Moss park Coalition 2024 survey
This survey highlights residents’ experiences and concerns related to housing, safety, and community infrastructure.
Led by: Prentiss A. Dantzler
Team: Cameron Khalfani Herman, Marie-Aminata Peron, Michelle Nadon Bélanger, Mohamed Dasu
Who we are
The Housing Justice Lab, led by PI Prof. Prentiss Dantzler, is a new research centre focused on housing justice across North American cities.
background
In 2024, the Moss Park Coalition conducted a survey to gather insights from the community on key priorities and concerns related to the neighbourhood. The survey was distributed across three waves of community events and aimed to identify and rank critical issues. Participants were asked to select and rank their top five priorities from a list of the following ten concerns: Affordable Housing, Protection for Tenants, Community Safety, Parks and Green Spaces, Employment Opportunities, Food Access, Better Community Consultations, Community Spaces and Resources, Affordable Commercial Spaces, and Procurement Opportunities.
The survey also collected demographic data, including whether respondents were residents of Moss Park or Toronto Community Housing (TCH). In total, 87 responses were collected, representing a mix of Moss Park residents, TCH residents, and individuals with ties to the area.
Findings
This survey examines responses across five priority areas: affordable housing, community safety, tenant protection, employment opportunities, and food access.
Key findings include:
1) Affordable housing is the top priority, with over 80% of respondents ranking it number one.
2) Community safety is a significant issue for Moss Park residents, who place it higher than non-residents.
3) Tenant protection is a critical concern, particularly among Moss Park and Toronto Community Housing (TCH) residents.
4) Employment opportunities and food access are major challenges, especially for those living in both Moss Park and Toronto Community Housing (TCH).
5) Survey respondents feel a strong connection to their neighbourhood but are navigating unstable housing conditions and a lack of responsive infrastructure.
“Safety is the most important”
— A 45-year resident of Moss Park
“It is not easy getting a job if you are not born here”
— A 2-year resident of Moss Park
“We need to focus more on people struggling with mental health”
— A 40-year resident of Moss Park
To learn more about community resources and initiatives in Moss Park and beyond, explore: