Work

Does Subsidized Housing Facilitate More Sustainable Commute Patterns? Insights From Canadian Metropolitan Areas

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Housing has become increasingly unaffordable, particularly in amenity-rich and transit-accessible areas.In this paper, we conduct an empirical analysis to investigate the relationship between living in subsidized housing and commuting patterns (mode and distance) in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.We find that compared to otherwise similar individuals, those in subsidized dwellings have shorter and less auto-oriented commutes at statistically significant levels.The paper positions the discussion on subsidized housing in the broader context of the relationship between housing and sustainability, and within specific metropolitan geographies and histories of housing policies.In combination with prior research, the findings provide support for policies that promote investment in subsidized housing near transit as an affordability and sustainability strategy, particularly benefiting low-income renters.

Source: Housing Policy Debate

DOI: 10.1080/10511482.2023.2251431

Authors: Skye Collishaw, Markus Moos, Tara Vinodrai

Institutions: University of Toronto, University of Waterloo

Language: English

Topic: Urban Transport and Accessibility

Subfield: Transportation

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, University of Toronto Mississauga, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada