Newly released data from the 2021 Census indicate that poverty¹ was reduced for many Toronto residents in 2020. The data discussed below, which are based on 2020 income, show that significantly fewer people in Toronto lived on low income in 2020 compared to 2015. However, even Statistics Canada has cautioned that these developments are not expected to continue in 2021 and 2022.

Social Planning Toronto (SPT) is a nonprofit, charitable community organization that works to advance an equitable, inclusive, and accessible Toronto — shaped by the diversity of its residents and rooted in social and economic justice. Our work challenges inequity in our city — through knowledge generation, debate, civic engagement, advocacy, and collaboration — to spark social and policy change. 

We're seeking newcomers and immigrants to share their stories and opinions about living, and finding their way, in Toronto!

Participants will be offered $75 for attending a 1.5 hour session. Sessions will take place on Zoom, and will be conducted in English.

Social Planning Toronto is thrilled to announce our new Director, Engagement & Strategic Initiatives: Melissa Wong. Melissa will start on March 7, and we are all very excited! She comes to us with great experience. 

"Mayor Tory and City Councillors, our city is at a crossroads. Amid multiple and intersecting crises, if you continue to take a “business as usual” approach you will preside over a rapid decline in the wellbeing and quality of life of Toronto residents. Instead, we urge you to show bold and brave leadership and set Toronto on a different course."  

More than a decade of austerity budgets have left the City of Toronto ill-equipped to respond to multiple and mounting crises — in housing and homelessness, food security, mental health and addictions, child care, transit, and so much more. 

Tomorrow, February 17, Toronto City Council votes on a "status quo" budget that does little to turn the tide.

Today, 59 organizations working with Toronto communities make an urgent call to Mayor John Tory and City Councillors to not only invest in the 2022 City budget to address the crises in our city, but also to reimagine the budget process, making it accessible, transparent, democratic, participatory, and equitable.

Read our full statement below.

This Thursday, January 13, the City of Toronto launches its draft 2022 Budget. Throughout the Budget process, we'll keep you informed about how you can learn more, get involved, and have your say!

Social Planning Toronto (SPT) is an independent social planning organization. SPT challenges inequality in our city through knowledge generation, debate, civic engagement, advocacy, and collaboration, to spark social and policy change.

Social Planning Toronto is looking for a one-year contract full-time researcher & policy analyst (35 hours per week), with the possibility of extension.

This CITY Seminar will explore the tensions and ambiguities of the local state in the provision and illegalization of emergency housing. By emergency housing we refer to both municipally provided shelter space and the informal dwelling practices of unhoused/dehoused residents of the city. Contextualized in the current housing and COVID-19 crises in Toronto, our discussion addresses housing in a state of emergency from 3 different yet complementary perspectives: 1) public engagement and the role of oppositional publics in the siting of emergency shelters; 2) socio-legal questions surrounding allowable small structures during the pandemic on public and private property; and (3) the selective use of “housing as a human right” discourse.

Social Planning Toronto (SPT) is an independent social planning organization. SPT challenges inequity in our city—through knowledge generation, debate, civic engagement, advocacy, and collaboration—to spark social and policy change.

We are looking for a Community Planner (28-35 hours/week, with flexible work hours) with expertise in gender equality and experience working with diverse women, girls, trans, Two-spirit, and non-binary residents and the agencies that work with them to implement a consultation and community-based research process from October 2021 to March 2022.

With only one week left until the federal election, the days to come will play a critical role in shaping the next four years in Canada. We are in the homestretch and the stakes are high. In the midst of COVID’s fourth wave, the results of this election will determine how Canada responds to the immediate challenges of the pandemic, as well as how we recover and rebuild our social, economic, and environmental landscape.