at people who reported conditions that
people reported a physical, intellectual or mental always or often limit their day-to-day activities:
condition that always or often limits the activities
• 42% reported fair or poor mental health,
they can do in a day, and an additional 22% reported
compared to 19% of other Torontonians.
a condition that sometimes limits the activities they
can do in a day. • 41% reported their income was not enough for
them, compared to 21% of other Torontonians.
This combined total represents more than a third of
• 40% reported high levels of discrimination
the adults in the city (36%) with a condition that at
(multiple forms of discrimination every week),
least occasionally limits their day-to-day activities —
compared to 20% of those with no disabilities
about 900,000 people.
(to learn more about our discrimination index,
see page 109).
• 31% were food insecure, compared to 16%

of Torontonians with no activity limitations
(for additional discussion of food insecurity,
see page 128).
Racialized folks with disabilities — both

newcomers and Canadian-born — are missing
from conversations about needs and belonging.
Let’s go beyond virtual meetings to engage
them, to create natural connections where
there are opportunities to build capacity
and problem solve together.
Rabia Khedr, National Director, Disability Without Poverty
and CEO, DEEN Support Services

HEALTH
For young women, there’s now immense pressure

to be ‘that girl.’ During COVID, youth stayed
connected online and for girls the focus was on
glowing up, whether it was perfecting your skin
care, hair care, getting in shape or starting a side
business. There was a lot of pressure to do it all
and have it all.
Shaneeza Nazseer Ally, Executive Director, For Youth Initiative
The challenges for people with significant disabilities CMA in March/April 2023 saying they had missed
were profound. While our 2022 Social Capital Study work in the previous 12 months because of lingering
found some positive trends for those with disabilities effects of “long COVID,” according to data from the
that only sometimes impact their day-to-day Survey on Employment and Skills.13 A study from
activities, including higher volunteering rates and the Brookings Institute estimated that an increase
overall levels of civic engagement, this was not the in disabilities related to COVID-19 accounted for
case with those with the most severe disabilities. 15% of the labour shortage in the United States.14
Another concern during the pandemic was Additional comparisons between those with physical
the growing challenge of mental health–related disabilities and mental health disabilities can also
disabilities and its impact on the workforce. be seen in our fact sheet on people with disabilities,
Many continue to struggle with the long-term again using data from our 2022 Toronto Social
consequences of catching COVID-19, with more Capital Study.15
than one in eight respondents (14%) in the Toronto

LEARNING
All of the statistics show that youth came out

of COVID more impacted than any other group
with suicide rates, anxiety and just resuming
normality. The bottom line is they are
100% of our future, but we’re not investing
in our young adult population.
Nzinga Walker, Executive Director, Stella’s Place

LEARNING
Learning gaps have emerged during the

pandemic, and many students feel depressed,
isolated and overwhelmed.
Teachers and administrators are also overwhelmed, making it
difficult to provide stability and consistent support to students.
Increased isolation and growing mental health issues are not just
a pandemic issue, but one that has been growing for at least the
last decade. Schools are grappling with new modes of teaching
and learning, while students also continue to adapt to disrupted
routines and formats.

LEARNING
Key insights
Reports of serious psychological distress, hospitalizations for self-harm
and suicide ideation have all increased over the last decade and during the
pandemic. In 2021, 38% of Ontario teenaged students reported fair or poor
mental health, up from 27% in 2019. Only 11% reported fair or poor mental
health in 2007.
More than half of female students said they had an unmet need for mental
health support. Female students in Ontario in grades 7 to 12 in 2021 were
18 percentage points more likely to report fair or poor mental health than
male students (46.9%, compared to 28.5%), three times more likely to
report elevated stress (46.1%, compared 15.5%) and 13% percentage points
more likely to report serious psychological distress (31.6%, compared
to 18.6%).
In 2021, 44% of Toronto District School Board (TDSB) secondary students

reported feeling lonely all the time or often, up from 22% in 2017. This
appears to be part of a global trend, where most countries — including
Canada — have seen the percentage of students with high-school loneliness
double even before the pandemic, from 2012 to 2018.
The pandemic has resulted in learning loss, particularly in younger

students and in mathematics. Students from low-income backgrounds
may be at increased risk. Still, grades and graduation rates are higher
than before the pandemic in the TDSB, and more students are going
on to post-secondary education, with the biggest improvements among
Black and Indigenous students.

LEARNING
HUGE DECLINES IN STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

One of the most pressing challenges faced during These concerning mental health trends are not
the pandemic has been the alarming decline in isolated to the pandemic period, but rather are
student mental health. an extension of a decade-long struggle among
students. While 27% of students in grades 7 to 12
The percentage of TDSB secondary students
reported fair or poor mental health in 2019, this was
reporting they feel happy all the time or often declined
up from 11% in 2007.18 Poor mental health, serious
from 66% in 2016–17 to 31% in 2020–21, when school
psychological distress and suicide ideation have
was entirely virtual, but mildly improved to 40% in
all increased steadily over the last decade.
2021–22, when in-person schooling had returned.16
Now, poorer mental health is on the verge of
Data from the biannual Ontario Student Drug Use
becoming the typical experience for students.
and Health Survey (OSDUHS) further highlights the
depth of mental health challenges for students in Among students in grades 11 and 12, the burden
grades 7 through 12. 17
of fair or poor mental health weighs heavily,
with a majority (51%) reporting such challenges.
This student survey reveals a striking increase in
These mental health difficulties may be further
symptoms of fair or poor mental health, surging from
compounded by the anxieties surrounding
27% of students in 2019 to a staggering 38% in 2021,
graduation, post-secondary applications and the
an increase of 11 percentage points.
complexities of navigating disrupted friendships
The slight positive in the pandemic is that the more caused by the pandemic.
severe mental health challenges increased the least,
with serious psychological distress (increasing by
five percentage points, from 21% to 26%) and suicide
ideation (increasing by two percentage points,
from 16% to 18%) showing less growth than poor
mental health.
Because of COVID, youth missed too many opportunities

to socialize, build confidence in new situations and
critical skills like managing conflict. Teachers, whose
own mental health has been tested, are overwhelmed,
and lack the training to deal with students struggling
with emotional regulation and de-escalating conflict.
Pile on looming unaffordability and figuring out the
best way to afford paying for school or a home one day,
it’s no wonder that youth, especially in our community,
are more anxious.

LEARNING
Evidence from psychiatric emergency department While more recent data is not available for students,
visits demonstrates that this increase in fair/poor Mental Health Research Canada data for adults
mental health is more than just a phenomenon for 2023 shows no significant improvement in
stemming from mental health awareness; it is symptoms of depression from 2021 to 2023 in
resulting in serious consequences for students. Toronto, with about a quarter of adults reporting
In one particularly striking example, the rate of symptoms consistent with a major depressive
psychiatric emergency department visits for teens disorder in 2023 (see page 37).
aged 13 to 17 in Ontario increased by 125% for young
women from 2009 to 2017 and 65% for young men.19
The youth mental health crisis
A decade of increase in mental health challenges Declining happiness during the pandemic
Mental health issues were surging before the pandemic Happiness plummeted during the pandemic, but increased
and only increased during the pandemic. slightly as students returned to in-person schooling.
Prevalence of select mental health issues among students (%) Students who felt happy all the time or often (%)
38% 66%
Students who felt happy all the time or often (%)
27% 66% 40%

26%
31%
21%
19%
18%
17% 17% 40%
16%
15%
14% 14% 2016–17 2020–21
31% 2021–22
13% (pre-pandemic) (virtual learning) (predominantly
12% in-person)
11%
2013 2015 2017 2019 2021 2016–17 2020–21 2021–22

(pre-pandemic) (virtual learning) (predominantly
in-person)
Fair/poor mental health
Suicidal ideation
Serious psychological distress in past month
Ontario students, grades 7 through 12 Toronto District School Board students, grades 9 through 12
Source: Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. 20 Source: Toronto District School Board students. 21

LEARNING
One major contributor to poor mental health is Loneliness also increased among TDSB elementary
likely the surge in loneliness over the last decade, students, but by less than half the margin as secondary
which was exacerbated during the pandemic. students (10 percentage points, from 15% to 25%).
A global study of school loneliness among 15- and
The researchers in the global loneliness study noted
16-year-old students found that between 2012 and
that school loneliness was higher across countries
2018, the rate of students with high levels of school
when smartphone access and internet use were also
loneliness nearly doubled in Canada (from 18%
high. They believe that, among other challenges,
to 35%). 22 Twice as many students in the TDSB
increased access to devices meant students were
reported feeling always or often lonely (44%) in
spending much less time building relationships,
2021, compared to the TDSB’s 2016–17 Student
ultimately leaving students vulnerable to isolation
Census (22%), which was up from 16% in the
and lacking critical social supports.
2011–12 Student Census. 23
Lonely at school
Loneliness spiked during the pandemic, nearly Loneliness among students has been consistently
doubling among secondary students. rising for the last 20 years.
Students who always/often feel lonely (%) Scored high loneliness at school (%)
Secondary students Elementary students
44%
35%
30%
22% 18%
25% 12%
16%
15%
2012 2017 2021 2003 2012 2015 2018
Toronto District School Board students. “Elementary students” Canada, 15- and 16-year-olds
refers to students in grades 6 to 8.
Sources: Programme for International Student Assessment data
Source: Toronto District School Board. 24 via Worldwide Increase in Adolescent Loneliness study. 25

LEARNING
FEMALE STUDENTS PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE
Female students are facing numerous additional challenges

On most measures related to mental health and technology use, young women had worse outcomes than young men.
Sex differences in mental health and technology indicators
Males Females
29%
Mental health Fair or poor mental health
47%
16%
Elevated stress
46%
19%
Serious psychological distress
32%
29%
Unmet need for mental health support
55%
21%
Technology use 5 or more hours per day on social media
41%
45%
5 or more hours per day on electronic devices
60%
20%
Cyberbullied others in past year
8%
8%
Moderate-serious problem with technology use
27%
Ontario students, grades 7 through 12

Source: Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. 26
While mental health is declining among all Ontario to 15.5%) and 13 percentage points (31.6% to 18.6%)
students, the differences are particularly striking more likely to report serious psychological distress.
among young women.
Female students were also twice as likely to report
Female students in Ontario in grades 7 to 12 five or more hours per day on social media and more
in 2021 were 18 percentage points more likely than three times more likely to report behaviours
to report fair or poor mental health than boys classified as moderate to serious technology usage
(46.9%, compared to 28.5%), three times more problems than male students.
likely to report elevated stress (46.1%, compared

LEARNING
EMERGENT AND COMPLEX HEALTH ISSUES FACED BY STUDENTS

The pandemic has significantly affected health, On a positive note, binge-drinking decreased from
social connections, time use and dangerous 15% to 8%, and e-cigarette use/vaping dropped from
behaviour among Ontario students, as revealed 23% to 15%. However, online gambling with money
by comparative data from 2019 and 2021. increased substantially, from 4% in 2019 to 15% in
2021. With the legalization of online gambling and
Social connections also declined, with fewer students
the huge increase in gambling advertising in 2022,
reporting feeling close to people at school, down
this will likely increase further in future years.
from 85% in 2019 to 74% in 2021. The proportion
of students who felt like a part of their school With the numerous challenges facing students,
community dropped from 82% to 74%, and those staff and administrators are stretched. A 2023
who experienced low subjective social status survey of principals in Toronto found mental health
(i.e., feeling that other students exclude them and and wellbeing of students was their top priority:
do not respect them) increased from 23% to 30%. 80% report that staff are experiencing challenges
managing student wellbeing, and 74% report staff
The percentage of students spending five or more
challenges managing student behaviour. 27 Schools
hours a day on electronic devices in their free time
are also facing staff burnout and shortages, with
surged from 35% to 52%. Likewise, those spending
the TDSB redeploying 100 learning coaches to
five hours or more a day on social media grew from
work as supply teachers due to shortages. 28
21% to 31%, and those spending a similar duration
playing video games rose from 11% to 24%.
There is a crisis of anti-Black racism within the

education system. People aren’t accepting the reality
that all children do not have the same experience.
Racism is violence that we expect children to shrug
off, but Black children who make it to graduation are
limping across the stage battered by the experience.
This affects their career success and their family’s
success. It has generational impact.
Kearie Daniel, Co-founder & Executive Director, Parents of Black Children

LEARNING
Many other changes coincided with declines in mental health and increased isolation
Students’ physical and mental health declined, they became less connected to others and they spent far more time
online, while reducing their drug use.
Percentage of students
2019 2021
11%
Health Fair/poor physical health
20%
27%
Fair/poor mental health
38%
21%
Serious psychological distress (past month)
26%
35%
Unmet need for mental health support (past year)
42%
85%
Connection Feel close to people at school
74%
23%
Low subjective social status at school
30%
82%
Feel like part of the school (% agree)
74%
35%
Time use 5 or more hours a day on electronic devices in free time
52%
21%
5 hours or more a day on social media
31%
11%
5 hours or more a day playing video games
24%
12%
7 or more hours a day on electronic devices
26%
15%
Hazardous behaviour Binge drinking (past month)
8%
23%
E-cigarette use/vaping (past year)
15%
4%
Online gambling with money
15%
Ontario students, grades 7 through 12 (except device usage, which is high school only)
Source: Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. 29

LEARNING
LEARNING LOSS SIGNIFICANT, ESPECIALLY IN MATH

The disruption in regular schooling during the education, with the biggest improvement among
pandemic with the sudden shift to remote learning Latinx students (+9%), Indigenous students (+7%)
and the myriad challenges associated with these and Black students (+4%). 31 The graduation rate in the
adjustments have raised significant concerns about TDSB increased to 86% for students with four-plus
learning loss among students. years of high school, the highest in recent years.
Historically, the groups that have seen the biggest
Grades in the TDSB have improved across the board,
improvement had lower graduation rates and the
albeit due to changes in testing and grading during
lowest progression to post-secondary education.
the pandemic. Grades improved by five percentage
points for Grade 12 students in the TDSB in 2021–22 In Ontario, assessing the magnitude of
versus the last class before the pandemic, with similar learning loss has been complicated by changes in
increases for younger grades and across the Greater standardized assessment by the Education Quality
Toronto Area. 30
And along with these improvements, and Accountability Office (EQAO), which shifted
graduation rates have increased in 2021–22, with a tests from paper to online, causing numerous
higher share of students going on to post-secondary changes in the testing.

LEARNING
The learning loss endured by young people

during the pandemic will have long-term
implications to their wellbeing and ability
to be an active citizen. Studies show that civic
participation leads to better mental health
outcomes. This should drive a bold response
that centres digital and civic literacy for youth
as a pandemic recovery priority.
Sabreena Delhon, Executive Director, Samara Centre for Democracy
Still, especially among young students, scores on On the other hand, scores for Grade 6 students
various standardized measures have deteriorated showed essentially no change on the EQAO
in the TDSB during the pandemic despite the assessments between 2018–19 and 2021–22.
improvements outlined above, though these Similarly, literacy test scores improved for Grade 10
should be interpreted with caution. students. EQAO mathematics scores for Grade 9
students plunged from 69% — at or above provincial
Among Grade 3 students, EQAO tests scores for
standards — to only 53%.
the TDSB declined across the board. The largest
decrease was in writing, with the percentage of fully Caution comparing assessment methods
participating students at or above the provincial notwithstanding, for the most part, these changes
standard falling by eight percentage points in Toronto are quite consistent with what has been
(from 76% to 68%). observed across the province. Data from other
jurisdictions has highlighted that lower-performing
students have been most affected by learning loss
across various grades and subjects, which will
increase educational inequality.

LEARNING
Standardized test scores declined significantly in only some areas

Grade 3 students’ test scores declined across the board, while math scores declined significantly among Grade 9
students. Most other categories showed little change.
Percentage of fully participating students at or above provincial standard, TDSB
2018–19 2021–22
79%
Grade 3 Reading
74%
76%
Writing
68%
64%
Mathematics
61%
83%
Grade 6 Reading
85%
85%
Writing
85%
Mathematics 54%
52%
69%
Grade 9 Mathematics
53%
82%
Grade 10 Literacy
84%
Notes: Due to changes in data collection strategies and administration, changes should be interpreted with extreme caution.
Literacy test results are for first-time eligible students only.
Sources: Ontario’s Education Quality and Accountability Office via Toronto District School Board. 32

ARTS, CULTURE
AND RECREATION
Recently outside our building there was an outdoor

band playing and the whole park was full of people
just sitting and listening. If during pre-COVID times,
work was the glue that forced us to come together,
how do we use creativity as the new glue to
encourage interaction between people? We have
to come up with ways to turn some of our spaces
into opportunities for civic engagement, the piazzas
of Toronto, where people are gathering and not
because we need to use the photocopier.
Daniele Zanotti, President & CEO, United Way Greater Toronto

ARTS, CULTURE & RECREATION
Torontonians are participating less in arts and culture,

sports and other recreational activities than before
the pandemic, and what data is available for 2023
suggests this trend persists.
Torontonians who continued to stay actively involved in activities reported
better mental health, a stronger sense of belonging, had broader social
networks and were more likely to donate and volunteer. However, declines
in participation haven’t been uniform across demographics or activity types,
and groups may need different supports to re-engage.

Key insights
During the pandemic, the steepest declines in participation in group
types were in cultural, educational and hobby organizations (28% to 17%,
from 2018 to 2022, a 39% decline) and sports or recreational organizations
(26% to 18%, a 30% decline). Toronto Public Library data suggests that
per capita visits are still down by about 30% in the second quarter of 2023
versus before the pandemic, one prominent example that suggests
challenges are still widespread.
The reduction in participation has been particularly notable among residents

aged 55 and older, women (for sports and recreational activities) and those
with high household incomes. Racial disparities have also been observed,
with the greatest decline among white and Black Torontonians.
Frequent usage of community assets and public spaces correlates strongly

with better mental health, stronger social connections, a higher sense of
belonging and increased rates of donations and volunteering. For example,
90% of people who visit all four of outdoor parks, community centres, fitness/
recreational centres and cultural activities at least occasionally have a strong/
somewhat strong sense of belonging, compared to only 57% of people who
regularly used none of these community assets. Almost three in 10 (28%)
who used none of these community assets reported fair/poor mental health,
compared to 16% of those who used all four.
Parts of Toronto, particularly outlying areas, have significantly lower access

to recreational facilities and community services. If we want people to be well
across the city, including the parts farthest from the core, then recreational
facilities and community services need to be available more widely.

