Housing Providers and Scotiabank to Launch Landmark Public Housing Dividend Report in Toronto
Toronto’s largest community housing organizations, alongside senior executives from Scotiabank, are set to unveil a major research initiative that argues strategic investment in public housing infrastructure could generate more than $102 billion in economic and social value across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
The report, titled Public Housing Dividend, will be officially launched on June 1 at the Scotiabank Centre in downtown Toronto. Organizers describe the study as a first-of-its-kind analysis examining the long-term economic impact of public housing investment, including effects on health outcomes, economic productivity, and community resilience.
The event is being organized by the GTHA Community Housing Collaborative, a coalition representing the region’s six largest public housing providers. The group collectively oversees more than 81,500 homes and serves over 150,000 tenants across Toronto, Peel, York, Durham, Halton, and Hamilton.
Research Focuses on Economic and Social Returns From Housing Investment
According to organizers, the report’s central finding is that targeted investments in public housing infrastructure can create “over $102B in value” throughout the region.
The research aims to shift the public conversation around affordable housing beyond social assistance and shelter needs by positioning public housing as a long-term economic asset that can support labour force participation, public health, and regional economic stability.
The launch event will feature presentations and panel discussions focused on the broader financial and social implications of affordable housing investment.
Event Program Includes Industry and Policy Discussions
The morning program will begin with a reception at 8:30 a.m., followed by the official launch and overview of the Public Housing Dividend report at 9:00 a.m.
A panel discussion titled “Beyond Shelter: The Multiplier Effects of Affordable Public Housing” is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., examining the broader economic and social outcomes tied to affordable housing availability.
A second discussion, “Building the Future: Expanding the Financing Options for Housing,” will begin at 10:15 a.m. and focus on funding strategies and investment models that could support future housing expansion and renewal projects.
Closing remarks are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception and light lunch before the event concludes at 12:30 p.m.
Media interviews will be available between 10:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Key Housing and Financial Leaders Available for Interviews
Organizers said media will have access to several senior housing, banking, and healthcare leaders participating in the event.
Among the scheduled spokespeople are Sean Baird, President & CEO of Toronto Community Housing Corporation; Meigan Terry; and Dr. Andrew Boozary.
The inclusion of banking and healthcare executives alongside housing providers reflects the report’s broader focus on the economic and public health dimensions of housing investment.
The launch comes at a time when governments across Canada are facing mounting pressure to address housing affordability, aging infrastructure, and rising homelessness levels in major urban centres.
GTHA Collaborative Represents Significant Share of Ontario Public Housing
The GTHA Community Housing Collaborative said its combined portfolio represents approximately 40 per cent of Ontario’s public housing stock.
The organization stated that the collective asset value of its housing portfolio exceeds $20 billion, making it one of the largest public housing networks in the country.
The collaborative brings together public housing providers from municipalities across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to coordinate housing renewal, expansion, and long-term infrastructure planning.
Organizers are encouraging media representatives to RSVP in advance for the June 1 launch event. Report requests will also be available for those unable to attend in person.
The event will take place at the Scotiabank Centre, located at 44 King St. W., 2nd Floor, Toronto.