Richmond Hill, like many other cities in Ontario, is grappling with a range of complex issues, including a severe housing shortage, rising homelessness, and chronic transportation congestion. These challenges are far from new, but what makes them particularly alarming is the generational divide they create. The brunt of these difficulties falls squarely on the shoulders of younger people—especially Millennials and Gen Z—who, despite their best efforts and, in many cases, impressive educational backgrounds, are finding it increasingly difficult to build stable futures.

For many young adults, the path to a fulfilling career is riddled with obstacles. Even those who manage to secure jobs that pay well enough to cover basic living expenses find themselves caught in a relentless cycle of high rent prices. It’s a crushing reality for those trying to save enough for a home deposit—let alone dream of buying a house. The rising cost of living, coupled with stagnant wages in many sectors, creates a perfect storm that forces young people into a precarious situation.

While some in the community are aware of these struggles, others remain largely detached from the realities faced by today’s youth. A certain demographic, often older, more established homeowners, has benefitted from policies that have allowed them to accumulate substantial equity in their homes over the years. Many of these individuals attribute the housing crisis to the youth’s supposed lack of work ethic or financial discipline, dismissing the struggles of a younger generation by blaming their spending habits, such as the infamous “avocado toast and lattes” stereotype.

This line of thinking is not only condescending but misses the larger, systemic factors that have contributed to the housing crisis. A key culprit often identified by this demographic is immigration, which they argue has exacerbated the shortage of affordable housing. In response to these concerns, some propose building more single-family homes in sprawling suburbs and exurbs, with wider or multi-level highways to connect these new developments to city centers.

While the idea of expanding the urban fringe may seem like a simple solution, it overlooks significant financial and environmental costs. Developing new suburbs or exurbs requires enormous investment in infrastructure, including roads, public services, utilities, and more. These areas, often far from major employment hubs, would require an inefficient and costly transportation system to allow residents to commute to work. The tax revenue generated by these properties is often far below what is needed to maintain the infrastructure they require.

In many cases, the cost of building and maintaining these sprawling developments exceeds the tax base they generate, leaving municipalities with long-term budget deficits. This is not just a local issue but one with profound implications for the future of our cities and our country as a whole.

As the saying goes, “We’re out of money, so we have to think.” Clinging to outdated ideas of urban sprawl from the 1950s and 1960s will not solve the housing crisis—in fact, it will only worsen it. The emphasis must shift from a narrow, antiquated vision of development to a more sustainable, inclusive approach that balances the need for housing with the realities of modern urban living. This means embracing higher-density housing, revitalizing underused urban spaces, and investing in public transit systems that can support sustainable growth.

The future of Richmond Hill—and of Ontario—lies in creating cities that are not only affordable but resilient, equitable, and inclusive for people of all ages. If we are to address the housing crisis and its associated challenges, we must look forward, not backward. The solution lies in thoughtful urban planning, progressive policies, and a recognition that the issues at hand affect us all. Without such a shift, we risk deepening the generational divides that threaten the social cohesion of our communities.