The United Way of Peterborough and District has released its 19th annual Housing Is Fundamental Report, calling on all levels of government to up their game in terms of investing in affordable housing and related social programs.
Authored by Paul Armstrong, the report provides a number of statistics, including CMHC data that shows the average market rent in Peterborough was $1,325 in 2023, a 6.5 percent increase from the year prior. Data further suggests one needs to bring home an average of $53,000 annually to rent in Peterborough and also afford other basic needs.
United Way community impact director Betsy MacDonald says the report paints a familiar picture – enough isn’t being done in terms of the provision of affordable shelter.
Speaking to the report’s focus on the local rental market, MacDonald says there’s one thing in particular at play that’s having a detrimental effect.
MacDonald says all levels of government have to step up to make more affordable housing a reality, be it permanent housing or rental, and not just a promise.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)
