Canada’s housing crisis spurs new interest in community land trusts. But, the size of the sector and relative obscurity of the land trust structure compared to other non-profit housing models means many interested Canadians don’t understand them well enough.
Technology lending libraries – where community members can borrow hardware and access the internet – are helping to overcome the digital divide. But they are a relatively new type of organization. How can their impact be measured in the short and long term, and how can they continue to advocate for funding?
After failing to receive offers for its $22.5 development, Toronto Artscape is insolvent and in receivership. Hundreds in the arts community could lose access to premium spaces and sustainable industry support.
Much has been made of mutual aid networks combating food insecurity during the pandemic. But these networks are also combatting period poverty as the cost of tampons and pads rises.
Ninety-eight per cent of Canadian businesses have fewer than 100 employees, making them ideal candidates for co-operative models. But entrepreneurs who’ve made the leap to collective ownership say more support and education is needed.
Libraries are increasingly having to deal with complex social issues such as homelessness, poverty and addiction as Canada’s existing safety nets strain under the weight of pandemic fall-out and austerity. However, libraries aren’t prepared to become a catch-all solution for systemic problems.
