Close Reading

Violent crime in Toronto has seriously gotten out of control, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. There is a concerted effort by government and media to downplay the reality by changing how the statisticsare gathered and parsed. The mayor needs to address the issue head-on or step down.

Sadly everything you shared is pretty accurate. I got got followed to my work place by a stranger I met in the TTC streetcar. He proceeded with attempted to assault me in the building of my workplace. This left me traumatized for months, thank goodness I overcame my fear of riding the TTC. On the question of rent, it’s insane it actually may force some people to stay in bad situations just so they can maintain the living conditions they are accustomed to like staying in toxic relationships or terrible roommate situations…etc. I did get very lucky, moving in 2022 from living with a roommate to living on my own in a bachelor same area and really nice area in Mimico by the Lake for a rent of only $1400. Simply because my landlords are an old couple not greedy at all who prioritize having a good tenant over making extra cash but having to deal with different tenants every few months just because people cannot sustain the increase of living in Toronto plus paying their bills and rent. So there is hope, if you can find a landlord that has these values you won the lottery. I’m hoping things change for the better in Toronto, there’s no reason why the city cannot tackle all these issues in a more efficient way. But like sometimes I think of moving to a smaller city and if it weren’t for my current rent which is very low for the time we’re in, I would have moved to a cheaper province a long time ago. Thanks for posting your experience, wishing you all the best with where you decide to move to!

I’ve lived here for 11 years now and over the past 3 years, my perspective has changed. I am REALLLLLY looking at how I can leave, what other cities are out there for my industry/ if there are career opportunities else where. It’s sad because I love this city. I wouldn’t be who I am, if I never moved here. But things change and maybe it’s time to move forward

I live in El Paso, where the fk has this sympathy been for HOMELESS VETERANS IN THE STREETS OF EL PASO?! I see everyone in the comments shaming us for not wanting to help, I'm Chicana and what these immigrants are doing is WRONG and ILLEGAL. Yet, our own Vietnam and Desert Storm vets are in the streets begging for change. We need to take care of OUR OWN first, then we can sufficiently begin to help others less fortunate. You cannot put another's oxygen mask on without first ensuring yours is securely on.

Stop voting liberal if you want things to change\nSimple.

Ottawa has changed.\nMontreal is even worse.

The world has changed?

I am from Toronto and it's really changed for the worst as of my recent visit, my family all wish they could move , I currently live in Halifax due to work for the past 5 years and it's also bad with similar issues . Canada ?? has really changed for the bad .

Toronto still felt like a safe, small city until the mid-1990s, but that changed; I moved out when I felt it change for the worse.

And I thought that nothing ever changes ?

Honestly after the recent incident where the entire canadian goverment applauded a notsee in the parliament my perception about justin trudeau and canadians have changed a lot.

Alina everything changes in world YOUR OPINION IS YOURS ,TOTALLLY DISAGREEEE !

Its the unrelenting insane migration of the Indian population in large numbers so much so that the demographics of the country changes .

I am not racist but just stating a fact during an observation. I live in Coquitlam. a city connected to Vancouver BC by another city Burnaby. I went to my local blood clinic for testing, it was very busy with long wait times of over 6 hours but I thought I would try anyway. As I took my number and was standing against the wall waiting as their were no seats I took note that out of 38 people I was the only caucasian, the other 37 were 100 percent Asian. I could have easily thought I was in a clinic in Beijing. This is my country, born and raised here from many generations of europeans. When I was young there was more diversity of cultural backgrounds but it has changed in that one culture totally dominates . That is not cultural mix it is a takeover by one particular culture. Why is immigration Canada allowing so many of one culture compared to other cultures? As a taxpayer I expect immigration should be well thought out and to not favour one culture over another yet in Vancouver area that is happening.

In the next 10 years India is going to be a well developed nation.I am amazed by the positive changes happening in India every time I visit India.I am seriously contemplating moving back to India from the US to start a business . Remember kids,the grass seems always greener on the other side .

Nurse Joyce how are you hope you are well. I really need your assistants. I want to come to Canada with a visitors visa and change it to a study permit.. I want to study PSW.. Which prerequisite course should l study.? And ranges from how many Canadian dollars. Your response will be greatly appreciated.

Wow I haven't been to Toronto in about ten years. All I can say is it has definitely changed

Watching this from Mexico City, now Mexico City looks so advanced, impressed by how quickly can things change in a few years.