PARTICIPATION IN ARTS, CULTURE AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES

IS STILL SIGNIFICANTLY DOWN FROM BEFORE THE PANDEMIC
As we transition into a post-pandemic world, In 2022, Torontonians reported being part of an
Toronto has seen a significant drop in community average of one type of the nine groups listed in the
participation. While 2023 data is hard to come by, chart, down from 1.6 types of groups in 2018. This
the few data points available suggest that even included religious groups, seniors’ groups, sports
though participation has improved somewhat from or recreational organizations, cultural, educational
earlier in the pandemic, participation remains or hobby organizations and others.
considerably lower than it was before the pandemic.
Leisure on hold
Participation during the pandemic dropped disproportionately in sports and recreational organizations and
in cultural organizations.
Membership and participation by type of group
2018 2022
A religious-affiliated group 20%

(such as a church group or choir, but
not a church, synagogue, mosque, etc.) 18%
26%
A sports or recreational organization
18%
28%
A cultural, educational or hobby organization
17%
27%
A union or professional association
16%
10%
A seniors’ group
7%
7%
A youth organization
6%
10%
A political party or group
6%
6%
An immigrant or ethnic association or club
6%
A service club 8%
(such as Rotary or the Legion)
3%

Note: Respondents were asked if they had been a member or participant in the previous 12 months.

Effective, accessible programs exist for great arts

initiatives in Toronto, yet 45% of the projects we
could have resourced last year were not funded
due to limited budget. Investing more in our
abundant arts talent is an easy way to boost
Toronto’s cultural impact.
Kelly Langgard, Director and CEO, Toronto Arts Council
and Toronto Arts Foundation
Two of the biggest areas of decline in participation Fewer people are registering for City of Toronto
were among cultural, educational and hobby programs, which are typically centred around
organizations, where participation dropped sports, recreation and physical activity. Enrolment
by 11 percentage points, from 28% to 17%, in the fall 2022 registered programs was down
and among sports or recreational organizations, by almost half versus the same period in 2019
where participation declined by eight percentage (150,000 registrations to just under 83,000),
points, from 26% to 18%. while drop-in program attendance declined by
more than half (from 2.1 million to fewer than
For sports and recreational organizations, this
one million in fall 2022).35
continues a long-term downward trend. In 2013,
about a third of Toronto residents reported being Almost three-quarters (73%) of previous arts visitors
involved in these sorts of organizations. Going back were back attending arts events as of October 2022,
further and looking at national data, in 1992, about according to the Ontario Arts Monitor.36 However,
45% of Canadians reported participating in sports, all categories of arts saw people attending less
though Toronto data is unavailable. 33
frequently than pre-pandemic, with outdoor events
seeing the highest rate of return.
For cultural organizations, this is not a long-term
trend, but a new one that emerged during the For some arts organizations, the effect of declining
pandemic. The percentage of people participating attendance has been dramatic. Fourth-quarter
in these groups in Toronto increased from 2013 2022 Canadian theatre ticket sales were estimated
to 2018, from 25% to 28%,34 before declining at about 55% of pre-pandemic levels in a survey
to 17% during the pandemic. of members of the Professional Association of
Canadian Theatres.37
Data from various sources suggest that recovery is
slow in the cultural, sports and recreational sectors. This is particularly concerning since, according
to the Canadian Association for the Performing
Arts, as of the end of 2022, “the recovery phase
is essentially completed and whatever distance
remains compared to pre-COVID levels should
be considered the new post-COVID reality.”38

The Fringe Festival in Toronto illustrates how these These sorts of trends, if they are widespread,
challenges can impact an organization. In 2023, could herald a growing divide between indoor and
the festival sold just under 47,000 tickets, 39
outdoor cultural activities; although, they could also
up substantially from 33,000 tickets to 80 shows be based on timing, accessibility, various promotional
in 2022, but still a drop of one third (33%) from the resources or many other factors.
70,000 tickets it typically sold to about 140 shows
While 2023 data for arts, culture and recreational
before the pandemic.40 Even with the reduced
organizations was sparse, visits to the Toronto
number of shows, the organization was still running
Public Library are perhaps at least somewhat
|a deficit before the 2023 festival that could lead to
illuminating for what they show about people
even further substantial reductions in the number
returning to indoor cultural activities. Visits were
of shows in 2024.41
at 74% of the pre-pandemic levels in the second
On the other hand, some outdoor festivals in quarter of 2023, compared to the same quarter
Toronto reported attendance was even higher in before the pandemic, with improvements levelling
2022 than in 2019, including the Luminato Festival, off versus the previous quarter (73%).44 While this
which reported attendance rose about 8% from is a huge improvement from the 40% level in the
2019 to 2022,42 and the Canadian National Exhibition first quarter of 2022 or the 61% level in the third
(CNE), which reported attendance was up 10% in quarter of 2022, it remains far from normal.
fall 2022, compared to 2019. The CNE reported even Toronto’s population has also grown by several
better results in terms of revenues, noting that ride percentage points since 2019,45 making the gap
usage and revenues, and concession revenues were in participation even larger, which would suggest
up by around 40%. 43
per capita visits are down by about 30%.
Plotting a comeback: Visits to libraries are still down significantly from pre-pandemic levels,
emblematic of challenges across the cultural sector
From the first quarter of 2021 to the second quarter of 2023, Toronto Public Library visits recovered from 5% of
pre-pandemic levels to 74% of pre-pandemic levels, though progress levelled off in the second quarter of 2023.
Visits to Toronto Public Library relative to pre-pandemic
100
90
80 74%
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2
2020 2021 2022 2023
Note: Visits are calculated relative to the same period in 2019.

Sources: Toronto Public Library via City of Toronto Dashboard.46

DEMOGRAPHICS PLAY A ROLE IN REDUCED PARTICIPATION LEVELS

In the 2022 versus 2018 Toronto Social Capital Study, For both types of groups, the biggest declines were
the patterns of who was no longer participating in among those who identified as white and those who
sports and recreational organizations and no longer identified as Black.
participating in cultural activities were broadly similar.
Participation in both sports and recreation
Residents aged 55 and older are participating at only
organizations and cultural, educational and hobby
half the rate they were previously, while youth are
organizations declined dramatically among those
engaging slightly less.
with the highest incomes and only slightly among
For sports and recreational organizations, those with lower incomes, likely at least partially
participation dropped sharply for women because of the relationship between age and
(by 11 percentage points), but not for men income. For example, participation in cultural groups
(declining by four percentage points). While declined from 33% to 17% between 2018 and 2022
this pattern was not seen for cultural, educational among those with a $100,000 or higher annual
or hobby organizations, where participation had household income, but only from 22% to 20%
declined by both men and women by 13 to 14 points, among those with an annual income of less than
it was part of a broader trend where women had $30,000. For these types of organizations, which
much larger declines in participation across many often rely on fees for services to pay for their
groups and activities. Overall, women’s participation offerings and often supplement income with
in groups and activities declined by an average donations, this could be a challenge for future
of 0.8 activities, compared to only 0.4 for men. financial sustainability.
Art should be approached as social

infrastructure. Co-creation is an incredible way to
bring people together across real and perceived
differences. Art and artists are agnostic and able
to transcend those boundaries, and I believe
that’s what we need most right now.
Leah Houston, Executive Director, MABELLEarts

A new participation divide: Declines in participation vary sharply by demographic groups

Some demographic groups saw sharp declines in participation between 2018 and 2022, while other groups saw
participation rates remain relatively unchanged.
Member or participant in sports or recreational organizations (%)
2018 2022
24 31
18–24
22
25–29
22 24
30–39
17 26
40–54
13 27
55–64
13 27
65+
22 26
Men
14 25
Women
15 25
Black
19 28
White
16 22
South Asian
19 20
Chinese
Member or participant in cultural, educational or hobby organizations (%)
2018 2022
27 31
18–24
17 24
25–29
19 23
30–39
16 25
40–54
15 31
55–64
15 33
65+
15 28
Men
19 33
Women
17 29
Black
16 30
White
14 17
South Asian
24 25
Chinese


PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY LIFE KEY TO OVERALL WELLBEING

The 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study asked Almost three-quarters (73%) of those who used
respondents how frequently they visited outdoor all four community assets at least occasionally
parks, community centres, fitness and recreational reported life satisfaction of at least 7 on a 10-point
centres and arts or cultural centres/activities. scale, compared to just over half (51%) of those who
used no community assets. Each additional activity
Results indicated that people who frequently used
someone participated in was associated with higher
community assets and public spaces have higher life
life satisfaction. Mental health was also better for
satisfaction and tend to have a broader network of
those who used or visited many facilities.
friends, know more of their neighbours, trust people
and institutions, and are more likely to donate, Of course, with a point-in-time survey, it is impossible
volunteer and participate in political activity. to determine how much higher participation causes
higher wellbeing and social capital or vice versa.
For example, 90% of people took advantage of all
But given dramatic declines in wellbeing and social
four of outdoor parks; community centres; fitness/
capital (see page 24 and page 38), it is likely that
recreational centres; and cultural activities at least
as more people can participate and re-engage with
occasionally have a strong/somewhat strong sense
the activities they love, it will be a net benefit for the
of belonging, compared to only 57% of people who
wellbeing and social capital of residents in the city,
used or visited none of these community assets.
and this needs to be a focus for all Torontonians,
More than half of people (59%) who used all four
and policymakers and funders.
community assets at least occasionally know many
of their neighbours, compared to only 18% of people
who used none of the community assets.
When everything closed during the pandemic,

it was a very challenging time for community
members. Once things opened up, I immediately
organized a bazaar in the park. It was life-changing
for some people because it was about engagement,
helping out and participation again.
Sabina Ali, Executive Director, Thorncliffe Women’s Park Committee

Thriving through community participation

More frequent participation in community activities including going to parks, community centres,
fitness/recreational centres and cultural activities was associated with greater wellbeing, more social
connections, more social trust and more civic participation.
Wellbeing and social capital scores by participation frequency
Used none of the community assets 1 used 2 used 3 used 4 community assets used at least occasionally
90%
80%
72% 73%
68%
66%
64%
59% 58%
57%
51%
46%
42%
39% 39%
37%
32%
29% 30%
28% 28%
24% 24% 23%
22%
18% 17% 18%
16%
13%
Volunteered past Have poor/fair More than 5 close Strong/somewhat Know many/most Higher life
12 months mental health friends strong sense of your satisfaction
of belonging neighbours (7+ out of 10)

Notes: Respondents were asked how frequently they used the following community assets in the last six months: 1) outdoor parks; 2)
a gym, fitness or recreational centre; 3) a theatre, concert hall, art gallery, or cultural or arts centre; or 4) a community centre. The chart
shows data for those who regularly or occasionally used the community assets. The effects in this chart remained after controlling for
age, income and other key demographic variables, but presenting this analysis is beyond the scope of this report.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTICIPATION FOR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH

An MLSE Foundation 2022 study of youth and young adults in Ontario found that 60% of youth not
active in sports rated their mental health as worse than before the pandemic, compared to 40% of
youth who participated in the past year.47 The study also found that, controlling for demographic factors,
access to sports has a meaningful impact on youths’ likelihood of reporting a strong sense of belonging
to their community. Finally, when youth were asked about things that could improve their mental health,
opportunities for participation in sports was one of the top answers. Affordability remains a common
concern for young people to participate, particularly for those from lower-income households.
Access to community centres What’s more, the neighbourhood clusters

and recreation unequal with the lowest access to recreational facilities or
community centres often also have lower access
Across central Toronto, 84% of residents live
to parks (covered in the Environment section
within walking distance of recreational facilities
on page 74), further compounding the systemic
or a community centre. In contrast, for those living
disadvantages of residents lacking access to
in York, Scarborough or Etobicoke, this falls to
social infrastructure.
only 67%. For those with cars or high-quality
transit access, this may not be a major barrier, Neighbourhood centres, a type of community
but, for many others, this could prevent them centre, have become the most trusted institution
from regularly using these facilities. in the city, a trend discussed further on page 29.
However, people without easy walking distance
In particular, the neighbourhoods with the lowest
to a community centre or recreational facility
share of residents living within easy walking distance
had much lower trust in this critical institution.
of recreational facilities or a community centre were
Scarborough-Agincourt (64%) and Humber North
(60%), both of which have a high proportion of
racialized residents.

Going the extra mile: Access to community assets remains unequal across the city
Percent within easy walking distance of recreational facilities or a community centre
Toronto average Toronto average 74%
Former municipalities Old Toronto 84%
North York 76%
East York 76%
York 67%
Scarborough 67%
Etobicoke 67%
Neighbourhood Scarborough-Ionview 70%

clusters with
lowest scores
Scarborough-Agincourt 64%
Humber North 60%


ENVIRONMENT
I am new to Toronto and, from where I sit, the magic

of the city is not in the tall buildings or economic
centre, but what those things enable — diverse
communities, unique neighbourhoods and buzzing
social energy. This city is all about people and
possibility. Amid growing disparity and disconnection,
bringing us back together is both a collective
imperative and our individual responsibility.
Great public spaces can help connect us to nature
and one another. Here we can find community,
build understanding and trust and health, and
once again realize the possibility of Toronto as
a city bursting with life.
Jennifer Angel, CEO, Evergreen
ENVIRONMENT
Toronto, often heralded as a “city within a park,”

paints a verdant picture with its 1,500-plus parks
and a remarkable 28% tree coverage, including
300 kilometres of ravines spanning 17% of the city.
These living, diverse ecosystems do more than just add aesthetic appeal:
they serve as the city’s natural air-filtering and cooling system, providing
essential relief on sweltering summer days. With July 2023 breaking
recent records a the hottest month ever recorded, unequal access to the
benefits of these green spaces and their related infrastructure becomes
all the more critical.

ENVIRONMENT
Key insights
Toronto has more than 1,500 parks and an impressive 28% tree coverage
that contribute significantly to urban aesthetics, air quality and climate
resilience. These green spaces also serve as essential hubs for recreational
activities and mental wellness, particularly evident during the pandemic.
But access is unequal, with 43% of the population living in areas with low
greenness, predominantly in lower-income and racialized parts of the city.
Nearly all (92%) Toronto residents say they have a park or green space
within walking distance. However, park usage varies across the city,
with 81% regularly or occasionally using their local park in Humber South,
compared to only 64% in Scarborough-Agincourt. The disparity in usage
underlines the difference in appeal and functionality due to varying
amenities, programming and facilities across these spaces.
Those living in Emerging Neighbourhoods* were much less likely than other
residents to feel their neighbourhoods had safe places for children to play
and were less likely to be visiting local parks. To illustrate, while 79% of
city-wide residents feel their neighbourhoods have safe places for children
to play, this decreases to 71% in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs)
and drops further to 58% in Emerging Neighbourhoods.
Cycling in Toronto is on the rise and now safer, thanks to expanded bike
infrastructure built during the pandemic. However, growth and safety
vary by area, indicating the need for more equal access to infrastructure,
especially in the suburbs, with recent decades showing huge growth in
the downtown core, but no growth in the suburbs. Bike Share Toronto saw
significant growth during the pandemic, with trips rising from 2.5 million
in 2019 to 4.5 million in 2022.
Note: *“Emerging Neighbourhoods” is an official designation by the City of Toronto to identify neighbourhoods
that previously had high levels of inequality but not listed as a “Neighbourhood Improvement Area.”

