Toronto home prices in 2026 have corrected back to late 2020 levels. See updated condo, townhouse, semi-detached and detached prices and what it means for first time buyers.

If you are researching Toronto home prices in 2026, the data tells a very clear story.

After the aggressive run up in 2021 and early 2022, the Toronto housing market has largely corrected back to late 2020 and early 2021 pricing levels.

This is not speculation. This is visible directly in the median sale price data across all property types.

As of January 2026, median home prices in Toronto are:

• Detached: $1,200,000
• Semi Detached: $994,000
• Condo Townhouse: $692,500
• Condo Apartment: $565,000

When you compare these numbers to historical pricing, something important stands out.

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Toronto Real Estate Prices Have Reset to 2020 Levels

Looking at monthly median sale prices from January 2020 through January 2026:

Condo apartment prices around $565,000 were last seen in mid 2020.

Condo townhouses near $690,000 were typical in late 2020.

Semi detached homes around $990,000 closely match late 2020 pricing.

Detached homes around $1.2M were common in late 2020 and early 2021, before the speculative surge.

In other words, the majority of the 2021 to early 2022 premium has been removed from the market.

Toronto detached home prices and Toronto condo prices have effectively repriced to what buyers could sustainably afford before ultra low interest rates distorted demand.

What Happened Between 2021 and 2022

From early 2021 to Q1 2022, Toronto real estate entered a speculative phase.

Detached homes surged above $1.6M.
Semi detached homes moved well beyond $1.3M.
Condo townhouses approached $900,000.
Condo apartments climbed into the high $600,000 range.

This was driven by:

• Ultra low mortgage rates
• Cheap variable financing
• Pandemic driven space demand
• Investor speculation
• Fear of missing out

Months of inventory collapsed. Days on market compressed. Buyers competed aggressively.

That was not normal market behavior. That was a liquidity driven expansion.

Then rates rose. Affordability tightened. The market corrected.

Toronto Condo Prices in 2026

Today, Toronto condo prices reflect normalization rather than collapse.

At $565,000 median for condo apartments, prices are back to 2020 affordability levels.

Inventory is higher. Investor activity has cooled. Buyers are more disciplined.

For end users, this creates a more stable entry point compared to the speculative peak.

Condo townhouses at $692,500 remain attractive for buyers seeking more space without entering detached price territory.

Toronto Detached Home Prices in 2026

Toronto detached home prices now sit at $1.2M median.

While this is lower than peak 2022 levels, it is still structurally supported by limited land supply in the city.

The key difference today is psychology.

Buyers are no longer assuming automatic appreciation.

They are stress testing financing.

They are negotiating.

They are making rational decisions.

Are We at the Bottom of the Toronto Housing Market?

No one can perfectly time the market.

However, real estate cycles are stretched out and slow moving.

Markets expand.
They peak.
They contract.
They stabilize.

The data strongly suggests that Toronto home prices in 2026 are moving through the trough phase of the cycle.

Prices have corrected.
Speculative premiums have been removed.
Affordability has recalibrated.

The excess has been washed out.

Why This Is a Strategic Moment for First Time Home Buyers in Toronto

If you are a first time home buyer in Toronto, today’s market conditions are fundamentally different from 2022.

You now have:

• Negotiation power
• More inventory options
• Less bidding competition
• Sellers with realistic expectations
• Pricing that resembles 2020 levels

Buying during euphoria is emotional.

Buying during normalization is strategic.

If you were priced out during the peak, the current Toronto housing market may represent the most rational entry point in years.

You Cannot Time the Market, But You Can Align Your Life

The best time to buy real estate in Toronto is not when headlines say the market is hot.

It is when:

• Your income is stable
• Your down payment is ready
• Your lifestyle needs have evolved
• You are planning for children
• You are upsizing or downsizing intentionally
• Your long term financial plan is aligned

Real estate should serve your life.

Not the other way around.

My Approach to Helping Buyers Navigate Toronto Home Prices

As a data driven Toronto realtor, my focus is not on hype.

It is on:

• Understanding real estate cycles
• Evaluating affordability realistically
• Running stress test scenarios
• Protecting buyers from speculative behavior
• Building long term equity intentionally

You can never perfectly time the Toronto housing market.

But you can enter it intelligently.

Ready to Buy in Toronto in 2026?

If you are researching Toronto condo prices or Toronto detached home prices and wondering whether now is the right time, let’s build a plan.

Whether you are a first time home buyer, upgrading from a condo, or downsizing strategically, the key is disciplined execution.

The cycle will turn again.

The question is whether you will be positioned correctly when it does.

If you want to explore your options, run affordability scenarios, or understand which property type fits your long term goals, reach out.

Let’s build your strategy based on data, not emotion.

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More Trend Charts for Condos and Detached homes

If you are thinking about buying in Toronto in 2026, especially as a first-time home buyer, mortgage pre-approval should be your first move.

In today’s market, preparation and clarity matter more than ever.

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What Is Pre-Approval

A mortgage pre-approval is when a lender reviews your income, debts, credit, and down payment to determine

• How much you qualify for

• Your estimated interest rate

• Your maximum monthly payment

• Whether you pass the stress test

It gives you a clear budget before you start viewing homes.

Why It Is Critical for First-Time Buyers

As a first-time buyer, you are navigating

• Land transfer tax

• Closing costs

• Condo fees

• Insurance requirements

• Available government incentives

Pre-approval helps you understand your true affordability, not just the listing price.

It also strengthens your offer. Sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously, especially in competitive situations.

How I Help

As your realtor, I facilitate introductions to trusted mortgage broker partners who

• Compare multiple lenders, not just one bank

• Structure your mortgage strategically

• Help you optimize your down payment

• Explain first-time buyer programs clearly

We align your financing with your long-term plan, not just this purchase.

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The Bottom Line

The smartest buyers in 2026 start with structure.

If you are planning to buy your first home in Toronto, let’s build your strategy properly from pre-approval to closing day. Preparation is your advantage.