Toronto has changed!!! ALL of Canada has changed ...and not for the better. It has become a melting pot of poor Immigration polices.

The whole world has changed due to over population. In the 80s, world population was around 4.5 bil. Now we're at 8 bil. Too many people and limited resources.

I currently pay $734.96 per month for my bachelor apartment in Parkdale, Toronto. All inclusive. I found the place in 2015, and it started at $660.00 per month. It's a smaller building where I know most of my co-tenants. Quiet neighbourhood most of the time. I've been one of the lucky ones for sure. I love this city! I'm from Peterborough and I will never move back. Some of the best memories of my life have been here. But you're right Alina, it has changed. Much like most other major cities in the world. The economic hardships being the #1 issue. Rent going up, wages staying the same, and inflation not slowing down. But with Toronto, the transit system is far behind the progress of cities like New York. Toronto should have multiple subway lines going east and west. Queen St. and Dundas lines for sure. The overall culture of the city is not as vibrant as it was during the 2010s. That could be Covid related. Or things are taking awhile to come back to pre-Covid form. But a lot of great venues and restaurants have been shutting down. And being replaced with the construction of condos. The real estate is insane here. It feels like things have gone downhill since the Raptors won the NBA championship in 2019. Because that really united everyone when there were a million people gathered for the parade. I'm hoping things turn around and there's more affordable housing for newcomers. I know I'm staying here for a while longer. Because of my cheap rent. And career attachments to the city. Great job on the video! ?

Liberal Justin Trudeau is destroying Canada. if you vote Liberals things will never change.

Is this like Canada we're living in or did they change the name while I was sleeping?

What a disgrace! We've been sold out to the elite. Things need to change and not just in Canada.

I left Toronto in 2016 and it indeed changed since I left. All the same points you mentioned.

Yes actually I do have a comment or two. I think that Toronto has become the victim of either its own success as a multicultural, diverse and growing metropolis or the perceived idea that Toronto is the place to be. And what that brings with it? Yes, people who are interested in living the life and those who can afford it pay it. You said it very well, the city has become unaffordable to most people but the wealthy or at least those who are getting paid the best salaries and those who bank on real estate take advantage of this, be it the hype or reality since also, most job opportunities are still there. So to me the problem is with the lack of contro of the real estate market. And people who cant pay but for whatever reason live there just have to pay the price. The refugee situation is not surprising to me at all. We are struggling with affordable housing for crying out loud but we are also advertising to the world that we are that welcoming and peaceful society that those people can be part of. But at what cost. Toronto cannot continue like this if it will still be considered as a city for the people and not the wealthy and chronically increasing poor. No wonder they chose a progressive for a mayor and not a conservative or hard line liberal because people want change but not radically. People want to live in the best city they can having all necessary services and in peace and safety. So, there are so maby layers to pill here but again, the main reason why things have gotten the way they are is because they let real estate run unleashed. All the best, Alina.

This makes me sad. I'm American and visited here as a kid and loved it. Loved Toronto more than New York City. I loved how multicultural it was and how you could hear so many languages in Younge Square. It was super clean and safe. I hope things can change.

And the worst part about the government is doing nothing to fix the housing crisis, except allow more trailer parks and allowing people to rent a trailer on their property in town instead of building more houses and apartments they are changing policy to allow people to live in a trailer in town. My best goal to live comfortably would be save enough money to buy a trailer and live in a trailer park because rent will probably be cheaper there than any other one bedroom room.

Hamilton is another Canadian city that has undergone major changes. There are now tent cities in every city park. Rents are unaffordable for many people. I know someone who just leased a two bedroom apartment for $2600 plus hydro. Food prices seem to be on the rise everywhere in Canada. A house will never be affordable for many working couples. Crime is much more than five years ago. Much of this has to do with the tolerance and accommodation that occurred during COVID.

You can trust everything except change.\nDawamu el hal, minalmuhal.

Entire Canada has changed... I mean it harbors and glorifies terrorists, fugitives and Sikh Extremists under the garb of freedom of speech. So obviously... it had changed.

And it has changed……??\nThe costs to live anywhere now is ridiculous and no changes in sight.???

Blame it on climate change

You keep voting for the same governments and complain that Toronto has changed.

Really Toronto going down to the drain \nNow so much change not a beautiful city \nAnymore

Nothing will change. Canadian university lobby needs money .Canada will be overwhelmed by immigration from India. No hatred but common sense

Our government needs to change

I left the city 20 years ago at the beginning of it's downfall. and have no desire to ever return. it was relatively safe back then, as long as you stayed in areas with people around you could walk home downtown late at night. that has totally changed. For me, unlike NYC or Montreal the city doesn't offer enough to offset the crime!