ENVIRONMENT
ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL GREEN SPACE UNEQUAL

Toronto’s 1,500-plus parks and impressive According to the 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study,
28% tree coverage, including 300 kilometres of 92% of residents in Toronto report having access
ravines covering 17% of the city, not only beautify to parks or other green space within easy walking
our urban landscape, but also serve as vital agents distance of their homes. This high level of accessibility
in air pollution mitigation and climate resilience. surpasses the national average (86%), according
The role of these green spaces as recreational to a national poll conducted near the same time,49
sanctuaries and mental wellness hubs was indicating that Toronto has made significant strides
particularly pronounced during the height in ensuring that its residents can easily enjoy the
of the pandemic. benefits of green spaces.
Scientists confirm that July 2023 was Earth’s However, we must recognize that not all parks are
hottest month on record, and the United Nations equal. Differences in amenities, programming and
warned that the “era of global warming has ended facilities impact their appeal and functionality. This
and the era of global boiling has arrived.” Green
48
variance becomes clear when we consider where
spaces are vital to cities to improve air quality and residents are most likely to use parks. Despite all
reduce the urban heat island effect, serving to reduce areas of Toronto reporting higher-than-average
temperatures in their surrounding neighbourhoods. park usage (73% report regularly or occasionally
using parks in Toronto, compared to 61% across
Parks and green spaces not only provide physical
Canada), places like Humber South have a
and mental health benefits, but also contribute to
particularly high usage of parks (81%), while places
the social fabric of communities. These natural
like Scarborough-Agincourt (64%), Humber North
settings create opportunities for social interactions,
(68%) and Scarborough-Ionview (69%) lag behind.
fostering connections and a sense of belonging
among individuals. Green spaces serve as gathering
places where people can engage in recreational
activities, organize community events and
strengthen social bonds.
Climate change will affect everything, from our

retirement savings to migration. The rich will survive
while everyone else suffers, which will unravel social
cohesion. It has only just begun, with wildfires
rendering our air quality among the world’s worst
for days. Who can close their windows, turn on
their AC and run air purifiers, and who can’t?
Devika Shah, Executive Director, Environment Funders Canada

ENVIRONMENT
Park usage in Toronto outshines the national average, but equity gaps remain
Torontonians (73%) are 12 percentage points more likely to use parks regularly or occasionally than
Canadians overall, but Emerging Neighbourhoods (61%) have much lower park usage.
Use an outdoor park regularly or occassionally
Area Humber South 81%
Danforth-Beach 79%
Downtown 78%
North Toronto-Don Mills 77%
City of Toronto 73%
Scarborough-Thorncliffe 71%
Weston/Jane/York 71%
Newtonbrook-Willowdale 71%
Yorkdale-Annex 70%
Scarborough-Ionview 69%
Humber North 68%
Canada 61%
Neighbourhood type Non-designted neighbourhoods 74%
Neighbourhood Improvement Areas 72%
Emerging Neighbourhoods 61%

Notes: A list of “Neighbourhood Improvement Areas” and “Emerging Neighbourhoods” can be found here. Emerging Neighbourhoods is
an official designation by the City of Toronto to identify neighbourhoods that previously received targeted investments but no longer listed
as a Neighbourhood Improvement Area. Some examples of neighbourhoods designated as Emerging Neighbourhoods include Malvern
East and West, L’Amoreaux East and West, Dorset Park, Steeles, Yorkdale-Glen Park and Humber Heights-Westmount.
Sources: The 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study and a national 2022 social capital study conducted by Community Foundations of Canada.
And while Toronto’s green coverage may surpass The benefits of nature exposure are numerous,
many global cities, a 2020 study shows a stark including enhanced happiness, social cohesion,
disparity: wealthier and predominantly white decreased mental distress and even improved
neighbourhoods enjoy more trees than lower-income cognitive function and creativity, as highlighted
and racialized areas. Similarly, 43% of Torontonians in a recent review of the connection between
live in low-greenness postal codes, predominantly nature and mental health.51
in northern Etobicoke and Scarborough, while only
25% reside in high-greenness neighbourhoods,
in the predominantly affluent areas of the city.50

ENVIRONMENT
However, these benefits are not all evenly Our 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study revealed
distributed. Data discussed in our 2021 Toronto’s Vital that regular parkgoers were more likely to know
Signs Report indicated that in many areas with less their neighbours, with 35% of these frequent visitors
frequent park visitation in the chart on the previous reporting they know many or most people in their
page, residents were less likely to report mental neighbourhood, compared to only 18% among those
health benefits from spending time outside. Areas who never visit parks, revealing some of the ways
like the northwest corner of Toronto and the western these patterns are showing up in our city.
part of Scarborough (with only 17% and 16% reporting
mental health benefits, respectively) fall behind
parts of the city such as southern Etobicoke, where
43% of residents experienced significant mental
health benefits from outdoor activities.52
FOCUSED INVESTMENT NEEDED TO BRIDGE DIVIDES

In Toronto, Neighbourhood Improvement Areas Similarly, residents in these Emerging Neighbourhoods
(NIAs) are specific geographic regions identified by were 11 percentage points less likely to have used
the city as facing socio-economic challenges. These an outdoor park in the previous six months than
areas were designated based on various indicators residents of Neighbourhood Improvement Areas
such as income levels, education, employment rates and 13 percentage points less likely than residents
and other factors indicating higher disadvantage of neighbourhoods with neither designation. These
levels. As a result, NIAs receive targeted investment residents of Emerging Neighbourhoods were also
and support to address the unique needs and least likely to have reported going on a walk of
disparities within these communities. at least three blocks in a typical week, when the
weather is good.
A second group of neighbourhoods with slightly
lower inequities was designated as “Emerging These findings indicate that it may be beneficial
Neighbourhoods,” but they did not receive the to reassess the investment levels in Emerging
same level of investment as the NIA areas. Neighbourhoods to ensure that these areas’
unique needs and challenges are effectively
However, our 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study
being addressed.
data suggests that additional investments may
be necessary for Emerging Neighbourhoods,
as new gaps may have emerged. For instance,
while 79% of the city’s population agree or strongly
agree that their neighbourhood has safe places for
children to play, the percentage is slightly lower in
NIAs, at 71%, and considerably lower in Emerging
Neighbourhoods, at 58%, a number lower than even
residents in the downtown core (where 66% agree).

ENVIRONMENT
Not all children have safe places to play

People in Emerging Neighbourhoods were least likely to agree that children had safe places to play (58%),
18 percentage points less than the city overall (76%). Downtown also scored poorly, with 66% agreeing
their neighbourhood had safe places for kids to play.
Agree that neighbourhood has safe places for children to play
Area Humber North 84%
Danforth-Beach 83%
North Toronto-Don Mills 83%
Humber South 80%
Newtonbrook-Willowdale 79%
Scarborough-Thornclifffe 78%
City of Toronto 76%
Yorkdale-Annex 72%
Canada 72%
Weston/Jane/York 70%
Scarborough-Ionview 70%
Downtown 66%
Neighbourhood type Non-designated neighbourhoods 79%

Neighbourhood Improvement Areas 71%
Emerging neighbourhoods 58%
Note: Data reflects both those who agree and strongly agree.
Sources: The 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study and a national 2022 social capital study conducted by Community
Foundations of Canada.
CYCLING CONTINUES ITS SURGE IN TORONTO,

WHILE ALSO GETTING SAFER
Enhancing cycling infrastructure is integral to downtown Toronto saw more cyclists. For example,
reducing Toronto’s emissions, with investments while consistent data is not available, data was
in bike infrastructure yielding substantial increases provided to the Toronto Star for a week in late 2022,
in usage. Studies 53
suggest that bike-friendly and showing an almost 80% increase compared to the
walkable city designs can bolster social capital, pre-pandemic average.60
promoting neighbourly connections, trust and social
Bike infrastructure development took centre
engagement54,55,56,57, while one study found that active
stage during the pandemic, resulting in significant
transportation was one of the strongest predictors
additions to the city’s bikeways from 2020 to 2022,
of community participation.58
outpacing the growth in the previous three years.
The popularity of biking in Toronto has been on Despite increased popularity, biking has also
the rise. Between 2006 and 2011, biking as a share become safer. The rate of serious injuries among
of trips surged by 75%, compared to an 8% increase cyclists per 100,000 residents has nearly halved,
across all other modes, with continued growth falling from 1.76 in 2017 to 0.92 in 2022.61
between 2011 and 2016. 59
Even during the pandemic,

ENVIRONMENT
Bikeway installation surged during the pandemic, but has slowed somewhat
Bikeway installations increased from 5.2 kilometres in 2019 to 35.7 kilometres in 2020. Although the levels have
decreased since then, they are still higher than any year before the pandemic.
Bikeway installations (km)
35.7
22.7
17.8
15.2
11.9
8.1
5.2
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
City of Toronto
Note: Includes multi-use trails, cycle tracks, bicycle lanes and wayfinding sharrows (shared-lane markings).
Source: City of Toronto Transportation Services.62
What gives me hope is how much more people

use and appreciate city parks. Spaces are activated
in new and imaginative ways. But they’re still
underutilized. We could make it easier for folks to
get involved, to take ownership and create more
opportunities for communities to come together.
Zahra Ebrahim, Co-founder, Monumental

ENVIRONMENT
Bike Share Toronto has simultaneously fuelled and the health crisis. From 2019 to 2022, the total number
thrived from the increased interest in cycling. The of annual trips rose from just under 2.5 million to
program saw a steady increase in trips before the 4.6 million — all while the number of bikes available
pandemic, but the pace of growth surged during to riders remained largely unchanged.63
Bike Share Toronto continues rapid growth

Bike Share Toronto had almost 10 times the number of trips in 2022 than a decade ago, and growth
only accelerated, increasing by almost two million trips during the pandemic alone.
Total trips taken via Bike Share Toronto
5,000,000
4,500,000
4,000,000
3,500,000
3,000,000
2,500,000
2,000,000
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
0
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Total trips taken via Bike Share Toronto

Image source: Bike Share Toronto.64
Yet, the picture of cycling growth in Toronto Nevertheless, there are signs of progress. Bike
isn’t uniform across the city. The last two decades Share Toronto was launched in 2011 as a primarily
witnessed a significant uptick in downtown cycling, downtown-focused system with 80 stations and
with bike-originated trips soaring from 1.3% of trips 1,000 bikes.67 By 2023, the network had expanded
in 1996 to 6.9% of trips in 2016.65 The suburbs, to 625 stations spread accross 20 out of 25 wards,
on the other hand, experienced a decline from with 7,165 conventional bikes and 525 e-bikes.68
1.1% of trips taking place on bicycles to 0.8% The next stages involve expanding to 1,000 stations,
over the same period. with the majority of the increase in stations in the
suburbs, which will contribute to greater equity
This discrepancy extends to recent infrastructure
around access to bicycles.
development, with 52% of 2022 bikeway
installations located downtown, 29% in Etobicoke
York and a mere 10% and 9% in Scarborough and
North York, respectively.66

ENVIRONMENT
Downtown cycling has sped ahead, with the suburbs left behind
Biking rates in the suburbs remained lower in 2016 As of 2022, the majority of new bikeway
than in 1996 (at less than 1% of trips), while increasing installations remain downtown (52%), with
more than fivefold in the downtown Toronto area very few in Scarborough or North York (19%).
(from 1.3% to 6.9%).
Share of trips taken by bicycle Share of bikeway installation by district

downtown Toronto versus the suburbs
6.9%
10%
9%
29%
4.9%
2.9% 3.0%
52%
1.3%
0.8%
0.4% 0.5%
1.1% 0.3%
Scarborough 1.75km
1996 2001 2006 2011 2016
North York 1.57km
Toronto & East York (Downtown) Toronto – East York 9.26km
Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough Etobicoke York 5.3km
Source: Nancy Smith Lea, using data from the Transportation Share of bikeway installations by district (2022)
Tomorrow Survey.69
Image source: City of Toronto.70
The way community groups responded early in the

pandemic to help neighbours who needed support
shows that if we resource and strengthen this
social infrastructure, communities will be more
resilient and prepared to address other shocks
including extreme weather events.
Emmay Mah, Executive Director, Toronto Environmental Alliance

WORK
We’re losing what research has pointed to as the

soul of a community. For example, knowing your
local barista or long-time butcher. We took for
granted that connective tissue and when we lose it,
it limits our trust with people. Faces become
strange if you’re not seeing them often.
Everything we know about the importance
of city-building and place-keeping is affected
by the hollowing of the downtown core.

WORK
The realm of work has undergone seismic shifts in

recent years, with trends that may have taken years
before the pandemic now happening in months.
From historically high unemployment rates before the pandemic
to job shortages in 2023, these have been joined by the rise of digital
app–based employment and hybrid working models. Emergent forms
of work, while offering flexibility and opportunity, simultaneously
present distinct challenges. Job precarity, burnout-heightened feelings
of loneliness, high costs of living offsetting wage increases and a looming
threat of replacement by automation and artificial intelligence are
becoming part and parcel of our novel employment landscape.

WORK
Key insights
Post-pandemic economic recovery in Toronto saw unemployment rates
dropping to 5.7% by June 2023, near historical lows, with employment
increasing by 16% to 1.74 million and average hourly wages rising by 19%.
Despite low unemployment, financial struggles persist, with 33% of city

of Toronto residents stating their household income was insufficient in
2023 (up from 21% in 2018). At the same time, more than half of Toronto
CMA residents fear for their or their family member’s ability to keep or
find a stable full-time job (15 points higher than the rest of country) while
people are as likely as not to think now is a bad time to be looking for
a job (unlike the rest of the country where most think it is a good time),
and 33% worry their job may be automated in the future.
Hybrid work arrangements are gaining traction, doubling from 14% in 2021
to 28% in 2023 and contributing to a slow return to offices in downtown
Toronto. Offices had only 52% office occupancy in July 2023 versus
before the pandemic.
Burnout remains a major factor in the workplace, with almost a quarter

(22%) of workers feeling exhausted and burnt out most or all of the time
in spring 2023 and an additional 42% feeling burnt out some of the time,
statistically unchanged from spring 2022.

WORK
From crisis to recovery: Unemployment rates are back to near historical lows
Unemployment rates more than doubled early in the pandemic, but are now dropping close to historical lows.
Unemployment rate
City of Toronto — January 2020 to June 2023
15 14.1%
12
9
6.3%
5.7%
6
3
Jan Jun
2020 2021 2022 2023
City of Toronto
Sources: Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey via City of Toronto.
UNEMPLOYMENT RATES FULLY RECOVERED

Looking at many critical economic indicators, It is possible some retirees are re-entering
the post-pandemic economic rebound has been the workforce in order to cover basic expenses
remarkable, especially considering the depth of (see page 125 for a discussion of inflation and
the initial decline. its consequences).
By June 2023, the unemployment rate was at As unemployment has dipped, the population has
5.7% in the city of Toronto, lower than before grown, labour market participation has increased
the pandemic and close to historical lows. 71
and the job vacancy rate in the city has begun a
return to normal, at 3.8% in the first quarter of 2023.
Employment in the city of Toronto increased
This is still higher than the 3.3% in the fourth quarter
drastically, from 1.46 million in February 2020 to
of 2020, but considerably lower than the peak of
1.74 million in June 2023, a boom partially explained
5.3% in the second quarter of 2022.
by population growth and partially by an increased
participation rate. In February 2020, 64.4% of the While incomes may not have kept pace with
population was participating in the economy, which expenses for a large share of workers, there has
rose to 68.7% as of June 2023. While generally been a significant increase in average hourly wages
higher participation is considered a good thing, throughout the pandemic. For example, in February
this substantial increase in participation could also 2020, the average hourly wage was $29.94 and by
be caused by more people struggling to get by. June 2023, it had reached $34.87 — an impressive
Our Income and Wealth section highlights that 19% rise. Rarely in the city’s modern history have
33% of city of Toronto residents said their income we witnessed such substantial wage increases.
was not enough for them in 2023, up from 21%
of city of Toronto residents in 2018 (see page 125).

WORK
Employers are crying out that there’s a labour

shortage, which there’s not. There’s a good job
shortage. Many don’t want to provide good jobs
but just want complete flexibility and power
over a workforce that works for them. That’s
why many just want to have people coming
into Canada through immigration programs that
tie the worker to the employer which basically
creates indentured servants.
Deena Ladd, Executive Director, Workers’ Action Centre
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS MAY HAVE IMPROVED

BUT FEARS REMAIN HIGH IN TORONTO
And while the unemployment rate is nearing from the same source indicates that 32% of
historical lows, there are still lingering uncertainties workers in the Toronto CMA fear they might
among many in the city. be replaced by automation in the near future
(not statistically different from the 27% across
Residents of the Toronto CMA are almost as likely
Canada).74 This apprehension is more pronounced
to say now is a bad time for people to find a job as
among racialized and younger workers, who
a good time (39% say it’s a good time to find a job
believe their jobs could potentially be made
and 37% say it’s a bad time) in spring 2023, while
redundant due to advancing technologies.
in Canada overall people are much more likely to
say that it is a good time than a bad time (49% Adding to this, the 2022 Toronto Social Capital
say it’s a good time, and 29% say it’s a bad time), Study reveals a concerning trend: the unemployed
in data from the Survey on Employment and Skills.72 population, already grappling with financial
instability, faces the worst mental health outcomes
The same study found that more than half of
and has some of the city’s lowest social capital
Torontonians (53%) are worried about themselves
levels. This vicious cycle, where poor mental health
or family members finding or keeping a stable,
and a lack of social support further inhibit job
full-time job, again much higher than the rest of
prospects, makes breaking free from unemployment
the country (38%).73
increasingly difficult. It underscores the necessity
One of the common fears is around the rise of for interventions that focus not only on job creation,
artificial intelligence and automation. Other data but also on mental health and social connectivity.

WORK
HYBRID WORK A FIXTURE THAT BENEFITS SOME, NOT ALL

By July 2023, only 52% of office spaces that would Other data shows that downtown foot traffic seems
have been occupied in downtown Toronto before to be recovering more slowly in Toronto than in most
the pandemic are now occupied. This is particularly other cities. For example, Toronto ranked 58th out
striking given the data on large increases in workforce of 63 North American cities, according to data from
participation noted earlier. 75
the University of Toronto’s School of Cities, where it
found only 42% of foot traffic had returned between
March 2023 and May 2023, compared to the same
period in 2019 (see page 98 for full details). This is
only 10 percentage points better than San Francisco,
which had the slowest recovery.76
Half empty or half full? Office occupancy well below pre-pandemic levels
Office occupancy is just over half of the typical levels before the pandemic, with a slow but steady increase
through 2022 and 2023.
Downtown Toronto office occupancy index
52%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
No data
No data
No data
0%
May Jul
2020 2021 2022 2023
Image source: Strategic Regional Research Alliance.77

WORK
Here’s a staggering number [from Statistics Canada]:

roughly 40% of jobs in Canada can be performed
remotely. Many employees don’t have to work in
the office every day. The impact on transit, retail
and even social skills and civility is profound. The
changing work pattern is fundamental and we don’t
yet know what the impact will be. It means way less
connection with people not like you. You can control
your environment and who you encounter. We lose
all serendipity and the creativity that comes with that.
Mary Rowe, President and CEO, Canadian Urban Institute
The percentage of employees in the Toronto CMA Notably, the percentage of workers reporting
exclusively working at home has dropped from more a hybrid work arrangement, where they work
than half in winter 2020 (51%) to nearly three in 10 at home on some days but not every day, has
(28%) by April 2023, according to data from the witnessed a notable increase over those two years,
Survey on Employment and Skills. In contrast, the
78
doubling from 14% of workers in June 2021 to 28%
proportion of individuals working exclusively at their in April 2023.
usual workplace outside their home has remained
relatively steady in the later years of the pandemic,
increasing only from 37% to 42% between 2021
and 2023.

