With low vacancies and high rents, Niagara tenants continue to feel the pressure. A regional incentive program for developers could ultimately benefit the long-term interests of everyone.

The only thing more stressful for Niagara tenants than rent increases is finding a place to live.

A study commissioned by Niagara Region shows the area has a shortfall of 20,000 purpose-built rental units, based on data from Statistics Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC)

The scarcity and cost are forcing moderate-income households into properties once occupied by lower-income households, which contributes to growing homelessness and social issues, said Nick Michael, a consultant at NBLC (N. Barry Lyon Consulting), an urban planning firm based in Toronto.

Michael and Julianna Vander

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