Toronto’s housing market enters 2026 in a fragile position. The outlook looks very different depending on whether you’re watching the resale market or the pre-construction sector but in both cases, the coming year is more likely to bring continued stress than a sharp rebound.

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Resale Market: Low Confidence Meets Rising Supply

Most housing analysts now agree that the resale market is likely to weaken further before it stabilizes. The reason is simple: demand remains suppressed while supply is quietly building.

Demand: Confidence, Not Just Rates

GTA home sales recently fell to their lowest levels in decades. While interest rates have played a role, the bigger force keeping buyers on the sidelines has been economic uncertainty and weak consumer confidence.

Global instability, volatile financial markets, and persistent inflation concerns have created an environment where households feel cautious. Even if mortgage rates drift slightly lower, uncertainty acts like a psychological rate hike.

When families are unsure about job security, business conditions, or broader economic stability, they delay major financial commitments especially purchasing real estate.

In this climate, buyers aren’t rushing. They are negotiating harder, taking longer to decide, and walking away more often.

Supply: Sellers Are Moving First

On the supply side, psychology has shifted.

In previous downturns, sellers would often wait for prices to recover. In 2026, many homeowners fear that waiting may mean accepting an even lower price later. That shift in mindset is bringing more listings to market.

At the same time, households that stretched financially during the ultra-low-rate era are still adjusting to today’s borrowing costs. Even modest financial strain can push owners to list sooner than planned.

When weak demand meets rising supply, prices typically face downward pressure particularly in the condo segment, where inventory is already elevated.

Pre-Construction Condos: A Market Reset

The pre-construction condo market didn’t just slow down it effectively stalled.

Sales dropped to historically low levels, reflecting a sharp reversal from the investor-driven boom of previous years. For much of the last decade, the pre-construction sector relied heavily on investors willing to purchase units based on projected appreciation and rental growth.

When expectations change, investor demand can disappear quickly.

Unlike resale sellers, builders cannot easily slash prices. Land acquisition costs, development charges, financing, and construction contracts are largely fixed. Cutting prices below a certain threshold would make many projects financially unviable.

As a result, developers delay launches, pause projects, or cancel them outright instead of selling at significant discounts.

This creates a paradox: weak sales today may mean reduced housing supply several years from now potentially planting the seeds for future volatility.

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The Broader Structural Issue

Toronto housing in 2026 is being shaped less by interest rates alone and more by:

• Household debt levels

• Investor participation

• Construction economics

• Income-to-price affordability gaps

For years, prices outpaced local income growth. That imbalance now limits how quickly the market can recover. Sustainable recovery typically requires alignment between what homes cost and what households can realistically afford without excessive leverage.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

• Buyers may continue to see more selection and stronger negotiating power, particularly in the condo segment.

• Sellers need to price strategically and prepare for longer days on market.

• Investors must evaluate deals based on cash flow and fundamentals rather than speculative appreciation.

• End-users with stable income and long-term horizons may find 2026 presents selective opportunities but patience remains essential.

The Bottom Line

2026 is shaping up to be another challenging year for Toronto real estate.

The resale market remains under pressure as cautious buyers meet a growing pool of motivated sellers. The pre-construction market is still searching for equilibrium after a prolonged investor-driven expansion.

A meaningful recovery will likely depend less on short-term policy changes and more on restoring confidence and bringing prices back in line with local income fundamentals.

Real estate cycles are never permanent but they do require recalibration. 2026 appears to be part of that reset.

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Owning a home in Canada has always been associated with stability, community, and creating a space aligned with your priorities at different life stages. Whether you're buying your first condo in Toronto, upgrading to a townhouse, or planning for a detached family home, real estate anchors your lifestyle.

But what many Canadians overlook is this:

Homeownership in Canada is also one of the most powerful tax-advantaged wealth-building strategies available.

And it’s not accidental.

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Beyond Stability: Homeownership as Financial Architecture

Yes, owning a home gives you:

• Stability in housing costs

• A sense of community

• Control over your environment

• The ability to design a space aligned with your wellness and priorities

But the deeper advantage lies in how the Canadian tax system is designed.

Canada actively encourages homeownership, particularly for Canadians establishing long-term roots in cities like Toronto, because it strengthens the economy, promotes financial resilience, and builds intergenerational wealth. At the center of this design is one powerful concept:

The Principal Residence Exemption (PRE)

The Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) allows Canadians to sell their primary home without paying capital gains tax on the appreciation, provided it qualifies as their principal residence for the years owned.

This means:

If your home increases in value over 5, 10, or 20 years, you pay zero capital gains tax on that growth.

That is extraordinary.

Compare this with:

• Stocks

• Businesses

• Investment properties

• Cryptocurrency

All of these are subject to capital gains tax when sold.

Your primary residence is not.

Why the Government Designed It This Way

The Government of Canada supports homeownership because:

• It drives economic activity (construction, services, lending, employment)

• It builds household balance sheets

• It strengthens communities

• It creates long-term financial stability

When capital growth is an integral part of your life and your home sits at the center of it, you’re not just buying shelter.

You’re participating in a system intentionally built to reward you.

Wherever You Are on the Property Ladder

Whether you’re:

• Buying your first condo

• Moving into a townhouse

• Upgrading to a detached home

• Downsizing later in life

The tax structure remains the same.

Your principal residence is shielded from capital gains tax.

That protection compounds over time.

The Wealth Flywheel: PRE + RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan

Now here’s where it becomes powerful.

When you combine the Principal Residence Exemption with the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP), you create a financial flywheel.

The Home Buyers’ Plan allows eligible buyers to withdraw up to $60,000 from their RRSP tax-free to purchase a home, provided it’s repaid over time.

This means:

You can use pre-tax savings to acquire an asset
That grows tax-free
And can later be sold tax-free

Side-by-Side Comparison

Adding the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)

Example Scenario

Let’s say you purchase a condo in Toronto for $600,000.

Over 10 years, it appreciates to $900,000.

That’s $300,000 in capital growth.