WORK
At home to hybrid: Only a few workers are returning to the office full time
From April 2022 to April 2023, the number of people working exclusively outside the home has remained
unchanged, while the number of hybrid workers increased 10 percentage points.
Work situation in the past 3 months
26%
37% 42%
43%
Work from usual workplace outside home
18%
Hybrid — work at home some
14%
days but not all
18% 28%
Working at home
44%
41% Worked at home before pandemic
30%
23%
7% 3%
5% 5%
Nov/Dec 2020 Jun 2021 Apr/May 2022 April 2023
Toronto CMA, 2023

Note: The full question text is available in the endnotes.79
Sources: The Survey on Employment and Skills, conducted by the Environics Institute in partnership with the Future Skills Centre
and the Diversity Institute.
At this point, it seems quite likely that Toronto instances, remote work only exacerbated the
office spaces will not return anytime soon to the disparities between those who had to work from
levels of occupancy seen before the pandemic. an office. Those engaged in remote work generally
The preference for home and remote work will enjoyed higher incomes, greater educational
be challenging to overcome. attainment and increased autonomy in their
job responsibilities.
In 2023, more than one-third of workers in the
Toronto CMA working at home (34%) mentioned While workers of all ages who currently work at
they had switched jobs since the beginning of the home prefer to work at home at least two to three
pandemic to find ones better suited for remote days a week, there are also clear signs of very
work, according to further data from the Survey different desires among workers of different ages.
on Employment and Skills. 80 Additionally, 25% of For example, Canada-wide, 61% of workers aged 55
respondents working at home stated they had and older who currently work at home wanted to
relocated to different communities because they work at home nearly every day, compared to 19% of
could work at home. Most of those working at
81
those aged 18 to 24 or 50% of those aged 35 to 44.83
home (73%) preferred it when compared to the
Emerging studies have shown that working at
option of working in a regular office environment.82
home can be particularly challenging for younger
Job satisfaction was also higher among those workers. In one large U.S. study among engineers
working at home than either hybrid or fully in-person in one company, researchers concluded that while
workers across multiple waves of the Survey on older workers were more productive, younger
Employment and Skills. workers were not and received less feedback
than workers in the office, leading to lower job
Undoubtedly, individuals who could work at home
satisfaction and retention. 84
already possessed certain advantages. In some

WORK
MORE THAN ONE IN FIVE WORKERS REPORT

FEELING BURNT OUT MOST OF THE TIME
In April 2023, about 22% of people in Toronto The rate of burnout is near unchanged from
reported feeling exhausted and burnt out most April 2022 , the first time it was asked, when
(16%) or all of the time (6%), according to data from 26.6% reported feeling exhausted or burnt out
Mental Health Research Canada. 85
An additional most or all of the time (the differences are not
42% of workers reported feeling burnt out some of statistically significant).
the time. On the other hand, just over a third (36%)
rarely or never feel exhausted and burnt out.
Feelings of exhaustion and burnout remain common in Toronto

More than two in 10 (22%) report feeling exhausted and burnt out most of the time.
Frequency of feeling exhausted and burnt out
42%
27%
16%
9%
6%
Never Rarely Sometimes Most of the time Always
City of Toronto, April 2023

Source: Data provided by Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC). All analysis is by the author and does not necessarily reflect the
views of MHRC.
We work with job seekers who are generally

the furthest away from employment and when
you’re trying to just survive, the ideas of civic
engagement and volunteerism seems aspirational.
Even for those employed, when you have a foreign
credentialing system that’s broken and you have
doctors driving taxis and working three jobs just
to feed their families, it can be hard to think of
civic engagement although some do try.
Akosua Alagaratnam, Executive Director, First Work

WORK
Work from home has led to the loss of weak ties

that we used to form in the workplace. Part of the
experience of being in a vibrant, diverse city are
the serendipitous moments with strangers in the
elevator and workers at the water cooler. We learn
and innovate and move forward through this kind
of social bridging because it allows us to see
things from a different perspective.
Karen Chapple, Director of School for Cities, University of Toronto
Across Canada from April 2022 to April 2023, Conversely, others face profound isolation, have
workers with multiple part-time jobs were most likely issues staying motivated or getting support and
to feel exhausted or burned out most of the time or feedback when they struggle in their role and miss
always (35%), while those who were self-employed with their small daily rituals, all while finding work
one job (19%) were among the least likely to feel burnt extending throughout all hours of the day.
out. Students (40%) and those who are unemployed
These shifting work arrangements have substantial
(38%) are also more likely to feel burnt out, while
implications for social connection within Toronto’s
retirees are least likely (9%).
workforce. As more individuals embrace remote
It is very difficult to say the extent to which work or hybrid arrangements, the opportunities
working at home impacts mental health and feeling for face-to-face interactions and spontaneous
burnt out, with some studies concluding that it collaboration may diminish, potentially affecting
increases mental health challenges, while others social connections and relationship-building in the
conclude the opposite. 86
Perhaps this should be workplace. Research during the pandemic has found
unsurprising since remote work encompasses a that strategies that companies can employ to ensure
spectrum of experiences. Some revel in escaping their team members remain connected can help
long commutes, enjoying more family time and alleviate these problems.
having time to integrate exercise into their routines.

GETTING AROUND
Many youth don’t know how to take transit,

or how to get to a job interview alone.
They missed the opportunity to navigate transit
for summer jobs, concerts, sporting events or
even post-secondary campuses for two years
due to health and safety concerns during COVID.
For the first time, we’re building transit literacy
into our programs to accompany and teach youth
how to take transit.

GETTING AROUND
Toronto’s public transit system, an essential

lifeline of the city, has faced an unprecedented
challenge in the last several years.
The dramatic decrease in ridership, financial constraints, service cuts
and growing safety concerns have significantly affected its operations
and reputation. Additionally, the slow recovery of downtown foot
traffic, coupled with shifts in work trends toward hybrid arrangements,
pose a continued challenge for Toronto’s transit recovery.

GETTING AROUND
Key insights
The ongoing pandemic has drastically affected Toronto’s public transit
ridership, with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) weekday ridership
at 72% and GO Transit ridership at 69% of pre-pandemic levels, as of June
and May 2023, respectively. This decline in ridership and the shifting work
trends favouring hybrid arrangements are increasingly expected to persist
long into the future.
Financial constraints due to the pandemic, coupled with the lack of

government support, have led to TTC service cuts, predominantly affecting
lower-income areas. Toronto’s public buses have remained a critical
transportation means for essential workers and underprivileged groups,
but some routes are at risk due to initial and potential service reductions.
Satisfaction with the TTC has dropped eight percentage points, and pride
in the TTC has dropped 14 percent points since before the pandemic,
and violence has risen. The rates of criminal offences against passengers
remains extremely elevated, increasing from 1.3 offences per million rides
in 2019 to continually having rates above 3.2 per million throughout each
year of the pandemic and into each month of 2023.
Downtown Toronto foot traffic, as of early 2023, stands at less than half
of its pre-pandemic levels, lagging behind other major urban centres
in North America. The particularly long commutes in Toronto may have
contributed to a slow recovery, as regions around North America with
longer commutes have had a slower recovery.

GETTING AROUND
Inching forward: The road to transit recovery is steady, but slow

Relatively, TTC weekday ridership is currently 31 percentage points below its February 2020 level. GO Transit
monthly ridership is still 38 percentage points below, though progress has been steady since early in the pandemic.
Relative usage by transit service
TTC ridership (weekday) Go Transit ridership (monthly)
120%
107%
100%
103%
80% 72%
60% 69%
40%
20%
0%
Feb Jun
2020 2021 2022 2023
Notes: Relative transit usage was calculated versus the same period in 2019. A value of 100% would reflect that transit levels were at
the same level in that month of 2020 versus 2019. Transit usage was up in February 2020 versus February 2019, which is why values
are greater than 100%.
Sources: TTC and GO Transit via the City of Toronto Economic Dashboard. 87
SLOW TRANSIT RECOVERY

More than three years after the onset of the trend has decreased into 2023, full-time office work
pandemic, the impacts continue to have dramatic has not seen a corresponding rebound. Instead,
effects on transit ridership in Toronto. TTC weekday hybrid work arrangements are on the rise, suggesting
ridership has reached 72% of previous levels, and these changes could become a permanent fixture of
GO Transit ridership is at 69% of pre-pandemic post-pandemic life and lead to a permanent shift in
levels, as of June and May 2023, respectively. the way transit is used in the city.
The TTC and GO Transit ridership trends have Downtown Toronto foot traffic, as of spring 2023,
mostly paralleled each other; although, the TTC stands at less than half of its pre-pandemic levels,
has a monthly ridership many times higher than demonstrating a fluctuating recovery pattern similar
GO ridership. to transit trends (discussed later in this chapter). The
patterns have not been continually improving, but
Looking ahead, these patterns of lower transit usage
instead vary based on season, day of the week and
may persist for a long time and perhaps indefinitely
other critical factors. A more fulsome discussion of
due to shifting work paradigms. As explored in our
this trend can be found later in the section.
Work section (see page 87), while the work-at-home

GETTING AROUND
SIGNIFICANT VARIATIONS IN HOW RESIDENTS GET AROUND THE CITY

Despite all these challenges, buses have remained Nationally, commuting by bicycle had declined by
crucial for transportation in Toronto, especially for only 2% versus 2016. Toronto data from September
essential workers, lower-income and equity-deserving 2022 showed downtown bicycling in at least some
groups. As of April 2023, bus ridership saw a locations up by almost 80% versus before the
relatively smaller decline of 18% compared to pandemic, a topic explored further in the
before the pandemic, compared to the subway Environment section on page 76.
(37% decrease) and streetcar (42% decrease),
Not only does this trend promote healthier
with buses showing a consistent pattern of
lifestyles, but it also opens up a promising avenue
high usage throughout the pandemic. 88
for addressing transport-related environmental
Even as public transportation has declined, concerns. That section covers topics such as
people seemed to have returned relatively quickly to expanding bike-friendly infrastructures, which
commuting by car. A national Statistics Canada study are integral to fostering this shift. By investing
comparing data from the 2016 Census to 2022 data in safe, accessible and efficient cycling routes,
from the Labour Force Survey found that from 2016 we can further facilitate this greener mode
to 2022, the percentage of people commuting by car of transportation, contributing to both the
increased by 2.5%, while the percentage commuting resilience and sustainability of our city.
by train was down 58%, the subway was down 48%
and the bus was down 33%.89

GETTING AROUND
THE TRACK TO RECOVERY FOR THE TTC AND THOSE WHO RELY ON IT
Before the pandemic, Toronto’s transit system There are widespread concerns that these initial
was known for its high reliance on fare revenue, cuts, without substantial government intervention,
with the associated risks to the network of minimal may precipitate a damaging cycle termed a “transit
government operating support. 90
death spiral.” This spiral involves reduced ridership,
leading to decreased revenues and diminished
The pandemic has emphasized the financial
reliance on the TTC, which then necessitates further
challenges faced by Toronto’s transit system. The
service cuts and reduced investment in repairs and
TTC’s projected financial impact for 2023 due to the
maintenance to make up for budget shortfalls, which
pandemic is estimated at $366.4 million,91 factoring
lead to still lower usage. The end result is a transit
in decreased ridership, lost ancillary revenues and
system that is not useful because of the lack of
increased expenses. Neither provincial nor federal
high-quality service.
governments have committed to support the TTC
at the time of writing. While there is still time to avoid this cycle, a
downward spiral of quality and service on the TTC
In March 2023, the TTC reduced its operations to
could permanently impact the livability of Toronto
91% of its pre-pandemic service levels, accompanied
and the sustainability of its downtown businesses.
by a 10-cent fare increase. These service cuts are
poised to predominantly affect lower-income areas, Customer satisfaction with the TTC remained
with more than 26 of the 28 of the routes that will see high for most of 2020 and through 2022, but has
a 10% increase in wait times go through or connect certainly decreased, with customer satisfaction
to a neighbourhood with high material deprivation. 92
falling from 77% across 2022 to 69% in April/May
2023, potentially due to numerous headlines about
violence on the TTC (see page 96) or potentially due
to some of the cutbacks in services. Pride in the TTC
has also dropped dramatically during the pandemic,
from 72% in 2019 to 58% in April/May 2023.
TTC ridership is returning faster in off-peak

hours, like weekends. We can redesign our
system to better serve those trips — women
doing trip-chaining, caregiving tasks, getting
groceries or shift workers — and grow ridership.
Shelagh Pizey-Allen, Executive Director, TTCriders

GETTING AROUND
Waning pride, growing discontent: Perceptions of the TTC are declining

Customer satisfaction has dropped by eight points in the second quarter of 2023 versus 2022,
while pride in the TTC has fallen by 14 points since before the pandemic.
Pride and satisfaction among TTC customers
79%
78% 78%
77%
73%
72%
69%
66%
64%
62%
60%
58%
Customer satistaction
Proud of the TTC and

Q1 Q2* what it means to Toronto
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Notes: *The second quarter of 2023 only has data for April and May. Data was aggregated and averaged by the author.
Some numbers were estimates based on charts when specific values were not mentioned in the report.
Sources: TTC CEO reports. 93
Rates of violence against passengers on the spans many systems across Canada and likely
TTC have been much higher during the entire elsewhere, though it is not clear which systems
pandemic than in 2019. Looking at annual data may be most affected and why.94
for 2020, 2021 and 2022, and monthly data in
A February 2023 Abacus poll indicated that 40%
2023, there was not a single period where rates
of TTC users considered the system to be “pretty
of offences against customers were less than
unsafe” or “very unsafe.”95 Among those who are
double pre-pandemic norms.
using the TTC less frequently, nearly half cited safety
Rates of offences against customers were 2.5 times concerns as a factor.
higher in 2020 than in 2019 (3.3 offences against
Rates of violence on the TTC peaked in December
passengers per one million rides in 2020 versus 1.3 in
2022, and in response the TTC implemented several
2019; see the chart for additional details and notes).
initiatives, which may have contributed to the rates
In May 2023, rates of offences reported to police of violence returning to the pandemic-era norms.
against customers remain 2.6 times higher than However, violence against TTC employees has
pre-pandemic levels (3.4 offences per one million also doubled since before the pandemic and has
rides), but they are down 39% from the peak rate not shown any consistent signs of improvement
of violence reported in December 2022, which in 2023. As we discuss in our Safety section,
was significantly elevated for only a few months major crime violence does seem to be rising
(reaching 5.5 offences per million, and 5.0 per million versus pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2023,
in December 2022 and January 2023). Violence a challenge that may be linked to inadequate social
on transit during the pandemic is not solely supports (see page 103).
a Toronto-specific phenomenon, but one that

GETTING AROUND
Violence on transit a pandemic-long issue

Rates of violence against passengers remained almost three times higher than pre-pandemic norms, but are down
considerably from peak rates of violence in December 2022 and January 2023. As ridership has grown, so, too,
have violent incidents.
Criminal offences against passengers per 1 million rides
Monthly data Annual data
5.5
5.0
3.7 3.9
3.3 3.4 3.4 3.2 3.3 3.4
1.3
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

2019 2020 2021 2022 2022 2023
Notes: The term “offences” encompasses major crimes that are referred to the police, including assaults, homicides, sexual assaults
and thefts over $5,000.
The metric shown is slightly different than what the TTC reports in its monthly reports since it focuses on rides, not boardings.
Using boardings, an individual is counted each time they board a new vehicle on a single trip.
Sources: TTC CEO reports, with additional ridership data from the Toronto Dashboard.
Public transit systems play a crucial role in households, high transit accessibility was associated
facilitating social connections and enhancing overall with participation in twice as many daily activities
quality of life. They provide reliable and affordable as those in neighbourhoods with low transit
transportation options, ensuring individuals of accessibility.96 Given the stark decline in social
varying socio-economic status can participate in participation activities (see page 61), the long-term
community activities and access essential services. impact of decreased TTC usage is a significant
concern. Prior to pandemic-related service
One Toronto study underscored the importance
disruptions, Toronto housed approximately 638,000
of public transit particularly for individuals in
low-income individuals with limited transit access.97
low-income, zero-car households. For these

GETTING AROUND
Downtown Toronto’s glacial recovery

Downtown foot traffic in Toronto is still at less than half of pre-pandemic levels, one of the lowest preforming cities
across Canada or the United States.
Downtown foot traffic recovery versus before the pandemic
United States Canada Toronto
66%
56%
42% 43%
38%
30%
Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2
2020 2021 2022 2023
Downtown foot traffic recovery versus before the pandemic

March 2023 to May 2023
Las Vegas 88%
San Diego 88%
Mississauga 81%
Washington DC 76%
New York 68%
Halifax 65%
London 61%
Ottawa 54%
Chicago 52%
Calgary 49%
Boston 48%
Montreal 47%
Vancouver 46%
Toronto 42%
San Francisco 32%
Notes: Foot traffic is measured by mobile devices. A value of 100% would mean a full recovery. Data is for downtown Toronto.
Each comparison is relative to the same time period in 2019. Country values are only a simple average of communities for which
there is data in each country, not a true national average, with calculations done by the author. Toronto has different values in each
chart for the most recent period because the period covered by each is slightly different.
Source: University of Toronto School of Cities. 98

GETTING AROUND
People are afraid to take public transportation and

to be on the street — and for good reason. But they
have to do these things every day, they can’t avoid
it. So it’s like living in a constant heightened level
of stress, which can precipitate challenges with
our mental health.
Paul Bailey, Executive Director, Black Health Alliance
Between March 2023 and May 2023, foot traffic in Across North America, cities with the longest
Toronto, according to mobile phone data, reached commutes are the ones with the lowest recovery
only 42% of pre-pandemic levels, down from a peak rate for downtown, according to additional data
of 48% recovery across the fourth quarter of 2022. available from the School of Cities. This has stark
This foot traffic rate, among the lowest in North challenges for Toronto, as the city ranks among
America, lags behind prominent cities such as the cities with the longest commutes in North
New York City, Washington and Chicago. America, whether by public transit or car. This
situation increases the attractiveness of hybrid
The average Canadian city has lagged behind the
work arrangements. Our Work section discusses
United States in recovery by 10 percentage points,
how a preference for remote work and high
reflecting a slower recovery in Canada.
workforce mobility are powerful factors influencing
However, some secondary centres such as these shifts (see page 87).
Mississauga are witnessing a much stronger
recovery, with foot traffic levels at 81%; although,
relative levels of foot traffic in Mississauga have
remained high throughout the pandemic, likely
as many workers remained in Mississauga instead
of commuting downtown.

SAFETY
Everyone needs to care deeply that social capital

is compromised and that public trust has not
been rebuilt after the worst of COVID. Even
communities who’ve historically been privileged
by the state, have deep mistrust. The state hasn’t
done enough to address this mistrust, which is not
solely a threat to historically marginalized
communities. This dangerous new strain of public
mistrust is a threat to everyone regardless of
identity and it is also a threat to our democracy.

SAFETY
After steep declines in crime in 2020 and 2021,

the tides have shifted in 2022 and 2023,
with major and violent crimes increasing,
including both on city transit and in the
broader public realm.
Still, Toronto’s crime rate is among the lowest in the country
and remains significantly lower than in past decades. Despite
high-profile violent incidents throughout the city, Toronto remains
a relatively safe place to live. However, equity-deserving groups
and people who report experiencing the most discrimination are
least likely to feel safe, which highlights how constant aggression
limits feelings of wellbeing and safety.

