What to know
- Housing affordability is a major concern, particularly for families and low-income residents.
- Residents point to safety and youth violence as issues requiring greater city support.
- One resident says the area needs more youth programs, after-school hubs and community supports.
- TTC service and fares, employment opportunities and wages are also concerns.
Jane and Finch residents say housing affordability, safety and support for young people are among the key issues they want Toronto’s next mayor to address ahead of the Oct. 26 municipal election.
Now Toronto spoke with residents and people familiar with the area about the issues that matter most to them.
Housing affordability remains a major concern
For several residents, the cost of housing was the biggest issue heading into the election.
Marco said housing affordability is particularly difficult for families living in Toronto.
“The affordability to live down here, especially in this area, it’s tight for a lot of people, especially families,” he said.
Marco also pointed to empty apartments as a concern and said candidates should focus on support for low-income families.
Telmy, who previously lived in the area, also pointed to rising housing and grocery costs.
“If you want to get a good [apartment], you spend like $3000… two bedroom,” she said.
She added that $100 no longer goes nearly as far at the grocery store.
“With $100, you just wonder, ‘What did I buy?’” she said.
Safety and youth violence are concerns
Safety was another recurring issue among residents.
For Telmy, safety was significant enough that she said it contributed to her decision to leave the area.
“Safety, security. It’s scary here to bring up a child here,” she said.
Zdene, who lives in the area and is studying to become a community service worker, said youth violence is one of her biggest concerns.
While she said there are already advocates in the community, Zadine believes more people, particularly young residents, need to get involved.
“We obviously need more of the youth to come out and show up and be there and support the community as well,” she said.
She also wants the city to create more programs and spaces where young people can access support.
“A lot of kids don’t have voices, they don’t have the one to speak up for them, and usually they’re going on with their own personal issues,” she said.
Transit and employment issues were also raised
Transit was another concern for one man who went to school and works in the area. He pointed to increasing TTC fares and service interruptions.
“The buses are not coming, and weekend time there’s always interruptions,” he said.
He said Jane and Finch also needs more employment opportunities and better-paying jobs.
“More employment… reasonable wages for people that actually pay their bills that work a nine-to-five,” he said.
The municipal election is set for Oct. 26.
