Canada Housing Market

As housing affordability and soaring rent prices remain major concerns for renters in Ontario, a new map reveals a startling fact: there are millions of empty bedrooms across the province. According to the Canadian Census Mapper, the number of empty bedrooms in Ontario has reached approximately five million, a figure that some argue could significantly alleviate the province’s housing crisis if better utilized.

The Growing Number of Empty Bedrooms

The Canadian Census Mapper uses 2021 census data to illustrate this phenomenon. The map assumes an idealized scenario where couples share a bedroom, and single individuals have separate rooms. This data complements a separate map of overcrowded dwellings, aiming to highlight underused housing throughout Ontario.

The map of overcrowded dwellings shows households with more than one person per bedroom, excluding couples. This suggests that the actual number of empty bedrooms might be even higher than what the map displays, as it only maps the average bedroom need.

Perspectives on Empty Bedrooms

“Empty bedrooms and ‘crowded’ housing offer two distinct perspectives into the Canadian housing experience,” reads a note under the map. “Canada is a rich nation, and many people expect to have the luxury of an extra bedroom for guests, work, or future family growth. On the other hand, households are increasingly losing this luxury.”

In 2016, around 32.1 per cent of bedrooms in occupied houses were empty. This percentage slightly decreased to 31.5 per cent in 2021. Despite this slight reduction, a significant portion of Canadians still have one or more extra bedrooms, while other households face overcrowding, highlighting the inequality in housing outcomes.

Housing Disparity in Ontario

This disparity is troubling, especially in light of Ontario’s ongoing housing crisis. The updated figures from the next Canadian census in 2026 will provide more insights, but the current data already indicates a significant issue. Many households continue to enjoy extra bedrooms, while others struggle with overcrowded conditions.

Potential Solutions

Addressing this imbalance could play a crucial role in solving Ontario’s housing crisis. Strategies might include policies that encourage better utilization of existing space, such as incentives for converting empty bedrooms into affordable housing units or shared living spaces.

Conclusion

The revelation of five million empty bedrooms in Ontario amid a housing crisis underscores the complexity of the issue. It calls for innovative solutions and equitable policies to ensure that housing resources are used effectively to benefit all residents.

Source: Census Mapper