In the Community. Making a Difference.
The Centre for Urban Research and Land Development is an expert-led research Centre, dedicated to formulating policies and solutions to address the concerns confronting urban growth and change within the Greater Golden Horseshoe, as well as educating students to take leadership roles in these pursuits. Its orientation is founded on uniting economics and market analysis within the context and understanding of social and environmental considerations.
In The News
February 20, 2026
Who owns what? Developers spent millions buying land ahead of local annexation (external link)
In light of the City of Barrie's recent annexation of land from neighbouring Springwater and Oro-Medonte, CUR Founding Director, David Amborski, points out that an increase in land value is to be expected as the area is developed for housing, industrial and commercial properties. With an influx of population to Simcoe County, there is still a need for housing for families priced out of the Toronto market.
By: Jessica Smith Cross
February 13, 2026
Toronto's Housing Shortfall, Explained (external link)
Wahi spotlights CUR's recent report examining Toronto's housing shortfall. Diana Petramala, CUR Senior Economist, spoke with Wahi regarding the report's findings that the city's housing crisis is not really a matter of supply shortage, citing that the average household size has remained stable desite the rise in single people (the fastest growing household type across the region). In a well-supplied housing market, more singles would bring down the average household size. With that not being reflected, and not enough housing being built, more Torontonians - particularly newcomers to the city - may be living in substandard conditions.
By: Josh Sherman
January 29, 2026
Federal Cut to Housing Fund Raises Concern for Student Housing (external link)
On the Record speaks with David Amborski, CUR Founding Director, about the impact of the $10 million in funding cuts to Toronto's Housing Accelerator Fund, after city council failed to allow city-wide sixplex zoning without restrictions. Amborski points out that the city's decision not to expand zoning city-wide reduces the potential to increase the supply of affordable housing and has more of an impact than the funding cuts themselves.
By: Miguel Mabalay
Advisory Committee
Staff and Management Team
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