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I've been staring at this chart all morning, trying to put words to my sadness. My partner and I are renters, and our household income falls within the middle tier. We love Kitchener, this is our home - but we simply can't afford to stay. We'll be leaving KW once our lease is up. https://twitter.com/jenvasic/status/1335564445335121920
We're thankful that we have the means and resources to be able to pack up and go - that's a privilege that not everyone has. But if this city isn't affordable for folks making a "decent" salary, what hope is there for people with lower incomes?
My mother works a full-time job, making slightly more than minimum wage. Based on the 30% rule, she can afford a monthly rent of about $750. A quick Kijiji search reveals her only option is a room in a student house. I feel sick to my stomach thinking about it.
I am heartbroken and angry over the state of housing in our region. The way we prioritize attracting people from larger cities without even having the capacity to house the everyday folks who have lived here for ages and make KW so special.
I am sick of feeling bitter, but I can't help thinking that an affordable housing strategy is too little too late, at least for those of us stuck renting in this market. The only hope my partner and I have of becoming homeowners is to leave.