Yes it's really difficult for many people. I'm facing retirement and will have to rent always a senior apartment for lower rent. The world is changing, and it will take some time to see how this all shakes out. Like what will happen to small business owners? How can people afford to run a business in a large city these days?

Do people really think that things will change with new govt? No they won’t. Canada will be in hotness for long. You have no manufacturing, people age old and aging, you have low class immigration.

If you think your city, or your country, has changed for the worse, take it back. We, the people are the owner of the country or city.

Mr Pooh needs a diaper change ?

So you are saying there is still a chance...LOL As a Torontonian, the truth hurts and I wasn't planning on watching this particular video. However, I did view it right to the end. Hopefully, one day Toronto the Good returns or at the very least things start getting better. It is our city and we all want the situation to improve. Hopefully, one day you will be able to make a new YouTube video on Toronto changing for the better and wanting to stay. I am originally from a small town and moved to Toronto for school and then work. BTW Thanks for filming and profiling my area the Harbourfront and Toronto Island ...I live just around the corner on Bay and Queen's Quay steps from where you were filming this video! I wish you continued good health and safe journeys on all of your upcoming trips! Looking forward to seeing your future videos and what comes next!

Uhhh that was a shocker, thanks for sharing this. Vancouver is ten times worse, what I have seen through YouTube videos. Then through the fires in BC and Alberta many people are now homeless and displaced. The housing crises has now gotten unmanageable. For us Canadians who would love to return to Canada, since I got away from my abuser, it is impossible. I'm very discouraged and hopeless, and believe we might never return to Canada to live. It is absolutely shocking how the country has changed for the worse under the Trudeau Government.

So sad. My Mom’s family all lived in Toronto and my earliest memory of it goes back to 1964. It was always my favourite city and I’ve seen many. It changed so much over the years. For me the best period was 1967-81. Despite these problems I still love it in my heart.

It's very sad to see how the city of Toronto has changed. thanks for sharing

Exactly my thought Chorkor...\n\nIf those Canadians or north Americans can just visit Nigeria for 3 months to live, their mindset will be changed and they will better appreciate why thousands are willing to perish in the sea just to have a future and maybe, they can pressure their leaders to stop welcoming African leaders to their shores and make them face doing what they were elected to do in their respective African countries.

@AlinaMcleod This was a pretty good video, I think it is not a fair video about the city. Toronto is a safe place to live and like anywhere else on earth crime happens. I have travelled around the World and usually in Urban areas. I was in Toronto recently (Sept 2023), like most big cities in the World it suffers from the standard problems. I watched the video and the cuts of Toronto are really nice.\n\n Homelessness in general is a terrible thing, but what city doesn't have homeless?? What major city is affordable? Rent in New York is about $5000 USD for 1 bedroom and we are not talking about something luxurious, in a great neighbourhood. \n\nBig Cities come big problems. We all have to make more of an effort to help change things, not just in politics but at the person-to-person level. People are suffering around the World with homelessness, crime, drug use, mental health and etc. Most of us just focus on what we can have and totally forget about the other humans that we share this planet with.

Couldn't agree with you more! After spending almost 20 years working in Asia/Pacific, I returned to Toronto in 2021, thinking that I would settle back. I was shocked at how much the city had changed for the worst (although I had been visiting every year). Drugs on the street, young people struggling with mental health issues and city that doesn't spend enough in social services to help the marginalized in society. I left in 6 months. Now live in Istanbul, a vibrant city steeped in history and culture that predates Christ.

Like you, I recently returned to Canada from living in Asia for years. I moved back to Vancouver, and the changes here were immense as well. Basically, the exact same issues Toronto is facing; unbelievably high prices, frayed social fabric, homelessness, crime. I had some pretty severe reverse culture shock coming from Seoul where you'd see none of this (Korea has its own unique issues though).\nI've decided to stick it out as my wife and I can make it work for now, but wouldn't recommend young Canadians, international students, TFWs or anyone who's trying to get a start on their professional life to come here. It's about as uninviting a place for your career as its ever been. Expect to live with two or three strangers in a one bedroom working at a job with low pay.\n\nIt sucks to see how far Canada has fallen. I never thought I'd see it in this state, but here we are.