Hulchanski 2010 Three+Cities+Within+Toronto

Introduction

• Title: The Three Cities Within Toronto: Income Polarization Among Toronto's Neighbourhoods, 1970-2005

• Author: J. David Hulchanski (University of Toronto)

• Published: Report as an update from the Centre for Urban and Community Studies

• Background: Multi-year project on neighbourhood change in greater Toronto (1970 - 2005).

Overview of the Research

• This study builds on the earlier research bulletin (2007) about neighbourhoods' income polarization.

• Financial backing from the Community University Research Alliance and Public Outreach Grant by SSHRC of Canada.

• Core research team includes various scholars and data analysts from Toronto's Cities Centre and St. Christopher House.

• Data collected from Statistics Canada and city sources for comprehensive analysis.

Structure of the Report

• Focus: Examine the socio-economic status of residents in Toronto’s neighbourhoods over 35 years.

• Methodology: Uses census data to assess changes in income distribution across three identified cities within Toronto.

Key Findings

Income Polarization

• City #1: High-income area; significant income growth relative to Toronto CMA average since 1970.

• City #2: Middle-income area; income levels remained stable, diminishing significantly over time.

• City #3: Low-income area; considerable decline in income relative to CMA, representing newly clustered poverty.

Statistical Trends

• Proportion of Neighbourhoods: (1970 vs. 2005)

  • Middle-income neighbourhoods decreased from 66% to 29%.

  • High-income neighbourhoods grew from 15% to 19%.

  • Low-income neighbourhoods increased from 19% to 53%.

  • Extremely low-income neighbourhoods rose from 1% to 9%.

• Geographic Distribution:

  • Middle-income neighbourhoods are dispersing predominantly into low-income areas, while high-income areas cluster closer to city amenities and transit.

Impacts of Socio-economic Shifts

• Movement of poverty from inner cities to suburban edges, hindering access to public services and transit for low-income households.

• Gentrification in significant neighbourhoods pushes lower-income families out while attracting affluent newcomers.

• Long-term trends indicate a clear polarization of Toronto by income levels; policies need to address these disparities.

Policy Suggestions

• Affordable Housing: Implementation of policies promoting mixed-income neighbourhoods and affordable housing solutions.

• Transit Access: Improve public transit systems to connect low-income areas with employment and resources.

• Community Renewal Initiatives: Highlight programs such as the Tower Neighbourhood Renewal for revitalizing poorer neighbourhoods

Conclusion

• Disparities between communities in Toronto have emerged, indicating a potential 'two-city' model instead of three.

• Without intervention, the trajectory indicates increasing segregation by socio-economic status.

• Future trends project a continuation of these disparities unless significant measures are enacted to promote inclusion and equity.