If it’s your principal residence:

You pay $0 in capital gains tax.

If that were stocks:

You would owe tax on 50% of the gain.

That difference alone can be tens of thousands of dollars.

Why This Matters in Toronto

Toronto remains one of Canada’s strongest long-term real estate markets.

When you combine:

• Urban growth

• Infrastructure expansion (Ontario Line, transit, density)

• Population inflow

• Government-backed tax sheltering

You create a powerful foundation for wealth building.

Homeownership isn’t just about today’s mortgage. It’s about positioning yourself within a system designed to reward long-term participation.

Important Consideration: Tax Advantages Do Not Guarantee Appreciation

While the Principal Residence Exemption provides one of the most powerful tax shelters available to Canadians, it’s critical to understand the nuances.

• Tax protection does not guarantee asset performance.

• Not every residential property purchased as a primary residence will appreciate at the same rate and some may underperform relative to broader market averages.

• Real estate is not homogeneous.

Long-term equity growth is influenced by measurable fundamentals, including:

• Micro-location dynamics

• Transit and infrastructure development

• Supply pipelines and future inventory risk

• Layout efficiency and functional design

• Building quality and reserve fund health

• Demographic migration patterns

• Economic drivers in the surrounding area

Two properties in the same postal code can produce materially different long-term outcomes.

The Principal Residence Exemption shields capital gains from tax, but it does not create them.

Capital appreciation is driven by asset selection. This is where strategic guidance becomes essential.

A disciplined, data-informed acquisition process evaluates not just current market pricing, but long-term value drivers. Over the past decade, I have focused on helping a select group of clients make purchase decisions rooted in fundamentals, not momentum or emotion.

The objective is not simply to “own property.” It is to:

• Acquire assets positioned for long-term equity growth

• Protect downside risk

• Align lifestyle needs with capital appreciation potential

When structured properly, your home serves both your personal priorities and your long-term financial architecture. This is where I come in to advise you on the ideal property fit.

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Final Thoughts

Owning a home in Canada goes far beyond stability and lifestyle alignment.

It is:

• A tax-efficient wealth strategy

• A government-supported growth vehicle

• A foundation for long-term financial resilience

When structured properly, your home becomes the center of both your life and your capital growth.

If you’d like to understand:

• Where you sit on the property ladder

• What type of property aligns with your life stage

• How to structure your purchase strategically

• Or how to combine PRE + RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan effectively

Talk to Elie

Let’s design a plan aligned with your goals, financially and personally.

If you're thinking about buying your first home in 2026, you're not alone. With prices stabilizing in parts of the GTA and inventory improving compared to peak pandemic years, first-time buyers are stepping back into the market, but with more strategy and more caution.

Here’s your complete 2026 guide to first-time home buying in Ontario, including government incentives, qualification rules, closing costs, and what actually happens on closing day.

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1. Who Qualifies as a First-Time Home Buyer in Ontario?

For Land Transfer Tax (LTT) Rebate purposes, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Occupy the home as your principal residence within 9 months

• Never have owned a home anywhere in the world

• If you have a spouse, they must also not have owned a home while being your spouse

• Be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident

• The LTT rebate does not reset (unlike the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan)

These criteria are outlined clearly in the legal reference document provided First Time Homebuyer

2. Land Transfer Tax Rebates (2026)

When you purchase in Ontario, you pay provincial land transfer tax. If you buy in Toronto, you also pay municipal land transfer tax.

Maximum Rebates Available:

• Ontario LTT Rebate: Up to $4,000

• Toronto Municipal LTT Rebate: Up to $4,475

Good news:
The rebate is applied directly on closing, you don’t need to pay first and apply later First Time Homebuyer

If you're buying with a parent or co-owner and you only own 50%, you only receive 50% of the rebate.

In Ontario, provincial land transfer tax ranges from 0.5% to 2.5% of the purchase price (with 2.5% applied on amounts above $2 million), and if you purchase in Toronto, you must also pay a municipal land transfer tax at the same graduated rates (0.5% to 2.5%), effectively doubling the land transfer tax within the City of Toronto.

3. Estimated Closing Costs in 2026

Beyond your down payment, here’s what to budget:

These figures are consistent with the legal breakdown in the reference PDF First Time Homebuyer

Pro Tip: Plan for approximately 1.5%–4% of the purchase price in total closing costs (depending on rebates and price point).

4. Federal Incentives Available in 2026

 Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)

• Withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP tax-free

• Must repay over 15 years

• Resets after 4 years of not owning a home

First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

• Contribute up to $8,000 per year

• Lifetime maximum: $40,000

• Contributions are tax-deductible

• Withdrawals are tax-free when used for first home purchase

First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit

• Non-refundable tax credit

• Provides up to $1,500 in tax savings

5. Mortgage Preparation: What Most Buyers Get Wrong

The #1 issue causing closing delays? Mortgage problems.

Lenders typically need 3 full weeks to properly underwrite and fund your mortgage First Time Homebuyer

You should:

• Get pre-approved early

• Provide all documents (CRA NOAs, employment letters, proof of savings, gift letters)

• Sign your mortgage commitment at least 3 weeks before closing First Time Homebuyer

In 2026, lenders are stricter than they were in 2021. Debt ratios, credit scores, and employment stability matter more than ever.

6. Insurance Requirements Before Closing

You must arrange property insurance at least one week before closing and send confirmation to your lawyer First Time Homebuyer

No insurance = no mortgage funds = breach of contract.

Condo insurance is generally cheaper than house insurance.

7. Utilities, Rental Equipment & Condo Forms

Before closing, you must:

• Set up hydro, gas, water accounts

• Transfer rental agreements (hot water tank, HVAC, etc.)

• Complete condominium owner forms if buying a condo First Time Homebuyer

8. Meeting With Your Lawyer

You’ll meet your lawyer about one week before closing to sign documents as a First Time Homebuyer.

It may be virtual (Zoom/Docusign), depending on your lender.

Don’t book international travel during this week.

