Vacancy Rates Vacancy rates across Ontario have declined steadily since 1995, coincidently with the election of the current government.
Fewer apartments are available.
It is little wonder why some are now faced with homelessness. In Ottawa there are just 2 vacancies for every 1,000 apartments. In St. Catharines there are 2.6 vacancies for every 100 apartments. Developers are still unable to create new rental apartments without significant government subsidies. Profitable new rental housing is just not possible.