A recent poll from Nanos Research has indicated that the cost of living and housing is a top concern for Niagara residents.

The survey of over 700 residents from St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, and surrounding areas, showed that housing affordability (12.8%) and cost of living (11.7%) rank as the top two issues of concern for local residents, followed by healthcare and homelessness.

The findings emphasize the issue that Niagara is becoming increasingly unaffordable for residents.

Key Findings: 

  • Housing Affordability: Niagara residents gave the region a low rating of 4.4 out of 10 for housing affordability. Over 7 in 10 respondents (72%) believe that housing affordability has worsened compared to five years ago. Young people and first-time buyers are especially affected, 89% respondents agreeing it is harder to afford a home now compared to five years ago. 
  • Municipal Planning and Coordination: There is strong support for increased coordination among municipalities to streamline housing development processes. Approximately 62% of respondents support reducing red tape and aligning local planning rules to make development easier. 
  • Balancing Heritage: A strong majority (57%) of St. Catharines respondents say the city should balance both new development and protection of heritage in the downtown core. This finding reflects residents desire to see more homes built right across the Region.   
  • Niagara Quality of Life: Despite the affordability challenges, the survey gave the highest ratings to their region as a place to raise a family (7.1 out of 10) and as a safe place to live (7.1 out of 10).  
  • Niagara Residents Mostly Oppose Idea of Four Housing Units on a Residential Lot: A majority of residents oppose (44%) or somewhat oppose (13%) permitting the building of four housing units on residential lots, while about four in ten support (18%) or somewhat support (21%) this. This is consistent across St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and the rest of the Niagara region. Renters are more likely to say they support or somewhat support (50%) this than homeowners (33%).

Top Issues of Concern

The survey of 700 residents in Niagara Region was conducted by Nanos Research between October 3rd and October 21st, 2024, with a margin of error of ±3.7 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Let us know what you think!