New data shows epidemic poverty levels in Toronto

Summary:

This four-page fact sheet visualizes new data on poverty in Toronto. The document has been jointly prepared by the Alliance for a Poverty-Free Toronto, Children's Aid Society of Toronto, Colour of Poverty - Colour of Change, Ontario Campaign 2000, and Social Planning Toronto. A full report will be released in the fall. Data analysis support from City of Toronto staff is also gratefully acknowledged.

Highlights:

New Statistics Canada family data released on July 23 shows:

Striking disparity in neighbourhood low-income rates

• The percentage of children living in low-income families (measured by after tax Low Income Measure) varies dramatically from 5% in Leaside-Bennington, Lawrence Park, and Kingsway, to 50% or over in Regent Park, Moss Park, Thorncliffe Park and Oakridge

High poverty rates in many of Toronto's 140 neighbourhoods

• 15 neighbourhoods have child poverty rates of 40% or more, and an additional 40 neighbourhoods have child poverty rates of 30% or more

Toronto poverty rates are the highest in the GTA and among the highest in Canada

• Child poverty in Toronto is the highest in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and tied with Saint John for the highest among 13 major Canadian cities

Poverty rates are on the increase once again

• Child poverty rates increased between 2010 and 2011, and again in 2012