9. Deposit Funds to Lawyer’s Trust Account

After signing:

• Obtain a certified cheque or bank draft

• Deposit funds at least one day before closing

• Mortgage lender wires funds to lawyer First Time Homebuyer

10. What Happens on Closing Day?

• Deals typically close between 4–5pm

• Don’t book movers in the morning

• Keys are released once funds are confirmed

• Test appliances within 24–48 hours First Time Homebuyer

The 2026 Market Reality for First-Time Buyers

Here’s what I’m seeing in Toronto:

• More inventory than 2021–2022

• Buyers negotiating 2–5% below asking in many condo segments

• Stricter financing conditions

• Sellers who overpaid during peak years may struggle to close

This means:

✅ More negotiation power
✅ More due diligence required
✅ More importance on strong representation

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Final Advice

Buying your first home in 2026 is absolutely achievable, but it requires preparation, strategy, and the right team.

You need:

• A sharp real estate agent

• A proactive mortgage broker

• An experienced real estate lawyer

Have a question?

If you're planning to buy your first home in Toronto this year, let’s start the conversation early. I’ll introduce you to my trusted team. Highly experienced real estate lawyers and mortgage brokers, and together we’ll build a clear plan from pre-approval all the way to closing day.

Housing affordability is a hot topic in Canada, but what does it actually mean?

At its core, housing affordability measures how much of your income goes toward owning a home. A common benchmark is the percentage of income needed to cover mortgage payments, property taxes, and utilities.

For example, RBC Economics tracks affordability by calculating how much of a median pre-tax household income is required to afford a typical home. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, that number can be over 60%, making homeownership extremely challenging for many families.

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To give you a clearer picture, here’s a snapshot of affordability in some Toronto neighbourhoods:

• High Affordability Ratios: Neighbourhoods like Rosedale and Forest Hill exhibit higher affordability ratios, indicating that a significant portion of household income would be required to purchase a median-priced home.

• Mid-Range Ratios: Areas such as Trinity Bellwoods and Leslieville have moderate affordability ratios, suggesting a more balanced relationship between income and home prices.

• Lower Ratios: Oakville shows lower affordability ratios, which may indicate that home prices are more accessible relative to household incomes in these areas.

Affordability ratio here is a simplified price-to-income ratio to illustrate the scale of costs relative to incomes.

Generally, a home is considered affordable if it costs less than 4 to 5 times your household income. As you can see, many Toronto neighbourhoods are far above that.

Why It Matters

When the affordability ratio gets too high, it means buyers may have to stretch their budgets, delay homeownership, or rely on financial help.

Understanding housing affordability can help you make informed decisions about where — and how — to buy. If you’re feeling stuck, you're not alone, and there are strategies to navigate this market wisely.

Want help breaking down what’s affordable for you?

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Housing affordability is one of the biggest topics in Canada today — and for good reason. For many residents and newcomers, homeownership feels increasingly out of reach. Every day, we see headlines, reports, and politicians throwing around bold claims about the state of our housing market. But for how serious and important this conversation is, it deserves a lot more nuance than it currently gets.

It’s naive to think we can boil down the complexity of our economic and housing systems into a single, one-size-fits-all metric. And yet, that’s exactly what keeps happening.

So let’s unpack the core metric that everyone loves to quote: housing affordability.

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The Metric Everyone Cites - But Few Understand

In Canada, housing affordability is most commonly measured using the Home Price-to-Income ratio, or more specifically, the ratio of average home prices to median disposable income.

But another widely referenced approach comes from RBC Economics, which calculates housing affordability by determining the proportion of median pre-tax household income needed to cover ownership costs — including mortgage payments, property taxes, and utilities. In this blog post we will stick to the RBC Housing Affordability Measure (HAM) when referring to housing affordability.

Right now, in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, that number exceeds 60–80% of pre-tax income, levels RBC itself describes as “extremely high.”

Sounds simple, right? But simplicity here is deceiving. Because when you dig into how these metrics are calculated, you’ll see the cracks and they’re big enough to change the entire conversation.

Why CRA-Reported Income Is Not the Whole Story

Let’s take Toronto as an example. In some of the city's most affluent neighbourhoods — think Rosedale, Forest Hill, The Bridle Path — the average home sells for $4 to $6 million. But according to CRA and StatsCan data, the median household income in these areas is often reported around $120,000–$150,000. That doesn't add up. 

Estimated HAM by Neighbourhood in Toronto

To learn more about the housing affordability metric, check out this blog post Housing Affordability Explained

2 key reasons why CRA income data gives a distorted view of reality:

1. Entrepreneurs Often Report Lower Incomes on Purpose

Many business owners, consultants, and independent professionals structure their finances in tax-efficient ways. This often means reporting lower personal income while reinvesting in their business or drawing from corporate accounts in non-taxable ways.

These individuals still live in high-end homes, vacation internationally, and pay for private school — yet none of that lifestyle is reflected in their CRA income.

2. Debt Is a Key Financial Tool for Wealthier Households

In today’s financial system, debt is not a sign of distress — it's a tool for leverage. Whether through Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs), refinancing, or interest-only mortgages, affluent homeowners are able to tap into the equity in their homes to finance their lifestyles.

And none of this “liquidity” appears as income on their tax returns.

So if you're comparing average home prices to reported income, you're comparing real-time market prices to a filtered version of financial reality.

Debt Per Capita in Canada Is Soaring

To add even more weight to this argument, consider this: Canada now has one of the highest household debt-to-income ratios in the world.

According to the Bank of Canada, Canadian household debt now exceeds 180% of disposable income. That means for every $1 of after-tax income, Canadians owe $1.80.

This rise in debt is especially prominent in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where home prices have outpaced income growth for decades.

So while affordability ratios may suggest housing is completely unaffordable — many Canadians are still buying homes. How? Through debt.

Example 1: The Incorporated Consultant (Using Dividends + Retained Earnings)

Profile: A self-employed consultant runs their business through a corporation and reports $100K in personal income through dividends.
Reality:

• The corporation earns $400K annually but retains most of the profits within the company.

