Policy Implications
Quick Policy Finder
Income-Based Policy Targets
Our tools suggest creating sub-targets based on income categories, with specific policy approaches for each level. This section explores those specific policy measures and the characteristics of each income category.
Very Low Income (0-20% of AMI)
Generally reliant on social assistance or fixed income. No affordable market housing in major cities.
Low Income (21-50% of AMI)
Generally reliant on minimum wage employment. Virtually no affordable market housing in major cities.
In addition to everything for Very Low Income populations:
In addition to everything for Very Low Income populations:
All the same actions as those for Very Low Income populations.
Moderate Income (51-80% of AMI)
Healthcare, education, construction workers. Little affordable market housing in major cities.
In addition to everything for Very Low Income and Low Income populations:
All the actions for Very Low Income and Low Income populations.
In addition to everything for Very Low Income and Low Income populations:
Median Income (81-120% of AMI)
A range of workers, often with two incomes. In major cities, homeownership may still be out of reach, but most market rental will be affordable for them.
In addition to everything for Very Low Income, Low Income, and Moderate populations:
All the actions for Very Low Income and Low Income populations.
All the actions for Very Low Income, Low Income, and Moderate Income populations.
High Income (120+% of AMI)
Most often older, established households with two incomes. There are no additional policies required to support these households.
If you’d like to discuss these policy implications, or how your community can better support housing outcomes, please get in touch. We also have our innovation map that shows how other communities across Canada have made impacts on housing affordability already.