HB NEWS MANY FACTORS DRIVING CHANGE IN HOUSING TRENDS BAMBANG SADEWO bsadewo@metroland.com The following i: is Part 2of data means for Halton. Re- x Bambang Sadewo analyses the results as they are released throughout the year. Part 2 focuses on what the data tells us about the nging face of the aver- age Halton household. a bigger house to accommodate his par- ents was always in the back of Umer Shabrati's mind. It's a step he ultimately took a decade ago by mov- ing from Mississauga to a three-bedroom home in north Halton. Despite the added re- sponsibilities of caring for elderly parents, now both in their 80s, Shabrati never sees it as a burden. "It's a blessing on us," he said, noting that it never crossed his mind to put them ina long-term care fa- The Shabratis' situation is far from unique. More people throughout the re- gion — including Halton Hills — and across the country are choosing to share a roof with their par- ents and other family members, according to the latest data by Statistics Canada. "| think you're going to see more multi-generational homes and people more willing to try it.” - realtor Norm Paget The 2021 census report shows that nearly one mil- lion Canadian households in 2021 were composed of multiple generations of a two or more fami- ly" from 20 years ago, up by more than 45 per cent. Locally, communal liv- ing arrangements are set- ting more common co! pared to the previous cen- sus in 2016. In Halton Hills, the pro- portion of multi-genera- tional households — at least three generations liv- ing together went up from 41 to 4 on 8 cent. The increase 6.2 to seven per cent in in Milton, four to 4.4per cent in Oakville and 2.5 to 2.8 per cent in Bur- gton. Margo Hilbrecht, execu tive director ie Va- nier Institute oft ite Fant pointed out some driving factors for ‘on Stiel photo Realtor Norm Paget said due to the housing crisis tho 's more pressure to find alternate accommodations. ational living "phenome- non" in the country, a list that includes housing cost, cultural preferences in the case of Indigenous and newcomer families, and fal mily caregiving. le data suggests it may trend even higher, she said this depends on how responsive developers are in designing and buildin; for multi-generational families — and for munici- . THE RESTAURANT & BAR IS NOW OPEN! Pick a game to play from our large selection of card and board games, then just relax with a meal and a drink for a fun night of games with friends or family ~ Then we clean up when you’re done! Enjoy traditional diner favourites plus our slow-cooked & smoked options prepared from scratch for that week’s menu! dating policies, including allowing garden suites to e built. "It's really good to see the reputation of being an affluent region. New data from Statistics Canada show that t dian after-tax household income in Halton contin- ued to rise from 2015 to 2020, outpacing the nation- al growth rate of 9.8 per cent with $73,000. Halton Hills and Mil- ton's figure was $107,000 (up 18.8 and 20. BS per centre- spectively), wit ak ville at $108,000 (up ia 6 per cent) urlington at $94,000 (up 18.1 per cent). But the region isn't im- me to the housing ecru “the ‘affordable housing is and current high in- terest rates have resulted in a changing mai a where "some young buyers. are giving up" on getting a property due to the tough- er stress test, said longtime realtor Norm Paget. "They've actually moved in with mom and dad,” said the Georgetown resident. "I think you're go- to see more multi-gen- erational homes and peo- ple more willing to try it." This also extends to sib- li ings. "I have seen a few cases where two brothers and two sisters in their families will get (osether and buya house. One lives up, one lives down," he said. Hilbrecht noted that in WH UONEH - dl CUL | 2 that family members rould prefer to fox not live to- values. Aluko has been living with his wife and two chil- dren in north Halton for the past two years, while his parents spend their time between here, Lagos and Nigeria. That could be- come more permanent in the future. "They're not used to the winter," he chuckled. In his home country, it's very common for people to remain in their childhood homes, he said. If they do decide to raise a family elsewhere, it is the norm "We live together rin har. har- mony, peace and love," he said. STORY BEHIND THE STORY: In light of in- formation revealed in the 2021 Canadian Census, we wanted ‘to examine the rise these se living a "no one size ‘fits all and families are diverse." "It's up to each family to decide what's the best pos- sible situation for them and with the resources that have available or whether it's going to work at all. And it may also be of rusehoits in Halton and why families gravitate toward the lifestyle. SCAN THIS CODE to ealenges facing Haltor pepulaton See our large selection of warm SCOMTISHBA 330 GUELPH ST., GEORGETOWN (opposite Canadian Tire) www.millersscottishbakery.com 905-877-0596 hearty foods. We have everything you need for a great british breakfast! See for yourself. ie Closed Sept 4 & 5 Tues & Sat 9:30-6, Wed-Fri 10-6:30, Sun 11-4, ‘CLOSED MONDAYS