As an immigrant, I have experienced the opportunities and challenges of moving to a new country. Canada has welcomed me with open arms, offering the promise of a better future. But, like many newcomers, I quickly realized that finding affordable housing is one of the biggest obstacles to building a stable life. While immigration strengthens Canada’s economy and culture, cities across the country are struggling to provide adequate housing, not just for immigrants but for all Canadians. The housing crisis is no longer just an immigrant issue; it affects everyone.
Canada prides itself on being a welcoming nation, but this welcome can feel incomplete when so many struggle to find a place to live. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver have become unaffordable, leaving new immigrants with few options. Many are forced into overcrowded apartments, long commutes, or unstable living situations that impact their well-being and ability to integrate. Without stable housing, finding employment, access to education, and building a sense of belonging in a new community is difficult. I know this struggle all too well, the exhausting and discouraging process of searching for a place that fits within a budget.
A recent Habitat for Humanity survey highlights the severity of the crisis: 88 per cent of Canadian renters believe buying a home is out of reach and nearly 60 per cent worry about sacrificing necessities like food and education just to afford housing.
The housing crisis is not just about economics; it affects families, mental health, and social stability. Without a safe and affordable place to live, focusing on building a future becomes nearly impossible.
One of the biggest issues fuelling the crisis is restrictive zoning that limits the construction of affordable housing in high-demand areas. In many Canadian cities, zoning regulations prioritize single-family homes over multi-unit housing, reducing the supply of affordable rental options. This creates an artificial scarcity that drives even higher prices. Cities need to rethink these outdated policies and encourage the development of mixed-use communities where housing, employment, and public services are integrated.
Another solution lies in community-driven housing initiatives like co-operative housing. Unlike traditional rental markets, co-op housing models allow residents to have more control over their living conditions while keeping costs manageable. Governments should invest in and support these initiatives, as they offer long-term stability to both immigrants and lifelong Canadians.
Canada is known for welcoming immigrants, but what good is a welcome if there is nowhere affordable to live? If cities do not take action to address the housing crisis, they risk undermining the very benefits that immigration brings. Immigrants contribute to economic growth, innovation, and cultural diversity, but they can only do so if they have a stable foundation to build upon.
Canada opened its doors to me, and for that, I am grateful. But now it’s time for cities to step up and invest in solutions that help immigrants and longtime residents thrive. Affordable housing, efficient public transit, and inclusive community programs aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities.
We came here to build a better future for ourselves and Canada. It’s time for our cities to ensure that the future is within reach of everyone.
Sai Deepthi Poshala is a master of community planning student at VIU.