SAFETY
Key insights
Major crime in Toronto has increased in 2022 (up 4% versus 2019) and 2023
(up 20% in the first half of 2023 versus the first half of 2022). Auto theft is
the major driver of the increase, up by 82% from 2019 to 2022. Homicides
are down significantly in both 2022 and the first half of 2023, though rates
of assault have gone up.
In 2022, Toronto’s Crime Severity Index was the second lowest among
large CMAs and it has decreased by about half from 1998 to 2022.
Homicides have decreased by 12% year over year in the first half of
2023, while injuries from shootings have notably decreased in 2022.
Despite Toronto’s overall low crime rates, there’s a noticeable disparity

in the feelings of safety among its residents. This gap is influenced not
just by direct experiences with crime, but significantly by experiences of
discrimination. 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, younger residents, racialized and
Black residents and those facing economic challenges are least likely to
feel safe and most likely to experience discrimination.
A total of 27% of adults in Toronto — about 675,000 residents —

reported experiencing high levels of discrimination, roughly translating to
experiencing multiple forms of discrimination each week. An additional
13% reported experiencing at least one form of discrimination monthly.
The remaining 60% report rarely facing discrimination. People with mental
health-related disabilities are most likely to experience at least moderate
levels of discrimination (68%), and they are also the group who feels the
least safe in the city.

SAFETY
SOME MAJOR CRIMES, ESPECIALLY AUTO THEFT,

ARE INCREASING IN TORONTO
Major crimes with minor — but accelerating — increases, compared to pre-pandemic levels
Major crimes were up 4% between 2019 and 2022, mostly due to huge surges in auto theft, and are up 20%
in the first six months of 2023.
Change in major crime indicators by category in Toronto
2022 versus 2019 First half of 2023 versus first half of 2022
82%
41%
30%
20%
17%
12% 13%
8% 6%
4%
1% 1%
-10%
-12%
-22%
-28%
Total major Assault Auto theft Break Homicide Robbery Sexual Theft over
crimes and enter violation $5,000
City of Toronto
Note: Crime declined significantly in 2020 and 2021, so this chart is showing statistics for 2022 and the first half 2023
versus before the pandemic.
Source: Toronto Police Major Crime Dashboard. 99
Major crimes increased to a decade high in 2022, Notably, homicides were down significantly in 2022
surpassing the previous recent peak in 2019 by (down 10% versus 2019) and the first half of 2023
4%, after experiencing declines in 2020 and 2021, (down a further 12% versus the first half of 2022).
though population had also increased by about 2%
Assaults were up 17% in the first six months of 2023
versus pre-pandemic levels. The increase in major
versus the same time period in 2022. This was after
crimes is mostly influenced by a staggering 286%
substantial drops in 2020 and 2021, with assaults
increase in auto theft from 2017 to 2023, making
returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2022. Looking
vehicles a primary target of criminal activity. Violent
at longer-term horizons, assaults were up 45% in the
assaults dropped substantially during the pandemic,
first six months of 2023 versus the first six months
but, by 2022, they had increased to 1% higher than
of 2014; although, violent crime in 2014 was much
pre-pandemic levels.
lower than in the previous decades (see later in
the section).100

SAFETY
Violence on the TTC has also surged, with several (but major crimes on the TTC made up less than
instances capturing significant attention. Compared 4% of major crimes in Toronto in June 2023).101
to before the pandemic, the rate of violence against The increases in violence — and the implications
customers and employees has more than doubled for the TTC — and actions being taken are explored
through May 2023 versus before the pandemic further in the Getting Around section on page 97.
Over the course of the past three years, we have

spent so little time connecting with one another
that we’ve lost that empathy and compassion for
our fellow human being. We have to recognize
that our social interactions with other people are
not just about ourselves, they’re making other
people happier and healthier. And by extension,
we create a safer, healthier and happier society.
Pete Bombaci, Founder & Executive Director, GenWell Project
STILL, TORONTO REMAINS ONE OF THE SAFEST CITIES IN THE COUNTRY

Statistics Canada’s standardized Crime Severity Index, These Crime Severity Indexes are partially based
which compares how serious crimes are across the on people’s willingness to report crime as well as
country, shows that, for 2022, the Toronto CMA still the police’s ability to substantiate crime. Lower
has the second-lowest crime severity rate in the scores could also be explained by a lower tendency
country among the 10 largest CMAs. Toronto’s 52 to report a crime in Toronto because of lower trust
(100 is the original index value, so 52 is about half that in the police than in other parts of the country or
level; see chart for additional notes) was much lower fewer relative resources available for the police to
than the 78 for the country as a whole and significantly substantiate whether a crime has been committed.
lower than cities such as Winnipeg, Edmonton, Previous studies have shown that Black and
Vancouver or Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo. Indigenous respondents are particularly likely to
have lower perceptions of police,102 which could
The City of Toronto also has a considerably lower
impact their willingness to report crimes to police.
Crime Severity Index than the country as a whole
However, this would also be a problem in many
(61 versus 78). From 1998 to 2022, crime severity
communities with higher crime rates. Slow response
was cut almost in half (from 116 to 61), and violent
times to 911 calls, which have gotten worse during the
crime was down by about a third (from 137 to 92).
pandemic103 and in many cases result in police taking
The increase in violence into 2023 will only undo
hours to show up or not showing up at all, could also
a small portion of this progress on violent crime
contribute to artificially lower crime rates both in
if it continues throughout the year.
Toronto and around the country.104

SAFETY
Toronto: A safer city

Toronto has one of the lowest Crime Severity Indexes in the country
Both the Toronto CMA and the city of Toronto have lower rates of violent crimes than the country as a whole.
Crime Severity Index
Winnipeg 137
Edmonton 100
Vancouver 92
Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo 79
Canada 78
Calgary 75
Victoria, British Columbia 75
Montréal 61
City of Toronto 61
Hamilton 58
Ottawa-Gatineau 55
Toronto CMA 52
Québec CMA 47
For 2022, 10 largest CMAs and the City of Toronto

Notes: The Crime Severity Index was created to index to 100, reflecting the level of severe crime in the country in 2006.
The national value of 74 reflects that crime severity is 26% lower than in 2006.
Crime severity in the city is at half the level it was in 1998 in Toronto
Toronto's Crime Severity Index
Violent crime severity Crime severity Non-violent crime severity
150
137
116
120
108 92
90
61
60
49
30
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2021
City of Toronto
Source: Statistics Canada’s Crime Severity Index.105

SAFETY
OVERALL TORONTONIANS TEND TO FEEL THE CITY IS SAFE

The Toronto Social Capital Study — conducted The level of agreement in Toronto was similar
in summer 2022, before the several high-profile to that seen nationwide in a 2022 national study of
violent incidents — painted a picture of a city that Canadians conducted by Community Foundations
felt fairly safe. One in five Torontonians agreed that of Canada, suggesting that people in the country’s
“the crime in my neighbourhood makes it unsafe largest city felt no less safe from crime than the
to go on walks at night,” but a majority (58%) average Canadian. There had also been little change
disagreed (the remainder were neutral or did in opinion in Toronto in 2022, compared to 2018,
not provide an answer). when an earlier city-wide survey was conducted.
Crisis community response is a proven alternative

to police intervention that almost always ends
negatively. This is also the time to revisit what
safety means. What’s a real safety concern
versus what’s your discomfort? Who’s making
the decisions on what constitutes safety? Listen
to community. They know what the issues are.
Keith McCrady, Executive Director, 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations

SAFETY
Our collective safety is tied to the safety of folks

who are forced onto the margins. Safety OF
everyone is safety FOR everyone. When we are
able to uplift communities and focus on what
people need to be well, that uplifts us all.
Amanda Leo, Health Promoter, Women’s Harm Reduction,
South Riverdale Community Health Centre
EQUITY-DESERVING GROUPS LEAST LIKELY TO FEEL SAFE

Participants were also asked to rate their Three groups in particular stand out as being
level of safety satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10 among those most likely to be concerned about
(with 10 being the highest), revealing considerable their feelings of personal safety: residents who are
variations. For example, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals food insecure, those with a disability and those who
reported lower scores when compared to score highest on an index of discrimination (see the
heterosexual individuals, while women felt less following section for more details), which measures
safe than men. Additionally, younger Torontonians how often they feel mistreated for reasons such as
expressed a lower sense of safety than older race, disability, religion or gender.
residents, and those better off financially were
also more likely than average to feel secure.

SAFETY
The safety divide: Some Toronto residents feel much safer than others
Satisfaction with safety varies widely among Toronto’s residents, with lower satisfaction among those who are
younger, racialized, those who experience frequent discrimination, those with disabilities, those with less income
and women.
Average satisfaction with safety on a scale of 0 (very dissatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied)
Average Toronto average 7.1
Disability type No disability 7.5
Physical disability 6.7
Mental disability 6.0
Disability status Disabilities always/often limits activities 6.1
Disabilities often limits activities 6.9
Discrimination index No discrimination reported 8.1
Low discrimination 7.5
Moderate discrimination 6.7
High discrimination 6.2
Food security status Food secure 7.4
Food insecure 6.2
Income Less than $30K 6.3
$30K–$60K 7.0
$60K–$100K 7.3
$100K+ 7.6
2SLGBTQ+ identification Heterosexual 7.2
2SLGBTQ+ 6.8
Race Racialized 7.1
Black 7.0
White 7.2
Age 18–24 6.9
25–29 6.9
30–39 7.0
40–54 7.0
55–64 7.2
65+ 7.7
Gender Men 7.3
Women 7.0

Note: The full question text can be found in the endnotes.106

SAFETY
DISCRIMINATION MAKES PEOPLE FEEL UNSAFE

The biggest gap in satisfaction with safety was People with mental health–related disabilities are
between those who reported experiencing no the group that feels the least safe in our city, and
discrimination and those who experienced high they are also the group that experiences the most
discrimination (roughly translating to experiencing discrimination. More than half (54%) of people
multiple types of discrimination each week), with mental health–related disabilities experienced
according to our discrimination index. 107
Those high levels of discrimination, including almost
who reported facing no discrimination scored a quarter (24%) of people living with a mental
8.1 out of 10 on their satisfaction with their safety, health disability who reported they were
while those who experienced frequent discrimination threatened or harassed at least monthly.
reported an average satisfaction with their safety
The 2022 Toronto Social Capital study reveals
of 6.2 out of 10.
significant connections between discrimination,
Across the city, 27% of people report high levels of social capital, social trust and wellbeing among
discrimination, which translates to about 675,000 Torontonians. Individuals reporting frequent
Torontonians who are experiencing multiple forms discrimination experience lower social capital,
of harassment every single week (see detailed notes reflecting reduced trust in others and institutions.
on our discrimination index in the chart on the Social trust declines as discrimination scores
following page). An additional 13% report facing increase, regardless of the specific grounds of
moderate discrimination, roughly translating to discrimination. Moreover, those with disabilities,
experiencing at least one form of discrimination particularly racialized individuals with disabilities,
monthly. The remaining 60% of Toronto’s population face higher levels of discrimination, highlighting
report rarely facing discrimination. the compounding effects of intersecting identities.
If you are in a group that experiences racism day

in and day out, that would lead to you trusting
people less. It would lead to you trying to shrink
your social networks to protect yourself. So, you
can understand how it could lead to lower levels
of social cohesion and social capital.
Kwame McKenzie, CEO, Wellesley Institute
and Director of Health Equity, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

SAFETY
When asked why they were discriminated against, economic security. These findings emphasize the
61% racialized Canadians said it was a because importance of addressing discrimination to foster
of their ethnicity or race, and this number rises social cohesion and community wellbeing.
to 76% for Black Torontonians.
Our report, in partnership with Environics
There is a strong relationship between wellbeing, Institute, Everyday Racism: Experiences of
economic security and discrimination. Higher levels Discrimination in Toronto further explores the
of discrimination are associated with lower life frequent experiences of racism and discrimination
satisfaction, poorer mental health and decreased of many racialized city residents.
Facing bias: Many Torontonians report frequent discrimination

Racialized residents — particularly Black residents — those with a disability, those with a mental health disability and
2SLGBTQ+ Torontonians all report particularly frequent discrimination. Especially high rates of discrimination are
faced by those with intersectional identities.
Frequency of reporting discrimination, Toronto, 2022
Moderate discrimination High discrimination
Intersectional identity White with disability 13% 32% 45%
Racialized with disability 14% 50% 63%
2SLGBTQ+ identification 2SLGBTQ+ 17% 41% 58%
Heterosexual 13% 25% 38%
Food security Food secure 13% 20% 33%
Food insecure 14% 52% 66%
Disability type Mental health disability 14% 54% 68%
Physical disability 15% 29% 44%
No disability 14% 20% 33%
Disability status Disability that occassionally limits activities 14% 39% 53%
Disability that often or always limits activities 13% 40% 53%
Racialized status Black 15% 36% 51%
White 13% 22% 35%
Racialized 13% 32% 45%
Toronto average Toronto average 13% 27% 40%

Notes: Our discrimination index divided people into four categories, based on a 10-point index calculated based on how frequently
they reported experiencing any of 10 types of discrimination. The categories included those who reported no discrimination (a score
of 0 out of 10), those who reported low discrimination (a score of less than three out of 10, roughly translating to below one incident
of discrimination per month), those who experienced moderate discrimination (a score of 3 to 6, roughly translating to experiencing
at least one incident of discrimination monthly) and those who reported frequent discrimination (a 6 or higher, roughly translating
to people experiencing multiple forms of discrimination each week).

SAFETY
Unpacking prejudice: A chart of discrimination types experienced by key groups in Toronto

Those with a mental health disability, those who are food insecure, Black Torontonians and 2SLGBTQ+
Torontonians experience particularly high rates of discrimination, while white residents report below-average
rates of all types of discrimination.
Percentage reporting select discrimination behaviours (a few times a month or more)
27%
26%
23% 24% 23%
20% 21%
19% 19% 19% 20%
17% 17% 17%
16%
14% 13% 13% 13%
12%
11% 10% 9%
8%
You are followed around in stores You are threatened or harassed People act as if they are afraid of you
51%
50%
41% 41%
39% 39%
37%
Mental health disability
34%
31% 30% Food insecure
28% 28%
24% 25% 2SLGBTQ+
21%
Black
18%
Disability that often limits activity
Racialized
Toronto average
White
People act as if they think People act as if they’re

you are not smart better than you are

Notes: The answers to these questions, as well as five more, were used to develop the discrimination index.
These questions are based on the Williams Everyday Discrimination Scale.

HOUSING
What’s changed is the level of instability when it

comes to housing. There are more and more people
facing evictions and who don’t have control over
their lives. The breakup of families and communities,
the displacement of people. Previous generations
thought housing was a given and that they might
even be able to buy housing one day and build
financial security that way. That social agreement
is no longer there. And this impacts on people’s
sense of trust and overall wellbeing. There’s
a hopelessness we didn’t used to see.
Annie Hodgins, Executive Director,
Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR)

HOUSING
Toronto’s escalating housing crisis, with rents and

home prices that are increasingly unaffordable
to most of the population, not only significantly
impacts people’s health and wellbeing, but also
erodes the city’s social fabric.
Evictions and forced moves fracture families and disconnect people from
their communities. Soaring housing costs are pushing families beyond the
city limits, depleting urban life’s diverse, multi-generational fabric. The
uncertainty about future affordability fosters a sense of impermanence,
eroding robust community connections. In essence, this crisis is not merely
economic, but it’s also tearing at Toronto’s social and communal threads.

HOUSING
Key insights
Houses in Toronto cost about 9.5 times the median income, far surpassing
the threshold of severe unaffordability. The hourly minimum wage would
need to rise to $33.60 — more than double its current level — for a single
minimum wage worker to afford an average one-bedroom apartment.
Although Toronto’s population continues to grow, there has been a

significant net increase in people leaving the city for other Canadian
provinces or cities. In 2021–22, this net total more than doubled compared
to 2012–13, and it was six times higher for those aged 15 to 44. Even before
the pandemic, more than half of residents under the age of 44 considered
leaving due to high housing costs.
Overcrowding in Toronto is a growing concern, with 17% of people in the

Toronto CMA living in overcrowded conditions. Particularly concerning
is that almost a third of newcomers live in these conditions (32%), which
rises among newcomer children (42% overall and 51% for Black newcomer
children). While Toronto residents living in suitable households grew by 5%,
households with a one-bedroom shortfall grew by 8%, households with a
two-bedroom shortfall grew by 22% and households with a three–bedroom
or larger shortfall grew by 60% from 2016 to 2021.
Toronto has more multi-generational households than anywhere else in

the country. But the 15% growth rate for multi-generational households
in Toronto from 2011 to 2021 lagged behind Canada’s 21% growth rate. In
contrast, nearby cities have seen significant growth of multi-generational
households, including Oshawa (54%), Barrie (44%), St. Catharines (39%)
and the Waterloo Region (38%).

