But affordable and subsidized housing need to become priorities at City Hall
We should not be surprised by recent census data showing lower than average population growth in the old city. Yes, there is an influx of people moving to Hamilton. A number of recent reports indicate a surge of young people are leaving more expensive cities, like Toronto, moving here looking for new opportunities.
An August 2016 analysis from the Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton names millennials as the largest demographic group in the city, taking over from baby boomers. It is clear that this is a desirable place to live for GTA residents who cannot afford Toronto’s prices. But where are they moving, and why has our population not spiked?
To answer that question, we need to look at the density of our neighbourhoods and follow the development patterns between the 2011 and 2016 censuses.
Focusing on downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods, it’s hard to imagine a time in the past six years where there was no new construction happening. However, few of these have been high-density residential projects.
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Article and image source: The Hamilton Spectator
