In January 2024, as pedestrians stroll past rental units in Toronto, concerns over affordability are revealed as a significant reason why many young Canadians are delaying starting families, according to Statistics Canada. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Anna Smith, a 27-year-old graduate student at the University of Toronto, dreams of starting a family. However, living in a cramped 500-square-foot apartment in Toronto's east end for $1,550 a month has put her plans on hold. She and her partner face a tough choice: expand their living space or have children.
For two years now, Anna has postponed parenthood, a decision she finds deeply upsetting. She had hoped to be a young parent unlike her own, who were older when she was born. They struggled to keep up with her, and she wanted a different experience for her own children.
The rental housing crisis in Canada compounds these challenges. Prices are skyrocketing, and finding an affordable place to live is increasingly difficult. According to a recent report from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, vacancy rates are at historic lows, and rents are climbing. Only a tiny fraction of available rentals are both vacant and affordable.
Families like Anna's are squeezed into small apartments, with some parents even giving up their own beds so their children can have separate rooms. Others, like Zach Robichaud from Kitchener, Ontario, have had to rethink their plans for a big family. Despite both working full-time, Zach and his wife struggle to afford their $2,000-a-month rent. They had hoped for three children but stopped at one due to financial constraints.
The affordability crisis is influencing family planning across Canada. Statistics Canada reported a significant drop in the fertility rate, attributing it partly to financial worries. Many young adults, like those aged 20 to 29, feel they can't afford to have children anytime soon. The housing market's limited supply, combined with older Canadians staying in their homes longer, exacerbates the issue.
Karen Lawson, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, explains that these economic pressures are forcing young Canadians to delay starting families until later in life. This delay can lead to fewer children than desired or even fertility issues, impacting family sizes and personal fulfillment.
As housing costs continue to rise, Anna Smith and others like her face uncertain futures. They've adjusted their expectations and postponed their dreams of a bigger family and a more stable life. Despite their education and decent incomes, the economic realities make it challenging to achieve these goals.