HOUSING
TORONTO HOUSING IS INCREASINGLY UNAFFORDABLE

Toronto’s house price to median income ratio While immigration has remained high, the net number
continues to rank it among the 10 least-affordable of people leaving Toronto for other provinces or other
housing markets in a major review of 94 major cities within Canada has more than doubled in the
markets across eight countries. Toronto houses last decade (this subtracts people moving in from the
cost about 9.5 times higher than local incomes. 108
rest of the country from those moving out to the rest
Housing costing more than time five times the of the country), from a net total of nearly 24,000
median income is considered severely unaffordable, leaving the city in 2012–13 to just under 60,000
a threshold that Toronto shattered long ago. in 2021–22 (see chart for additional details). The net
number of people leaving between the ages of 15 and
A 2023 Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
44 was six times higher over the same time period
report notes that the hourly minimum wage would
(from a net loss of 4,549 to a net loss of 28,356).
need to be $33.60 — more than twice its current
level — for a single minimum wage worker in Toronto Even before the most recent price appreciation,
to be able to afford an average one-bedroom more than half of residents under the age of 44 said
apartment in Toronto at the current market rent.109 they were seriously considering leaving the Greater
Toronto Area due to the cost of owning a home in
Despite housing challenges, the city continues to
2018, including 60% of those aged 18 to 24.112 Among
grow rapidly, adding about 63,000 people between
non-homeowners, a significant majority said that
the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census. The growth
leaving the city was the only way they would ever
rate, however, declined in half from the rate between
own a home.
2011 and 2016.110
Even as the population grew, the population

of kids under the age of five shrunk by 9%, as
numerous families with young children left the
city, seeking a more affordable place to live in
other parts of the country.111
If the City gives builders taxpayer dollars for

housing, it should demand that at least 20% to 30%
be deeply affordable units. Use housing for social
cohesion. Mixing lower-income and wealthier
people could stimulate everyone and help
everyone — both rich and poor — to do better.
Marva Burnett, President, ACORN Canada

HOUSING
Residents leaving Toronto for other parts of Canada

The net number of Torontonians departing the city for other parts of Canada has more than doubled over the
last decade (+149%, from about 23,800 to 59,300).
Net residents going (or coming) to Toronto, by age
Aged 0 to 14 Aged 15 to 29 Aged 30 to 44 Aged 45 to 65 Aged 65+
2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22
10,000
-10,000
-20,000
-30,000
-40,000
-50,000
-60,000
City of Toronto
Notes: “Net” refers to the total inflow minus the total outflow. This chart combines people moving within the province and within
the country into one category (combining net interprovincial migration and net intraprovincial migration), which are separated in
the underlying data source.
Source: Statistics Canada. Table 17-10-0140-01. Components of population change by census division, 2016 boundaries.
This degree of transience may have real

consequences for the city’s sense of belonging.
For example, in the 2021 Canadian Housing Survey,
43% of residents of the Toronto CMA had a weak
or very weak sense of belonging to the community,
compared to 37% in the rest of the country, rising
to more than half of Toronto residents spending
more than 50% of their income on housing reporting
a low sense of community belonging.113

HOUSING
TORONTONIANS LIVING IN OVERCROWDED HOUSING

As prices have risen, overcrowding in housing has grew by only 5%, but overcrowded households
emerged as a significant issue in Toronto, rising to (one-bedroom shortfall) grew by 8%, significantly
10.3% of households in 2021 (up from 9.6% in 2016). overcrowded households (two-bedroom shortfall)
Since overcrowded households are more populated, grew by 22% and severely overcrowded households
17% of the individuals in the Toronto CMA live in (with a three-bedroom shortfall) grew by a much
overcrowded conditions. These households are what larger 60%.
Statistics Canada refers to as “unsuitable housing.”
Despite the short-term increase in overcrowding,
All types of overcrowded housing are growing it should be noted that overcrowding rates had been
with severely overcrowded households growing the declining for decades prior to the 2021 Census.114
fastest. Toronto non-crowded or suitable households
Overcrowding is growing in Toronto, especially severe overcrowding

Overcrowded households grew much faster than non-overcrowded households in Toronto, with the relative growth
of the most overcrowded households increasing the fastest. Suitable housing is housing that has enough bedrooms
for the size and makeup of resident households.
Number of overcrowded households
2016 2021
172,795
160,130
43,360
35,420
15,810
9,875
Overcrowded: Overcrowded: Overcrowded: three or

one-bedroom shortfall two-bedroom shortfall more bedroom shortfall
Toronto CMA
Note: Overcrowding in this chart and section is what Statistics Canada refers to as unsuitable housing, defined as “having too many
people in the dwelling to comfortably live together,” as outlined by the criteria in the National Occupancy Standard.
Source: The 2021 Census of Canada.115

HOUSING
The particularly high rates of overcrowding Overcrowding can substantially impact social capital
among newcomers signal real concerns about by generating intrahousehold strains and limiting
the potential future trajectory of this trend. community interaction. Living in cramped spaces can
While 13% of Canadian-born residents live in create tension and conflict within a household due
overcrowded conditions, this percentage jumps to a lack of personal space and privacy. Overcrowded
to 32% for recent immigrants (who have arrived homes may discourage residents from inviting others
in the last five years). Even more startling is the over or participating in community activities, while
overcrowding rate among newcomer children also leaving children without adequate space to play
(42%) and Black newcomer children (51%). or learn. Strategies to overcome overcrowding can
encompass not only the creation of diverse housing
units that accommodate larger families, but also
improved public amenities such as parks, libraries
and community centres that can compensate for
limited living space.
A cramped reality: Overcrowding common among newcomers and children

Almost one in three newcomers (32%) lives in overcrowded conditions, including 42% of newcomer children.
Across the entire population, 30% of racialized children are living in overcrowded conditions. Black residents
are particularly likely to face overcrowding.
Percentage of people living in overcrowded conditions
Toronto 17%
Children aged 0 to 14 Overall 23%
Racialized children 30%
Black children 42%
Racialized Status White 7%
Racialized 23%
Black 30%
Immigrants Canadian born 13%
1991 to 2000 15%
2001 to 2010 21%
2011 to 2015 28%
Newcomers (2016 to 2021) 32%
Newcomer immigrants (2016 to 2021) Children 42%
Racialized children 43%
Black children 51%
Toronto CMA, 2021

Source: The 2021 Census of Canada.116

HOUSING
We have a structural supply shortage in Toronto

and across Canada, so increasing the number of
housing units is important. But we can’t just build
up supply without ensuring that we’re building for
deep affordability — for the long term.
Elizabeth McIsaac, President, Maytree
EVICTIONS REMAIN A MAJOR RISK FACTOR

Evictions are more than just a housing issue; they The risk of evictions increasing rapidly in Toronto
can deeply impact social capital by disrupting lives is certainly high, with 11.8% of rental units in arrears
and weakening community ties. When families or (or behind in rent) as of October 2022, up from 9.4%
individuals are evicted, they are often forced to leave for the same period in 2021.120
their local communities. This displacement uproots
The eviction-filing rate across the city is inconsistent,
them from their established social networks, severing
with some areas experiencing significantly higher
ties with neighbours, friends and institutions such
rates. Census tracts with the highest number of home
as schools or community organizations. These
renters who are Black had twice the eviction-filing
connections, once disrupted, can be challenging to
rates, compared to Census tracts with the lowest
rebuild, leading to a significant loss of social capital.117
number of renters who are Black, even after
City-wide, in 2018 there was one formal eviction controlling for poverty and other important
application for every 20 renter households and factors.121 A 2022 Toronto-based study reveals
in some neighbourhoods, there was one eviction-filing that discrimination is not just a factor in getting
for every five renter households. But this figure doesn’t evicted, but also in finding suitable housing,
capture the full story. 118
About one in 10 (10%) renters with discrimination against those seeking housing
who were recent movers (less than two years ago) many times higher for racialized people.122
in the Canadian Housing Survey stated that landlord
disputes were their primary reason for relocation.119
Various tactics landlords employ, such as selling
properties, neglecting necessary repairs or issuing
eviction notices that aren’t legally binding, can
induce voluntary departures.

HOUSING
MULTI-GENERATIONAL HOUSING SHIFTING AWAY FROM TORONTO

The Toronto CMA, the Canadian capital for These changes suggest that Toronto’s housing
multi-generational households, hosts 129,810 such market is losing its appeal for multi-generational
households. No other community in the country households. While the exact reasons remain
exhibits a higher share of households accommodating uncertain, the city’s increasing focus on condominium
multiple generations under one roof. However, data construction, which typically doesn’t cater well to
from the 2021 Census reveals the beginning of a shift multi-generational families, might contribute to this
in this dynamic. shift. This change could erode a long-standing feature
of Toronto’s housing landscape that traditionally
While Toronto’s overall household growth between
supports affordability for certain demographic groups
2011 and 2021 at 14% outpaced the national rate of
and plays particularly important roles for parents,
12%, the city’s multi-generational household growth
children, older adults and those with disabilities.
(15%) lagged behind the national trend (21%).
This pattern is even starker in areas such as Oshawa,

Barrie, St. Catharines and the Waterloo Region,
where multi-generational households grew by
54%, 44%, 39% and 38%, respectively, indicating
a shift in preference away from multi-generational
households settling in Toronto and toward the
surrounding communities.
Affordable housing models need to accommodate

larger newcomer families, who also want to call
this city home. To ensure housing works for more
residents, let’s prioritize community, culture and
connection, as well as access to essential services.
Kizito Bijyinama, Founder, Rwandan Canadian Healing Centre
and Lead, African Canadian Housing Lab

HOUSING
One way to counter the financialization of

housing is by keeping some land off market —
as community assets in perpetuity — through
the community land trust model or public
land banks.
Maureen Fair, Executive Director, West Neighbourhood House
HOMELESSNESS CONTINUES TO GROW IN TORONTO

Homelessness in Toronto is a pressing concern, Family disruptions are a significant cause of
often symbolizing the apex of a series of challenges, homelessness. In the 2021 Street Needs Assessment,
including limited access to social and financial capital. 26% of homeless youth identified as 2SLGBTQ+,
Alarmingly high occupancy rates in our shelter and 26% of homeless youth experienced foster
system underscore the gravity of the situation; care, kin care or group homes.125 Additionally,
on an illustrative day near the end of June 2023, 13% of the homeless population consisted of
family shelters reported 99.9% occupancy, with refugees and 15% are Indigenous. These statistics
single-person shelters at 99.2% occupancy. 123
underline the importance of incorporating a holistic,
Such high utilization makes obtaining accurate inclusive approach in our discourse and strategies
data on the number of homeless individuals who surrounding unhoused people in this city.
are in need of shelter difficult, further complicating
efforts to help those in need.
In June 2023, there were an average of 270 daily

calls from individuals unable to find shelter space,
nearly triple that of June 2022.124 The number
of chronically homeless individuals has doubled,
from just over 2,500 to roughly 5,100 between
January 2018 and May 2023.

INCOME AND WEALTH
The only way to renew hope for folks living in

Toronto is to start to close the gap on poverty and
all of the other things that we are now seeing in
a much more glaring way. Young people don’t see
themselves having a future here because it’s not
affordable to stay here. It’s long overdue that we
start having discussions about how to close these
gaps to make Toronto a more vibrant and affordable
city and how do we start weaving together better
social fabric for generations to come.
Lindsay Kretschmer, Executive Director,
Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council (TASSC)

INCOME & WEALTH
The economic fallout from the pandemic

has been severe.
An increasing number of people find their income insufficient,
struggling to meet their basic needs amid high inflation and
challenging economic conditions. Persistently high increases
in food bank usage are among the most measurable impacts,
with visits to the Daily Bread Food Bank four times the level
than before the pandemic. The pandemic has underscored
how closely our daily lives and mental wellbeing are tied to
our financial stability.

INCOME & WEALTH
Key insights
The pandemic’s many challenges, from inflation to periods of substantial
unemployment, have led to growing income insufficiency, with those
reporting their income is not enough increasing from 21% in 2018 to
26% in 2022 to 33% in 2023 in the city of Toronto, with the 2023 number
representing 825,000 Torontonians.
The rise in financial challenges has led to a dramatic increase in food

bank usage. Visits to the Daily Break Food Bank, a network of more than
125 food banks in Toronto, have increased by 295% from June 2019 to
June 2023, from just under 68,000 visits to almost 267,000. In 2022, one
in five people in Toronto (22% or 550,000 adults) reported they had eaten
less than they felt they should in the past 12 months due to insufficient
funds for food. And food bank users were much more likely to say they
had no one to count on except other Torontonians.
The struggle with income insufficiency significantly affects mental health.

Those struggling financially are more likely to report fair or poor mental
health than nearly anyone else in the city (54% of those struggling the
most to get by reported fair or poor mental health versus only 14% of
those who said their income was good enough to save from).
Financial wellbeing directly affects overall health and social capital.

Those with sufficient income report higher social trust, civic participation
and social connections. As such, the rise in financial challenges will affect
the city’s social fabric, both directly and indirectly.

INCOME & WEALTH
GROWING INCOME INADEQUACY A CITY-WIDE ISSUE

One of the main stories about the pandemic has found that those who reported their income was not
been the strikingly high inflation rate, with inflation enough for them increased to 26% of Torontonians.
rising to rates three to four times higher than the A separate study with data from the Survey
target of 2% throughout most of 2022. The Consumer on Employment and Skills, with much fewer
Price Index decreased in early 2023 and went under respondents for Toronto (see notes on chart),
3% in June, and it has been hovering between found that 33% reported their income was
3% and 4% since then.126 insufficient in spring 2023. This translates to about
825,000 adult Torontonians who are struggling to
The pandemic and its consequences have
make ends meet, about 300,000 more than would
significantly affected affordability for residents
be struggling if the rate had stayed at 21%.
in Toronto. Before the pandemic, in 2018, the
Toronto Social Capital Study found that 21% of Accross the broader Toronto CMA, more than
people in the city of Toronto reported their income three in 10 (31%) say their income is not enough
was not enough for them. By 2022, the same survey for them.127
Falling further behind: Incomes are not keeping up with the basic costs of living
The percentage of people who say their income is not enough for them is up significantly in Toronto from before
the pandemic; although, consistent measures from before and after the pandemic are hard to come by.
Percent saying their income is not enough for them
35% 33%
30% 31%
27% 27%
25%
25% 26%
20%
21%
15%
10%
5%
0%
2018 2020 2021 2022 Spring 2023
Toronto CMA City of Toronto
Adults 18+
Note: The 2023 data for the city of Toronto represents only 379 respondents and should be interpreted with caution.
The 2022 and 2018 study have many more respondents (see Appendix for details).
Sources: City of Toronto data from the 2018 and 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study. The 2023 City of Toronto
and 2020 through 2023 Toronto CMA data is from multiple waves of the Survey on Employment and Skills.128

INCOME & WEALTH
Our people care. We’re building a social network

and a system of people who’ve historically been
excluded from the benefits of urban development
in their community. Our name is now recognized
more widely by those seeking change because
we’re providing a pathway for those conversations
to happen. People are leading in their unions,
speaking up in community and pushing for folks
to be consulted on change.
Rosemarie Powell, Executive Director, Toronto Community Benefits Network
Data provided by Mental Health Research 2022 and 2023.130 This wealth disparity is particularly
Canada from its second quarter of 2023 survey129 stark when considering household ownership. As per
revealed concerning coping strategies adopted the 2016 Census data, only 28% of Black residents
by Torontonians in the face of these financial in Toronto lived in a dwelling owned by a household
difficulties, where people are tapping into credit member, compared to 54% of residents who are
and savings to cover their growing expenses. racialized and 64% of non-racialized residents.131
Notably, 22% of residents drew from typically
Regarding longer-term trends, wealth growth for
untouched savings to cover essential costs,
the highest net worth quintile increased by nearly
and 18% reduced their contributions to savings
$879,000 from 2005 to 2019, while the wealth
plans such as TFSAs or RRSPs. Concurrently,
of the lowest quintile decreased over the same
15% resorted to credit options for necessary
period.132 As discussed in the 2019 Toronto’s Vital
expenses, while 10% borrowed money from
Signs Report, the median market income in the
their social circles to meet basic needs. These
Toronto CMA further illustrates the divide. Between
strategies underscore the future vulnerability
1982 and 2016, the top 1% of income earners saw an
of a substantial proportion of residents.
increase of more than $99,400 in inflation-adjusted
The impact of the pandemic on income and wealth income, while the bottom 50% experienced a decline
has not been evenly distributed. In 2021, Canada of $6,200.133 While the recent rise in inflation affects
experienced its largest ever year-on-year increase in everyone, the uneven distribution of wealth and
net wealth, predominantly driven by a surge in real income has given some a far greater buffer against
estate prices, despite a subsequent downturn in its impacts.

INCOME & WEALTH
Wide-spread hunger a stark outcome of economic hardship

One of the most serious consequences of this increase in financial challenges is the dramatic
increase in people relying on food bank usage.
Soaring financial pressures spark rise in Toronto food bank dependency

Food bank visits were up 295% in June 2023 versus the same period in 2019 (from about 68,000 to 267,000).
Average food bank visitors (thousands)
267 270 267
228
208 210 216
182 186 189 185
172
160 152 154
144
128
116 111
91
72 68 65 66 60 60 60 66 65 64 68
55 61
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
2022 2023
Note: The 2007 to 2021 data are monthly averages, while the 2022 and 2023 data are for each month.
Sources: Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank via Toronto’s Dashboard.134
Data from food banks shows stunning increases Food insecurity was particularly high for Black
in visits throughout the pandemic. For example, residents (34%), those with disabilities (from 31%
visits for the Daily Break Food Bank, a network of to 36%, depending on the severity of the disability),
more than 125 food banks in the city, have increased those who are renters (33% for renting households
by 295% from June 2019 to June 2023, from just versus 13% of owner households) and those who
under 68,000 visits to almost 267,000. 135
are lone parents (37%).
About one in five people in Toronto (22%) — or One particularly striking finding from the 2022
550,000 adults — reported in 2022 that at some Toronto Social Capital Study was the high rates of
point in the past 12 months, they had eaten less food insecurity among young adults. A staggering
than they felt they should because there wasn’t 40% of individuals between the ages of 25 and 29
enough money to buy food, according to the were grappling with food insecurity in summer 2022.
2022 Toronto Social Capital Study. Food insecurity rates are 40% for young women and
27% for young men among those aged 18 to 29 (note
the age differences in the comparisons in the chart).

INCOME & WEALTH
Disparities in food insecurity

Rates of food insecurity were highest among younger residents, those with disabilities, lone parent families,
Black residents and renters.
Food insecurity in past year, select groups
Average Average 22
Age 18 to 24 29
25 to 29 40
30 to 39 28
40 to 54 21
55 to 64 17
65+ 7
Young women (18 to 29) 40
Young men (18 to 29) 27
Racial Identity White 18
Racialized 25
Black 34
Disability Status Disability that often limits activities 31
Disability that sometimes limit activities 36
No disability 16
Rent versus Own Rented dwelling 33
Owned dwelling 13
Family Status Lone parents 37

No one to turn to: Food-insecure Torontonians lack social supports

Almost four in 10 (39%) Daily Bread Food Bank users reported no one to count on,
compared to just over one in ten (12%) Toronto residents.
Percentage with no one to count on
39%
21%
12%
9%
Toronto Food secure Food insecure Daily Bread

average Torontonians Torontonians Food Bank User
City of Toronto
Sources: The 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study and the 2022 Daily Bread Who’s Hungry Report.136

INCOME & WEALTH
Food banks will exist as long as rent prices

continue to go up. If people need the two
fundamentals of shelter and food to survive,
they’re going to pay their rent first and will
go to other sources for other survival support.
Elizabeth McIsaac, President, Maytree
It’s evident that social connections and supports In addition to the rising costs and economic
also play a crucial role in food insecurity. For insecurity we document throughout this report,
example, in the 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study, even more people are disconnected from support
21% of food-insecure individuals reported having no networks (see page 24 or 43), making more
one to count on, compared to 9% of food-secure severe outcomes additionally challenging.
Torontonians. Among Daily Bread Food Bank
visitors who not only struggled to pay for food,
but also needed to rely on emergency food
providers, this figure nearly doubled, with
39% lacking a support system.