• The consultant draws out just enough to maintain a modest personal income (lowering personal taxes).

• Meanwhile, the corporation pays for a car, business travel, even part of the home office expenses.

• The consultant secures a mortgage using stated income or net-worth lending, and buys a $2.5M home with a large down payment.

• Living expenses are supplemented using a HELOC secured against the home or funds drawn from the corporation.

Result: Modest CRA income, low personal taxes, high actual cash flow.

The Multigenerational Household

Profile: A family reports $100K combined income across two adults.
Reality:

• They purchased their home with the help of extended family (e.g., parents helping with down payment).

• Parents co-sign on the mortgage or lend money interest-free.

• The household’s living expenses are shared, lowering the per-person burden.

• Home equity is tapped through a HELOC to renovate, invest, or fund a business.

Result: Ownership in a high-priced neighbourhood, low reported income, but solid family-backed financing.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you're a first-time buyer, immigrant, or simply trying to make sense of the market — don’t let national affordability ratios define your sense of possibility.

They’re based on averages, aggregates, and incomplete income data. They don’t reflect your unique financial situation, your potential for growth, or your long-term goals.

More importantly, they don’t account for the real drivers of purchasing power today: financial structuring, equity, and access to credit.

The Bottom Line

Housing affordability is complex, and that’s exactly why we need to stop oversimplifying it.

Yes, prices are high. Yes, income growth hasn’t kept pace. But the numbers we rely on to measure the gap? They’re based on flawed assumptions.

So before you let the headlines scare you, ask better questions. Look beyond the ratios. And if you need clarity tailored to your situation, connect with someone who understands how this system really works.

I'm here to help you do exactly that. Let’s connect and start the conversation early.

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Housing affordability dominates the headlines in Canada, and for good reason. The numbers look discouraging, the outlook feels bleak, and the conversation is often framed in absolutes: “Homeownership is out of reach,” “The dream is dead,” or “We’ve hit a crisis point.”

But ask many immigrants across Canada, and you’ll hear a different story. Not because they have it easier, quite the opposite, but because their journey is built on sacrifice, strategy, and long-term vision.

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The Immigrant Mindset: A Quiet Force Behind the Numbers

When newcomers arrive in Canada, they’re not just looking for a job or a house. They’re chasing a dream:
To build a better life.
To belong.
To contribute.
To thrive.

The path is rarely smooth. Many start from scratch, juggling student loans, entry-level jobs, unfamiliar norms, language barriers, and long-distance family obligations. And yet, through it all, there’s a remarkable consistency in how many immigrants approach their future: with humility, determination, and patience.

By the time they enter the workforce, many newcomers have been saving every month, often since the day they landed. They’ve internalized a mindset where every dollar counts. Nothing is too small to set aside.

Ask any immigrant around you:

What sacrifices did you make before buying your first home in Canada?

They’ll tell you stories, of skipping dinners out, declining vacations, delaying car purchases, limiting shopping, and sticking to strict budgets. They didn’t just save; they structured their lives around the belief that one day they could and would own a home.

They didn’t see affordability through the lens of statistics or headlines. They saw it as a strategic goal.

Perseverance Over Headlines

The media loves to deliver sensational messages:
“Millennials may never own homes.”
“Toronto is unaffordable for anyone under 40.”
“Buying property is a losing game.”

But for many immigrants, those narratives hold little weight. Not because they’re disconnected from reality, but because they’ve learned to play the long game.

To an immigrant who’s moved continents, learned a new language, built a network from scratch, and established a professional foothold in a foreign system, housing isn’t just a market transaction. It’s a symbol of stability. It’s the reward for years of effort. It's the foundation for the life they came here to build.

And when you’re driven by that kind of purpose, no headline or affordability ratio can convince you to give up.

So, Is Housing Truly Affordable?

That depends on how you define affordability, and more importantly, how you define success.

If we only look at housing through the lens of price-to-income ratios, yes, it looks discouraging. But if we dig deeper, we realize those numbers often fail to capture the sacrifices, resilience, and multi-year strategies that many immigrants employ to achieve their homeownership goals.

These families aren’t working miracles. They’re simply committed. They’re choosing discipline over instant gratification. They’re rejecting short-term pessimism in favour of long-term planning. And most importantly, they’re doing it with deep respect and gratitude for the country that gave them the opportunity to dream again.

A Call to Broaden the Narrative

Canada’s housing conversation needs more nuance. We need to move beyond the averages and aggregates and start listening to real stories, stories of people who worked tirelessly, saved diligently, and refused to give up.

Because when you zoom in, housing affordability isn’t just an economic issue. It’s a story of values, sacrifice, belief, and belonging. And no spreadsheet can capture that.

Let’s start the conversation early, I’d love to help you on this journey.

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Real estate, like everything else, is cyclical. It pulls in the unprepared, rewards the strategic, and resets itself over time. Toronto’s market is no exception. After a decade dominated by condo launches and investor-driven flipping, the rhythm is shifting and those paying attention are already adapting.

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Condo Slowdown, Rental Surge

Roughly 18 months ago, Ontario’s new condo construction slowed to a crawl. High interest rates, elevated construction costs, and investor fatigue forced many developers to hit pause.

But that didn’t stop residential development. It just changed shape.

Enter Purpose-Built Rentals (PBRs) large-scale rental communities backed by institutional capital, often offering better layouts, family-friendly amenities, and long-term stability.

Condo Inventory Hits a Wall

According to Urbanation, in Q2-2025:

24,045 pre-construction units in Toronto remain unsold, that’s equivalent to 60 months of supply, and 55% of new condo units launched in Q1-2025 went unsold, just shy of a 30-year record.

“Project cancellations are mounting, construction starts are collapsing, jobs are being lost, buyers are losing a lot of money…” Shaun Hildebrand, President, Urbanation. Since 2024, 28 pre-sale projects (5,700+ units) have been paused, cancelled, or converted to rentals.

