I’ve always had a soft spot for Toronto. When I moved here in 2009, I knew this city was going to become special to me, and it continues to be. But within the last couple of years, there’s no denying that a shift has occurred in the city. It all started with the dire effects of the pandemic, and now, the current string of violence on the TTC is making this place feel like Gotham City.
Within the last week, Toronto has endured four incidents of violence on the TTC, including stabbings, assaults and robberies. As a result, Torontonians are expressing concern over the city’s general safety, which has now led to an increase in security on the TTC. But will this truly help stop these random acts of violence?
Although it feels like violence on the TTC is a newer issue, The Toronto Star reports that these random attacks have severely spiked within the last year.
Feeling unsafe on public transit is all too familiar nowadays. Especially when living in a city where transit, such as the subway and streetcar, is the main form of transportation to get around the city. And unfortunately, for most people, there is no other alternative. Work, school and lives must carry on even if it feels like your morning commute could turn into a dangerous situation at any moment.
In addition to this violence, Toronto’s changing economic environment is another factor to look at. The severe rise in rent prices is making living in Toronto more expensive than ever. I was lucky enough to be able to find and afford a place in Toronto as a university student, but there are so many other students and full-time workers that may not have the same advantage.
There’s no doubt that a lot of the financial struggles Toronto faces have been due to the aftermath of the pandemic. Currently, many Torontonians are facing poverty, food and housing insecurities on a daily basis as the cost of living (gas, food, rent) is rising. According to Proof, “In 2021, 1 in 5 children lived in a food-insecure household. Targeting this benefit and other similar benefits to provide more money to vulnerable households is needed to impact the rate of food insecurity.”
These facts are not only upsetting but also unsettling for future generations living in Toronto. As a long-time Canadian citizen, it does feel like Toronto is losing its spark at this moment. Also, considering the lack of sunlight, with January going precisely 27 days without any clear sun, it’s an undeniably saddening environment to be in.
The reality is there are multiple factors that contribute to a positive society, and those will change and develop over time. All we can do is collectively pursue better progress and strive towards longer-lasting solutions.