INCOME & WEALTH
ADEQUATE INCOME ESSENTIAL TO OVERALL HEALTH

Data from the 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study When examining income sufficiency, an even clearer
also highlights how critical income and perceptions trend emerges. Only 14% of households that report
of income sufficiency are for overall wellbeing, they can save from their income report fair or poor
as well as people’s broader social connections mental health. However, for those who find their
and civic engagement. income insufficient and feel stretched, the figure
rises to 39%. Most concerning is the situation for
On average, 26% of Toronto’s households experience
those who report their income is not enough
fair or poor mental health. However, the severity of
and that they are having a hard time, where
the struggle rises sharply with lower income levels.
54% experience fair or poor mental health.
For households earning under $30,000 annually,
the figure jumps to 37%. It then gradually decreases Income also has strong relationships with our various
as income levels rise. For households with an annual social capital indexes. People with higher income
income of $150,000 and over, only 18% report fair and higher income sufficiency had higher social
or poor mental health. For further comparisons trust, civic participation and social connection
of mental health for select groups in the city, scores than those with lower incomes or who
see page 39. struggled to make ends meet, according to our 2022
Toronto Social Capital Study (data not shown in the
report, but available in our online data tables).137
Toronto is not what newcomers expect. For a

new immigrant landing in this city, the challenges
they are facing are higher than we’ve ever seen.
They’re trying to navigate these multitude of
systems to apply for work within a tight job
market with wage disparity, on top of finding
housing for what is likely a multi-generational
family. And that home should be in the same
neighbourhood as a good, safe school.
That is a promise the country made but
Toronto is unable to fulfill.
Jamison Steeve, Chief Strategy Officer, YMCA of Greater Toronto

INCOME & WEALTH
Income and mental health are intertwined

More than half (54%) who say their income is not enough for them and they are having a hard time report
fair or poor mental health, compared to only 14% of those whose income is enough that they can save from it.
Percentage reporting fair or poor mental health by income measures
Income sufficiency
Income not enough for you and you are having a hard time 54%
Income not enough for you and you are stretched 39%
Income just enough for you, so that you do not have major problems 23%
Income good enough for you and you can save from it 14%
Household income $150,000 and over 18%
$100,000 to $149,999 22%
$80,000 to $99,999 24%
$60,000 to $79,999 25%
$30,000 to $59,999 26%
Under $30,000 37%
Toronto average 26%


APPENDIX
THE 2022 TORONTO SOCIAL CAPITAL STUDY
About the study About the survey
The 2018 and 2022 Toronto Social Capital Studies Sample size, collection method and timing
were conducted to understand social capital in the
The 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study is based on
city and how these measures evolved over time.
a survey of 4,163 people in Toronto, aged 18 years
The 2022 survey repeated many of the questions and older, conducted during summer 2022. The
asked in 2018, while adding several new ones to survey was conducted in two parts. A core sample
complete the picture of the state of social capital of 3,215 adults was surveyed between May 27 and
in the city. The original purpose of the research August 3. An additional 948 residents in three
remains unchanged, but the new survey also serves specific regions of the city (the Greater Golden Mile,
as a means for broadening our understanding Rexdale and the Downsview area) were surveyed
of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected between August 5 and September 10. The survey
Toronto residents. was conducted using a mix of methods, including
accessing respondents from online survey panels
The Toronto Social Capital Study is a partnership
and reaching respondents by telephone (landline
of leading civic organizations across the city. The
and cellphone) or text message (through random
research was conducted by the Environics Institute
dialing). Some respondents were identified as
for Survey Research, in partnership with Toronto
eligible through an interactive voice recording
Foundation, as well as Metcalf Foundation, MLSE
telephone pre-survey and then completed the
Foundation, Northcrest Developments, Ontario
survey by telephone with a live interviewer.
Trillium Foundation, TAS, United Way Greater
A small number of respondents were identified
Toronto, the Wellesley Institute and the YMCA
by this pre-survey and chose to complete the survey
of Greater Toronto. An additional group of
online. The majority (75%) of the respondents
collaborating partners helped support the launch
completed the survey on a computer, tablet or
of the report, including Atkinson Foundation,
smartphone, and the remainder (25%) spoke to
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, CivicAction,
a live interviewer over the phone.
Counselling Foundation of Canada, Crosswalk
Communities, Laidlaw Foundation and Toronto Sample characteristics and weighting
Zoo Wildlife Conservancy.
The survey sample was selected to meet a number
The Toronto study was complemented by a national of specifications, including sample quotas by age,
online survey of 2,001 Canadian adults commissioned gender, educational attainment, racial identity and
by Community Foundations of Canada, using the neighbourhood within Toronto.
same questions and measures of social capital.

APPENDIX
The survey samples for each of the city’s three Indexes

largest groups who are racialized — those identifying
As was the case in 2018, the results for many
as South Asian, Chinese or Black — are large enough
of the 2022 survey questions have been combined
to allow results to be reported for each of these
to create several indexes covering the major
groups separately. Future research, led by or in
dimensions of social capital. Each index is scored
partnership with Indigenous Peoples and based on
from “0” (lowest possible score) to “10” (highest
an appropriate sample of Indigenous respondents,
possible score). The index scores provide a concise
should be conducted to explore the perspectives
measure that can show how social capital is similar
and experiences of Indigenous residents of the
and different across a range of groups within
city. The survey data is weighted by age, gender,
the population. They are also useful for making
educational attainment, immigration background
comparisons over time, showing how social
(generation in Canada), racial identity and
capital in the city has evolved since 2018.138
neighbourhood within Toronto, to ensure that
survey results are representative of the actual Two additional indexes, using established measures,
population of the city. Because the data is weighted were added in 2022. One combines seven separate
by neighbourhood within Toronto, and by these questions about life satisfaction into an overall index
other criteria, the inclusion of the 948 additional of wellbeing, again scoring from “0” (lowest possible
respondents from the second part of the survey score) to “10” (highest possible score). The seven
does not affect the survey’s representativeness. individual items cover: standard of living; health;
achievement in life; personal relationships; safety;
Comparability to 2018 feeling part of the community; and future security.
The survey was modelled on the 2018 study of The second covers experiences of discrimination
3,207 Torontonians, with the intention to ensure and is based on how often each of 10 separate types
that the results of the two surveys are directly of microaggressions are experienced. In this index,
comparable. The 2018 survey also combined both scores range from “0” (none of the 10 items are
online and telephone methods, but a greater ever experienced) to a maximum of “10” (each is
proportion of respondents in 2018 completed the experienced almost every day).139
survey by telephone. See the 2018 report for full
The number of close family and close friends people
details on the methodology.
had was reclassified into a combined metric. “Few
close family or friends” was defined as none of one
category of family and friends and fewer than five
of the other; “some close family or friends” is fewer
than five of both close friends and family; “many
close family or friends” is for people who report
six to 10 of either close friends or family; and “very
many close family or friends” is 11 or more of either.
Data availability
A complete selection of data tables for both the
2018 and 2022 surveys is available online at either
Toronto Foundation or the Environics Institute’s
website, and raw data is available to researchers
on request.

APPENDIX
Neighbourhoods
This map shows the names and boundaries of the The 11 areas were formed by grouping neighbourhoods
11 neighbourhood areas referred to in the report and that are close to one another and demographically
the accompanying data tables. Each area is composed similar to one another. Note that two areas include
of a combination of the 140 city neighbourhoods neighbourhoods that are not contiguous (identified
(now 158), as defined by the City of Toronto. by the letters A and B).
Map to be provided?
Copyright @2018 Environics Analytics. Environics Analytics acquires and distributes Statistics Canada files in accordance with the
Government of Canada’s Open Data Policy. No information on any individual or household was made available to Environics Analytics
by Statistics Canada.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Andrew Parkin for his work co-authoring the 2022 Toronto Social Capital Study.
The survey fieldwork in Toronto was conducted by the Environics Research Group. The
study’s partners would like to thank John Otoo for leading the fieldwork and Rohit Shah and
Phil Straforelli for contributing to the preparation of the data files. We also thank Doug Norris
of Environics Analytics for help with updating the demographic portrait of the city and Keith
Neuman of the Environics Institute for additional advice. Finally, thank you to the thousands
of Torontonians and other Canadian residents who took the time to complete the surveys
and share their perspectives and experiences.

APPENDIX
Within urbanism, an emphasis is placed on

financial capital to tackle intractable issues
such as the housing crisis, unsafe streets and
public transit. However, social capital also plays
an integral role in addressing these and other
issues across our communities.
THE SURVEY ON EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS
The Survey on Employment and Skills is conducted Respondents are 18 years of age and older and were
by the Environics Institute for Survey Research, interviewed online in the provinces and by telephone
in partnership with the Future Skills Centre and the in the territories.
Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University.
The data for the March and April 2023 survey was
In early 2020, the Survey on Employment and Skills provided to Toronto Foundation and is the primary
began as a project designed to explore Canadians’ source of data from the Survey on Employment and
experiences with the changing nature of work, including Skills referenced through this report. The data for
technology-driven disruptions, increasing insecurity the Toronto CMA in April 2023 reflects 912 responses
and shifting skills requirements. Following the onset (693 unweighted responses). The data for the city
of the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey was expanded of Toronto reflects 379 unweighted responses.
to investigate the impact of the crisis on Canadians’
The previously published research from the Survey
employment, earnings and work environments.
of Employment and Skills can be found here.
As of writing in late summer 2023, five waves of the
The Survey on Employment and Skills is funded
survey have been conducted with approximately
primarily by the Government of Canada’s Future
5,000 respondents in each, with another wave
Skills Centre.
planned for fall or winter 2023:
Thank you to Andrew Parkin, the Environics Institute,
1 February to April 2020
the Future Skills Centre and the Diversity Institute
2 November and December 2020 for their provision of this valuable data for use in
3 June 2021 this report.
4 March and April 2022
5 March and April 2023

APPENDIX
MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH CANADA RESEARCH POLLS

Mental Health Research Canada launched a national
Raw data was provided to us by Mental Health
polling initiative in March 2020 in anticipation of a
Research Canada. All analysis reported within
need for strong, current and comprehensive data
this document was conducted by the author of the
on how COVID-19 was affecting Canadians. Since
report, and any errors are his alone. Any opinions
then, they have been polling Canadians every six
expressed about the data reflect the opinions of
to 12 weeks to know more about the current state
the author and do not necessarily reflect the views
of mental health in Canada.
of Mental Health Research Canada.
The poll most used in our analysis was conducted
Data for Toronto was determined by those residing
online in April and May 2023, with 3,494 adult
in postal codes beginning with M. The average
(aged 18 years and older) Canadian respondents.
number of responses across waves 2 through 16
The typical number of responses per poll were
in Toronto was 331 per wave. We report data on
about 3,400. Results from a probability sample
anxiety and depression on a two-quarter moving
of this size could be considered accurate to within
basis to compensate for these somewhat smaller
±1.7 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Results
sample sizes.
have been weighted based on age, gender and region
to be representative of the Canadian population. The results from the 16 polls that have been
Wave 16 had 344 respondents in Toronto. conducted so far can be found here.
During the very core of COVID, when the social

fabric was fraying most, we found communities
coming together, knocking on doors, reaching
out to neighbours to provide support. It is this
mobilizing of people that are coming together
from faith groups to community leaders to residents
to concerned citizens that I remain stubbornly
convinced there is something below the research.
Something that has strengthened through the
pandemic, a civic craving for engagement.

ENDNOTES
1 In 2018 and 2022, Toronto Foundation conducted the Toronto Social Capital Study, which allows robust
comparisons during those years and found significant declines in close relationships. In 2013, the General Social
Survey conducted by Statistics Canada, which provided data for the City of Toronto, used the same questions
with a different methodology and should be compared only with significant caution. The General Social Survey
covers those 15+, the 2014 Canadian Community Health Survey those 12+, and the Toronto Social Capital survey
covers those 18+. For more details about the Toronto Social Capital Survey, please see Appendix.
Still, the decline in close relationships even before the pandemic is striking. We show the data here because we
believe the trend requires careful public consideration, even as we must interpret it cautiously.
2 Kannan, V. D., & Veazie, P. J. (2022). US trends in social isolation, social engagement, and companionship
nationally and by age, sex, race/ethnicity, family income, and work hours, 2003–2020. SSM — population health,
21, 101331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101331
3 For full details see the calculations and notes in the Toronto Social Capital Study 2022 Report.
4 Statistics Canada. Table 11-10-0003-01 Tax filers with charitable donations by income
5 Liu, Y., & Wang, J. (2015). Validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for DSM-IV major depressive disorder
in a sample of Canadian working population. Journal of affective disorders, 187, 122–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/
j.jad.2015.07.044
6 The Survey on Employment and Skill is conducted by the Environics Institute in partnership with the Future
Skills Centre and the Diversity Institute. For additional details, see Appendix. Question text: “Q11AB. In the past
7 days, how often have you experienced each of the following: Felt depressed Rarely or none of the time
(less than 1 day); Some or little of the time (1–2 days); Occasionally or moderate amount of time (3–4 days);
Most or all of the time (5–7 days); Cannot say.”
7 Respondents in both surveys were asked “In general, would you say your mental health is excellent, very good,
good, fair or poor?”
8 Depression was assessed using the the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Anxiety using the Generalized
Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) in the chart. Both are widely used for screening and monitoring mental health
symptoms. Only those who would screen at a level to have a major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety
are shown on the chart. The full dataset has a number of additional tools to measure mental health.
9 Holt-Lunstad, J., Robles, T. F., & Sbarra, D. A. (2017). Advancing Social Connection as a Public Health Priority
in the United States. The American Psychologist, 72(6), 517. https://doi.org/10.1037/AMP0000103
Skills Centre and the Diversity Institute. For additional details, see Appendix. Full question text: “Q11AC. In the
past 7 days, how often have you experienced each of the following: Felt lonely: Rarely or none of the time
Most or all of the time (5–7 days); Cannot say.”
11 https://genwellproject.org/
Skills Centre and the Diversity Institute. For additional details, see Appendix. Full question text: “Q11AC. In the
past 7 days, how often have you experienced each of the following: Felt lonely: Rarely or none of the time
Most or all of the time (5–7 days). Cannot say.”

ENDNOTES
13 The Survey on Employment and Skill is conducted by the Environics Institute in partnership with the Future Skills
Centre and the Diversity Institute. For additional details, see Appendix. Full question text: “Q24GGW5. In the
past 12 months, have you had any of the following experiences related to the COVID-19 virus: You missed one or
more days of work/school because you were sick with COVID-19; You missed one or more days of work/school
because you were caring with someone else who was sick with COVID-19; You missed one or more days of work/
school because you had previously been sick with COVID-19, and were suffering from lingering effects of the
disease, such as fatigue (this is sometimes referred to as “long COVID”); None of these.”
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ADOLESCENCE.2021.06.006

ENDNOTES
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ENDNOTES
45 Statistics Canada. Table 17-10-0139-01 Population estimates, July 1, by census division, 2016 boundaries.
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and Vancouver. Environment International, 143. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENVINT.2020.106003
51 Bratman, G. N., Anderson, C. B., Berman, M. G., Cochran, B., de Vries, S., Flanders, J., Folke, C., Frumkin, H., Gross,
J. J., Hartig, T., Kahn, P. H., Kuo, M., Lawler, J. J., Levin, P. S., Lindahl, T., Meyer-Lindenberg, A., Mitchell, R., Ouyang,
Z., Roe, J., … Daily, G. C. (2019). Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. Science Advances,
5(7), 903–927. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aax0903
52 Toronto’s Vital Signs 2021 Report (2021). Written by Steven Ayer on behalf of Toronto Foundation
https://torontofoundation.ca/vitalsigns2021/
53 Grimes, A., & Smirnova, M. (2020). Perspectives on an earn-a-bike intervention on transportation,

health and self-esteem among men experiencing homelessness. Journal of Transport & Health, 18, 100904.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2020.100904
54 Pucher, J., & Buehler, R. (Eds.). (2012). City cycling. MIT press. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/9434.001.0001
55 Wen, L. M., & Rissel, C. (2008). Inverse associations between cycling to work, public transport, and overweight
and obesity: findings from a population based study in Australia. Preventive medicine, 46(1), 29-32.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2007.08.009
56 Leyden, K. M. (2003). Social Capital and the Built Environment: The Importance of Walkable Neighborhoods.
American Journal of Public Health, 93(9), 1546. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.93.9.1546
57 Bopp, M., Sims, D., & Piatkowski, D. (2018). Bicycling for transportation: An evidence-base for communities.
Bicycling for Transportation: An Evidence-Base for Communities, 1–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2016-0-03936-0
58 Stroope, J. (2021). Active transportation and social capital: The association between walking or biking for
transportation and community participation. Preventive Medicine, 150, 106666. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.
YPMED.2021.106666
59 Smith Lea, N. (2022). Livable Streets 2.0 in Toronto. https://live-mobilitynetwork.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/

uploads/2022/11/Livable-Streets-2.0-in-Toronto-Nancy-Smith-Lea.pdf
60 Harvey, L. (2022, October 3). Stuck in Toronto traffic? It’s as bad as you think it is — and likely to get worse.
Toronto Star. https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/stuck-in-toronto-traffic-it-s-as-bad-as-you-think-it-is-and-likely/
article_44cd3cb1-270f-5b93-a247-f790bf8ee571.html
61 City of Toronto Transportation Services. 2022 Cycling Year in Review. Retrieved July 25, 2023,
from https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/97f5-2022-Cycling-Year-in-Review-Final.pdf
62 City of Toronto Transportation Services. 2022 Cycling Year in Review. Retrieved July 25, 2023,
from https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/97f5-2022-Cycling-Year-in-Review-Final.pdf

ENDNOTES
63 Toronto Parking Authority. (2023). New Rate Structure for an Expanded & Modernized Bike Share Toronto.
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2023/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-235023.pdf and Toronto Parking
Authority. 2022. “BIKE SHARE TORONTO FIRST QUARTER (Q1) 2022 UPDATE.” https://www.toronto.ca/
legdocs/mmis/2022/pa/bgrd/backgroundfile-199512.pdf
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2023/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-235023.pdf

66 City of Toronto Transportation Services. 2022 Cycling Year in Review. Retrieved July 25, 2023, from
https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/97f5-2022-Cycling-Year-in-Review-Final.pdf
67 Bike Share Toronto (Jan 17, 2023). A look back on 2022: Bike Share Toronto.
https://bikesharetoronto.com/news/a-look-back-on-2022/

70 City of Toronto Transportation Services. 2022 Cycling Year in Review. Retrieved July 25, 2023, from
https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/97f5-2022-Cycling-Year-in-Review-Final.pdf
71 All data from this section is from the City of Toronto’s Economic Dashboard, derived from the Labour Force
Survey. Toronto Economic Dashboard — City of Toronto
Skills Centre and the Diversity Institute. For additional details, see Appendix. Full question text: “Q3. Thinking
about the job situation in the city or area where you live today, would you say that it is now a good time or a
bad time to find a job? A good time to find a job; A bad time to find a job; Cannot say.”
Skills Centre and the Diversity Institute. For additional details, see Appendix. Full question text: “Q18. Are you
very, somewhat, not very, or not at all worried about you or a member of your immediate family finding or
keeping a stable, full-time job? Very worried; Somewhat worried; Not very worried; Not at all worried.”
Skills Centre and the Diversity Institute. For additional details, see Appendix. Full question text: “Q36BCW5.
Do you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with each of the following
statements about the impact of new information or computer technologies on your job? I worry that I might
lose my job in the coming years because the work I do will soon be automated (in other words, it will soon be
done by computers or robots).”
75 Strategic Regional Research Alliance. (n.d.). Occupancy Index. Retrieved July 25, 2023,
from https://srraresearch.org/covid/category/Occupancy%20Index
76 University of Toronto. Downtown Recovery | School of Cities. Retrieved July 25, 2023,
from https://downtownrecovery.com/
77 Strategic Regional Research Alliance. (n.d.). Occupancy Index. Retrieved July 25, 2023,
from https://srraresearch.org/covid/category/Occupancy%20Index
Skills Centre and the Diversity Institute. For additional details, see Appendix. For more details on this question,
see the chart.