PBRs: The New Face of Urban Housing

This shift is reinforced by massive government investment: In 2025, the federal government pledged $15 billion to support 30,000+ new rental units across Canada. Over the next five years, up to $40 billion will be invested in rental supply via programs like the Apartment Construction Loan Program and Housing Accelerator Fund. Toronto alone expects 8,872 new purpose-built rental units to be delivered in 2025, the most in decades.

Meanwhile, Urbanation and FRPO (The Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario) estimate 55% of existing rental sites in the GTHA can support infill development, representing potential for over 182,000 new units.

What It Means for Renters

At first glance, Purpose-Built Rentals (PBRs) might seem like a win for tenants. Many advertise generous move-in incentives, 1 to 3 months of free rent, gift cards, or free parking, but the real cost kicks in later.

Here’s the catch: PBRs are run by institutions, pension funds, REITs, and private equity firms, who are in the business of maximizing shareholder returns, not offering long-term affordability. Because these buildings are newer than November 2018, they’re exempt from Ontario’s rent control guidelines. That means landlords can increase rents by any amount once your lease is up, provided 90 days' notice is given.

📍 Real examples from tenants across Toronto:

• In buildings like The Selby (Sherbourne & Bloor) or The Livmore (Bay & Gerrard), renters have reported rent hikes of 10%–15% in year two, well beyond the Ontario guideline of 2.5%.

• At eCentral at Yonge & Eglinton, tenants moving in with 2-month incentives found themselves paying up to $300 more/month when renewing.

• Similar stories are being shared from Forma at Yonge & College, The Parker at Yonge & Eglinton, and even new buildings along Front Street in downtown's East Bayfront.

In addition, monthly costs are higher in many PBRs:

• Utilities (water, hydro, and even heating/cooling) are often extra and based on usage, not bundled like older buildings.

• Service fees like locker maintenance, pet cleaning stations, digital concierge, or package room access may not be disclosed upfront.

Bottom line: Ask current tenants what their rent is now, not just what it started at. Incentives might mask the real affordability challenges after year one.

What It Means for Buyers on the Sidelines

If you're currently renting or waiting for the “right time to buy,” this shift toward institutional rentals might impact your timeline more than you think.

As more units shift from ownership (condos) to long-term rentals (PBRs), we may see less inventory available to purchase in the coming years. Developers are choosing the steady returns of institutional leasing over pre-construction volatility. That means fewer units for sale, and the ones that remain may come with premium pricing due to scarcity and larger floor plans aimed at end-users.

So, while it might feel safer to “wait and see,” many buyers may find themselves competing for a shrinking pool of ownership opportunities, especially in core areas with good transit, schools, or future growth.

For renters who plan to stay in Toronto long-term, owning could offer more control and cost certainty than jumping from lease to lease under fluctuating rents.

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Here’s My Role

Whether you're a first-time buyer, growing family ready to upsize, planning for retirement I’m here to guide you every step of the way. I’ve helped hundreds of buyers and sellers make informed, confident real estate decisions in Toronto.

Toronto real estate is transforming, but those who understand the rhythm of the cycle, not just the noise, will be the ones who thrive.

📩 Reach out if you want to chat strategy, timing, or what this shift means for your next move. Let’s make the market work for you.

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🐣From 50,000 Chickens to $1M deals: My Unexpected Path to Real Estate as an Immigrant to Canada 🇨🇦

In 2004, at just 14 years old, I started my first job helping my father run our family’s broiler poultry farm.

Every two months, we raised up to 50,000 chickens, feeding over 4,000 people a month in our community. It was high-stakes work. We had no systems, no software just instinct and hustle.

So I turned to Excel. Who knew this was going to be our 1st leap into digital transformation.

I started tracking everything manually:

1. Livestock growth and health

2. Humidity, temperature, water and diesel usage

3. Feed consumption and conversion ratios

Then I built a tool to help us predict outcomes, minimize losses, and make better decisions. It worked to the point where we were in a position to utilize all the data insights to optimize operations, scale the business, and bring transparency to every process.

We scaled the farm. Modernized our systems. Increased shareholder returns. To the point where all investors managed to fund their children's university education abroad across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

Looking back, I didn’t know it then, but I was learning the fundamentals of data-driven problem-solving, risk management, and strategic thinking, skills I now use daily in real estate.

🌱 Fast-forward 20 years…

Today, I serve homebuyers, sellers, and investors across the Greater Toronto Area with that same mindset, grounded in curiosity, systems, and strategy.

My approach isn’t based on hype or guesswork. It’s based on what I call a Multifecta lens, a layered, research-based way of understanding what drives real estate value. It includes:

📊 Real estate market data: supply, demand, absorption rates, and price trends

🏗️ Public infrastructure and investment: upcoming transit lines, zoning changes, and revitalization plans

🌆 Community development: school ratings, parks, retail anchors, and livability upgrades

🧠 Buyer and seller sentiment: what people are feeling, not just what they’re doing

🌐 Macroeconomic & political dynamics: fiscal & monetary government policies, immigration programs, and geopolitical events 

🔍 Why This Matters

Understanding sentiment, how buyers and sellers feel about the market, is often the missing piece. Emotions drive timing, pricing, and negotiation behaviour.

Through heavy research, economic insight, and ongoing conversations with other agents and clients, I help you tap into that layer.

As a buyer, this gives you an edge: you know when to act, when to wait, and how to craft offers that land.

As a seller, it helps us set realistic pricing, build trust with buyers, and maximize your net proceeds by anticipating what others will bring to the table.

💡 It’s Not About Guessing, it’s About Seeing the Whole Board

Real estate is emotional, but decisions don’t have to be impulsive.

Whether you’re buying your first home or selling your investment, I bring a research-backed, empathetic, and strategic approach to help you move with clarity and confidence.

✨ From chickens and spreadsheets to real estate and negotiations. Curiosity, partnerships, and making a positive impact in this universe still drive everything I do.

