Edgar Baculi

This spatial statistical research has a focus on data from the Census Program of Statistics Canada, with the motivation to investigate inadequate dwellings over the past five census years. Housing has been an issue regarding quality of life in Toronto with inadequate dwellings contributing to the negative experiences of residents. Through a combination of literature and statistical analyses, an explanatory model to improve the understanding between dwellings in need of major repairs and its predictors can be established. The explanatory model comprises of a hierarchal cluster analysis, stepwise regression analyses, bivariate analysis, spatial autocorrelations, and spatial analyses. From the regression analyses the R-squared had improved from 0.479 to 0.683 over the census years. These results suggest that a trend in inadequate dwellings has occurred which consists of: a decrease and concentration of dwellings needing major repairs, a strengthening of home and resident characteristics associated with inadequate dwellings, and a sustained spatial polarization in Toronto when it comes to housing adequacy over the census years. These findings should contribute to repairs and interventions such as a National Housing Strategy, and should continue in future census years to track progress.