Investing in public housing benefits people and the economy

Whitby, Ontario – A new report shows that investing in public housing helps grow the economy and improves people’s health and quality of life across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

The Public Housing Dividend Report explains how public housing creates stronger, more resilient communities. It uses Canadian data and modelling to show how different funding choices affect both economic and social outcomes.

The report looks at five possible approaches:

• Expected funding: Keep the current system as is.
• Reduced funding: Spend less on public housing.
• Renewal only: Maintain and repair existing housing.
• New construction only: Build new housing but do not repair existing buildings.
• Renewal and construction: Repair existing housing while also building more.

The best results for the community and the economy come from renewing existing housing and building new homes at the same time. This approach delivers the greatest benefits, including more jobs, stronger communities, better health outcomes, increased private investment, and higher tax revenue.

From 2026 to 2050, this approach could:

• Add nearly $50 billion to the economy.
• Create up to 15,000 full-time jobs each year in sectors like construction, retail and transportation.
• Provide homes for 86,000 more people.
• Save $1.8 billion in health care and justice system costs.
• Generate almost $3 in value for every $1 invested.

This is the most detailed study of public housing investment ever done in Canada. It was commissioned by the GTHA Community Housing Collaborative, which includes the Region of Durham, and supported by Scotiabank. The analysis was completed by the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis.

To learn more, visit the Public Housing Dividend Report.

“Having a safe and suitable place to live is the foundation of a strong community. I’m proud of the investments Regional Council has made. This report confirms that investing in public housing leads to better health, stronger local economies and a better future for residents.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham.

“Public housing is not just about support, it helps drive economic growth and healthier communities. By investing in both new and existing housing, we can build a stronger economy while making sure people have stable, affordable homes.”

- Erin Valant, Director of Housing Services, Region of Durham, and Chief Executive Officer, Housing Durham.

“Public housing brings stability to individuals and strength to communities. This report confirms the importance of building more housing to meet demand and support long-term, inclusive growth.”

- Gary Muller, Director of Affordable Housing Development and Renewal, Region of Durham.

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About ScotiaRISE
ScotiaRISE is Scotiabank’s $500 million community investment commitment. Its goal is to build economic resilience by helping individuals and families access opportunities for economic growth, adapt to change, overcome barriers, and fully participate in the economy. ScotiaRISE is guided by four pillars: Education, Employment, Community Needs and Cohesion, and Resilient Economy. Since launching in 2021, ScotiaRISE has partnered with 300 community organizations and invested more than $212 million globally.

About the GTHA Community Housing Collaborative
The GTHA Community Housing Collaborative brings together the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area’s six largest public housing providers, collectively responsible for the stewardship, renewal and expansion across Toronto, Peel, York, Durham, Halton, and Hamilton. In total, the Collaborative represents approximately 40 per cent of all public housing in Ontario, including more than 81,500 homes. The joint portfolio asset value of the Collaborative exceeds $20 billion, and together the members serve over 150,000 tenants.