📩 Curious about how this approach could support your real estate goals? Let’s connect.

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Selling a property in Toronto is a complex process influenced by a variety of factors, from economic conditions to the timing of the real estate market, the neighbourhood, the building, and even the property itself.

One of the most crucial elements, however, is accessibility. How easily buyers can envision themselves in the space. This becomes especially important when considering the data: in 2024, only 21% of tenanted condo listings sold, compared to 38% of owner-occupied or vacant units.

Tenanted condos face a tougher market, making it essential for sellers to approach the process strategically while remaining compliant with LTB rules and regulations.

With limited options available to sellers and landlords in Ontario, here are 3 key strategies to consider when selling your property and ensuring it remains attractive to potential buyers.

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3 Main Approaches

Option 1

Buyer Assumes Tenant

Simplicity Level: High

How It Works:

• Seller lists the property and sells it with the tenant remaining in place

• The buyer takes over as the new landlord

Key Condition:

• Valid for most lease terms

• The tenant’s lease remains unchanged, and the new owner must honour the existing rental terms

Risk of Tenant Refusal:

• No risk, the tenant remains

From the Seller's Perspective

Suppose you can achieve a higher sale price by painting and staging your property. In that case, it's in your interest to negotiate an N11 agreement with your tenant and have them vacate before you begin marketing the property for sale. In most cases, a vacant property will sell for more than a tenanted property. 

Even if you don’t want the tenant to move out immediately, agreeing to the basic terms of an N11 will ensure your sale process is much smoother because most buyers today are asking for a signed N11 rather than an N12 notice. 

The downside is that you'll have to spend some money to compensate your tenant.

From the Buyer's Perspective

You can be far more confident that the tenant will move out by the closing date if they have signed an N11. 

There is still a slim chance that the tenant will not move out, but this is less common when tenants sign an N11. You can try to include a clause requiring the Seller to compensate you if the tenant fails to move out on closing.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. I am not an expert on the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), and sellers should consult the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) or seek legal guidance to ensure they are following the correct procedures and regulations.

Whether you're a Baby Boomer looking to secure long-term returns or a Millennial seeking to invest in a growing market, Toronto’s real estate landscape offers unique opportunities for everyone. The key to making smart real estate investments lies in identifying neighbourhoods on the cusp of evolving communities and lifestyles — before they hit peak value. You can find such neighbourhoods in downtown and mid-town with Price Per SQFT ranging between $1,000 - $1,800. Toronto, a city that thrives on growth and innovation, continues to experience a transformation across its neighbourhoods, with 2025 set to bring even more exciting changes.

Backed by Ontario’s Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) program, investors now have an unprecedented chance to not only build wealth but also contribute to Toronto's evolution. The TOC initiative focuses on developing vibrant, mixed-use communities along key transit corridors. These communities will offer a blend of housing—including affordable options—along with job opportunities, retail spaces, and public amenities, all conveniently located near major transit hubs.

With the province’s 4 new subway projects, GO Transit expansions, and Light Rail Transit (LRT) initiatives, these neighbourhoods are primed for significant growth.

The following 5 up-and-coming neighbourhoods, stretching from East to West, are excellent examples of where the potential is greatest for value investors. Here's why they should be on your radar.

1. Gerrard St. East

Proximity to a Go-to Hot Spot:

Gerrard Street East is becoming what Leslieville was 10 years ago. Sandwiched between the bustling Danforth and the vibrant Queen Street East, this neighbourhood has undergone major transitions. The area is now packed with new storefronts, cafés, and restaurants along the Gerrard strip, which brings the lively energy of nearby hot spots right to your doorstep.

Access to Public Transit:

Gerrard Street East enjoys fantastic public transit access. The 506 streetcar can take you to College Station, connecting you to Line 1, and getting you to Union Station in about 25 minutes. This makes the neighbourhood a prime choice for downtown professionals looking for an affordable yet accessible area to live.

Available Parks:

Residents here can enjoy several parks like Greenwood Park, with its ice rink and pool, or Monarch Park, offering sports fields, an off-leash dog park, and a community swimming pool. You’re also within biking distance of Woodbine Beach, adding another layer of recreational value.

Available Schools:

This area is home to several schools, including Bowmore Road Junior and Senior Public School and Monarch Park Collegiate Institute. These schools provide strong academic programs and extracurricular activities, making it appealing for families looking to settle in the area.

Redevelopment Projects Resources:

- Gerrard-Carlaw North 

- Gerrard-Carlaw North – Transit-Oriented Community

- Gerrard-Carlaw South – Transit-Oriented Community

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2- Birchcliff

Proximity to a Go-to Hot Spot:

Located just east of The Beaches, Birchcliff is a natural extension of the east-end gentrification wave. It’s nestled along Kingston Road, which is becoming a new go-to strip for boutique shops, eateries, and galleries. With close proximity to the lake, residents have access to beautiful waterfront parks and trails, all while staying just a short drive from the vibrant Queen Street East area.

Access to Public Transit:

Birchcliff is well-connected via the Victoria Park and Warden subway stations, which get you to Union Station in approximately 35 minutes. Additionally, several bus routes connect to TTC street-cars in the area, making it accessible to those commuting by public transit.

Available Parks:

The neighbourhood is known for its proximity to exceptional green spaces like Toronto Hunt Club, one of Canada's most historic golf clubs, the Bluffer’s Park and Beach, where you can enjoy some of the best views of Lake Ontario. Birchcliff also has Rosetta McClain Gardens, a peaceful park perfect for leisurely walks and bird-watching.

Owl Watching Near Home

I’ve personally seen the Great Horned Owl and the Barred Owl during spring season at the Rosetta McClain Gardens.

Available Schools:

There’s a variety of schooling options in Birchcliff, including Birchcliff Public School and Neil McNeil Catholic High School. Both are highly rated and offer a range of extracurricular activities, ensuring that families have access to strong educational institutions.