ENDNOTES
Skills Centre and the Diversity Institute. For additional details, see Appendix. Endnotes 80 through 83 are all
from this source.
Full question text: “Q24d: Which of the following best describes your work situation during the past three
months of the COVID-19 pandemic? I have been working from home; I have been working from home on some
days, but not every day; I have continued to work from my usual workplace outside my home; I was already
working from home before the pandemic, and this hasn’t changed; Cannot say (VOLUNTEERED)
80 Full question text: “ WFH2. Since the start of the pandemic, did you change your job and find a new job that
is easier for you to do while working from home? Yes; No; Cannot say.”
81 Full question text: “WFH3. And since the start of the pandemic, have you moved to a different community
because you now have the option to work from home? Yes; No; Cannot say.”
82 Full question text: “Q24EC. Do you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree
with each of the following statements about working from home: I like working from home a lot better than
working in my regular workplace.”
83 Full question text: “Q24F. Looking forward, how often would you like to work from home, instead of working
in your regular workplace? Would it be ...One or two days a month; One day a week; Two to three days a week;
Almost every day; Cannot say.”
84 Emanuel, N., Harrington, E., & Pallais, A. (2023). THE POWER OF PROXIMITY TO COWORKERS Training for
Tomorrow or Productivity Today? https://nataliaemanuel.github.io/ne_website/EHP_Power_of_Proximity.pdf
85 Data provided by Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC). All analysis by the author and does not necessarily
86 Blank, L., Hock, E., Cantrell, A., Baxter, S., & Goyder, E. (2023). Exploring the relationship between working
from home, mental and physical health and wellbeing: a systematic review. Public Health Research, 11(4).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK593093/
87 Toronto Economic Dashboard — City of Toronto. Retrieved July 25, 2023, from https://www.toronto.ca/city-
government/data-research-maps/toronto-economy-labour-force-demographics/toronto-economic-
dashboard/
88 TTC. Chief Executive Officer’s Report — May 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023, from https://ttc-cdn.azureedge.net/-/
media/Project/TTC/DevProto/Documents/Home/Public-Meetings/Board/2023/May-8/1_CEO_Report_
May_2023.pdf?rev=4b8ebdef539a47ae9f9af57d698ca768&hash=FDDF8389BC179D3CF8E7A69B3D0131FC
89 Statistics Canada. (2022, November 30). The Daily — Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed commuting patterns
for good? https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/221130/dq221130c-eng.htm
90 MacLeod, Cameron, Patricia Wood, Matthew Whittier, and Benjamin Wert. 2018. Mixed Signals: Toronto Transit
in a North American Context. Toronto. https://coderedto.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/CodeRedTO_
MixedSignals.pdf
91 TTC. Financial and Major Projects Update for the Period Ended April 29, 2023. https://ttc-cdn.azureedge.net/-/
media/Project/TTC/DevProto/Documents/Home/Public-Meetings/Board/2023/June-12/10_Financial_and_
MPU_for_the_Period_Ended_April_29_2023.pdf?rev=a8d8ab1b006a4552b392eb251c8294d1&hash=5F265
AA8B5D04019A3171F336D165317
92 Peterman, T. (2023, April 3). TTC service cuts and transit equity: reflections on a recent report. Mobilizing
Justice. https://mobilizingjustice.ca/ttc-service-cuts-and-transit-equity-reflections-on-a-recent-report/
93 TTC. CEO’s Report. Retrieved July 25, 2023, from https://www.ttc.ca/en/transparency-and-accountability/

CEOs-Report

ENDNOTES
94 Canadian Press. (2023, April 14). Violence on transit has increased post-pandemic, police and union officials say |
CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/violence-on-transit-has-increased-post-pandemic-police-and-union-
officials-say-1.6355053
95 Coletto, D. (2023, February 11). Toronto Pulse: How Torontonians are feeling about the city, the budget,
and the TTC today - Abacus Data. https://abacusdata.ca/toronto-pulse-february-2023/
96 Allen, J., & Farber, S. (2020). Planning transport for social inclusion: An accessibility-activity participation
approach. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 78, 102212. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.
TRD.2019.102212
97 Allen, J., & Farber, S. (2019). Sizing up transport poverty: a national scale accounting of low-income households
suffering from inaccessibility in Canada. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2018.11.018
98 University of Toronto. Downtown Recovery | School of Cities. Retrieved July 25, 2023,
from https://downtownrecovery.com/
99 Toronto Police. Major Crime Indicators — Last five years. Retrieved August 16, 2023, from https://app.powerbi.com/
view?r=eyJrIjoiZTY2NGZiNDktMThjNC00M2ZiLThiNjctNjljMzMyYzgwYWU1IiwidCI6Ijg1MjljMjI1LWFjNDMtNDc0Yy
04ZmI0LTBmNDA5NWFlOGQ1ZCIsImMiOjN9
100 Toronto Police. Major Crime Indicators — 2014–2022. Retrieved July 25, 2023, from https://app.powerbi.com/
view?r=eyJrIjoiMGQyZGFlYTEtZjdiOS00M2VmLWI5NGQtYTI5N2UwNDUyODg3IiwidCI6Ijg1MjljMjI1LWFjNDMtND
c0Yy04ZmI0LTBmNDA5NWFlOGQ1ZCIsImMiOjN9
101 Community Safety & Wellbeing on Transit — City of Toronto. Retrieved July 25, 2023, from https://www.toronto.
ca/city-government/data-research-maps/transit-community-safety-data/
102 Gervan Fearon and Carlyle Farrell, “Perceptions of the Toronto Police and Impact of Rule Changes under
Regulation 58/16: A Community Survey” (Toronto, ON, 2019). https://www.coursehero.com/file/215084261/
Perceptions-of-Toronto-Police-Impact-communitysurveypdf/
103 Brockbank, Nicole. 2023. “Average Time on Hold for 911 Was over 6 Minutes in Toronto One Day Last Year | CBC
News.” CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-911-wait-times-worse-last-year-1.6782375
(August 16, 2023).
104 Roy, Inori. 2022. “Call the Police… Then Wait | The Local.” The Local. https://thelocal.to/toronto-police-wait-times-
auditors-report/ (August 16, 2023).
105 Statistics Canada. Table 35-10-0026-01 Crime Severity Index and weighted clearance rates, Canada, provinces,
territories and Census Metropolitan Areas. Statistics Canada. Table 35-10-0188-01 Crime severity inde, police
services in Ontario
106 Respondents were asked to “Using a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 means “Very dissatisfied” and 10 means
“Very satisfied”, how satisfied are you with each of the following? How safe you feel?”
107 To develop our discrimination index, survey respondents were asked about their experience with different
types of discrimination, including questions related to how often they are called names or insulted, followed
around in stores, threatened or harassed, or treated with less courtesy than others. The questions are from
the Everyday Discrimination scale. For full details, see Toronto Foundation’s report on Everyday Racism.
108 Urban Reform Institute, & The Frontier Centre for Public Policy. (2023). Demographia International Housing
Affordability. http://www.demographia.com/dhi.pdf
109 Feinstein, C. (2023, July 18). Minimum wage must hit $40 an hour for workers to afford Toronto rent. Toronto Star.
https://www.thestar.com/business/toronto-s-rent-crisis-minimum-wage-would-have-to-hit-40-an-hour-for-
workers/article_19d029ca-1390-5221-8727-3ff6e3bec00e.html?

ENDNOTES
110 City of Toronto Housing Data Book. (2023). https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/96be-

HousingSecretariatDataBookMar20230320small.pdf
111 City of Toronto. 2021 Census: Age, sex at birth and gender, and type of dwelling. https://www.toronto.ca/wp-
content/uploads/2022/04/9654-City-Planning-2021-Census-Backgrounder-Age-Sex-Gender-DwellingType.pdf
112 Angus Reid Institute. (2018). GTA Housing Release Tables. https://angusreid.org/wp-content/
uploads/2018/08/2018.06.06-GTA_Housing-ReleaseTables.pdf
113 2021 Canadian Housing Survey Public Use Microdata File. Analysis by author.
114 Toronto City Planning. (2021). Right-Sizing Housing and Generational Turnover. https://www.toronto.ca/ext/
digital_comm/pdfs/city-planning/right-sizing-housing-generational-turnover.pdf
115 Statistics Canada. Table 98-10-0235-01. Housing suitability with bedroom shortfall by tenure, with household size:
Canada, provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations
116 Statistics Canada. Table 98-10-0327-01. Housing suitability by visible minority and immigrant status and period of
immigration: Canada, provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations with parts
117 Lundy, Ma. (2023, February 27). Eviction applications spike in Ontario as rents soar, vacancies dwindle —
The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-housing-eviction-applications-ontario/
118 Leon, S., & Iveniuk, J. (2020). Forced Out: Evictions, Race, and Poverty in Toronto. https://www.wellesleyinstitute.
com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Forced-Out-Evictions-Race-and-Poverty-in-Toronto-.pdf
119 2021 Canadian Housing Survey Public Use Microdata File. Analysis by author.
120 City of Toronto Housing Data Book. (2023). https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/96be-

HousingSecretariatDataBookMar20230320small.pdf
121 Leon, S., & Iveniuk, J. (2020). Forced Out: Evictions, Race, and Poverty in Toronto. https://www.wellesleyinstitute.
com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Forced-Out-Evictions-Race-and-Poverty-in-Toronto-.pdf
122 Canadian Centre for Housing Rights. (2022). “ Sorry, it’ s rented.” Measuring Discrimination Against Newcomers
in Toronto’s Rental Housing Market. https://housingrightscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/CCHR-Sorry-
its-rented-Discrimination-Audit-2022.pdf
123 City of Toronto. Daily Shelter & Overnight Service Usage. Retrieved July 25, 2023, from https://www.toronto.ca/
city-government/data-research-maps/research-reports/housing-and-homelessness-research-and-reports/
shelter-census/
124 City of Toronto. Shelter System Requests for Referrals. Retrieved July 25, 2023, from https://www.toronto.ca/
city-government/data-research-maps/research-reports/housing-and-homelessness-research-and-reports/
shelter-system-requests-for-referrals/
125 City of Toronto. Street Needs Assessment 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2023, from https://www.toronto.ca/wp-
content/uploads/2022/11/96bf-SSHA-2021-Street-Needs-Assessment.pdf
126 Statistics Canada. 12-month change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and CPI excluding gasoline.
Retrieved July 25, 2023, from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/230718/cg-a001-eng.htm
127 See chart for details and citation. The Survey on Employment and Skill is conducted by the Environics Institute
in partnership with the Future Skills Centre and the Diversity Institute. For additional details, see Appendix.
For full question text, see the next endnote.

ENDNOTES
Skills Centre and the Diversity Institute. For additional details, see Appendix. Full question text: “Q48. Would
you say your total household income is: Good enough for you, and you can save from it; Just enough for you,
so that you do not have major problems; Not enough for you and you are stretched; Not enough for you and
you are having a hard time; Decline to answer (Volunteered).”
129 Data provided by Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC). All analysis by the author and does not necessarily
130 Toronto’s Vital Signs 2021 Report (2021). Written by Steven Ayer on behalf of Toronto Foundation
https://torontofoundation.ca/vitalsigns2021/
131 Beth Wilson, Naomi Lightman, and Luann Good Gingrich, “SPACES AND PLACES OF EXCLUSION MAPPING
RENTAL HOUSING DISPARITIES FOR TORONTO’S RACIALIZED AND IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES” (Toronto,
November 2020), https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/socialplanningtoronto/pages/2414/attachments/
original/1605553111/Exclusion_report_FINAL_for_web.pdf?1605553111
132 Source: Statistics Canada. Table 11-10-0049-01 Assets and debts by net worth quintile, Canada, provinces,
and selected census metropolitan areas, Survey of Financial Security (times 1,000,000). Note: Calculations by
the author. https://doi.org/10.25318/1110004901-eng
133 Statistics Canada, “Table 11-10-0055-01 High Income Tax Filers in Canada.” Calculations by author as reported
in Toronto Foundation, “Toronto’s Vital Signs: Growing Pains Amid Narrow Gains Report 2019/20” (Written by
Steven Ayer on Behalf of Toronto Foundation, 2019), https://torontofoundation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/
10/VitalSigns2019.pdf
134 Daily Bread Food Bank via Toronto’s Dashboard. https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/data-research-

maps/toronto-dashboard/
135 Daily Bread Food Bank via Toronto’s Dashboard. https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/data-research-

maps/toronto-dashboard/
136 Daily Bread Food Bank, & North York Harvest Food Bank. Who’s Hungry Report 2022 A Story of A System
Under Strain. Retrieved July 25, 2023, from https://www.dailybread.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/DB-
WhosHungryReport-2022-Digital-1.pdf
137 “Toronto Social Capital Study 2022 Detailed Data Tables.” https://www.environicsinstitute.org/projects/project-
details/toronto-social-capital-study-2022 (August 16, 2023).
138 As the selection and wording of survey questions differ in some cases between the 2018 and 2022 questions,
the indexes originally reported in 2018 are not always directly comparable to those reported here. For this
reason, revised index scores were computed from the 2018 data using the same questions and formulas as
in 2022. As a result, the 2018 index scores noted in this report will differ from those published in 2018.
139 The wellbeing index uses the Personal Wellbeing Index available from the Australian Centre on Quality of
Life (see https://www.acqol.com.au/index). The discrimination index uses the Williams Everyday Discrimination
scale developed by David R. Williams (see https://scholar.harvard.edu/davidrwilliams/node/32397).

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Toronto's Vital Signs: 2023 SPECIAL REPORT

2023 SPECIAL REPORT

ABOUT TORONTO FOUNDATION

6 Your City Needs You

8 Research Report Meets Campaign

20 Civic Engagement 80 Work

32 State of the Sector:

122 Income and Wealth

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 3

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 4

The following people provided their valuable perspectives in this report:

Akosua Alagaratnam Cara Eaton Deena Ladd Jay Pitter, MES

Sabina Ali Zahra Ebrahim Kelly Langgard Shelagh Pizey-Allen

ADDITIONAL INDIVIDUALS CONSULTED

Siri Agrell Wendy Komiotis Christopher McGarrell Pamela Uppal

Lanrick Bennett Jr. William Krueger Sevaun Palvetzian Marika Warner

Michael Cooper Alissa Latiff Andrew Parkin Dane Williams

Shannon Craig Shae London Brittany Saab Miru Yogarajah

Tai Huynh Shauna Major Garima Talwar

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 5

The connective tissue across issues is all of us — the

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 6

We’ve moved as a city into that thing that happens

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 7

Giving up on this place we call home is also a

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 8

Join our campaign

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 9

Donation rates to nonprofits

Size of social networks

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 10

• More than a third of the city’s population, Rates of loneliness

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 11

department visits for teens

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 12

Arts, Culture and Recreation

• Participation in cultural, educational and hobby

• Frequent usage of community assets and public

Youth participation in sports

Audiences for indoor

Rates of life satisfaction

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 13

facilities and tree coverage

Bike infrastructure projects

Rates of mental health benefits

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 14

• Hybrid work arrangements doubled from

out, with an additional 42% experiencing these

Note: *Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) is formed by adjacent Rates of burnout

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 15

• The pandemic has significantly reduced

Public transit ridership

Rates of transit safety

Downtown foot traffic

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 16

• Major crime in Toronto rose 4% in 2022,

Feelings and experience

Rate of deaths from

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 17

• In 2018, there was one formal eviction application Rate of evictions

for every 20 renter households (5%) and in some

TORONTO’S VITAL SIGNS 2023 18

Income and Wealth