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3. Cliffside

Proximity to a Go-to Hot Spot:

Cliffside, located just east of Birch Cliff along Kingston Road, is another hidden gem poised for growth. With a mix of charming residential streets and increasing commercial development, the area is attracting attention from both homebuyers and investors alike. Just minutes from the scenic Scarborough Bluffs and Lake Ontario, Cliffside offers the perfect blend of nature and urban amenities. The ongoing redevelopment along Kingston Road, which includes new cafés, restaurants, and retail spaces, positions Cliffside as a natural extension of the revitalization seen in nearby Birch Cliff and The Beaches.

Access to Public Transit:

Cliffside is conveniently served by several TTC bus routes that connect to the Victoria Park and Warden subway stations, getting you to Union Station in about 35-40 minutes. Additionally, the Scarborough GO Station is a quick drive away, offering a 20-minute ride to downtown Toronto. With future transit improvements as part of Ontario’s transit initiatives, Cliffside’s accessibility will only increase, making it a great spot for commuters.

Available Parks:

Nature lovers will appreciate the area’s proximity to the iconic Scarborough Bluffs and Bluffer’s Park, offering some of the most scenic views in Toronto. Locally, Scarborough Heights Park provides green space, walking trails, and playgrounds, making it a family-friendly destination. The neighbourhood’s connection to Lake Ontario is one of its biggest draws, providing residents with easy access to water activities and outdoor recreation.

Available Schools:

Cliffside boasts several reputable schools, including Cliffside Public School, St Theresa Shrine Catholic School and R.H. King Academy, a well-regarded secondary school known for its strong academic programs. With the neighbourhood continuing to grow, access to quality education and local amenities makes it an attractive location for families and investors alike.

Cliffside, much like Birch Cliff, is experiencing steady growth and has strong potential for real estate appreciation. Get in touch with me today to learn about the new developments in the neighbourhood.

Redevelopment Projects Resources:

- Scarborough Subway Extension 

- Lawrence East – Transit-Oriented Community

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4. St. Clair West

Proximity to a Go-to Hot Spot:

St. Clair West is rapidly emerging as one of Toronto’s most attractive west-end neighborhoods, blending urban sophistication with community charm. Positioned just north of the ultra-posh Forest Hill and Summerhill, St. Clair West is benefiting from the wave of luxury developments pushing westward. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant streets lined with chic cafés, boutique shops, and cultural landmarks such as the Artscape Wychwood Barns—a hub for arts, community events, and farmers' markets.

Homes for Millennials

The area is seeing a surge in demand, fuelled by the rise of trendy low-to-mid-rise condos and mixed-use developments, particularly along St. Clair Avenue West and in nearby pockets like Carlton Village and Junction-Wallace Emerson. These areas south of St. Clair are becoming hotspots for young professionals and families, thanks to their accessibility, unique character, and growing amenities. For savvy real estate investors, St. Clair West offers strong potential for both property appreciation and rental income, especially as more upscale projects are slated for development in the coming years.

Access to Public Transit:

St. Clair West is well-served by the 512 streetcar, which connects residents to the St. Clair and St. Clair West subway stations on Line 1. A trip to Union Station takes about 25 minutes, making it an excellent location for those commuting to the downtown core.

Available Parks:

This neighbourhood is rich in green spaces. Residents can take advantage of Cedarvale Park, which offers sports facilities, playgrounds, and scenic trails. There’s also Sir Winston Churchill Park, a perfect spot for nature lovers seeking a retreat within the city.

Available Schools:

St. Clair West boasts some of the best schools in the city, including Hillcrest Community School and Oakwood Collegiate Institute. These schools are known for their strong academic programs and extensive extracurricular offerings, making it a desirable neighborhood for families.

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5. The Junction Triangle

Proximity to a Go-to Hot Spot:

The Junction Triangle has become one of Toronto’s most dynamic and trendy neighborhoods. Located between The Junction and Bloordale Village, this area is brimming with breweries, cafés, boutique shops, and restaurants. Its growth is driven by a “Smart Living” philosophy, where developers and urban planners are designing communities that provide residents with everything they need within a five-minute walk or bike ride. In The Junction Triangle, you’ll find big retail stores, groceries, entertainment venues, medical services, beauty salons, and schools all in close proximity. This makes it a convenient and vibrant place to live, where your daily needs are met just steps away from your door.

Access to Public Transit:

The Junction Triangle is incredibly well-connected, with Dundas West subway station on Line 2 and the Bloor GO/UP Express Station nearby. A trip to Union Station takes only 20 minutes by subway, and just 7 minutes on the UP Express, making this one of the most commuter-friendly neighbourhoods in the city.

Available Parks:

This area is home to Perth Square Park and Campbell Park, both offering sports facilities and community events. Plus, High Park, Toronto’s largest public park, is just a short bike ride away, providing residents with access to walking trails, a zoo, and playgrounds.

Available Schools:

The neighbourhood has excellent educational options, including Perth Avenue Junior Public School and Saint Rita Catholic School. With the area’s smart development plans, new schools and childcare facilities are also expected to be introduced in the coming years.

Redevelopment Projects:

1- Bloor & Dundas Master Plan Toronto, ON

2- Galleria Mall Redevelopment Toronto, ON

The Future of Toronto’s Neighbourhoods

As Toronto’s population continues to grow, city planners are increasingly adopting the philosophy of creating “urban nodes” in neighbourhoods around major infrastructure upgrades, new transit lines, bridges, or malls. These nodes aim to decentralize the city’s population and reduce congestion by providing residents with all necessary amenities within their local communities. Over the next five years, we’ll see this concept proliferating across Toronto’s up-and-coming neighbourhoods, making these areas ideal for investment and long-term growth.

Keep an eye on these five neighbourhoods—they’re poised for a major boom!

Want to learn more about the 4 Priority Subway Projects in Ontario, I’ve compiled the following resources for you:

1- Ontario Line

2- Yonge North Subway Extension

3- Scarborough Subway Extension 

4- Eglinton Crosstown West Extension Ontario Line

4- Hamilton LRT

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